CFD Markets News and Forecasts — 18-12-2014

(index / closing price / change items /% change)

Nikkei 225 17,210.05 +390.32 +2.32%

Hang Seng 22,832.21 +246.37 +1.09%

Shanghai Composite 3,057.88 -3.14 -0.10%

FTSE 100 6,466 +129.52 +2.04%

CAC 40 4,249.49 +137.58 +3.35%

Xetra DAX 9,811.06 +266.63 +2.79%

S&P 500 2,061.23 +48.34 +2.40%

NASDAQ Composite 4,748.4 +104.08 +2.24%

Dow Jones 17,778.15 +421.28 +2.43%

(pare/closed(GMT +2)/change, %)

EUR/USD $1,2286 -0,45%

GBP/USD $1,5669 +0,61%

USD/CHF Chf0,9797 +0,70%

USD/JPY Y118,83 +0,15%

EUR/JPY Y145,99 -0,29%

GBP/JPY Y186,19 +0,78%

AUD/USD $0,8163 +0,53%

NZD/USD $0,7763 +0,77%

USD/CAD C$1,1574 -0,50%

(time / country / index / period / previous value / forecast)

00:00 New Zealand ANZ Business Confidence December 31.5

00:05 United Kingdom Gfk Consumer Confidence December -2 -1

02:00 New Zealand Credit Card Spending November +6.7%

03:00 Japan Bank of Japan Monetary Base Target 275 275

03:00 Japan BoJ Interest Rate Decision 0.10% 0.10%

03:00 Japan BoJ Monetary Policy Statement

04:30 Japan All Industry Activity Index, m/m October +1.0% +0.2%

06:30 Japan BOJ Press Conference

07:00 Germany Producer Price Index (MoM) November -0.2% -0.2%

07:00 Germany Producer Price Index (YoY) November -1.0% -1.1%

07:00 Germany Gfk Consumer Confidence Survey November 8.7 8.9

09:00 Eurozone Current account, adjusted, bln October 30.0 27.8

09:00 Eurozone EU Economic Summit

09:30 United Kingdom PSNB, bln November 7.1 14.8

11:00 United Kingdom CBI retail sales volume balance December 27 30

13:30 Canada Retail Sales, m/m October +0.8% -0.4%

13:30 Canada Retail Sales ex Autos, m/m October 0.0 +0.2%

13:30 Canada Consumer Price Index m / m November +0.1 -0.2

13:30 Canada Consumer price index, y/y November +2.4% +2.3%

13:30 Canada Bank of Canada Consumer Price Index Core, m/m November +0.3% +0.1%

13:30 Canada Bank of Canada Consumer Price Index Core, y/y November +2.3% +2.4%

Stock indices closed higher on Fed's monetary policy statement. The Federal Reserve released its interest rate decision yesterday. The Fed kept its interest rate unchanged. The central bank changed its guidance language. It said that it will be "patient" before to raise its interest rate.

The Fed Chair Janet Yellen said at the press conference that the Fed's position has not changed despite different views when to raise interest rates. Yellen noted that the Fed was unlikely to hike its interest rates for the "next couple of meetings".

German Ifo business climate index rose to 105.5 in December from 104.7 in October, but missing expectations for a rise to 105.6.

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has introduced a negative deposit rate to defend the exchange rate floor unchanged at 1.20 francs per euro. The SNB will charge 0.25% on sight deposits at the central bank. The new deposit rate will be imposed on January, 22.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,466 +129.52 +2.04%

DAX 9,811.06 +266.63 +2.79%

CAC 40 4,249.49 +137.58 +3.35%

The U.S. dollar mixed against the most major currencies after the mostly weaker-than-expected U.S. economic data. The number of initial jobless claims in the week ending December 12 in the U.S. fell by 6,000 to 289,000 from 295,000 in the previous week. The previous week's figure was revised down from 294,000. Analysts had expected the number of initial jobless claims to climb to 297,000.

The Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank released its manufacturing index dropped to 24.5 in December from 40.8 in November. Analysts had expected the index to decline to 26.3.

The U.S. preliminary services PMI declined to 53.6 in December from 56.2 in November, missing expectations for an increase to 57.1. This is the lowest level since February 2014.

The greenback remained supported by Fed's interest rate decision released yesterday. The Fed kept its interest rate unchanged and said it will be "patient" before to raise its interest rate.

The euro traded lower against the U.S. dollar. German Ifo business climate index rose to 105.5 in December from 104.7 in October, but missing expectations for a rise to 105.6.

