iFOREX Daily Analysis : March 14,2018

 | Mar 14, 2018 05:24AM ET

The US Dollar traded lower against other major currencies with the US Dollar Index (USDX) closing 0.22% lower and being in a decline for the third trading day in a row. Timid inflation figures from the US concerned traders that the Fed could hold off on rate hikes later this year.

While the US Dollar was weakened, the Canadian Dollar experienced further declines trading again closed to last week’s USD/CAD high as Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz reiterated the central bank’s dovish policy approach. The Turkish Lira (TRY) continued its decline as the EUR/TRY reached a new all-time high above 4.80 after an amendment to election laws in Turkey increased the possibility of earlier elections.

Gold closed higher on a weaker US Dollar and rising geopolitical concerns, such as the poisoning of a former Russian double-agent in the UK. Oil continued its decline, which was attributed to concerns over rising US shale oil production and API data showing higher stockpiles for the third consecutive week.

US equity indices were down which was credited by some analysts to Trump firing his Secretary of State and protectionist stance, prohibiting the takeover of Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM).

Volatility in major cryptocurrencies seemed to decline in Tuesday’s trading with Bitcoin trading roughly unchanged, while other major cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum and Litecoin were down by about 2-3%. Christine Lagarde, the head of the IMF suggested that blockchain protocols could help implement measures for control/regulation of cryptocurrencies.

On Wednesday Germany publishes CPI data, followed by Retail Sales data in Italy and Industry Production figures from the European Union. In The US also Retail Sales, Business Inventories, Crude Oil Inventories and MBA’s mortgage market data is due for release.

EUR/USD

The Dollar declined against the Euro and most other currencies on Tuesday amid restrained inflation data from the US. Annual Core CPI was at +1.8%, while markets expected a +1.9% inflation, which is still below the Federal Reserve’s target of two percent. Analysts still predict the Federal Reserve to increase the interest rate during its meeting this month but are cautious about further increases, should the inflation fall below set targets.

On Wednesday Germany will publish Consumer Price Index (CPI), Italy Retail Sales and the European Union Industrial Production (IP) data.