Initial Jobless Claims Fuels Dollar

• Upbeat U.S. Initial Jobless Claims Spurs Dollar to Trade Higher.

• Wall Street closed lower on Hawkish Fed expectations after job data became robust.

• Japanese GDP came short, dragging the Japanese Yen strength lower.

Market Summary

The spotlight was on the U.S. job data yesterday, with the dollar strengthening following the upbeat Initial Jobless Claims, which came in at their lowest level since May. This suggests a resilient job market, potentially leading to stickier inflation and increasing the likelihood of a more hawkish Fed stance in the upcoming monetary policy decisions. As a result, the dollar is expected to continue strengthening in the near future.

In contrast, riskier assets such as equities and cryptocurrencies were weighed down by expectations of tighter Fed policy. Wall Street saw a significant decline, while the crypto market also edged lower.

The Japanese Yen remains lacklustre after disappointing Japanese GDP data was released in the Tokyo session, signalling economic weakness and diminishing the prospects for monetary tightening by the BoJ.

Traders should keep an eye on the UKs GDP reading today, as it could have a significant impact on the Pound Sterling and market sentiment regarding the UK's economic outlook.

Current rate hike bets on 18th December Fed interest rate decision:

Source: CME Fedwatch Tool

0 bps (32.2%) VS -25 bps (67.8%)

Market Movements

DOLLAR_INDX, H4

The Dollar Index continued its upward momentum, gaining over 1.8% this week, reflecting a bullish trend supported by strong U.S. economic data. The dollar was buoyed by the latest initial jobless claims, which reached their lowest level in May, signalling continued labour market resilience. Adding to this optimism, the Fed commented on the robust U.S. economic performance, hinting that while rate cuts may still be on the table, they may proceed at a slower pace and reduced size. This cautious approach suggests that the Fed may prioritise economic stability, lending further support to the Dollars strength in the near term.

The Dollar Index is approaching another resistance level at the 107.00 mark; a break above shall be a bullish signal for the index. The RSI remains close to the overbought zone while the MACD continues to edge higher, suggesting the bullish momentum remains strong with the index.

Resistance level: 107.10, 107.80

Support level: 106.20, 105.60

XAU/USD, H4

Gold prices saw a slight rebound from recent lows, signaling a technical correction; however, the precious metal remains below previous highs, indicating a continued downtrend. Should gold continue to face selling pressure, it is anticipated to find strong support around the $2,530 level, a key level that could potentially provide stabilisation for the asset. Traders are advised to monitor this support zone, as a break below may signal further downside momentum, while a hold could suggest consolidation within the current range.

As the gold remains trading in a downtrend trajectory, should the gold once again drop below the $2550 mark, it may be a bearish signal for the gold. The RSI remains close to the oversold zone while the MACD continues to edge lower, suggesting the bearish momentum remains intact with the gold.

Resistance level: 2605.00, 2660.00

Support level: 2525.00, 2485.00

USD/JPY, H4

The USD/JPY pair reached a new high in the recent session and is approaching a key resistance level around the 157.50 mark. The Japanese GDP data, released during the Tokyo session today, came in weaker than expected, which suggests that Japan's economic conditions may delay further monetary tightening by the BoJ. This has put additional pressure on the Japanese Yen, allowing the USD/JPY pair to maintain its bullish momentum. Should the pair break above the 157.50 resistance level, it could signal further upside potential for the dollar against the yen.

The USD/JPY pair remains trading in its uptrend trajectory, with the bullish momentum seemingly strong. The RSI has broken into the overbought zone while the MACD continues to climb, in line with a strong bullish momentum.

Resistance level: 157.50, 160.00

Support level: 153.75, 151.35