The British pound traded higher against the U.S. dollar. Retail sales in the U.K. increased 1.6% in November, exceeding expectations for a 0.3% rise, after a 1.0% gain in October. That the highest increase since December 2013. October's figure was revised up from a 0.8% increase.

On a yearly basis, retail sales in the U.K. climbed 6.4% in November, beating expectations for a 4.5% rise, after a 4.6% increase in October. That was the highest rise since May 2004. October's figure was revised up from a 4.3% rise.

The increase was driven by strong Black Friday sales.

The Swiss franc traded lower against the U.S. dollar. The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has introduced a negative deposit rate to defend the exchange rate floor unchanged at 1.20 francs per euro. The SNB will charge 0.25% on sight deposits at the central bank. The new deposit rate will be imposed on January, 22.

Switzerland's trade surplus widened CHF3.87 billion in November from CHF3.23 billion in October, beating expectations for a decline to CHF 2.41 billion.

The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) released its forecasts for Switzerland today. Seco still expects the economic growth of 1.8% in 2014, but lowered its forecast for 2015 to 2.1% from 2.4% due to a slowdown of the economic growth in the Eurozone.

The New Zealand dollar traded higher against the U.S. dollar. In the overnight trading session, the kiwi traded higher against the greenback due after the gross domestic product (GDP) data from New Zealand. New Zealand's GDP rose 1.0% in the third quarter, exceeding expectations for a 0.7% increase, after a 0.7% gain in the second quarter.

On a yearly basis, New Zealand's GDP climbed by 3.2% in the third quarter, missing expectations for a 3.3% gain, after a 3.2% rise in the second quarter. The second quarter's figure was revised down from a 3.9% rise.

The Australian dollar traded lower against the U.S. dollar. In the overnight trading session, the Aussie traded slightly higher against the greenback in the absence of any major economic reports from Australia.

The Japanese yen traded mixed against the U.S. dollar in the absence of any major economic reports from Japan.

Oil prices moderately decreased, returning to the level of $ 60 per barrel (mark Brent), after rising more than 3 percent earlier today, as many traders are wary of further increase. It is worth emphasizing, Brent prices dropped by 50% since June due to increase oil production in the US, failure of OPEC to reduce production and the weak global economic growth. On Wednesday evening, world oil prices rose markedly, exceeding the level of $ 63 (Brent). However, analysts attributed this jump in prices is not fundamental factors, but rather to the high volatility in the market.

Initially, the rise in price of oil today was caused by reports that the company plans to reduce investments in exploration after a sharp fall in prices. Chevron Corp indefinitely postponed plans to drill in the Beaufort Sea, and Marathon Oil in the coming year will reduce capital expenditures by 20 percent. Canadian oil company Husky Energy, MEG Energy and Penn West Petroleum also plans to reduce investment.

"It seems that investors prefer to support near $ 60 a barrel," - said Daniel Ang, an investment analyst at Phillip Futures, adding that the decline in investment in production will be felt in the market in the second quarter of 2015.

Support prices have also had statements of the minister of oil of Saudi Arabia, who reiterated that OPEC or Saudi Arabia would be difficult to reduce the volume of production, and added that the market is experiencing temporary difficulties, mainly due to the weakening global economy.

Another factor was the growth of the statement of Russian President Putin, who assured that the Russian economy will recover and stop the fall of the national currency, and noted that the current crisis will last no more than two years.

Cost of January futures for US light crude oil WTI (Light Sweet Crude Oil) dropped to 55.58 dollars per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

January futures price for North Sea Brent crude oil mix fell by $ 0.51 to $ 60.15 a barrel on the London Stock Exchange ICE Futures Europe.

Gold has risen in price considerably today, updating the yesterday's high, but has lost all positions on positive US data. Substantive support to the precious metal had yesterday's decision by the Fed. Recall, the Fed has indicated that it may raise interest rates next year, correct wording that will keep them close to zero level "extended period" of time and demonstrating confidence in the US economy. The final statement after a two-day FOMC meeting informed that he will adhere to the "patient" approach to the solution, when to raise the cost of borrowing. "Based on current estimates, the committee believes that it can be patient with the beginning of the normalization of monetary policy," - said the Fed, which called him "consistent" with the previous wording that higher rates will be preceded by a "significant period of time."

Meanwhile, the chairman of the US Federal Reserve Janet Yellen said that the central bank is unlikely to raise short-term interest rates, at least until spring. She added that this estimate is, of course, depends entirely on the data.

