The USD fell vs the JPY as the USDJPY continued its move to the downside today and looks to test its key 100 day MA and low from last Friday at 155.36.

USDJPY

Against all other major currencies, the USD was stronger.

The weakest of the major currencies were the AUDUSD and the NZDUSD as they continue to be sold on the back of slower growth in China.

  • For the AUDUSD it reached an intraday low price of 0.6611. That is just short of its 100 day MA tarke at 0.6607. In the new trading day, the 100 day MA will be a key barometer for both the buyers and the sellers. Stay above and a bounce toward 0.66316 will be eyed. Moving below will be the first break since May 8th and should lead to even more downside probing
  • For the NZDUSD, it is also trading to its lowest level since early May. It fell below its 100-day MA last week up at 0.60573 (currently at 0.5955). The close risk level for shorts in that currency pair would be a move back above the broken 61.8% retracement of the move up from the April low at 0.59927. Watch that level for sellers if the sellers are to remain in control.

The USDCAD traded higher today on the back of oil continuing its move lower. The price of oil fell for the 4th consecutive day, as traders react to slower growth in China. The BOC will also announce its latest interest rate decision tomorrow at 9:45 AM ET. The market is expecting a 25 basis point cut in the target rate to 4.50% from 4.75% and that too may be contributing to recent softness in the USDCAD. Technically, the pair is looking to test topside swing area resistance between 1.3784 and 1.3803. Getting above would be more bullish. A move below 1.3734 would disappoint recent buyers.

Today the Richmond Fed Manufacturing index came in weaker than expected at -17 vs -7 expected. Existing home sales was also weaker than expected has inventories increased but so did prices (new record).

US yields were little changed today. The US treasury sold $69B of 2-year notes without a problem thanks to strong/record demand from foreign buyers.

Stocks closed modestly lower after trading higher for most of the day. The Dow fell -0.14%, the S&P fell -0.16% and the Nasdaq fell -0.06%.