Back

UOB Group analysts expect the NZD/USD pair to fluctuate within a limited range

The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) is forecasted to trade between 0.5905 and 0.5945 against the US Dollar (USD) in the short term. In the longer term, it is expected to narrow to a range of 0.5835 to 0.5985. Recent analysis shows that on one specific day, the NZD traded between 0.5896 and 0.5932, finishing nearly unchanged at 0.5926, down 0.08%. There’s a likelihood of continued sideways trading with a chance for a slightly higher range due to stronger market sentiments.

NZD Outlook Expectations

Forecasts indicate that the NZD’s outlook remains cautious, anticipating a tighter trading range. These projections come with various risks and uncertainties, and they are presented for informational purposes only. It’s essential to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The information provided does not guarantee accuracy or timeliness and does not protect against mistakes. Investing comes with significant risks, including the potential for total loss of capital. Individuals bear all associated risks and costs. Although the NZD has decreased slightly, closing just below its opening level, the lack of direction reflects the market’s broader hesitation rather than a dramatic shift in sentiment. Kang’s comments on limited daily movement support the view that we may not see significant breakouts this week unless unexpected policy or macroeconomic events disrupt the current calm. With the Kiwi near the midpoint of short-term estimates, the range of 0.5905 to 0.5945 suggests that immediate reactions may lack persistence without stronger influencers. However, we should not confuse this sideways movement for inactivity. It often indicates that market participants are gathering information, adjusting their exposure, or waiting for clearer direction from upcoming Reserve Bank commentary or additional US data.

Subtle Cues From Price Action

One could argue there’s a slight upward trend supported by stronger underlying sentiments. This pattern suggests preparing for minor intraday fluctuations toward the higher end of the range, even if these don’t change the overall direction. However, we’re seeing measured movement rather than momentum. A narrower range over the long term suggests lower realized volatility and limited swings as the NZD consolidates its previous movements. Subtle hints from price action indicate that overall sentiment remains mixed. The currency is struggling to break firmly in either direction, and technical traders may be focusing on micro support and resistance levels more closely than usual. When price movement narrows, it often reflects institutions cautiously testing their assumptions while tracking correlations with related assets. We can expect more data analysis, with economic updates from both sides acting as potential turning points. From a positioning perspective, this emphasizes cautious scenario building instead of aggressive entries. Risks should be treated proportionately—set tighter limits, adjust stops progressively, and approach the high and low ends of forecast bands with care. If the NZD approaches the upper range again, we might see increased short interest. If it dips close to the lower end, traders may test support levels for signs of resilience, looking for increased trading volume. Due to these price limitations, options pricing might mirror this compressed outlook. Short-term strategies may become more effective, as moves outside expected ranges could occur sharply and briefly, lacking broad validation—indicating that raising volatility in protection plays while keeping expiry dates close may offer value. Instead of solely predicting direction, focusing on how the pair reacts to macroeconomic surprises may benefit traders in the coming days. Efforts should focus on identifying response levels in advance rather than anticipating trends without solid support. As seen in similar situations before, overcommitting to a position during stable phases can lead to inefficiencies. Waiting for confirmation before expanding position sizes and limiting exposure during uncertain breaks will likely yield better outcomes. In relatively stable markets like this, strategy pivots on rhythm instead of direction. It involves recognizing hesitation and determining if it leads to consolidation or meaningful movement. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

ING analysts report a nearly 5% increase in European natural gas prices due to outages in Norway.