It should be emphasized that in recent years the commodity markets benefit from a program of monetary easing by the Fed, on the other hand, are under pressure if the bank tightens its policy. According to most economists, the largest US banks surveyed after the Fed meeting on Wednesday, the central bank to raise rates for the first time until June, and enhancements will be more. Experts also believe that the growth in demand for gold in the largest consumers of China and India will support prices in the coming year.

Pressure on prices has had a strengthening US dollar exchange rate, which was caused by the publication of data on the labor market. The Labor Department said the number of Americans who first applied for unemployment benefits fell last week and remained near 14-year lows, becoming the latest data showing an improvement in the labor market. The number of initial claims for unemployment insurance, the sensor layoffs, reduced by 6000 and reached a seasonally adjusted 289,000 in the week ended December 13th. On Thursday. Economists had expected 297,000 new claims. Moving average for four weeks, which smooths the volatile weekly data, fell by 750 to 298 750. The report also showed the number of people who continue to receive unemployment benefits fell by 147,000 to 2.37 million in the week to December 6.

The cost of the December gold futures on the COMEX today returned to 1194.40 dollars per ounce.

Markit Economics released its preliminary services purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the U.S. The U.S. preliminary services PMI declined to 53.6 in December from 56.2 in November, missing expectations for an increase to 57.1. This is the lowest level since February 2014.

The decline was driven by slower employment and new business growth.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion in economic activity, below 50 indicates stagnation.

The Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank released its manufacturing index on Thursday. The index dropped to 24.5 in December from 40.8 in November.

Analysts had expected the index to decline to 26.3.

The survey said a pace of expansion was slowing, but there is still general optimism.

A reading above zero indicates expansion.

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has introduced a negative deposit rate to defend the exchange rate floor unchanged at 1.20 francs per euro. The SNB will charge 0.25% on sight deposits at the central bank. The new deposit rate will be imposed on January, 22.

The recent turmoil in global markets (falling oil prices and the Russian crisis) pushed the Swiss franc higher due to increased demand for safe-haven assets.

The Federal Reserve released its interest rate decision on Wednesday. The Fed kept its interest rate unchanged. The central bank changed its guidance language. It said that it will be "patient" before to raise its interest rate.

For the past six months, the Fed said that interest rates would remain unchanged for a "considerable time" after the end of bond-buying programme. The central bank maintained this phrase, but added that it can start to hike its interest rate sooner than expected. Improving inflation and employment are necessary for interest rate hike, the Fed pointed out.

The Fed Chair Janet Yellen said at the press conference that the Fed's position has not changed despite different views when to raise interest rates. Yellen noted that the Fed was unlikely to hike its interest rates for the "next couple of meetings".

The central bank said that the economy is expanding at a moderate pace and household and business spending were increasing moderately.

U.S. stock-index futures rose following its biggest jump in a year after the Federal Reserve said it will be patient on the timing of interest-rate increases.

Global markets:

Nikkei 17,210.05 +390.32 +2.32%

Hang Seng 22,832.21 +246.37 +1.09%

Shanghai Composite 3,057.88 -3.14 -0.10%

FTSE 6,420.01 +83.53 +1.32%

CAC 4,225.07 +113.16 +2.75%

DAX 9,752.07 +207.64 +2.18%

Crude oil $57.73 (-2.59%)

Gold $1206.70 (+1.00%)

The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) released its forecasts for Switzerland today. Seco still expects the economic growth of 1.8% in 2014, but lowered its forecast for 2015 to 2.1% from 2.4% due to a slowdown of the economic growth in the Eurozone.

Seco forecasted the growth of 2.4% in 2016.

Unemployment rate is expected to fall to 3.2% this year, to 3% in 2015 and to 2.8% in 2016.

Seco warned that the sluggish recovery in Europe could have a negative impact on the economic growth in Switzerland.

