UK & Europe Archives - Page 83 of 89

September 27, 2011

Europe: DAX and Footsie jump on bailout hopes

Germany’s DAX Index gapped above its secondary trend channel (or large flag) on hopes that the EFSF bailout rumor will materialize. The index is due for a secondary reaction, with bullish divergence on 21-day Twiggs Money Flow indicating medium-term buying pressure. Expect resistance at 6100. The bear market continues, however, and reversal below 5000 would offer a target of 4000*.

DAX Index

* Target calculation: 5000 – ( 6000 – 5000 ) = 4000

The FTSE 100 continues its narrow line between 5000 and 5450, with divergence on 21-day Twiggs Money Flow indicating (medium-term) buying pressure. Again, the bear market is likely to continue and failure of support at 5000 would signal another down-swing — with a target of 4400*.

FTSE 100 Index

* Target calculation: 5000 – ( 5600 – 5000 ) = 4400

September 27, 2011

EU Super-Bailout Option Slips Away – WSJ

Financial markets rallied around the globe Monday as investors saw the first glimpse of real hope for containing the European debt crisis. Problem was that the lead advocates of the deal, the IMF’s Christine Lagarde and the European Commission’s Olli Rehn, are bureaucrats who don’t have to answer to electorates every few years.

Decidedly not on board were the actual governments of the 17 euro-zone nations. Euro-zone finance ministers came home from Washington doubting they could sell more risk to voters already grumbling at past and present tax money being put behind insolvent state treasuries in Greece, Portugal and Ireland.

via EU Super-Bailout Option Slips Away – The Source – WSJ.

September 27, 2011

Details of rumored European bailout

September 26, 2011

European Crisis Primer: Where Things Stand – WSJ

The crucial talks between the European Union-European Central Bank-International Monetary Fund “Troika” with the Greek government remain on hold as Greece pulls together another six billion euros in cuts and taxes to hit its promised 2011 target. At stake is the next eight-billion-euro bailout payment, without which Greece goes broke within weeks.

via European Crisis Primer: Where Things Stand – Real Time Economics – WSJ.

September 23, 2011

Euro-Zone Economy in Retreat – WSJ.com

The euro-zone PMI for September slid 1.5 points to 49.2, according to data provider Markit, signaling contraction by falling below the 50 mark for the first time since July 2009. The new-orders component of the survey also declined, suggesting further weakness ahead.

via Euro-Zone Economy in Retreat – WSJ.com.

September 22, 2011

Europe falls heavily at open

Dow Jones Europe Index collapsed at the open of European markets, breakout below 225 signaling another down-swing with a target of 185*. 63-Day Twiggs Momentum declining below zero indicates a strong primary down-trend.

Dow Jones Europe Index

* Target calculation: 225 – ( 265 – 225 ) = 185

September 22, 2011

Euro troubles Pound Swiss Franc

Concerns about its European trading partner dragged the Pound lower against the greenback. Target for the initial primary decline is $1.53*.

GBPUSD

* Target calculation: 1.59 – ( 1.65 – 1.59 ) = 1.53

The Swiss Franc is now headed for a test of parity against the greenback, dragged lower by its peg at €1.20.

CHFUSD

* Target calculation: 1.20 – ( 1.40 – 1.20 ) = 1.00

September 22, 2011

Race to the bottom

The euro is outstripping the dollar in their race to the bottom. Having respected resistance at $1.40, breakout below $1.35 would signal a test of the next major support level at $1.30*. The 63-day Momentum peak below zero confirms a strong down-trend.

Euro EURUSD

* Target calculation: 1.40 – ( 1.50 – 1.40 ) = 1.30

September 21, 2011

The Next Selling Wave Is About to Begin | Toby Connor | Safehaven.com

As the stock market moves down into the next daily cycle low and the selling pressure intensifies, this should drive the dollar index much higher. It remains to be seen if gold can reverse this pattern of weakness in the face of dollar strength, especially since the dollar will almost certainly be rallying violently during the intense selling pressure that is coming in the stock market.

via The Next Selling Wave Is About to Begin | Toby Connor | Safehaven.com.

When the dollar strengthens, gold normally falls. Except in times of high uncertainty (like the present), when demand for gold as a safe haven overcomes downward pressure from a stronger dollar. Buying gold at current prices is a bet that either Greece will default — a pretty safe bet — or that the Fed is again forced to use its printing press (not quite as certain).

September 21, 2011

Of course it’s right to ringfence rogue universals – Martin Wolf

Thank you, UBS. As a member of the UK’s Independent Commission on Banking, under Sir John Vickers, I could not have asked for a better illustration of the unregulatable risks to which investment banks are exposed than Thursday’s announcement of a loss of $2bn in “unauthorised trading”. No sane country can allow taxpayers to stand behind such risks.

That is the kernel of the case for ringfencing of retail banking from investment banking, recommended in the ICB’s final report.

via Of course it’s right to ringfence rogue universals – FT.com.