Buy Yen on Debt Debacle? | WSJ

Ian Talley at WSJ reports:

In, “The Curious Case of the Yen: A Safe Haven Currency without Inflows” (see p.142) the IMF studied 11 shocks between the August 1990 U.S. savings and loan crisis and the August 2011 U.S. debt ceiling confrontation that pushed the volatility index 10 percentage points higher than its previous 60-day average. “The yen has tended to appreciate on average during these episodes, against the U.S. dollar, the euro and in nominal and real effective terms,” the IMF found.

Read more at Buy Yen on Debt Debacle? – Real Time Economics – WSJ.

Forex: Aussie and Euro breakout

The Euro broke through resistance at $1.34/$1.3450, offering a medium-term target of $1.37* and long-term target of $1.40*. A trough above zero on 13-week Twiggs Momentum indicates a healthy up-trend.

Euro/USD

* Target calculation: 1.34 + ( 1.34 – 1.31 ) = 1.37; 1.34 + ( 1.34 – 1.28 ) = 1.40

The greenback is ranging aimlessly between ¥96 and ¥101 against the yen, indicating uncertainty. Breakout from the range will indicate future direction. Reversal of 13-week Twiggs Momentum below zero would suggest a primary down-trend.

USD/JPY

* Target calculation: 101 + ( 101 – 96 ) = 106

The Aussie Dollar retraced to test support at $0.93/$0.935 against the greenback after its recent breakout. Respect is likely and would suggest an advance to $0.97*. Follow-through above $0.95 would confirm.

Aussie Dollar

* Target calculations: 0.95 + ( 0.95 – 0.93 ) = 0.97

The Aussie found support at $1.12 against its Kiwi neighbour. Recovery above $1.16 and the descending trendline would complete a double-bottom reversal, offering a target of $1.20*.

Kiwi Dollar

* Target calculations: 1.16 + ( 1.16 – 1.12 ) = 1.20

Forex: Euro weakens but Aussie, Yen resilient

The Euro followed through below $1.3150, after breaking support at $1.32, confirming a correction to primary support at $1.2750/1.2800. Reversal of 63-day Twiggs Momentum below zero would strengthen the signal.

Euro/USD

Sterling penetrated the descending trendline (weekly chart) against the euro, suggesting the primary down-trend is over. Breakout above €1.19 would complete a double bottom with a target of €1.24*. Recovery of 13-week Twiggs Momentum above zero also indicates a primary up-trend. Reversal below €1.16 is unlikely, but would warn the down-trend may continue; failure of primary support at €1.14 would confirm.

Sterling/Euro

* Target calculation: 1.19 + ( 1.19 – 1.14 ) = 1.24

The greenback broke out of its triangular pattern (weekly chart) against the Yen, but too close to the apex to have much significance. Follow-through above ¥101.50 would offer a long-term target of ¥114*. Reversal below ¥96 is unlikely, but would test primary support at ¥94.

USD/JPY

* Target calculation: 104 + ( 104 – 94 ) = 114

Canada’s Loonie is testing primary support at $0.9450 against the greenback. Respect, indicated by recovery above $0.96, would test the descending trendline (weekly chart) and resistance at $0.9750. Failure of support is as likely, however, and would warn of another decline.

Canadian Loonie

The Aussie Dollar penetrated its descending trendline (daily chart) against the greenback, suggesting the primary down-trend is weakening. Breakout above $0.92 would complete a double-bottom reversal with an initial target of $0.95*. Respect of resistance remains likely, however, and would signal another test of primary support at $0.89*.

Aussie Dollar

* Target calculations: 0.92 + ( 0.92 – 0.89 ) = 0.95; 0.89 – ( 0.92 – 0.89 ) = 0.86

The Aussie penetrated its descending trendline (weekly chart) against the Kiwi, suggesting that the primary down-trend is over. Breakout above $1.16 would confirm, while reversal below $1.12 would signal another decline.

Canadian Loonie

Forex: Euro tests resistance, Aussie breaks support

The Euro broke medium-term resistance at $1.32 and is testing the next level at $1.34. Breakout would indicate a primary advance, while respect of resistance (indicated by reversal below $1.32) would warn of another test of primary support at $1.27. Close oscillation of 13-week Twiggs Momentum around the zero line reflects hesitancy.

Euro/USD

* Target calculation: 1.34 + ( 1.34 – 1.28 ) = 1.40

Sterling is testing primary support at €1.135 against the euro. Long tails indicate buying pressure and recovery above €1.165 would suggest that a bottom is forming. Breakout above €1.19 would complete a double bottom with a target of €1.24.  Recovery of 13-week Twiggs Momentum above zero would strengthen the signal.

