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Investors increase positions in gold

Gold quotes continue to be traded at increased volumes and are kept in the area of annual highs, at the second most important psychological level of $1900.

The positive dynamics is facilitated by the acceleration of inflation rates in the world and increased geopolitical risks, since the news background regarding the crisis on the borders of Ukraine again occupies a significant place on the current agenda. In the context of global price pressure and the imminent increase in rates by central banks, investors are buying the precious metal as a defensive asset, withdrawing their capital from risky instruments such as stocks and currencies.

The current dynamics also have a local reason.
The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security of Switzerland published a report on the import and export of gold in January 2022, according to which the total export volume of the precious metal from the country amounted to 115.74 tons, which is 20% higher than in December last year, and 43% higher than in January 2021.

Asian buyers account for more than 100 tons:
China ranked first in terms of exports, importing 70 tons of gold; another 11.6 tons were bought by India, and 8 tons were bought by Singapore. The total amount of exports of the precious metal for the month exceeded 6.22B Swiss francs. In turn, the volume of imports to Switzerland also increased to 6.51B Swiss francs, which is significantly higher than in December.

Support and resistance
On the daily chart, the price reached the level of the global high of June 2021 and is now trying to consolidate at this level.

Technical indicators maintain a steady buy signal:
the fast EMAs of the Alligator indicator are above the signal line, and the histogram of the AO oscillator is trading in the buy zone, forming new ascending bars.

Support levels: 1878, 1810.
Resistance levels: 1914, 1950.​

 

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Market update by SolidECN

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USDCAD
American currency took the lead in the pair

Due to ongoing mass protests by Canadian truckers opposing anti-coronavirus measures, the USDCAD pair shows local sideways dynamics and is around 1.2747.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that a state of emergency had been introduced in the Canadian capital of Ottawa to contain protests against sanitary measures that have been going on for almost three weeks and stabilize the situation in the country as a whole until at least mid-March. It means that supply disruptions could seriously slow down a strong economic recovery in Canada. As for macroeconomic statistics, no important publications are expected this week, and the national currency is likely to continue to weaken slightly.

Since the beginning of the week, the USD Index has not left the narrow sideways range around 96. Yesterday the US dollar was slightly supported by data on business activity indices. Services PMI for February rose, and Manufacturing PMI amounted to 57.5 points, significantly higher than the January. The data from the Conference Board also was positive. The consumer confidence index fixed at 110.5 points, slightly better than the forecasted.

Support and resistance
On the global chart, the price tries to break the resistance line of the local Triangle pattern.

Technical indicators are in a buy signal:
Indicator Alligator’s EMA fluctuations range expands towards growth, and the histogram of the AO oscillator forms rising bars in the buying zone.

Resistance levels: 1.2788, 1.2938.
Support levels: 1.2697, 1.252.

 

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ASX 200, Australian bond market continues to rise

Due to the ending season of corporate reporting and growth in the bond market, the quotes of the leading index of the Australian economy, ASX 200, are correcting in a sideways trend near the level of 7195.

Data provided by the diversified financial company HUB24 Ltd. reflected positive performance, with Q4 2021 revenue of A$80.07B, well above forecasts of A$60.63B. Among the corporations that reported worse than analysts expected was retail retailer Woolworths Group Ltd., whose quarterly revenue was below market estimates of 18.66B Australian dollars and recorded around 15.82B Australian dollars.

As for the bond market, the strong growth that began in the first days of the new year continues now, and the popular 10-year bonds are trading at a yield of 2.266%, which is much higher than last week's 2.100%. Only conservative bonds are in no hurry to actively rise: the yield on 20-year bonds has been holding around 2.700% for the second week already, which is still significantly higher than 2.300% at the beginning of the month.

Support and resistance
The price continues to trade within the global sideways channel, forming another local corrective wave. Technical indicators are ready to reverse and give a buy signal: indicator Alligator's EMA fluctuations range crossed each other, and the AO oscillator histogram moved into the buy zone, forming new upward bars.

