January 2015 - Out of WACC

Federal Reserve – January, 2015

Last Wednesday (January 28, 2015), the Federal Reserve released its meeting statement for January 2015. They kept interest rates unchanged, for now. They maintained the key word “patient” on interest rate hike. “Patient” says that FOMC is not in a rush to raise the interest rates. Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) in the statement said “…economic activity has been expanding at a solid pace. Labor market conditions have improved further, with strong job gains and a lower unemployment rate.” They viewed the economy in a good shape overall. Regarding inflation, they said ” Inflation has declined further below the Committee’s longer-run objective, largely reflecting declines in energy prices.” They are blaming declining oil prices for the decreasing inflation. They also said “Inflation is anticipated to decline further in the near term, but the Committee expects inflation to rise gradually toward 2 percent over the medium term as the labor market improves further and the transitory effects of lower energy prices and other factors dissipate.” They expect inflation to decline as oil continues to decline in the near term. “Near term” can be about 6 months. They’re also saying that they expect oil prices to increase in “medium term”, which also can lift inflation. “Medium term” can be around 2 years.

In the statement, they are giving us some clues of future rate hike. “…readings on financial and international developments.” can account for rates. If the future financial reports are positive and international situations cools down, they might go for rate hike. Therefore, “…the Committee judges that it can be patient in beginning to normalize the stance of monetary policy.” What they said in 3rd paragraph of the last 2 sentences can be very helpful in predicting timing of rate hike, “Based on its current assessment, However, if incoming information indicates faster progress toward the Committee’s employment and inflation objectives than the Committee now expects, then increases in the target range for the federal funds rate are likely to occur sooner than currently anticipated. Conversely, if progress proves slower than expected, then increases in the target range are likely to occur later than currently anticipated. If the future financial reports come out very positive and way better than expectations, we can conclude that rate hike is nearing. If, it’s worse than expectations, then we can conclude that rate hike is too far, but reachable.

All 10 FOMC members agreed with the statement (unanimous) since June 2014. If a certain situation slightly changes. Some, but not all might change their views. If a certain situation changes dramatically, all of FOMC members might be unanimous in the future statements.

Financial markets’ reactions to FOMC statement.

USD-JPY reaction to FOMC Jan 2015 — Hourly Chart

I will be watching future financial reports such as ISM Manufacturing PMI and jobs reports, which are coming out next week. Using these types of reports and more, I will try to time the rate hike. As of right now, I believe it’s coming in the summer.

European Central Bank (ECB) Announces Quantitative Easing (QE)

On Thursday (January 22, 2015), European Central Bank (ECB) announced Quantitative Easing (QE) program. They left interest rates unchanged. During the press conference, ECB governor, Mario Draghi announced quantitative easing to the tune of €60 billion ($67.5 trillion) per month from March 2015 to September 2016 (19 months). The total amount sums to €1.1 trillion ($1.25 trillion). The day before, there was reports that ECB was going to announces €50 billion per month until year end. On Thursday, we found out the truth, €60B a month until 2016. During the press conference, Draghi said “…conducted until we see a sustained adjustment in the path of inflation which is consistent with our aim of achieving inflation rates below, but close to, 2% over the medium term.” He’s saying that QE program won’t end until they achieve their goal, inflation close to 2% but below.

The interest rates were left unchanged and it was not much market mover. But, during the press conference, when QE was announced, global markets were violent or should I say choppy?. European markets spiked, then dropped. By Friday (the day after QE was announced), European stocks hit 7-year highs. US markets rallied on Thursday. U.S markets rallied because more money are being pumped into U.S. However on Friday, U.S markets were mostly down because of worries that strong dollar will hurt U.S corporate earnings. Announcement of QE also knocked down euro to its knees. During the first 30 minutes of press conference (where QE was announced), EUR/USD was choppy. In the next 23 hours, EUR/USD fell all the way to 1.1113 (Friday 8 A.M EST) from around 1.1600 (post ECB conference), which is almost 500 pips in a day, actually 23 hours (from 9 A.M EST to 8. A.M EST).

Tomorrow, we will find out the results of Greek Elections. I believe Greece is going to stay in Euro-zone, which is going to give EUR some relief. Then, it will be a good place to sell EUR/USD because QE (Bearish) weights more than Greek staying in Euro-zone (Bullish). If Greece leaves Euro-zone, it’s another reason to be bearish on Euro currency.