European natural gas prices have risen significantly, with the Title Transfer Facility (TTF) increasing by nearly 5%. This increase is mainly due to outages in Norway, a key supplier to the EU, particularly an unexpected shutdown at the Kollsnes processing plant. Alongside this surprise outage, scheduled maintenance is taking place this week at several Norwegian fields and facilities. Recent data from Gas Infrastructure Europe shows that LNG (liquefied natural gas) send-outs have hit their lowest levels since February. For months, Asian LNG prices have been higher than European gas prices. This pricing trend has contributed to the recent decline in LNG send-outs. The sharp rise in European natural gas prices, with the TTF benchmark up almost 5%, follows reports of unexpected supply disruptions from Norway. The Kollsnes plant, vital for gas exports, faced an unplanned shutdown, which tends to shake supply confidence when it comes from such an important supplier. On top of this, routine maintenance is underway at various Norwegian facilities. Although planned, the timing adds to supply constraints that the market reacts to quickly. When there are several factors at play—like reduced flows and already limited inventories—prices tend to change rapidly. At the same time, LNG send-out levels in Europe have dipped, with new figures indicating a low not seen since February. This drop comes as the economics of LNG shipping favor Asia. With Asian spot LNG prices consistently higher than those in Europe, diverting cargoes to Asia makes financial sense. For those analyzing the market, the impact of unexpected outages and differing supply demands is becoming very real and aggressive. Risk around short-term supply is being repriced, likely to continue until we hear clear updates from Norwegian operators on when operations will resume. Prices for front-month and prompt contracts may increase further, especially if weather conditions remain calm or restarts are delayed. The drop in LNG flows indicates there are fewer volumes available to support regional demand spikes or sudden changes. This makes the price differences between regions more sensitive, particularly in the short term. If Asia continues to lead LNG prices, European traders may need to prepare for reduced flexibility in meeting unexpected demand shifts, leading to more price volatility. Regarding options, implied volatility could rise for both upward and downward movements, but we might see more bias toward calls due to the known supply situation. There could be an opportunity to capture premiums if the market mistakenly assumes longer outage durations. However, it’s essential to align positions with clear risk boundaries. Calendar spreads may begin to reflect concerns about storage, especially if inventory injections slow. With LNG shipments becoming less willing to arrive in Europe, future storage levels are becoming less certain. It’s crucial to closely monitor maintenance schedules and shipping flows this week. Any additional tightening, particularly in Norway or from delays at other facilities, should be taken seriously. The market is attentive. Margins at trading hubs may widen unexpectedly, and any discrepancies will likely affect terminal prices more quickly than before. Keep in mind that short-term disruptions, especially when combined with lower supply, can lead to rapid changes across derivative instruments. Traders should approach upcoming auction results and inventory data with extra caution, considering the shifting price dynamics between regions and the current operational landscape.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

UOB Group suggests that the Euro may rise above 1.1290, but 1.1350 seems unlikely

The EUR could rise above 1.1290, but hitting 1.1320 seems unlikely given the current momentum. Analysts believe a solid break above 1.1290 is necessary for any significant increase, while falling below 1.1200 could limit upward potential. On Monday, the EUR reached 1.1288 but then fell back. During the late NY session, it peaked at 1.1285 and closed at 1.1282, up 0.36%. While it may rise above 1.1290 soon, reaching 1.1320 appears doubtful. The support levels have now shifted to 1.1260 and 1.1235. In the last two days, the rise to 1.1288 indicated growing upward momentum. Analysts want to see a daily close above 1.1290 for a chance to move towards 1.1350. On the other hand, dropping below 1.1200 would signal less upward potential. Monday’s session showed the euro trying to extend its recent gains, reaching 1.1288 briefly before retreating. Despite finishing slightly lower from its earlier high and closing positively with a 0.36% increase, the pair struggled to maintain a clean break above 1.1290, which has been flagged by analysts as a crucial level for further advances. Short-term support has now risen to 1.1260 and 1.1235, indicating that the market might be warming up to the idea of further strength, provided the price remains stable. However, without a daily close above 1.1290, upward movement remains uncertain. This level has been approached but not convincingly surpassed, which is a condition, not a guarantee, for moving towards 1.1350 in the medium term. So, what does this mean? Price action is trending higher, but it’s facing resistance—both technical and cautious. Without new drivers or steady demand, there’s little momentum to push higher at this time. If the pair falls below 1.1200, as analysts have noted, it would suggest that recent bullish momentum has faded. The last two days show an effort to trend upward, but each attempt near the upper limits is constrained. If 1.1290 breaks and closes firmly above it, we could more confidently target 1.1350, using dips as buying opportunities. Until that happens, we remain flexible and watch to see if the support levels hold, especially at 1.1235. A move below that level might accelerate losses and bring attention back to 1.1200. There’s no need to expect a runaway trend right now. The better strategy is to react to key levels and wait for confirmation. What analysts like Müller are closely monitoring is daily closing momentum rather than position data or speculative overhang. A strong finish above a previous barrier can shift the market narrative. The goal here is to let the market dictate the action. We are in a familiar range, but that can change rapidly. If congestion continues without breaking above 1.1285, we might see gradual declines. A weakening rally could prompt traders to unwind bullish positions, leading to intraday pullbacks that wouldn’t surprise anyone monitoring the market. In conclusion, we’re operating within a narrow range, but price sensitivity is high. A breach on either side, especially with strong volume, will indicate which side gains control. Until then, we focus on tactical trades around current levels, being cautious as any break without confirmation can easily reverse.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

