Market News

U.S. Dollar Index gains ground as traders focus on the strong rally in the oil markets and react to the better-than-expected Initial Jobless Claims report.

The report indicated that 187,000 Americans filed for unemployment benefits in a week, compared to analyst forecast of 212,000.

Oil prices gained 6.5% as Houthis attacked vessels linked to Saudi Arabia. Brent oil climbed above the psychologically important $100 level. As a result, demand for safe-haven assets increased, which was bullish for the U.S. dollar.

U.S. Dollar Index climbed above the resistance at 101.15 – 101.30 and is trying to settle above the 101.50 level. In case this attempt is successful, U.S. Dollar Index will move towards the resistance level at 101.80 – 101.95.

EUR/USD is losing ground as traders react to ECB Interest Rate Decision. The European Central Bank left the interest rate unchanged at 2.4%, in line with analyst estimates.

Comments from ECB President Christine Lagarde showed that ECB was ready to raise rates in September due to high oil prices.

Currently, EUR/USD is trying to settle below the support level at 1.1350 – 1.1365. In case this attempt is successful, EUR/USD will head towards the next support level at 1.1270 – 1.1285.

GBP/USD is under pressure as traders focus on the potential impact of high oil prices. Demand for risk assets declined, which was bearish for the British pound.

From the technical point of view, GBP/USD moved below the support level at 1.3335 – 1.3350 and is trying to settle below the 1.3300 level. If GBP/USD manages to settle below 1.3300, it will head towards the support at 1.3250 – 1.3265. RSI has just moved into oversold territory, but there is enough room to gain additional momentum in the near term.

USD/CAD is mostly flat as traders react to developments in commodity markets. Precious metals markets suffered a sell-off while oil markets soared. Other commodity-related currencies pulled back in today's trading session.

Today, traders also focused on the Retail Sales report from Canada. The report showed that Retail Sales increased by +0.4% month-over-month in June, in line with analyst estimates.

If USD/CAD manages to settle back above the 1.4100 level, it will head towards the nearest resistance level, which is located in the 1.4125 – 1.4140 range. A move above the 1.4140 level will open the way to the test of the resistance at 1.4235 – 1.4250.