Why did ECB announce QE?

ECB announced QE to fight back low euro-zone inflation. Many Euro-zone countries are close to deflation while some of them are already there. To boost the economy, ECB will print more money and increase the amount of money available to financial institutions.

There’s also a hope that QE will boost equity markets. When Bank of Japan (BoJ) announced expansion of a large monetary-stimulus program in October 31, 2014 Japan time, Japan stocks skyrocketed and Yen tumbled.

What’s great about a weaker euro? It benefits manufacturers and exporting nations. But, it can hurt international companies such as Cisco Systems, IMB, Pepsi, etc.

Unlike Swiss National Bank (SNB), announcement of QE by ECB was much anticipated. We all knew it was coming. Although I thought it was going to be limited for some time before full-blown QE kicks in. I thought ECB would hold off until February or March because of Greek elections. Anyway, QE is starting in a month or March.

Now, Bank of Canada (BoC) Shocks by rate cut. Who’s next?

On Wednesday (January 21, 2015), Bank of Canada (BOC) announced that it is cutting the overnight rate to 0.75% from 1.00%. Bank rate and deposit rates stay the same, bank rate at 1.00% and deposit rate at 0.5%. Their reason for cutting overnight rate by a quarter?

Oil is the reason. For the past six months, crude oil (WTI) has been declining about 60%. BOC says that drop in oil prices are “negative for growth and underlying inflation…”. Fall in oil prices hurts Canadian economy because they are 3rd largest oil-exporting country. Oil-importing countries, such as China and the United States are benefiting from low oil prices.

Immediately after the announcement, loonie (CAD) fell over 200 pips, pushing USD/CAD to 1.2273 from 1.2063 (210 pips) in first 15 minutes (From 10:00 AM to 10:15 AM). USD/CAD kept hitting new highs since early 2009 (still is, for now). BOC expects oil prices to be around $60 in medium term (next two years). During the opening statement, BOC governor, Stephen S. Poloz said something that gave little more power for loonie to decline.

During the opening statement, Governer Poloz said “The Bank has room to maneuver should its forecast prove to be either too pessimistic or too optimistic.” If conditions gets worse than what BOC expects, they might cut the overnight rate further. The statement caused USD/CAD to jump little higher. At the end, one thing that was said surprised me. Governor said “…we discussed the risk that by moving today we would surprise financial markets. We generally prefer that markets not be surprised by what we do…” Two opposite things are being said here. But, there were some rumors to rate cut days before. Since oil price decline increases the downside to Canadian economy. Rate cuts are” intended to provide insurance against these risks.”

If oil continues to decline until March, BOC might cut the overnight rate. I believe that because they warned us of further cuts from both on a press release and press conference. As of right now, I believe crude oil will fall to an area of $40.50. Then, stay there for several weeks. I’m saying this because technical analysis. I’m not an expert on crude oil, yet.

Who’s next to cut the rates? I believe it’s Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Since August 2013, Cash Rate Target has been staying at 2.50%. In the beginning, most of their monetary policy decisions statements included sentences “The exchange rate remains high by historical standards, particularly given the declines in key commodity prices, and hence is offering less assistance than it might in achieving balanced growth in the economy.” Now, they say “The exchange rate has traded at lower levels recently, in large part reflecting the strengthening US dollar. But the Australian dollar remains above most estimates of its fundamental value, particularly given the significant declines in key commodity prices in recent months. A lower exchange rate is likely to be needed to achieve balanced growth in the economy”. They were saying that to weaken Aussie. They know how much their “words” has the power to cause large changes in the exchange rate. In the long-term, AUD/USD was (still is) in a downtrend. They might cut rates in February (February 2, 2015) or March (March 2, 2015), to further weaken Aussie. Further information about RBA monetary policy can be found here. (Note: times/dates are in EST).

SNB Shocks Global Markets

Last Thursday (January 15) around 4:30 a.m, SNB (Swiss National Bank) surprised everybody and woke the markets up by ending the minimum exchange rate of CHF 1.20 per euro and lowering interest rate to -0.75% from -0.25%. The announcement was unscheduled. It was shocking to everybody and there’s more come to the story.