(company / ticker / price / change, % / volume)

Upgrades:

FedEx (FDX) upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Goldman, target $211 (Added to Conviction Buy List)

Downgrades:

Other:

Intel (INTC) initiated with a Neutral at Citigroup, target $35

FedEx (FDX) target raised from $155 to $165 at RBC Capital Mkts

EUR/USD: $1.2300(E2.7bn), $1.2400(E2.0bn), $1.2430(E500mn), $1.2450(E572mn), $1.2500-05(E1.3bn), $1.2525(E1.0bn), $1.2600(E1.7bn)

USD/JPY: Y116.50($1.0bn), Y117.00($1.2bn), Y117.65($1.5bn), Y117.85-118.00($1.8bn)

EUR/JPY: Y147.50(E750mn)

EUR/GBP: stg0.7850(E770mn), stg0.7905(E400mn)

EUR/CHF: Chf1.2010(E350mn)

NZD/USD: $0.7720(NZ$250mn)

Economic calendar (GMT0):

(Time/ Region/ Event/ Period/ Previous/ Forecast/ Actual)

00:30 Australia RBA Bulletin

06:45 Switzerland SECO Economic Forecasts

07:00 Switzerland Trade Balance November 3.23 2.41 3.87

09:00 Eurozone EU Economic Summit

09:00 Germany IFO - Business Climate December 104.7 105.6 105.5

09:00 Germany IFO - Current Assessment December 110.0 110.3 110.0

09:00 Germany IFO - Expectations December 99.7 100.9 101.1

09:30 United Kingdom Retail Sales (MoM) November +0.8% +0.3% +1.6%

09:30 United Kingdom Retail Sales (YoY) November +4.3% +4.5% +6.4%

The U.S. dollar mixed against the most major currencies ahead of the U.S. economic data. The number of initial jobless claims in the U.S. is expected to increase by 3,000 to 297,000.

The Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank' manufacturing index is expected to drop to 26.3 in December from 40.8 in November.

The greenback was supported by Fed's interest rate decision released yesterday. The Fed kept its interest rate unchanged and said it will be "patient" before to raise its interest rate.

The euro traded lower against the U.S. dollar after the weaker-than-expected Ifo figures from Germany. German Ifo business climate index rose to 105.5 in December from 104.7 in October, but missing expectations for a rise to 105.6.

The British pound rose against the U.S. dollar after the better-than-expected retail sales from the U.K. Retail sales in the U.K. increased 1.6% in November, exceeding expectations for a 0.3% rise, after a 1.0% gain in October. That the highest increase since December 2013. October's figure was revised up from a 0.8% increase.

On a yearly basis, retail sales in the U.K. climbed 6.4% in November, beating expectations for a 4.5% rise, after a 4.6% increase in October. That was the highest rise since May 2004. October's figure was revised up from a 4.3% rise.

The increase was driven by strong Black Friday sales.

The Swiss franc traded lower against the U.S. dollar. Switzerland's trade surplus widened CHF3.87 billion in November from CHF3.23 billion in October, beating expectations for a decline to CHF 2.41 billion.

The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) released its forecasts for Switzerland today. Seco still expects the economic growth of 1.8% in 2014, but lowered its forecast for 2015 to 2.1% from 2.4% due to a slowdown of the economic growth in the Eurozone.

EUR/USD: the currency pair traded fell to $1.2277

GBP/USD: the currency pair climbed to $1.5665

USD/JPY: the currency pair increased to Y118.96

The most important news that are expected (GMT0):

13:30 U.S. Initial Jobless Claims December 294 297

15:00 U.S. Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Survey December 40.8 26.3

EUR/USD

Offers $1.2380

Bids $1.2200

GBP/USD

Offers $1.5800, $1.5785

Bids $1.5520, $1.5500, $1.5480

AUD/USD

Offers $0.8350, $0.8300, $0.8250

Bids $0.8155/50, $0.8100, $0.8050, $0.8000

EUR/JPY

Offers Y148.00, Y147.50, Y146.80/00, Y146.50

Bids Y145.50, Y145.00, Y144.50

USD/JPY

Offers Y120.00, Y119.50, Y119.20, Y118.80

Bids Y118.00, Y117.50, Y117.00

EUR/GBP

Offers stg0.8020, stg0.7975/80, stg0.7950/55

Bids stg0.7800

The Office for National Statistics released the retail sales data for the U.K. on Thursday. Retail sales in the U.K. increased 1.6% in November, exceeding expectations for a 0.3% rise, after a 1.0% gain in October. That the highest increase since December 2013. October's figure was revised up from a 0.8% increase.

On a yearly basis, retail sales in the U.K. climbed 6.4% in November, beating expectations for a 4.5% rise, after a 4.6% increase in October. That was the highest rise since May 2004. October's figure was revised up from a 4.3% rise.

The increase was driven by strong Black Friday sales. Electrical goods sales surged 32% from a year earlier, while sales at department stores jumped 15%.

Online sales rose at an annual rate of 12.9%.