WTI oil is trading near $62.70 per barrel, rising for four consecutive sessions due to Israeli plans.

The price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Oil went up after news of possible Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. This raised worries about the oil supply from the Middle East. As a result, WTI is now trading around $62.70 per barrel. Any conflict could disrupt the oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz, impacting exports from Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The American Petroleum Institute (API) reported an increase of 2.49 million barrels last week, which was unexpected as analysts predicted a decrease of 1.85 million barrels. This rise in US crude supply may limit further price increases. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s oil production increased by 2% in May, going against OPEC+ quotas.

Factors Influencing WTI Oil

WTI Oil is a key benchmark, sourced mainly in the US, and is influenced by supply and demand, geopolitical issues, OPEC decisions, and the US Dollar’s value. Weekly inventory data from the API and EIA greatly affects oil prices; lower inventories typically indicate higher demand. OPEC’s production choices significantly impact WTI prices. Lower quotas usually lead to higher prices, and vice versa. OPEC+ includes Russia and other members, which can also affect production. With WTI prices rising lately, we see geopolitical risk pushing prices up, especially with increasing tensions between Israel and Iran. The market reacted quickly, with WTI surpassing $62.70 per barrel, anticipating possible supply disruptions. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial passage for energy exports, especially for Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with around 20% of the world’s oil supply passing through it. Thus, even rumors of conflict can raise concerns about supply availability. For those trading in oil derivatives, this creates a heightened sensitivity to military events, where even unofficial statements can rapidly shift prices. Despite these pressures, the API’s recent report indicates US inventories increased by 2.49 million barrels, countering the expected decrease of 1.85 million barrels. Such surprises can help prevent drastic price increases, suggesting that short-term supply issues may not be as severe as feared. Traders should be cautious about overreacting to any single headline.

OPEC+ And Market Sensitivity

Kazakhstan’s oil production rose by 2% in May, showing that not all producers stick to OPEC+ agreements. Non-compliance by participating countries adds uncertainty to expected output. This highlights the need to consider actual production numbers, not just quotas. WTI oil is influenced by more than just Middle Eastern politics. The price is also linked to the strength of the US Dollar and domestic production. A stronger Dollar can make commodities pricier for other currency holders, which may reduce international demand. We rely heavily on inventory reports from the EIA, particularly after the API releases, as reliable short-term indicators. The production behavior of OPEC+ continues to heavily influence long-term market trends. While their meetings can cause volatility, real production outcomes in places like Russia and Iraq often matter more than official announcements. There is a pattern of quotas not being met, and the markets are taking notice. We are closely monitoring this divergence, especially regarding countries that pursue their own strategic interests regardless of production goals. The short-term risk outlook is mixed. Unexpected geopolitical events are driving speculative interest, while rising inventories and excess production could keep prices down. From our view, it’s wise to stay flexible, especially during weekly data releases and key communications from major producers or officials. There is an opportunity in the difference between current supply signals and future contract pricing. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

Resistance at 21,461 halted progress, leading Nasdaq futures to retest VWAP and 21,315

NASDAQ futures faced challenges on Tuesday, struggling to break past the 21,461 resistance level, which combines the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement with the Value Area High. Support was strong at 21,311, made up of the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement and Point of Control, allowing for a brief rebound within the range of 21,311 to 21,461. During the mid-session, futures moved around 21,405 (the VWAP mid-line) before dropping below 21,360, pulling the price back to 21,315 by the end of the trading day. In the London session, a bullish outlook is possible if 21,315 holds and rebounds, aiming for targets at 21,360 and 21,461. If prices close below 21,300, though, the mood may shift. On the other hand, a failure or rejection at 21,360 could lead to declines, targeting 21,251 and then 21,065.

