forex market analysis

Can Yellen Save The Dollar? – Why Would She?

Forex Kong 3 Comments

I expect U.S Equities to roll over here and continue on their way down.

Perhaps some imagine that Yellen will have something to say this morning to “once again” pull markets back from the impending sell off – but I don’t.

If anything I would more so envision the “opposite” as….if there is anything Yellen “needs to say”  it’s something to save the U.S Dollar from falling much further.

This is very thin ice USD is walking on down here…very thin as the rest of the planet really won’t stand to see this thing ( and their billions of useless USD toilet paper stacked in reserve ) go down much further.

the opposite effect of this falling dollar has been “killing the EU Zone” with a rising EUR as well the U.K, New Zealand etc – all getting a little fed up with seeing their own currencies “flying higher” ( and killing export opportunities ) while the U.S devaluation continues.

And don’t kid yourself…the “QE” hasn’t changed in the slightest as it’s only a couple of numbers typed on a computer ( the tapering whatever ) with no “actual real world application”.

A couple of numbers on a couple of screens at the U.S Fed and Treasury Dept to keep the media spin going. That’s it .

Means nothing.

Perhaps a “tiny hint” that interest rates may rise sooner than later will do it….but then again The Fed “just told you” that won’t happen. Or was it the week before they said it “might”?

Or not? The Fed “loves” a lower dollar…it’s everyone else that doesn’t.

These people are literally “winging it” here day-to-day in a continued effort to rid you of your cash.

I’m tuning in to watch.

 

Because You're Mine – I Walk The Line

Forex Kong 1 Comment

Another day……another “year stripped from your life” with respect to the amount of stress / tension / anxiety and general frustration you “harbor and absorb” as a trader. I imagine investors as well – feeling a bit of a pinch as “indecision” continues to rule supreme.

Monday’s are no time for decision-making anyway, and should just as quickly be stricken from your future trading plans. Don’t look to trade “jack shit” on Monday. Period.

1876. Fudge.

A bit of a mouthful but..for the number of times I’ve seen it appear as a significant level in SP 500 , I will now consider it for the name of my future pet, be it of this planet or another – human, canine or other.

This seriously can’t go on much longer as nothing moves in a straight line ( however flat ) forever.

The endless debate. Up or down – tiring to say the least.

My take? As wacky as it may be?

Time and price intersect when the “time” and “price” are right ( a topic for another day ).

I think we’ve got our price so…..now we’ve just got to let “time” do it’s thing – and all will be clear.

Check out “risk in general” as seen over the past 4 months via JPY / The Japanese Yen futures.

 

JPY_Trading_Range_Forex_Kong

JPY_Trading_Range_Forex_Kong

The Fed’s got it that “tightening” is now the path forward ( if you actually believe that ) so….this current talk of The European Central Bank “now” looking at QE?? As well the Bank of Japan looking at “further QE”??

Something doesn’t quite fit if you’ve any idea how this all fits together…

The Central Banks need “coordinated effort” to keep these balls in the air so…we’ve got to see this resolve shortly as the message is unclear.

Is the punchbowl getting refilled? Or is the party finally over?

I can assure you ……another couple of points in the SP is “no indication”.

Ugly “two day candle formations” across the board as clearly…both bulls and bears take another hit. “Time” can grind your mind and your account to pieces….and they’ve got all the time in the world. Stay safe. Make no big decisions, protect profits and at least “imagine” how you might consider making money in a bear market.

 

 

Conviction Market Call – Where To Next?

Forex Kong 3 Comments

Speculation as to “where markets are going next” is running rampid across the various forex, stock trading, news outlets and financial blogs these days, with a pretty equal split between both the bulls and the bears.

And for good reason as….It’s an absolute meat grinder out there.

This being said “caution” is likely the best suggestion anyone can make while markets continue to “sit on the fence” but you know…..you’ve really got to “go with something” as lack of conviction won’t really do much for you either.

Reducing position size or going to a cash position is never the wrong thing to do, so there’s always that….but again – we’re looking to “make some money here” so if it’s a bit of “hard work that’s required” well then?….We’re gonna do it!

I’m going to simplify and keep this short.

The largest QE program on the planet ( coming out of Japan )  is currently doing “nothing” to elevate Japanese stocks as the Nikkei “will” continue to fall here. This is significant in that…if the QE money isn’t doing it anymore ( as well consider the QE money in the U.S now evaporating monthly ) what on Earth would it take to continue pushing higher?

Nikkei_May_04_Forex_Kong

Nikkei_May_04_Forex_Kong

I believe that the “near term” wind has certainly come out of the sails, as U.S “momo names” have also taken their “first leg down”, with Twitter cut in half ( from 75.00 – 37.50 ) and Yelp soon to follow.

The analysis / theory is simple…..just follow the money.

Who’s printing the most money? Where’s that money going?

Do you seriously think the “world at large” is rushing to the “supposed safety” of U.S Bonds for anything more than a short-term trade?

I don’t….wait – I do…..no…..wait ( U.S Bonds are gonna top out here pronto ).