Resistance levels: 7285, 7476.
Support levels: 7125, 6910.​

 

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Market update by SolidECN

XRPUSD declines within the general market trend
Quotes of the XRPUSD pair are falling, trading around 0.724 amid increased geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe. The total capitalization of the crypto market over the past week has decreased to $1.71T, and XRP has lost almost 14%, although large investors have accumulated about $708M in this token, and the number of its holders has increased by 15% since the beginning of the year.

Also, the quotes of the digital asset continue to be under pressure from litigation with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), whose members argue that XRP is an investment contract traded illegally on the market, and the issuer needs to register the token per US laws.

However, the positive news for Ripple is that last week the Federal Court of the Southern District of New York ruled in its favor and ordered the release of two key documents that could help in the investigation. According to Ripple's general counsel, according to a 2012 study of the project's business model using the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) standards, XRP cannot be considered a security. The issuer noted that it could settle the dispute if both parties cooperate, but lawyer John Deaton said the SEC still does not produce documents that the court ordered to be released.

Support and resistance
On the daily chart, a "bearish" Evening Star pattern has formed, including a Hanging Man candlestick, a strong signal for the asset to decline. After a short consolidation near the resistance level of 0.802 and an attempt to overcome it, the instrument went down and formed a "bullish" Hammer pattern around 0.7099, after which it continued to move up.

Most likely, the price is forming a Falling Three Methods pattern, with the help of which quotes will test the resistance level of 0.802. Its breakout and upper border of the downwards channel allow growth to the zone of 0.9236–1.1823. With a reversal at the level of 0.802, further downward movement into the range of 0.5893–0.2359 is possible.

Resistance levels: 0.8020, 0.9236, 1.0313, 1.1823.
Support levels: 0.5893, 0.4686, 0.3734, 0.2359.​

 

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EURUSD
Euro updates local lows since the end of January

The European currency shows an active decline against the US dollar during the Asian session, updating local lows from January 31 and approaching strong support at around 1.12.

Noticeable pressure on the positions of the single currency on Thursday morning is put by another aggravation of the situation in the east of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation on the territory of Donbass, which provoked a sharp increase in demand for safe assets and led to the fall of the ruble to its lowest level since 2016.

In response, President Joe Biden said the US and its allies and partners would "respond in a united and decisive manner". It is planned that the American leader will discuss the current situation with other members of the G7.

Meanwhile, investors also evaluated the data on inflation in the euro area in January published the day before. As expected, the CPI at the beginning of the year is kept near the level of 5.1%, but in monthly terms, the rate of price growth slowed down somewhat from 0.4% to 0.3%. It is likely that high inflation will put pressure on the positions of the European Central Bank (ECB), which is due to meet for its next meeting in March. The European regulator still maintains a soft monetary policy, and also continues the program of quantitative easing.

Support and resistance
On the D1 chart Bollinger Bands are reversing into the descending plane. The price range is expanding from below; however, it fails to catch the surge of the "bearish" sentiment at the moment.

MACD is going down preserving a stable sell signal. Stochastic keeps a downward direction but is located near its lows, which indicates the risks of oversold EUR in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 1.1255, 1.13, 1.1367, 1.14.
Support levels: 1.122, 1.1185, 1.113, 1.11.

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Market update by Solid ECN​

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AUDUSD
The instrument reversed towards decline

The instrument is actively testing the level of 0.72 for a breakdown, reacting primarily to the news background from Eastern Europe.

Investors are also focused on macroeconomic statistics from the USA today. In particular, the updated annual data on GDP dynamics for Q4 2021 are expected to be released. It is assumed that the US economy added 7%, which is 0.1% higher than the previous estimate. Also during the day statistics on Jobless Claims and data on New Home Sales in January are going to be published.

Support and resistance
Bollinger Bands in D1 chart show moderate growth. The price range is actively narrowing, pointing at the ambiguous nature of trading in the short/ultra-short term. MACD indicator is trying to reverse into the descending plane, keeping the previous buy signal (located above the signal line). Stochastic demonstrates similar dynamics, reversing downwards at the level of "80".

