iFOREX Daily Analysis : July 12,2018

 | Jul 12, 2018 03:37AM ET

The US Dollar had gained significantly in value against other major currencies, with the US Dollar Index (USDX) closing 0.68% higher. Amid an escalating confrontation on trade, the Chinese Yuan (Offshore – CNH) traded close to its low, previously seen last Tuesday. It is assumed that the Chinese could possibly use the depreciation of their currency as a measure to counter the effects of US tariffs.

The oil price had the biggest drop in two years on Wednesday, amid reports that Libya would again be able to export oil. Other possible factors could have been concerns about the fallout from the trade conflict between the US and other countries and expanding distillery activities. With the stronger Dollar, gold dropped to its lowest level in a week.

Equity indices in the US closed overall higher, while European stock indices traded mostly lower. The Indian Nifty 50 (India 50) managed to close higher for the seventh trading day in a row, while continuing to move higher early on Thursday.

Cryptocurrencies were trading mostly moderately lower, with Bitcoin falling to its lowest level in July.

On Thursday further the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is expected to be released in Germany, France and the United States. Other key data for the day includes the European Industrial Production (IP) and the US Jobless New Claims numbers. In Brazil the Retail Sales data will be released and Mexico publishes its Industrial Production data. The Russian Central Bank will disclose its reserves and the country’s Trade Balance for May.

EUR/USD

In a volatile trading session the EUR/USD retreated below the 1.17 as the Dollar significantly gained against most other currencies, including the Euro. In the US overall economic data was again positive with Wholesale Trade up by 0.6% m/m (expected +0.5%) and the MBA Purchase Index up by 7% w/w (previous +1%). Inflation in form of the Producer Price Index (PPI) was reported also higher than expected at +0.3% m/m (expected +0.2%).

On Thursday further important inflation data in form of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is expected to be released in Germany, France and the United States. Other key data for the day includes the European Industrial Production (IP) and the US Jobless New Claims numbers.