These things take time yes. It’s a grind yes, but there are many excellent trades setting up for those who are patient, and for those willing to do a little work.

I remain short the Australian Dollar ( risk currency ) as well am keeping a very watchful eye on all JPY pairs as these “will” move fast and hard with further weakness coming in Japanese stocks.

I continue to look for a stronger US Dollar on the “repatriation trade” and see us at a significant turning point here. Should USD fall lower it will only mean the trade has been “put off” a touch longer as much further weakness in USD will have some larger “ripple effects” with our friends across the pond.

I don’t believe the U.S can allow USD ( if they can really help it remains to be seen ) to fall much further without risking a serious, serious knock to whatever credibility it still has left.

Lots of great stuff on tap this week, so good luck everyone!

 

 

 

 

A Chart – For Those Evaluating Risk

Forex Kong 3 Comments

I’ve made light of it before as it’s a handy thing for “non forex traders” to also consider keeping in mind.

The currency pair AUD/JPY has long ago been directly associated with the “risk on” trade, as traders simply borrow ( sell ) Yen ( as the base lending rate in Japan is practically 0% ), then invest (buy) the same money in a higher yielding currency such as AUD ( base interest rate currently paying 2.5% )

It’s essentially free money, and rests pretty much as “the backbone” for most major banks – as far as  forex strategy is concerned.

When this trade “unwinds” ( when risk appetite wanes, and banks and major investors begin to seek “safety” ) you certainly don’t want to be on the other side of it – as the move is nothing short of amazing.

Lets take a look at the “unwind” back in 2008, and consider where we’re at with the pair today.

 

AUD_JPY_Forex_Kong_May_1_2014

AUD_JPY_Forex_Kong_May_1_2014

The pair “peaked” right along side “peak activity” surrounding the Bank of Japans massive QE program and equally massive dilution of the Yen, sometime “around this time” a full year ago.

We can see that it’s done very little since, as “risk” apparently rages on ( as seen via U.S Equity prices ) in the West.

A “swing high” here marking a “lower high” on a monthly chart would prove to be a very, very powerful technical sign that the turn is indeed near, as big banks and institutions will have used these past few months to quietly whittle away, adding to positions here, selling a bit there, getting themselves into position slowly as to not turn price against them with any large-scale moves.

Until of course the large-scale moves commence ( as seen via the “red candle waterfall” of 2008 ) where the big boys have already gotten out  and retail investors “unknowing” get caught holding the bag.

One has to consider that “if the Big Banks are running the show” ( as we all know they are ) – don’t you think they’ve got the info / knowledge / plans in place long before we ever hear of them?

Do you think the biggest players on the planet get “caught” suddenly realizing that things are turning? Or perhaps because they missed a bit on CNBC? There is absolutely 0% chance of this as it’s this is  “their market” and the house always wins.

Equities in the West continue to grind as the turn has already been realized in Japan. These past 4 or 5 days are again what we call “distribution days” as big players unload to those late to the party, in preparation for the next “real money to be made” on the short side of town. Currency wise a large and solid “short AUD position” has been building for quite some time, as other “risk off trades” slowly fall into place day-to-day.

 

Very relaxed here as positioning is well underway and the tiny squiggles don’t really mean much at this point.

I can’t see how unemployment data out of the U.S ( 344,000 more last week ) could be helping anyone with their medium and longer term trade ideas, but I’d love to hear the arguement.

Good luck everyone, and have a good weekend.

 

 

If It's "Sell" On Yellen – You'll Know For Sure

Forex Kong 4 Comments

If it’s “sell” on Yellen you’ll know for certain that the “machines that be” have most certainly flipped the switch from “buy” to “sell”.

I can assure you “anything” currently in play with respect to the big boys ( and I ) positioning for the “very near future” is already in full motion.

You have to appreciate how long it takes for Central Banks or other large institutional players to “put on” or “take off” positions SO LARGE, that it takes weeks “if not months” to slowly leg in as to not move price to quickly.

If you think “anyone” with an institutional influence is “sitting around waiting” for more clambering from The Fed this afternoon – you are sadly, sadly mistaken.

This move is well underway as seen via currency markets some weeks ago.

Yellen has absolutely “nothing” to do with what’s “already” going on.

Let retail take risk for a final “blip” higher ( as I would gladly welcome that ) as anything higher only represents better opportunity to get short.

We’re already in position. Check out the Members Area at: http://www.forexkong.net/getting-started-start-here/

Good luck to all, and watch out for that “bad weather”.

Markets On The Cusp – USD Shakeout

Forex Kong 9 Comments

We’re looking for a stronger dollar these days, as the reality of continued Fed tapering and a generally disappointing earnings season ( in my opinion ) begin to take their toll.

As we’ve discussed here in the past, the general effect of tightening the money supply “eventually” leads to higher lending rates/increased borrowing costs, pinching corporate earnings and pressuring stock valuations.

I think it’s fair to say we’ve most certainly seen the “mojo” taken out of the “momo” stocks in the tech sector already, as well the $BKX Bank Index ( which I follow as an additional “bellweather” for U.S Equity strength ) as it “continues” to on its path of “lower highs” and “lower lows”.