Resistance levels: 0.7250, 0.7300, 0.7328, 0.7369.
Support levels: 0.7200, 0.7160, 0.7100, 0.7050.​

 

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Market update by Solid ECN​

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Geopolitical tensions shape GBPUSD current trend
Noticeable pressure on the positions of the single currency on Thursday morning is put by another aggravation of the situation in the east of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a special military operation on the territory of Donbass, which provoked a sharp increase in demand for safe assets and led to the fall of the ruble to its lowest level since 2016.

No important UK macroeconomic information is expected this week, and the market will continue to work out the recent fundamental events. Today, all remaining coronavirus restrictions are being lifted in the UK, and the country will return to normal life. In particular, citizens may no longer present certificates of full vaccination. Also, all recommendations for transferring workers to remote work are being withdrawn, and wearing masks in enclosed spaces and public transport is canceled.

A two-day conference dedicated to discussing a set of instruments for an effective monetary policy kicks off today, and the first speaker will be the head of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, with a report on the current state of the economy. At the end of the meeting, it is planned to develop effective measures to counteract inflation and slow down the recovery of the national economy.

Support and resistance
The asset moves within the global downward channel, reversing downwards. Technical indicators maintain a weakening buy signal: fast EMAs on the alligator indicator are approaching the signal line, and the AO oscillator histogram is forming down bars.

Resistance levels: 1.3564, 1.3720.
Support levels: 1.3417, 1.3189.
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Market update by Solid ECN​

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XAGUSD
The situation around Ukraine is pushing quotes upwards

During the Asian session, silver prices have been actively growing, renewing local highs since November 18. Now the instrument is testing the $25 per troy ounce level supported by disturbing news from Eastern Europe. The US dollar is also gaining strength as a shelter asset in demand, undermining the metal's gains.

Recall that early in the morning, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a special military operation on Donbas's territory and called on Ukrainian military personnel stationed on the territory of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics to lay down their arms.

On Thursday, February 24, investors are waiting for the publication of a large block of macroeconomic statistics from the US, but investors may leave it without due attention. An exception, perhaps, can only be annual data on the dynamics of US GDP for the fourth quarter of 2021. At the same time, these will be only renewed data, and in case of minor changes, the market reaction will be restrained.

Support and resistance
On the daily chart, Bollinger Bands steadily grow. The price range expands but has not yet caught the surge of the "bullish" sentiment. The MACD indicator grows, keeping a strong buy signal (the histogram is above the signal line). Stochastic, approaching its highs, reverses into a horizontal plane, indicating that the instrument may become overbought in the ultra-short term.

It is better to keep the current long positions until the signals from technical indicators are clarified.

Resistance levels: 25., 25.52, 26, 26.27.
Support levels: 24.67, 24.37, 24, 23.6.​

 

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Market update by Solid ECN​

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WTI Crude Oil, "black gold" rushed to new highs
Against the backdrop of the start of a military operation announced by the Russian authorities in Donbas, the price of Crude Oil shows an uptrend in trading. Interest in risky assets is rapidly falling, as investors expect the situation on the Ukrainian borders to worsen.

Against this background, the quotes of "black gold" reach new highs around $99 and approach the level of $100. If the military conflict develops, the price may rush to the levels of $110 – $115.

The US President Joe Biden announced the imposition of sanctions against the operating company Nord Stream 2 and its corporate executives, and also announced the US readiness to take further steps in the event of an escalation of the situation around Ukraine. The rhetoric of the head of the White House raises concerns among investors about a possible shortage of energy resources due to growing global demand, and, as a result, leads to an increase in the price of oil and its products.

Meanwhile, the EU authorities are also expanding the package of sanctions measures against Russian companies and individuals, which pushes energy prices up and could lead to an increase in quotations to $150 per barrel.

De-escalation of tension around Ukraine is not yet expected, so a breakdown of the level of $100 is most likely. The next growth target will be at #105. Investors will continue to follow geopolitical situation, which is now coming to the fore.

Support and resistance
The long-term trend is upward. Today, the price of the asset tested 99.00, approaching as close as possible the level of $100, the breakdown of which, as well as fixing the price above it, will most likely reach the next target in the area of $105.