Intraday Market Analysis

For the US session, reclaiming the range of 21,360–21,405 would open a bullish path toward 21,557 and higher. Conversely, dropping below 21,315 could signal falls to 20,932 and more. Medium-term indicators suggest that a breakout above 21,557 would shift sentiment positively, while a close under 21,405 would do the opposite. Traders must prioritize risk management through defined stop-loss orders and careful position sizing. Recent price activity shows a market trapped in a tight range around 21,311–21,461, influenced by key volume and retracement zones. Buyers have made attempts to push the index above resistance, but sellers at the Fibonacci cluster and Value Area High have held them back. The consistent bounce off 21,311 highlights its significance—traders are treating it as a critical level. We observed the price fluctuating around the VWAP line during the mid-session, frequently testing yet lacking momentum. A drop below 21,360 sent futures back to earlier lows, indicating weak buying support. If prices can’t stay above the 21,360–21,405 range soon, we could revisit lower support levels, particularly around 21,251. Falling below that would draw focus even lower to 21,065, which poses a risk to the broader trend. From a shorter-term perspective, maintaining the price above 21,315—and moving through 21,360 toward 21,461—is vital for sustaining momentum strategies. The reclaiming of these levels before the US cash open could set the next target near 21,557. Clearing that level might lead to stronger bullish momentum, at least temporarily, shifting market sentiment favorably toward the long side.

Technical Support and Resistance

Should the bounce near 21,360 turn weak again, sellers may increase their activity, filling in gaps from earlier sessions. The 21,251 mark would draw attention, serving as both a target and a warning—underlying volume support between 21,200 and 21,250 is thin and vulnerable. Falling below 21,251 could accelerate declines to 20,932, where we observe stronger volume interest. Short-term traders need to focus on the precision of closing prices rather than just intraday movements. A sustained close below 21,315 would dramatically shift the outlook. Bulls would need to re-evaluate their strategy, while bears might target lower supports. We see 21,315 as a warning level—losing it decisively would mean further bullish hopes are unfounded for the session. Proper risk management remains essential for all traders. Those using larger positions or leverage should avoid impulsive entries, especially in this fluctuating market. Predefined exits and position sizing according to volatility are essential. Deviating from disciplined entry points around key levels has already cost some traders. Right now, depending solely on momentum is likely to yield mixed results without confirmation from significant volume shifts. In summary, a clear daily close above 21,557 is necessary to change the broader positioning. Until then, prices are likely to move back and forth, offering range-bound opportunities but potentially frustrating those aiming for directional plays. Keep a close watch on not just where prices move—but how long they stay there. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

XP Inc. A’s earnings per share reached $0.39, exceeding analysts’ expectations of $0.38

