XAUUSD 26-02-2018 Intra-day analysis

Daily Forex Market Preview, 26/02/2018

The U.S. dollar managed to close last week with some gains although investors weren’t very confident. Data from the Eurozone confirmed that inflation rose at a pace of 1.3% on the headline in January while core inflation was seen rising 1.0%. The data was unchanged from the flash inflation estimates.

Canada’s inflation data rebounded rising 0.7% on the month as January’s inflation reversed the 0.4% decline from December while also beating estimates.

Looking ahead, the economic calendar today will see ECB President Mario Draghi testifying to the European parliament in Brussels. Investors will be closely watching for any references to the ECB’s monetary policies. The central bank is due to meet in a week’s time for its monetary policy meeting.

Elsewhere, new home sales data will be coming out during the NY trading session. Forecasts point to a modest increase of 655k compared to 625k print registered previously. However, the U.S. housing markets data remained mixed over the past week and could potentially offer some surprises for the market.

Among the policy maker speeches, the BoE’s MPC member, Cunliffe will be speaking while the Fed’s Quarles will be speaking later in the day.

 

XAUUSD 26-02-2018 Intra-day analysis

XAUUSD (1336.81): Gold prices edged lower last week after price failed to break out from the resistance level near 1357. Overall, gold prices have formed a rising wedge pattern that suggests an imminent downside breakout. Friday’s price action saw gold prices trading close to the lower trend line. A breakout from this will confirm the downside in gold. The first target comes in at 1303 and a break down below this level could extend gold prices to fall to 1282 – 1274 level. This would also mark a retest of the breakout from the trend line.