As part of the medium-term uptrend, the oil price reached the target zone 6 (98.51–97.93). A breakout of this area and consolidation of the price above it will lead to an increase in prices towards the area of the target zone 7 (104.36–103.78). Key support is shifting to 92.12–91.36.

Resistance levels: 100, 105, 110.
Support levels: 95, 92.4, 89.​

 

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Market update by Solid ECN​

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USDCHF, the US dollar is losing ground gained yesterday
During the Asian session, the USDCHF pair is actively declining, correcting after yesterday's sharp growth, which led to a renewal of local highs of February 10.

The reason for the sharp rise in the US currency was the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, as investors try to avoid risk and invest their capital in shelter assets. Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a special military operation in the Donbas, which immediately resonated in the markets – investors began to abandon risky assets in favor of shelter assets massively.

Strong macroeconomic statistics from the US provided additional support for the US currency on Thursday. Thus, annual data on GDP dynamics for the fourth quarter of 2021 reflected the expected economic growth of 7.0%. At the same time, the GDP price index accelerated from 7.0% to 7.2% over the same period, ahead of forecasts of 6.9%.

On Friday, traders focus on a block of macroeconomic statistics from the US on the dynamics of orders for durable goods and personal income and expenses of American households for January.

Support and resistance
On the daily chart, Bollinger bands reverse into a horizontal plane. The price range consolidated within a fairly wide range, fully consistent with the observed trading dynamics. MACD reversed upwards, forming a new buy signal (the histogram is above the signal line). Stochastic demonstrates similar dynamics, signaling further development of the upward dynamics in the nearest time intervals.

Resistance levels: 0.9250, 0.9276, 0.9300, 0.9341.
Support levels: 0.9220, 0.9200, 0.9175, 0.9157.​

 

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Market update by Solid ECN​

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USDJPY

The US dollar is developing a "bearish" signal paired with the Japanese yen in Asian trading, correcting after a noticeable increase the day before. At the moment, USDJPY is holding near 115.20, waiting for new drivers to appear. Throughout the week, ultra-high volatility has been observed on world trading floors and investors have abandoned risky assets due to the difficult geopolitical situation. Against this background, the yen is strengthening its position.

During a speech in the national parliament, the head of the Bank of Japan, Haruhiko Kuroda, said that the regulator will continue its ultra-soft monetary policy, despite the fact that rising global inflation is forcing other major central banks to raise interest rates. He also stressed that officials will continue to carefully monitor the impact of the escalation of tensions in Ukraine on oil prices, since Japan is heavily dependent on energy imports.

The Japanese currency is slightly supported by the published macroeconomic statistics from Japan. The Consumer Price Index in the Tokyo region in February showed an increase of 1.0% after rising 0.5% in January. Analysts expected an increase of 0.6%. Excluding Fresh Food prices, inflation in Tokyo increased by 0.5%, accelerating from 0.2%. Markets projected a 0.4% growth.

Support and resistance
In the D1 chart, Bollinger Bands are reversing horizontally. The price range is not changing, reflecting ambiguous dynamics of trading in the short term. MACD, which formed a new buy signal the day before (the histogram is located above the signal line), is again inclined to reverse downwards, reacting to the "bearish" nature of Friday's trading. Stochastic keeps a moderate uptrend, gradually approaching the level of "80" and pointing to the risks of the US currency being overbought in the ultra-short term.

Existing long positions should be kept until technical indicators are clarified.

Resistance levels: 115.28, 115.68, 116.00, 116.34.
Support levels: 115.00, 114.50, 114.00, 113.50.​

 

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Market update by Solid ECN​

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USDTRY
Turkey's tourism sector is under pressure

The USDTRY pair is growing, trading around the level of 13.9.

The Turkish lira is declining amid the aggravation of the geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe. According to experts, the negative consequences of the military conflict on the borders of Ukraine are inevitable for the country's economy. The longer air traffic is closed, the more the tourism sector will suffer.