After seconds of the announcement, CHF rode in fastest bull mode in the modern history. EUR/CHF went on free fall with no ground stop. SNB’s floor rate of 1.2000 for EUR/CHF was broken. A lot of people were long EUR/CHF with stops just below 1.2000. Not only the CHF pairs were effected, but also other pairs. Stops were triggered in seconds (or minutes) and panic spread like wildfire. Imagine a highway with all the automobiles driving more than 200mph and large truck in the middle suddenly stops in a second.

In September 2011, Swiss National Bank (SNB) called its currency (Swiss Franc) “Massive Overvaluation”. They wanted to weaken the Swiss Franc to improve their economy. Therefore, they set a floor rate of 1.2000 of EUR/CHF exchange rate. In a statement, they stated “The SNB will enforce this minimum rate with the utmost determination”. They were saying that they will do everything in their power not to allow the exchange rate break the floor rate. Their tone was still same in the late 2014. Ever since, they have been buying the foreign exchange in unlimited quantities, until last thursday (January 15, 2015).

After abandoning its currency, SNB stated that “Swiss franc is still high”. Well, it is even more higher now. Immediately after the announcement, CHF pairs sky-rocketed. EUR/CHF dropped from above 1.2000 to about 0.9705, over 2000 pips drop in one day. USD/CHF dropped from around 1.0200 to 0.8350, almost 2000 pips drop in one day. The reason for SNB’s action “divergences between the monetary policies of the major currency areas have in increased significantly”. They are referring to Euro, which has depreciated a lot against USD, which has caused Swiss franc to weaken. That’s why they say that defending floor rate “no longer justified”. At the end of their statement, they said “remain active in the foreign exchange market to influence monetary conditions”. That’s what scares me. After what they did, we need to be cautious and not trade CHF pairs at this time.

SNB’s action looks suspicion for two reasons. First, SNB announces this sudden change of plans just a week before ECB meeting. Second, it looks like that IMF (International Monetary Fund) was not kept in loop. I believe SNB is trying to buy time. The question is “For what?”. If they are trying to buy time, the move by SNB is only temporary (less 4 months).

2015-01-16-PROPHET — Comparison Chart – EUR/USD and USD/CHF

As to ECB, they have been decreasing the interest rates, which has caused Euro to decline a lot.. This week on Thursday (January 22, 2015), ECB will be releasing the results of their meeting. There has been a chatter (still is) that ECB will be announcing a full-blown Quantitative Easing (QE). At this time, I believe the interest rates will stay the same. Regarding to QE, I think QE will be announced, but limited. They might wait for Greek election results, which takes place on Sunday (January 25, 2015). Greece may exit Euro union and have their own currency. If they do, the currency will go down in value. I think full-blown QE will be announced in March 5.

Not only traders were effected, but also brokers such as FXCM. FXCM experienced significant losses ($225 million) and they may be in a breach of some regulatory capital requirements. When the news came out, their stock “FXCM” fell from around $12.50 to just below $1 (about 90% decline). In the morning of Friday, its stock was halt due to news pending. At 3:55, Dow Jones reported that Leucaidia National Corporation would be proving $300 million in cash to FXCM to continue normal operations. The agreement is in the form $300 million senior secured term loan with two-year maturity and an initial coupon of 10%. Immediately after the news, FXCM surged from around $1.50 to $4.50 (about 350% increase).

Technical Difficulty

There was a technical difficulty. I had to restore back everything. Latest post that was posted recently about SNB was/is missing. Therefore, I have to re-write everything from the beginning. I will post it as soon I finish it. Thank you.

US Retail Sales

Yesterday, on January 14, 2014, the U.S Census Bureau released Retail Sales data for the month of December, 2014. It was disappointing and unexpected. Retail sales fell 0.9% (-0.9%) in December (+0.4% in previous month). “Core” retail sales (excludes the prices of autos and gas), fell 1.0% (-1.0%) in December (0.1% in previous month).