European indices continued to climb for a third day after the FED statement to start rising interest rates next year but not in the first quarter and the positive outlook on the U.S. economy and U.S. indices rally. Greek's Prime Minister Antonis Samaras failed to gather enough votes for his nominee in parliamentary vote for president moving the country closer to elections, endangering the austerity policy. Retail Sales in the United Kingdom beat expectations in November with a reading of +1.6% beating expectations of an increase of +0.3%. German IFO Business Climate published earlier in the session was slightly below forecast with a reading of 105.5.

In today's session the FTSE 100 index added +0.94% quoted at 6,395.83 points, France's CAC 40 rose +2.26% trading at 4,205.02. Germany's DAX 30 is currently trading +1.87% at 9,722.52 points.

Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate are trading significantly higher today as recent selloffs to five-year lows were judged excessive by market participants. Speculations on low oil prices affecting future production further stabilized prices. Oil fell by almost half since June under pressure from concerns about forecasts slow recovery in global demand and oversupply of stocks. Last Friday, the International Energy Agency cut its forecast for global oil demand next year by 230,000 barrels per day to 900,000 barrels after similar cuts by OPEC and the Office of information in the field of Energy.

Brent Crude added +3.06%, currently trading at USD63.05 a barrel. Crude hit a low at USD58.50 this week. West Texas Intermediate rose +3.03% currently quoted at USD58.18.

Gold prices rally after yesterday's FED statement to start rising interest rates next year but not in the first quarter and the positive outlook on the U.S. economy. The precious metal is currently quoted at USD1,209.40 or +1,89% a troy ounce, back above the important level of USD1,200.00 after trading at a two-week low at 1,183.40 yesterday. Yesterday data showed that U.S. consumer prices rose 1.3 percent with oil near 5-year lows.

GOLD currently trading at USD1,209.40

REUTERS

Swiss franc hits two-year low as SNB cuts rates to negative

(Reuters) - The Swiss franc hit its lowest against the dollar in more than two years, and touched a two-month trough against the euro, on Thursday after the Swiss National Bank said it would introduce negative interest rates.

In a brief statement, the SNB said it would impose an interest rate of -0.25 percent on sight deposit account balances of over 10 million Swiss francs as it seeks to discourage safe-haven buying of francs.

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/18/us-markets-forex-idUSKBN0JV04120141218

BLOOMBERG

PBOC Offers Loans to Banks as Money Rate Jumps Most in 11 Months

China's central bank offered short-term loans to commercial lenders as the benchmark money-market rate jumped the most in 11 months.

The amount of money made available by the People's Bank of China wasn't clear, according to people familiar with the matter. Policy makers are adding funds to the financial system to address a cash crunch as subscriptions for the biggest new share sales of the year lock up funds. Twelve initial public offerings from today through Dec. 25 will draw orders of as much as 3 trillion yuan ($483 billion), Shenyin & Wanguo Securities Co. estimated.

Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-12-18/china-money-rate-climbs-to-nine-month-high-as-ipos-lock-up-funds.html

BLOOMBERG

Greece Fails to Gather Support to Elect New President

Greece moved a step closer to early elections after Prime Minister Antonis Samaras failed to gather enough support for his nominee in a parliamentary vote for a new head of state.

In voting in Athens yesterday, 160 lawmakers in Greece's 300-seat chamber backed Samaras's candidate for the presidency, Stavros Dimas, short of the 200 votes required in the first of three attempts this month. Samaras has 155 lawmakers in his governing coalition and failure to rally enough support for Dimas will lead to the dissolution of parliament.

Source: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-12-17/greece-fails-to-gather-support-to-elect-new-president.html

European indices continued to climb for a third day after the FED statement to start rising interest rates next year but not in the first quarter and the positive outlook on the U.S. economy. Greek's Prime Minister Antonis Samars failed to gather enough votes for his nominee in parliamentary vote for president moving the country closer to elections, endangering the austerity policy. The Swiss National Bank announced that it will impose negative interest rates of 0.25% as of January 22^nd on commercial bank deposits and will keep its minimum exchange rate against the euro at CHF1.20.

German IFO-Business Climate for December was slightly below expectations with a reading of 105.5 compared to104.7 in November. IFO Current Assessment showed a reading of 110.0. Analysts expected 110.3. IFO Expectations rose to 101.1 with a previous reading of 100.9 and foreast of 100.9.

The FTSE 100 index is currently trading +0.54% quoted at 6,370.98 points, Germany's DAX 30 added +1.59% trading at 9,696.65. France's CAC 40 rose by +1.49%, currently trading at 4,173.06 points.