Yesterday, the head of the South Aegean Tourism Association told reporters that over the past ten days, hotel reservations by Ukrainian citizens had stopped, and no new vacation requests had been recorded from Russians for two days. He also stressed that Russia and Ukraine are key areas that bring up to 70% of the total cash flow per year. In a worst-case scenario, Turkey could lose 4–5M tourists from both countries at once, resulting in a loss of $5B in revenue. According to 2022 data, tourism revenue was $22B, and the average profit per tourist increased from $630 to $800–900.

Support and resistance
Currency quotes continue to rise as part of the next wave of global growth. Technical indicators are holding a buy signal, which is getting stronger: the range of EMA fluctuations on the alligator indicator has begun to expand again, and the histogram of the AO oscillator is forming rising bars, being in the buying zone.

Resistance levels: 14.35, 15.66.
Support levels: 13.47, 12.75.​

 

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Market update by SolidECN​

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Gold consolidating around $1900.
During the Asian session, gold prices show near-zero dynamics, consolidating near the level of 1900.00 amid reports that the US and its allies imposed new sanctions against Russia over the weekend. Yesterday, the instrument recorded a moderate decline, opening with a positive gap but closer to the daily session close, gold managed to bounce back partially.

The asset added about 6.7% at the end of February, which was the most strong monthly growth since May 2021. Demand for the metal is supported against the background of the deteriorating situation around Ukraine. At the end of February, Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a special military operation on its territory, which immediately met with strong criticism from Western countries. To date, unprecedented economic sanctions have been imposed on Russia, and the rhetoric official representatives of European countries and their partners is tightening. Experts believe that against the background of the escalation of the conflict, the position of gold will only strengthen, and quotes will break through the level of $2K per ounce and will be held in this area until the US Federal Reserve meeting, at which decisions on monetary policy adjustment will be announced.

On Tuesday, investors are waiting for the publication of a block of US data on the level of business activity from ISM for February. More interesting drivers will appear on Wednesday when the head of the US Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, will make a speech in Congress, and the monthly economic review from the regulator will be published.

Support and resistance
On the daily chart, Bollinger Bands are actively growing. The price range is narrowing, reflecting the ambiguous nature of trading in the short term. The MACD indicator falls, keeping a poor sell signal (the histogram is below the signal line). Stochastic, having approached the level of 20 mark, reverses into a horizontal plane, indicating that gold may become oversold in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 1918, 1935, 1952, 1974
Support levels: 1900, 1877, 1868, 1860​

 

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Daily market update by SolidECN​

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NZDUSD consolidation at local highs
The New Zealand dollar traded mixed against the US dollar during the Asian session, holding close to 0.6750. Activity on the market remains restrained amid a sharp increase in volatility, and investors expect new drivers to appear amid the continuation of the armed conflict in Ukraine.

The New Zealand dollar is slightly supported today by optimistic macroeconomic statistics from China; however, in this case, the market reaction remains restrained. NBS Manufacturing PMI in February rose from 50.1 to 50.2 points, which turned out to be better than the forecast of a fall to 49.9 points. In turn, the Non-Manufacturing PMI in February strengthened from 51.1 to 51.6 points, and the Caixin Manufacturing PMI increased from 49.1 to 50.4 points over the same period, also ahead of forecasts at 49.3 points.

Today, markets are waiting for the publication of data from the US on the dynamics of business activity from ISM in the manufacturing sector. Also during the day the Redbook Index of retail prices will be published.

Support and resistance
Bollinger Bands in D1 chart show moderate growth. The price range expands from above, freeing a path to new local highs for the "bulls". MACD indicator is growing, while preserving a rather stable buy signal. Stochastic, having retreated from its highs last week, returns to the ascending plane again, indicating the risks of overbought New Zealand dollar in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 0.6775, 0.6808, 0.6840, 0.6866.
Support levels: 0.6732, 0.6700, 0.6650, 0.6600.​

 

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Daily market update by SolidECN

USDJPY, the asset is recovering after a decline the day before
Significant pressure on the positions of the Japanese currency at the beginning of the week was exerted by weak macroeconomic data on the dynamics of retail sales. At the end of January, the indicator fell by 1.9%. Today, traders take a lead from the data on Jibun Bank Manufacturing PMI. In March, the indicator showed a decrease from 52.9 to 52.7 points, which turned out to be worse than the market’s neutral forecasts.