XP Inc.A reported quarterly earnings of $0.39 per share, slightly above the expected $0.38 and an increase from last year’s $0.37 per share. This quarter, the earnings surprise was 2.63%. In contrast, last quarter, the expectation was $1.39 per share, but the actual earnings were only $0.38, resulting in a significant surprise of -72.66%. In the past four quarters, the company exceeded consensus EPS estimates just once. Operating in the Financial – Miscellaneous Services industry, XP Inc.A reported revenues of $740.99 million, which was below the anticipated $777.04 million by 4.55%. This revenue was lower than last year’s $818.21 million. Nonetheless, the company surpassed revenue expectations three times in the last four quarters. XP Inc.A shares have increased by about 57.2% this year, compared to a 1.4% rise in the S&P 500. The stock’s performance will depend on future earnings forecasts and comments from management. Looking ahead, the consensus EPS estimate is $0.39, expecting revenues of $803.44 million for the next quarter. For the fiscal year, the estimate is $1.60 EPS and $3.25 billion in revenues. The Financial – Miscellaneous Services industry is ranked in the bottom 45% of over 250 Zacks industries, which may impact stock performance. Eagle Point, another stock in the finance sector, will report its quarterly earnings soon, with an expected $0.26 per share and projected revenues of $52.95 million, reflecting a 29.8% increase from last year. XP Inc.A slightly exceeded earnings predictions this quarter with $0.39 per share, which is a small win over the expected $0.38. However, this is a notable shift compared to a previous quarter when the expected earnings were $1.39 but only reached $0.38. The earlier disappointment made investors skeptical about future projections, so this recent small win stands out. On the revenue side, the company earned $740.99 million, which fell short of the projected $777.04 million and was lower than last year’s revenue for the same quarter. Even though the earnings showed slight improvement, the revenue decline raises concerns for future growth. Looking back, XP Inc.A only beat EPS estimates once over the past year. This inconsistency in forecasting is worrisome. Despite this, the shares have risen over 57% since the start of the year, which is impressive compared to the modest gain of the broader S&P 500. Such increases often reflect not just earnings but also shifts in market sentiment. In the coming quarter, analysts expect an EPS of $0.39 and revenues slightly over $803 million. The annual forecast shows $1.60 in earnings and $3.25 billion in revenue, suggesting steadiness. Yet, based on previous performance, it’s hard to tell whether these estimates are too cautious or too ambitious. The performance of the overall industry is a key consideration. Ranking in the lower half of more than 250 sectors may restrict potential. When investor interest is low in a specific industry, individual stock performance becomes more critical, leaving little room for mistakes. Investors should also keep an eye on other sector players like Eagle Point, which will report soon with an expected earnings of $0.26 and revenue over $52 million. This anticipated revenue shows nearly a 30% increase from last year, indicating that some companies in the sector are still achieving strong growth, despite challenges faced by others. Overall, a careful approach is essential. Focus on the quality and consistency of earnings while tracking how companies meet their forecasts, as this can lead to significant price changes in the market. Instead of only concentrating on high-level beats or misses, it is crucial to keep an eye on the balance between revenue trends, profit margins, and market expectations. In this context, even slight earnings surprises could have notable effects if they fit into a trusted pattern.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

Demand for the US dollar boosts USD/INR as the Indian rupee faces multiple pressures

Market Projections For The INR

The INR starts off the day weaker, expected to trade between 85.25 and 85.75. The USD/INR pair shows a downward trend, staying below the 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), while strength indicators suggest neutral momentum in the short term. Key support for USD/INR is at 85.34, with the possibility of further decreases to 85.00. Resistance is at the 100-day EMA level of 85.60, with potential increases to 85.90-86.00 if this level is broken. The Rupee is affected by crude oil prices, the value of the USD, foreign investments, and decisions made by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Economic growth, trade balance, and interest rates also play important roles in the Rupee’s performance.

Global Factors Influencing The Rupee

Lately, we’ve noticed various pressures keeping the Indian Rupee weak. One main factor is the continued demand for the US Dollar, mainly driven by foreign banks adjusting their month-end needs or exposure during tighter global credit conditions. Additionally, a weaker Chinese Yuan has added pressure, influencing regional currency sentiment and pushing the INR down. Local equity markets are also affecting the Rupee. A drop in stocks typically leads to fund outflows, which increases the demand for dollars. Coupling this with rising crude oil prices—impacting India’s import costs—makes it clear how these factors create more pressure on the currency. For an economy reliant on imports, oil prices are a significant driver of currency movements. On the policy front, there are discussions about a potential interim trade agreement between India and the US. Even a small step forward before the July deadline could stabilize sentiment and provide support for the INR by reducing trade uncertainty. Market traders are currently waiting for clear announcements from Washington and New Delhi. Attention now turns to the US Federal Reserve’s speeches and upcoming PMI figures. These reports greatly influence expectations around interest rates, making every statement from Fed officials crucial in determining monetary policy direction. Current market volatility suggests traders are bracing for potential changes but are not strongly leaning one way or the other. From a technical viewpoint, we’re watching the USD/INR stay below its 100-day EMA, which indicates a bearish trend. Current momentum indicators are flat, suggesting neither buyers nor sellers dominate the market right now. It’s a steady state, but changes could happen quickly with new macroeconomic updates. Price-wise, the support level at 85.34 is critical. Falling below this could lead to movements toward the psychological level of 85.00. For resistance, we’re focusing on the 100-day EMA at 85.60. If USD/INR rises above it, we might see targets at 85.90 and 86.00 where sellers may re-enter. The reaction zones are clear and likely to be followed unless a strong macroeconomic surprise occurs. Besides charts, local fundamentals play a role too. Rising oil prices put pressure on the trade balance, slightly weakening the Rupee. Moreover, the RBI’s policies are always important, especially when inflation data updates. If inflation picks up, the central bank may intervene with interest rate changes. While this can attract capital inflows and help the Rupee, intervention isn’t guaranteed, as the RBI prefers a cautious approach. On the flip side, lower inflation reduces the need for quick action and usually leads to softer currency trends. Both scenarios carry risks. However, for those trading derivatives, it’s essential to monitor shifts in interest rate expectations alongside inflation projections. Currently, the outlook seems balanced without strong confidence heading in either direction. In summary, this period requires traders to stay alert to external headlines, whether they relate to the Federal Reserve or trade issues. Directional bias is limited; the focus is more on tracking levels and managing exposure to volatility, especially before potential surprises in US economic data. Acting prematurely or with high leverage could bring risks linked to headlines before technical levels have settled. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