U.S. markets were rallying on Wednesday on an upbeat economic outlook by the FED and Janet Yellen's statement that the bank is going to take a patient approach on hiking benchmark interest rates. The DOW JONES added +1.69% closing at 17,356.87 points, the S&P 500 posted its biggest gains since October 2013, rallying +2.04%, climbing again over 2,000 points with a final quote of 2,012.89. U.S. consumer prices declined by -0.3% from the previous month. Today market participants await the Initial Jobless Claims, the Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index and the preliminary Services PMI.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng added +0.95% to 22,801.15 and recouped some of its losses after correcting for a week. China's Shanghai Composite closed at 3,057.88 points after volatile trading, a loss of -0.10% after reaching new high yesterday.

Japan's Nikkei added the most in 4 weeks trading +2.32% closing at 17,210.05 after the Japanese yen fell against the greenback on the FED's policy to take a "patient" approach to hiking interest rates. Solid gains on the U.S. markets further added to the positive sentiment.

(Time/ Region/ Event/ Period/ Previous/ Forecast/ Actual

00:30 Australia RBA Bulletin

06:45 Switzerland SECO Economic Forecasts

07:00 Switzerland Trade Balance November 3.23 2.41 3.87

The greenback traded stronger to mixed against its major peers in Asian trade after the FED's policy meeting ended yesterday as FED Chair Janet Yellen stated that rates are going to be raised next year once economic parameters were met - finally removing the "considerable time" from the minutes. She further said "the committee considers it unlikely to begin normalization process for at least the next couple of meetings". The U.S. dollar extended its gains against the euro, the British pound and the Japanese Yen.

The Australian dollar recovered slightly from a four year low after yesterday's slump.

New Zealand's dollar traded positive to stable against the greenback currently quoted at USD0.7707. The GDP on a quarterly basis beat expectations by +0.3% with a reading of +1.0%. Yearly GDP in the third quarter decreased from +3.9% to +3.2%, missing forecasts by 0.1%.

The Japanese yen continued to decline versus the U.S. dollar after the currency hit a monthly high on Tuesday fuelled by fears over falling oil prices and Russia's economic crisis.

EUR/USD: the euro lost against the greenback

The most important news that are expected (GMT0):

(time / country / index / period / previous value / forecast)

09:00 Eurozone EU Economic Summit

09:00 Germany IFO - Business Climate December 104.7 105.6

09:00 Germany IFO - Current Assessment December 110.0 110.3

09:00 Germany IFO - Expectations December 99.7 100.9

09:30 United Kingdom Retail Sales (MoM) November +0.8% +0.3%

09:30 United Kingdom Retail Sales (YoY) November +4.3% +4.5%

13:30 U.S. Initial Jobless Claims December 294 297

14:45 U.S. Services PMI (Preliminary) December 56.2 57.1

15:00 U.S. Leading Indicators November +0.9% +0.6%

15:00 U.S. Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Survey December 40.8 26.3

21:45 New Zealand Visitor Arrivals November +3.3%

EUR / USD

Resistance levels (open interest**, contracts)

$1.2452 (1773)

$1.2410 (346)

$1.2381 (245)

Price at time of writing this review: $ 1.2337

Support levels (open interest**, contracts):

$1.2306 (810)

$1.2278 (2109)

$1.2235 (3684)

Comments:

- Overall open interest on the CALL options with the expiration date January, 9 is 51390 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,2500 (6745);

- Overall open interest on the PUT options with the expiration date January, 9 is 58168 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,2000 (7336);

- The ratio of PUT/CALL was 1.13 versus 1.16 from the previous trading day according to data from December, 17

GBP/USD

Resistance levels (open interest**, contracts)

$1.5802 (1955)

$1.5704 (2729)

$1.5608 (711)

Price at time of writing this review: $1.5585

Support levels (open interest**, contracts):

$1.5491 (1074)

$1.5394 (938)

$1.5297 (1172)

Comments:

- Overall open interest on the CALL options with the expiration date January, 9 is 23056 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,5850 (4100);

- Overall open interest on the PUT options with the expiration date January, 9 is 18196 contracts, with the maximum number of contracts with strike price $1,5550 (1898);

- The ratio of PUT/CALL was 0.79 versus 0.79 from the previous trading day according to data from December, 17

* - The Chicago Mercantile Exchange bulletin (CME) is used for the calculation.

** - Open interest takes into account the total number of option contracts that are open at the moment.