Via currencies I’ve been positioned “generally short” for several weeks now seeing AUD/JPY top out around 94.50 as well The New Zealand Dollar finally rolling over. CAD took its last breath here in just the past two days essentially “completing the trio” of risk related currencies to begin their journeys downward.

Pushing through the last remaining day or two of chop in USD, opens the flood gates “wide” to a plethora of excellent “medium term” trade opportunities long the safe havens, and short the commods.

My expectation is to see The Nikkei ( The Japanese Stock Index ) continue to lead markets “decidedly lower” ( and I’m talking like….Nikkei at 11,500 now at 14,500 type lower ) as the general lay of the land has obviously already shifted to a “risk off” / safety seeking environment.

For those interested in more specific and detailed “trade ideas”, regular “intermarket analysis” as well deeper learning / understanding of forex markets – please join us at www.forexkong.net as our trading community continues to grow.

Revenge Trade – QQQ Will Take You Lower

Forex Kong 6 Comments

You’ve heard of the revenge trade right?

After you’ve been knocked over the head with a baseball bat, and the market has run off with most of your account – you then decide “I’m gonna get it all back”!

Let’s say you go out and do something stupid…like…really stupid, totally stupid, “moronic” like you decide “right now” to go out and buy Tech /QQQ and “get long technology” as means to exact your revenge.

Can anyone say “doublé whammy”?

When acting on pure emotion, traders / investors don’t make good decisions. The revenge trade ( more often than not )  kicks you in both knees, spits in your left ear, and leaves you in broken heap – crumpled on the sidewalk. Nothing good will ever come of this, and the lesson comes hard.

Check you head. Kick back and re-evaluate. Go for a walk. Drink some beer.

Prepare for the “next leg down” in technology.

 

 

 

Here We Go! – Bring On The Recession!

Forex Kong 10 Comments

Like it’s not already here, and more so…..never even left.

I look forward to hearing of your “timely exits” somewhere along the way during the next 3 years of complete and total economic devastation. I can only imagine that you’ll “do as humans do” and hang on “right til the last penny of your investments” has been squeezed from you, then of course – sell at the absolute bottom.

Why must you endure months and likely “years” of pain watching your portfolios dwindle to nothing, only to “then” decide you’ve had too much and ditch at the lows?

That’s because you are a retail investor. You are ridiculously greedy, and “for the life of you” can’t sell with profits in hand as….you must get more, and more and MORE!

I spoke of long, dark red candles yesterday. I spoke of the setting sun in Japan “weeks ago”.

I SELL AT TOPS.

I BUY AT BOTTOMS.

When are you going to finally get this flipped around?

I’ll take a couple more in the Premium Services area as we’re moving along quite nicely now.

Hit me at : [email protected] as the service is still not available to the public at large.

Monster Trades Setting Up! – Monster!

Forex Kong 3 Comments

You would seriously have to have your head stuck so far underneath the sand as to “not” see what’s shaping up here that….well…..whatever.

The Japanese Nikkei has indeed rolled over as suggested and the YEN is on fire. Commodity currencies are getting trampled left and right, and even a pile of the stupid parts of the U.S equities markets ( $tran – Transports swinging high, and $BKX banking index creating “yet another” lower high ) continue to show fatigue.

Trading markets with a single sided “bias” isn’t trading – it’s hoping.

When you’ve got this kind of this information taken directly from the “largest, most liquid, most widely traded market on the entire freaking planet” ( the forex market ) looking you directly between the eyes….what else do you need?

Maybe a nice 3 or 4 days of big fat solid , ugly red candles will do the trick for you then…..but  of course….by then it will already be much too late.

Heed to the sun setting on Japan. Take heed risk takers! Take heed!

I’ll need to smack you in the face with a sushi roll if you don’t pull up your charts and start finding a way to get long the Japanese Yen and short Japanese stocks. The U.S to follow.

The Smoking Gun – No Love For NZD

Forex Kong 10 Comments

New Zealand has raised its base interest rate to 3% from 2.75% overnight – now pushing the Kiwi “higher” than it’s neighbor AUD ( The Australian Dollar ) as far as yield is concerned.

Now……in a typical / healthy / strong / global growth / “risk on” environment – this kind of news would have sent the Kiwi “shooting for the moon” as Carry traders planet wide would most certainly look to take advantage of the % spread. Selling JPY and USD ( at near 0% ) and in turn buying NZD at 3%.

So why on Earth is NZD “lower on the rate hike”? How is this possible? Why would this be?

It’s because Carry traders are currently “unwinding risk” in preparation for what’s ahead. These types of moves take weeks if not months to play out, so once the ball has started rolling there is no way, NO WAY major players / Central Banks / institutions are going to “shift their plans” and “change direction” just because a single country has made a small interest rate hike! Not a chance!

If you ask me – the muted reaction to the New Zealand rate hike is literally a “smoking gun”.

Big boys are turning the boat, and nothing….NOTHING is gonna stop it.