In April, the UK’s year-on-year Consumer Price Index hit 3.5%, surpassing the expected 3.3%

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the United Kingdom for April showed a 3.5% increase compared to last year, exceeding the expected 3.3%. This marks a significant rise from March’s 2.6%, giving the British Pound a temporary boost. EUR/USD remained stable below 1.1350 during European trading due to the weakness of the US dollar. Concerns about US fiscal stability and trade issues are contributing to the pressure on the dollar, while traders are keeping an eye on what central banks will say next.

Gold Prices Surge

Gold prices have climbed to nearly a two-week high, staying above the $3,300 level. Factors such as challenges with US fiscal health and a recent downgrade of the US government’s credit rating are influencing the dollar. Dogecoin and Shiba Inu are showing early signs of a bullish breakout, as both cryptocurrencies stabilize at important support levels. On-chain data indicates positive funding rates and decreased activity, favoring a bright outlook for these digital currencies. In China, economic data for April showed a slowdown due to ongoing uncertainties. While retail sales and fixed-asset investments were disappointing, the manufacturing sector held up better than expected.

UK Inflation Unexpected Rise

UK inflation rising to 3.5%—above the predicted 3.3%—took many by surprise, reversing the earlier trend of slowing inflation. This sharp increase from March’s 2.6% could influence expectations for the Bank of England’s next moves. For those monitoring yield curves and interest rate forecasts, this suggests that the market hasn’t fully recognized the return of inflation pressure. It also implies that the trend of decreasing inflation may be slowing more than previously thought, likely raising expectations for terminal rates slightly. Speculation about rate cuts has been put on hold for this quarter. The British pound reacted positively, but the bigger picture goes beyond short-term forex trading. Gilt markets might see increased volatility as traders adjust their expectations. Adjusting risk premiums becomes more complicated with inflation surprises, requiring tighter hedging for short positions. Recently, we’ve seen a slight flattening inversion, which may receive more attention if inflation doesn’t decrease in upcoming reports. Meanwhile, in the Eurozone-US currency market, the Euro is holding firm around the 1.13 level, while the dollar faces continued pressure. Questions about the fiscal outlook in Washington persist, as concerns about long-term debt servicing blend with signs of softening economic data, prompting a reassessment of future interest rate differentials. Traders will carefully analyze central bank communications this week for any changes in tone. The balance between controlling inflation and promoting growth remains delicate, putting pressure on dollar risk premiums. If Treasury yields drop further, aggressive dollar bulls may find it hard to stay active. The metals market, especially gold, is witnessing renewed interest. Gold’s rise above $3,300 indicates that demand for safe-haven assets is not fading. US fiscal pressures and a sovereign credit downgrade are directly impacting buyer strength. Traders involved in volatility products or delta-neutral gold positions are seeing premiums respond accordingly. The cost of covered calls is increasing, suggesting that the market is factoring in broader uncertainty during this rally. This trend may extend into options skew as major expiry dates approach later this month. In the world of digital assets, some late-cycle meme tokens are showing unexpected strength. Both Dogecoin and Shiba Inu have stabilized at key support levels, and positive funding rates suggest that traders are adopting a bullish stance. Liquidation charts show minimal forced selling, which might increase the chances of further price increases. Although volatility remains high, it seems to cluster around previous peaks, indicating possible accumulation. For arbitrage traders, basis values are widening, suggesting continued upward pressure. Turning to Asia, China’s economic data for April fell short of expectations in retail and fixed investment, although manufacturing showed resilience. This may help limit downward trends. However, if consumer spending continues to decline, the chances of targeted stimulus will rise. Such a move could significantly impact FX and commodities markets, particularly those linked to USD. Traders in emerging markets should watch for any statements or actions from the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) around key data releases. As attention shifts to macroeconomic data and policy statements, the differences in regional outlooks are already reflected in swap rate spreads and synthetic positioning. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