The Japanese authorities announced that they would join the sanctions against the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, limiting transactions with it against the backdrop of the development of a military conflict in Ukraine. In addition, the work of 49 companies and the export of high-tech products will be limited. In this regard, traders refrain from acquiring risky assets in favor of more reliable ones, which include the yen.

Support and resistance
Bollinger Bands in D1 chart demonstrate a slight decrease. The price range is narrowing, pointing at the ambiguous nature of trading in the short term. MACD is declining keeping a weak sell signal. Stochastic is showing similar dynamics, demonstrating a rebound from the level of “80”. Current readings of the indicators signal in favor of a further development of a corrective decline in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 115.28, 115.75, 116, 116.34.
Support levels: 114.85, 114.5, 114, 113.

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Cryptocurrencies Market update by Solid ECN Securities​

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ETHUSD, growth within the overall market trend
This week, the ETHUSD pair resumed growth as part of the general market trend.

The token managed to win back all the losses of the last week, and currently, the price is testing the level of 2930. Investors are again starting to show interest in risky assets after the destabilization of the market situation caused by the start of a military confrontation in Ukraine. Some experts believe that the sanctions imposed by the EU and the US against the Russian banking system, in particular, disconnection from the SWIFT payment system, can play a positive role for the cryptocurrency sector. There is a possibility that financial structures will use cryptoassets to bypass the imposed restrictions, and the state may launch a digital ruble, which will strengthen the position of the entire sector.

Support and resistance
Technically, the price rose above the middle line of Bollinger bands, which allows it to develop an upward momentum after the consolidation above 2930. In this case, quotes can rise to 3125 and 3300. The key "bearish" level is $2500. Its breakdown allows a decline to 2187.

Technical indicators do not give a single signal.
Bollinger bands are directed downwards, Stochastic reverses downwards near the overbought zone, but the MACD histogram decreases in the negative zone. In general, in the current conditions, the resumption of the decline in quotations looks preferable.

Resistance levels: 2930, 3125, 3300
Support levels: 2500, 2187.5, 1875.​

 

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Tesla Inc. upward dynamics of trading
In Tesla Inc. shares there is a 23% uptrend since a 6-month low on February 25. Since the beginning of this year, the issuer has lost 18.5% in value, and over the past week, quotations have increased by 0.12%, while the S&P 500 index has decreased by 0.17%.

Analysts at Daiwa Capital Markets have upgraded the rating on Tesla Inc. shares to "better than the market" with a target price of 900 dollars. According to analysts, the Russian military special operation on the territory of Ukraine can become a catalyst for changing the trend in the automotive industry towards faster introduction of electric vehicles. Tesla Inc. is ready to benefit from this, as the Shanghai plant provides a cost-effective option against the backdrop of high oil prices. It is also noted that the company intends to build a second plant in China, which will increase the production capacity to 1M cars per year. It is planned to allocate about 1.2B yuan per year for the development of the new enterprise.

In addition, the Tesla Inc. plant in Austin, Texas, is expected to begin production of the Tesla Model Y at the end of Q1 2022. According to analysts at Wedbush Morgan Securities Inc., the launch of production in Austin and Berlin will be crucial to meet demand: by the end of the year, production will grow to 2M vehicles.

Support and resistance
The company's shares have stabilized after a prolonged fall. The instrument has updated multi-month lows and is currently consolidating. Local support and resistance levels are 790 and 880 respectively. The instrument has the potential to resumption. Indicators do not give clear signals: the price is testing MA (50), the MACD histogram has begun to rise. Positions are to be opened from key levels.

Comparing company's multiplier with its competitors in the industry, we can say that #TSLA shares are overvalued.

Support levels: 790, 700, 650.
Resistance levels: 880, 945, 1000.​

 

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Market update by Solid ECN​

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EURUSD holds at record lows
The pressure on the position of the trading instrument is still exerted by the growing geopolitical tension in Eastern Europe Negotiations aimed at an immediate ceasefire, which the parties tried to hold at the end of February, did not lead to any results, and Russian troops continue to conduct a special military operation on the territory of Ukraine. In the meantime, the Russian economy is facing unprecedented pressure from sanctions, which has some counter-effect.