Sterling/Euro

* Target calculation: 1.19 + ( 1.19 – 1.14 ) = 1.24

Against the greenback, Sterling is testing medium-term resistance at $1.54. Last week’s long tail suggests buying pressure. Breakout would offer a target of $1.575. Respect is less likely, but would indicate another test of primary support at $1.485. Recovery of 13-week Twiggs Momentum above zero would strengthen the bull signal.

Sterling/Euro

The greenback is oscillating around resistance at ¥100 against the Yen. Follow-through above ¥101.50 would suggest a new advance, while breakout above ¥104 would confirm, offering a target of ¥114*. Reversal below ¥98 remains as likely, however, and would warn of a test primary support at ¥94.

USD/JPY

* Target calculation: 104 + ( 104 – 94 ) = 114

Canada’s Loonie continues its primary down-trend against the greenback. Breach of medium-term support at $0.96 would test the primary level at $0.94/$0.945. Failure of primary support would offer a long-term target of $0.84*.

Canadian Loonie

* Target calculation: 0.94 – ( 1.04 – 0.94 ) = 0.84

Against the Aussie Dollar, the Loonie remains in a strong up-trend .

Canadian Loonie

The Aussie Dollar also continues its primary down-trend against the greenback. Breach of medium-term support at $0.90 suggests a decline to $0.87*, but the long-term target is $0.80*.

Aussie Dollar

* Target calculations: 0.90 – ( 0.93 – 0.90 ) = 0.87; 0.95 – ( 1.10 – 0.95 ) = 0.80

Forex: Euro strengthens, Loonie and Aussie weaken

The Euro continues to test medium-term resistance at $1.32. Respect of primary support at $1.27 is likely, following bullish divergence on 13-week Twiggs Momentum. Breakout above $1.32 would strengthen the signal, while follow-through above $1.37 would confirm a fresh advance, offering a target of $1.50. Reversal below $1.27 is unlikely, but would warn of a primary down-trend.

Euro/USD

* Target calculation: 1.37 + ( 1.37 – 1.27 ) = 1.47

The greenback continues to test resistance at ¥100 against the Yen. Follow-through above ¥101.50 would suggest a new advance, while breakout above ¥104 would confirm, offering a target of ¥114*. Reversal below ¥98.50 is unlikely, but would warn of a test primary support at ¥94.

USD/JPY

* Target calculation: 104 + ( 104 – 94 ) = 114

Canada’s Loonie respected support at $0.94, suggesting a rally to test resistance at parity against the greenback. The monthly chart displays long-term selling pressure, however, and another test of primary support at $0.94 is likely. Breakout would warn offer a target of $0.84*. Declining 13-week Twiggs Momentum already suggests a primary down-trend.

Canadian Loonie

* Target calculation: 0.94 – ( 1.04 – 0.94 ) = 0.84

A monthly chart of the Aussie Dollar displays a similar pattern against the greenback, with a broad top followed by breakout below primary support at $0.95. Support at $0.90 provides temporary respite, but the long-term target is $0.80*. Again, declining 13-week Twiggs Momentum indicates a primary down-trend.

Aussie Dollar

* Target calculation: 0.95 – ( 1.10 – 0.95 ) = 0.80

The Aussie/Kiwi cross has exceeded its target of $1.15*, steady decline on the weekly chart reflecting the impact of falling commodity prices. Breakout above the descending trendline would indicate a rally to test resistance at $1.21, but that seems a way off with the decline in 13-week Twiggs Momentum accelerating.

Aussie/Kiwi Dollar

* Target calculation: 1.21 – ( 1.27 – 1.21 ) = 1.15

Forex: Dollar falls sharply against Euro, Aussie, Loonie and Yen

The dollar fell sharply against the Euro and Sterling. The Euro jumped from primary support at $1.28 to medium-term resistance at $1.32. Breakout above $1.32 would suggest a primary advance, with a target of $1.40* — confirmed if resistance at $1.34 is broken. But oscillation of 63-day Twiggs Momentum around zero does not indicate a strong trend and respect of resistance is just as likely.

