FX Breakout Monitor: September 2, 2020

FX Breakout Monitor: September 2, 2020

Forex 4 minutes to read
John J. Hardy

Global Head of Macro Strategy

Summary:  It was reversal time yesterday for the US dollar, and for EURUSD in particular after the ECB rhetoric yesterday and the weakest ever core CPI reading for the Euro Zone. But today we take a look at interesting new developments for the major CHF pairs, wondering if sudden CHF weakness is once again a brief affair or something that sustains.


Today’s Potential New Breakout Signals
With the reversal in price action for most USD pairs late yesterday, we have no new breakout signals of note as this was one of the chief sources of recent breakouts. We do highlight below the potential for a EURCHF breakout to the upside that is possible on another stronger close higher today. In other developments, with the USD reversal and a sharp weakening in the CHF yesterday, USDCHF has very suddenly switched gears and deserves watching in the days ahead.

Chart highlight: EURCHF
EURCHF has ripped higher since yesterday with no real development of note behind the move – in fact, arguably the very low Euro Zone CPI reading suggests that traders will be looking forward to more forceful easing from the ECB and the ECB’s Lane even mentioned that the EURUSD rally is important as EURUSD teased 1.2000 – both of which are euro negative. On the other hand, and perhaps more importantly in the longer run – deflationary risks could trigger more generous EU fiscal stimulus which is usually more FX positive. In any case – the notable area on the EURCHF chart is the 1.0825-1.0850 area series of highs that turned back the action on every prior occasion, and quickly so. So far today, this pattern appears to be repeating – so the price action needs to stick above 1.0835 into today’s close to register a proper break.

Source: Bloomberg and Saxo Group

Breakouts on the radar: USDCHF and EURCAD

Chart: USDCHF
An upside break for the USDCHF is actually not terribly close (as of this writing about 0.6 ATR further to the upside), but it is somewhat remarkable that it is less than 1 ATR (average true range) away given that the pair just posted multi-year lows recently. The action of the last two sessions has been driven by both USD strength and CHF weakness since early yesterday.

Source: Saxo Group

Chart: EURCAD
Not a heavily traded pair, but interesting to note the scale of EUR weakness being felt here as well as in other euro pairs. A boost in the oil price would be helpful for bears here looking for further CAD appreciation.

Source: Saxo Group

Table: Breakout Monitor
The breakout monitor below offers an overview of recent daily breakouts (a close above or below the prior 19-day highs or lows and 49-day highs and lows to give an indication of whether it there is also a medium term development).

Source: Saxo Group and Bloomberg

Quarterly Outlook

01 /

  • Equity outlook: The high cost of global fragmentation for US portfolios

    Quarterly Outlook

    Equity outlook: The high cost of global fragmentation for US portfolios

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

  • Commodity Outlook: Commodities rally despite global uncertainty

    Quarterly Outlook

    Commodity Outlook: Commodities rally despite global uncertainty

    Ole Hansen

    Head of Commodity Strategy

  • Upending the global order at blinding speed

    Quarterly Outlook

    Upending the global order at blinding speed

    John J. Hardy

    Global Head of Macro Strategy

    We are witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime shredding of the global order. As the new order takes shape, ...
  • Asset allocation outlook: From Magnificent 7 to Magnificent 2,645—diversification matters, now more than ever

    Quarterly Outlook

    Asset allocation outlook: From Magnificent 7 to Magnificent 2,645—diversification matters, now more than ever

    Jacob Falkencrone

    Global Head of Investment Strategy

  • Macro outlook: Trump 2.0: Can the US have its cake and eat it, too?

    Quarterly Outlook

    Macro outlook: Trump 2.0: Can the US have its cake and eat it, too?

    John J. Hardy

    Global Head of Macro Strategy

  • Equity Outlook: The ride just got rougher

    Quarterly Outlook

    Equity Outlook: The ride just got rougher

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

  • China Outlook: The choice between retaliation or de-escalation

    Quarterly Outlook

    China Outlook: The choice between retaliation or de-escalation

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

  • Commodity Outlook: A bumpy road ahead calls for diversification

    Quarterly Outlook

    Commodity Outlook: A bumpy road ahead calls for diversification

    Ole Hansen

    Head of Commodity Strategy

  • FX outlook: Tariffs drive USD strength, until...?

    Quarterly Outlook

    FX outlook: Tariffs drive USD strength, until...?

    John J. Hardy

    Global Head of Macro Strategy

  • Fixed Income Outlook: Bonds Hit Reset. A New Equilibrium Emerges

    Quarterly Outlook

    Fixed Income Outlook: Bonds Hit Reset. A New Equilibrium Emerges

    Althea Spinozzi

    Head of Fixed Income Strategy

None of the information provided on this website constitutes an offer, solicitation, or endorsement to buy or sell any financial instrument, nor is it financial, investment, or trading advice. Saxo Capital Markets UK Ltd. (Saxo) and the Saxo Bank Group provides execution-only services, with all trades and investments based on self-directed decisions. Analysis, research, and educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered advice nor a recommendation. Access and use of this website is subject to: (i) the Terms of Use; (ii) the full Disclaimer; (iii) the Risk Warning; and (iv) any other notice or terms applying to Saxo’s news and research.

Saxo’s content may reflect the personal views of the author, which are subject to change without notice. Mentions of specific financial products are for illustrative purposes only and may serve to clarify financial literacy topics. Content classified as investment research is marketing material and does not meet legal requirements for independent research.

Before making any investment decisions, you should assess your own financial situation, needs, and objectives, and consider seeking independent professional advice. Saxo does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information provided and assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages resulting from the use of this information.

Please refer to our full disclaimer for more details.

Saxo
40 Bank Street, 26th floor
E14 5DA
London
United Kingdom

Contact Saxo

Select region

United Kingdom
United Kingdom

Trade Responsibly
All trading carries risk. To help you understand the risks involved we have put together a series of Key Information Documents (KIDs) highlighting the risks and rewards related to each product. Read more
Additional Key Information Documents are available in our trading platform.

Saxo is a registered Trading Name of Saxo Capital Markets UK Ltd (‘Saxo’). Saxo is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number 551422. Registered address: 26th Floor, 40 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DA. Company number 7413871. Registered in England & Wales.

This website, including the information and materials contained in it, are not directed at, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in the United States, Belgium or any other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to applicable law or regulation.

It is important that you understand that with investments, your capital is at risk. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. It is your responsibility to ensure that you make an informed decision about whether or not to invest with us. If you are still unsure if investing is right for you, please seek independent advice. Saxo assumes no liability for any loss sustained from trading in accordance with a recommendation.

Apple, iPad and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

©   since 1992