Here are the FX option expiries for the NY cut at 10:00 AM Eastern Time.

Short Term Implications

The expiry data for Tuesday gives us some interesting insights. Let’s break it down to see what this could mean in the short term. For EUR/USD, the five expiry levels are spread out, but their total size is hard to ignore. The biggest point is at 1.1250, with 2 billion—this stands out not only for its volume but also because it’s at the lower end of the range. We see smaller amounts just above it and a larger concentration around 1.1390. These levels could act as magnets during mid-European and US trading hours, especially if prices trend towards 1.1250 or 1.1390. If that happens, we may observe slowing momentum or even slight reversals, depending on the underlying market flows and interest rate outlook from Frankfurt. For GBP/USD, expiry levels are moderate, with the highest being 537 million at 1.3400. While none exceed a billion, their placement can still influence trading into the early afternoon in London, especially if the pair stays near 1.34. The Bank of England has not caused any surprises lately, but pound traders know to remain cautious. Any unexpected news on wages or energy prices could attract more attention to these expiry levels. In USD/JPY, there is an almost even distribution between the 142.00 and 144.50 levels, both close to the 1-billion mark. This equal spread over a range of 2.5 yen suggests broad uncertainty or hedging against volatility, which is common given mixed recent inflation and treasury yield data. If prices move towards either range, we might see some hedging activity, and those monitoring volatility skew or risk reversals can expect more insight once this data is cleared. For USD/CHF, the main expiry is at 0.8250 with 1.1 billion, along with 545 million slightly above it. Together, their proximity indicates a potential short-term bias forming within these levels. Whether this holds depends on discussions from the Swiss National Bank, which have not caused much change recently. However, expiries of this size can draw market activity toward them, especially during quieter trading sessions or at US lunchtime.

Market Tone

AUD/USD and NZD/USD have lower activity levels in comparison. The Aussie expiries below 0.64 show moderate interest but are unlikely to impact prices unless there are surprises related to commodities or China. Similarly, the Kiwi has just under 350 million at 0.5875—a small level, but it’s worth noting if prices remain flat with low momentum. These minor expiries are often overlooked unless market conditions are quiet or data is sparse, at which point even lesser volumes can serve as placeholders. For USD/CAD, the 1.1 billion at 1.4270 stands out due to its volume compared to recent days. The Canadian dollar has been struggling to find a clear direction lately. With WTI prices still volatile and the Bank of Canada’s output moderate, this expiry may provide some temporary support as prices approach it during the New York cut. This expiry setup encourages traders to focus on tighter ranges where high-volume levels are present. We are not currently in a breakout environment, but flows are always watching to see if prices gravitate towards or away from these strike zones. For now, we’ll keep interpreting price movements in relation to these expiry windows. Instead of expecting large directional changes, this week seems poised for more responsive positioning—especially from hedgers and those selling shorter-dated premiums—around these clustered strike levels. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

here to set up a live account on VT Markets now

Dividend Adjustment Notice – May 21 ,2025

Dear Client,

Please note that the dividends of the following products will be adjusted accordingly. Index dividends will be executed separately through a balance statement directly to your trading account, and the comment will be in the following format “Div & Product Name & Net Volume”.

Please refer to the table below for more details:

Dividend Adjustment Notice

The above data is for reference only, please refer to the MT4/MT5 software for specific data.

If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected].

Back To Top
Chatbots