Euro/USD

* Target calculation: 1.34 + ( 1.34 – 1.28 ) = 1.40

Pound Sterling is weakening against the euro, breach of medium-term support at €1.16 suggesting a test of primary support at €1.1350 on the weekly chart. A 13-week Twiggs Momentum peak below zero would indicate a strong primary down-trend. Breach of primary support would offer a target of the 2011 low at €1.10.
Pound Sterling

The greenback retreated below support at ¥100 against the Yen. Recovery above ¥100 would indicate continuation of the advance, with a target of ¥114*. Respect of the new resistance level, however, remains as likely and would warn of a test primary support at ¥94.

USD/JPY

* Target calculation: 104 + ( 104 – 94 ) = 114

Canada’s Loonie broke resistance at $0.96, suggesting a rally to the descending trendline and resistance at $0.9850 against the greenback. Reversal below $0.96, however, would warn that all bets are off and another test of  support at $0.9450 is likely. 63-Day Twiggs Momentum oscillating below zero indicates a healthy primary down-trend.

Canadian Loonie

The Aussie Dollar penetrated its secondary descending trendline, suggesting a rally to test the primary trendline at $0.96. But first we need a break of resistance at $0.93, while follow-through above $0.94 would strengthen the signal. Respect of resistance, however, would warn of another test of immediate support at $0.90, while the long-term target remains at $0.80* against the greenback. The RBA is not averse to this: they need a softer dollar to cushion the impact of falling commodity prices.

Aussie Dollar

* Target calculation: 0.95 – ( 1.10 – 0.95 ) = 0.80

Japanese Yen: How long will the rally last?

This long-term semi-log chart of the dollar against the yen puts the current rally into perspective. Expect resistance at ¥100. Breakout would signal reversal of the 40-year down-trend, while respect would indicate another test of ¥75.

Euro/USD

Yen’s Fall May Benefit Japan Firms – WSJ.com

TOKYO—As the yen finally buckles versus the dollar, Japan’s exporting manufacturers are sitting on potential operating-profit gains that could be worth billions of dollars on paper, likely triggering some higher earnings forecasts if current trends persist.

….Like many of Japan’s biggest companies, the big three auto makers—Toyota Motor Co., Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co.—are heavily exposed to exchange-rate fluctuations. Estimates by the three show that every ¥1 variation in the dollar exchange rate has an impact of ¥67 billion on their combined operating profit. That means the dollar’s gains since the central bank’s easing could notionally assist the three auto makers’ annual operating profit to the tune of ¥165 billion, or more than $2 billion at recent exchange rates.

via Yen’s Fall May Benefit Japan Firms – WSJ.com.

Yen breaks 5-year trend

The US Dollar broke its 5-year down-trend against the Japanese Yen. Penetration of the descending trendline from 2007 indicates that a bottom is forming. Breakout above resistance at ¥80 would signal the start of a primary up-trend, with an initial target of ¥86, confirming the long-term bullish divergence on 63-day Twiggs Momentum.

US Dollar/Japanese Yen

Forex: Euro weak while Aussie strengthens

The euro is testing resistance around $1.32 but the primary down-trend is strong. With 63-day Twiggs Momentum deep below zero, expect another test of primary support at $1.26. Breakout remains likely and would offer a target of $1.20*.

Euro/USD

* Target calculation: 1.26 – ( 1.32 – 1.26 ) = 1.20

The Aussie dollar has surged ahead of the CRB Commodities Index which it tracks quite closely. Breakout above $1.08 would signal a primary advance to $1.20*.

Australian Dollar/USD

* Target calculation: 1.08 + ( 1.08 – 0.96 ) = 1.20

Canada’s Loonie shows a similar pattern, testing resistance at $1.01. Breakout would offer a target of  $1.06*.

Canadian Dollar/USD

* Target calculation: 1.01 + ( 1.01 – 0.96 ) = 1.06

Pound Sterling followed through above the descending trendline, indicating that the primary down-trend is over. Recovery of 63-day Twiggs Momentum above zero would strengthen the signal. Only a breakout above 41.62, however, would signal the start of a primary up-trend.

Pound Sterling/USD


The greenback continues to test support at ¥76. Breakout would signal another decline, this time with a target of ¥72*. Long-term bullish divergence on 63-day Twiggs Momentum, however, indicates that the down-trend is slowing; breach of the descending trendline would strengthen the signal. Recovery above ¥80 would signal a primary up-trend.

USD/Japanese Yen

* Target calculation: 76 – ( 80 – 76 ) = 72

The South African Rand unexpectedly broke downwards from its bullish ascending triangle against the Aussie Dollar; follow-through below R8.00 would signal a correction to R7.50 (and the long-term trendline).

Australian Dollar/South African Rand