Plunging oil prices led to to a 6.5% drop in gasoline sales, the largest drop since 2008. In December, many people and media were saying that the holiday sales were going to be strong. Economic recovery and the falling gas prices would lead consumers to spend their hard earned money in other areas, such as department stores, etc. Yesterday’s release told us otherwise. Excluding auto and gas, retail sales fell 0.3%, (expected gain around 0.4%). Retailers that did well, are bars, restaurants and stores that sell home furnishings. December is one of the months that many people party. Therefore bars and restaurants did well. Many people might like to start their new year by clean and fresh furnishings in their home. That’s why home furnishings did well. I believe the drop in retail sales are only temporary, for now. We never know what future might hold.

I believe technology will be successful more than anything (except needs; foods and drinks). Late 1990s and early 2000s transformed, especially young people into whole new generation. 2015 will be the beginning stage of new era of technology (again). Drones and 3-D printing, google glass and “The Internet of Things” will start to go into mass-market. I think we are too early for drive-less cars to go into masses (maybe, in 2 years). People will be wanting to try the new technology. 3-D printing will lead to many inventions, making certain market more competitive. Drones and google glass will probably transfer people into being photographer or not. New things will be added into existing products, emotionally leading people to buy them.

One wrong move from the government or large companies (that have significant impact on the economy including jobs, etc) will either slow down and shut down “economic recovery”, leading to another crisis.

NZD/USD Technical Analysis

Shorted around 0.7820. As of right now, it’s still open.

Trade at your own risk. These are my own opinions and analysis.

Note: The screenshots were taken around the night of Jan 12, 2015.

1H Chart:

It’s false breakout because the candlesticks did not close above the line. It’s a weak hammer because it’s in the middle. Stronger hammers should appear on bottom in a clear trend.

OU – Opposite of U I made up OU because of my experience in chart analysis. I realized that formations like that have strong impact most of the time. It consists of 3 candlesticks. OU can appear anywhere. It signals bearish market. For it to signal bullish market, it has to be in a formation of U. It doesn’t matter what the color of middle candlestick. But it has to be a small body or a doji. First and last candlestick has to be about the same body size with each other.

Daily Chart:

I said “more like Double bottom” because it’s not in a “perfect condition” of how real double bottom should look like. It’s in a “good” or “75% out of 100% condition”

As you can see, doji was backed or supported by strong support line.

Bearish Engulfing Pattern was very strong because it was backed or supported by resistance and trend line. It was also supported by small body or doji. Forex market is open 24 hours. You may be asking “why is there gap between doji and first candlestick of engulfing pattern?” The answer is that the doji was closed on Friday 5 P.M and first candlestick of engulfing pattern opened on Sunday 5 P.M.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me anytime.

US Non-Farm Payrolls

On January 9, 2015 (Friday), jobs report came out and it was little stronger than expected. 252,000 jobs were added in December 2014. The unemployment rate or jobless rate fell to 5.6% from 5.7%, the lowest since June 2008. I believe jobs rate for January 2015 will fall under 210,000, since many people are or were employed for holiday season only.

The most disappointing news of Non-Farm Payrolls was its earnings report. In December, average hourly earnings for all employees on private non farm payrolls decreased by 5 cents to $24.57. I believe this is only temporary. If it continues to drop, consumers of the business will be making less purchases. Therefore, business’s earnings will be weak too. When non farm payrolls come out for January, the earnings will rise back.

If Europe goes into crisis or recession (higher chance because decreasing inflation > deflation), it will have impact on the US in a negative way.

Europe in Focus and its impact on the rest.

Earlier today, German CPI (Consumer Price Index) was released. It was weaker than expected. It’s the lowest since October, 2009. CPI is important for inflation. If it drops more (more likely will), deflation will be here both in Germany and spread to other Euro countries.

Japan is already in recession. Europe most likely will be next. It will spread to UK (United Kingdom). Japan, Europe and United Kingdom all have major impact on the economy of the US (United States). Therefore, United States might join the recession list. It’s like a domino effect. Everything starts from somewhere and spreads.

Greek crisis is worrisome. Greek may default and exit from Euro. Elections will be held 3 days after ECB, on Sunday, January 25, 2015.

On Thursday, January 22, 2015, ECB (European Central Bank) will release interest rates and there will be press conference. It will be closely watched as always. But this time, many are wondering if they will release QE (Quantitative Easing).

I believe ECB will delay QE because Greek elections are yet to be held. After the Greek elections, ECB will act on its next meeting.