Macroeconomic statistics from Europe published yesterday turned out to be mixed.
The statistics on business activity showed a slight decline, but the February data does not yet include such a sharp deterioration in the situation in Eastern Europe. Anyway, the Markit Manufacturing PMI in the euro area in February fell, while analysts did not expect any changes at all. But statistics on inflation in Germany supported the position of the euro. The Harmonized Price Index increased by 5.5%, beating forecasts of a 5.4% increase.

Support and resistance
Bollinger Bands in D1 chart demonstrate active decrease. The price range is expanding, but at the moment it is not keeping up with the surge of "bearish" sentiment. MACD is going down preserving a stable sell signal. Stochastic is showing similar dynamics; however, the indicator is rapidly approaching its lows, indicating the risks of oversold EUR in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 1.115, 1.1185, 1.1220, 1.1255.
Support levels: 1.11, 1.1054, 1.1, 1.0952.​

 

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Market Update by Solid ECN​

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GBPUSD
The pound is consolidating near 1.34

The macroeconomic background from the UK remained rather restrained, as well as the general sentiment on the market against the backdrop of escalating tensions in Eastern Europe. Anyway, yesterday's data showed the BRC Retail Price Index rising 1.8% in January after rising 1.5% in December. The Nationwide House Price Index (not seasonally adjusted) accelerated from 11.2% to 12.6% in February, well ahead of forecasts of a slowdown to 10.7%.

Meanwhile, the EU countries, as well as the UK, continue to exert significant sanctions pressure on Russia. The day before, the British Ministry of Finance banned the largest financial institution in Russia, Sberbank PJSC, from conducting clearing operations in pounds. In addition, a complete freeze on the assets of three Russian banks was introduced, and all Russian companies were denied access to the capital market of the United Kingdom. Sanctions also harm the European economy, but the West's position in this sense is clear and unambiguous.

Support and resistance
Bollinger Bands in D1 chart demonstrate a moderate decrease. The price range expands from below, making way for new local lows for the "bears". MACD has reversed upwards preserving a sell signal. Stochastic demonstrates similar dynamics, gradually changing its direction. Current readings of the indicators signal in favor of a corrective growth in the ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 1.3435, 1.346, 1.35, 1.355.
Support levels: 1.335, 1.33, 1.3250, 1.32.​

 

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Market Update by Solid ECN​

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USDCHF
Growth ahead of the release of the report on the US labor market

Current trend
During the Asian session, the USDCHF pair is growing slightly, trying to consolidate above the psychological level of 0.92. The market's focus is the situation in the east of Europe, where, despite tough economic sanctions and the consolidated position of Western countries, Russia continues to conduct a special military operation. However, investors are also trying to assess how much the escalation of tensions will affect the global economy.

At the end of the week, the market will receive the February report on the US labor market, but for now, investors are reacting to the publication of the ADP report and the speech of the head of the US Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell. The statistics showed an increase of 475K in Nonfarm Payrolls after 509K last month. Market forecasts assumed growth of only 388K. Commenting on the published data, the department chairman confirmed the intention officials to raise the key interest rate at a meeting at the end of March. He also noted systemic improvements in the labor market and again pointed to rising inflation, well above the target threshold of 2% per annum.

Support and resistance
Bollinger bands are moderately declining on the daily chart: the price range is actively narrowing from above, indicating an ambiguous nature of trading in the short term. The MACD indicator reverses upwards, forming a new buy signal (the histogram is trying to consolidate above the signal line). Also, the indicator is preparing to test the zero line for a breakout. Stochastic, reversed from the level of "20" into an upward plane, signals in favor of developing "bullish" dynamics in the short and/or ultra-short term.

Resistance levels: 0.9220, 0.9250, 0.9276, 0.9300.
Support levels: 0.9200, 0.9175, 0.9148, 0.9100.​