Market Analysis: Dollar Declines as Labour Market Cools

EUR/USD

The euro stabilised against the dollar on Thursday as optimism around the peak of policy tightening and possible rate cuts driven by easing inflation in major economies faded. During the week, inflation data from the US and UK fueled hopes that their central banks are done raising rates. The focus now turned to eurozone inflation on Friday. The euro was flat at USD 1.0853, up 2.5% for the month, while the dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of currencies from other major trading partners, was marginally higher. According to EUR/USD technical analysis, the immediate resistance can be seen at 1.0881, a breakout to the upside could trigger a rise towards 1.0912. On the downside, immediate support is seen at 1.0833, a break below could take the pair towards 1.0761.

The price has broken through the lower boundary of the ascending channel and may continue to decline.

GBP/USD

The pound fell on Thursday after UK consumer prices rose less than forecast in October, prompting markets to raise their expectations of a rate cut from the Bank of England. Data showed domestic consumer inflation fell more than expected in October as household energy prices fell from a year earlier, fueling investor bets that the Bank of England may refrain from further tightening monetary policy to protect the economy's growth. Investors added to their bets that the Bank of England would cut rates next year, with three cuts of 25 basis points by December 2024 almost entirely coming to fruition. Sterling was last down 0.02% on the day at USD 1.2415. On the GBP/USD chart, the nearest resistance can be seen at 1.2433, a breakout to the upside could trigger a rise to 1.2529. On the downside, immediate support is seen at 1.2359, a break below could take the pair towards 1.2288.

The price has broken through the lower boundary of the ascending channel and may continue to decline.

USD/JPY

The dollar fell against the yen on Thursday after US jobless claims rose more than expected last week, indicating a cooling labour market that could prompt the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates in early 2024 as it tries to orchestrate a soft landing. The dollar index rose 0.08%. Claims for state unemployment benefits rose 13,000 to a seasonally adjusted 231,000 in the week ended Nov. 11, the Labour Department reported. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 220,000 claims for the latest week. On the USD/JPY chart, strong resistance can be seen at 150.96, a break higher could trigger a rise towards 151.52. In the fall, immediate support is visible at 150.34. A break below could take the pair towards 149.57.

The downward channel is maintained. Now, the price is moving down along the upper border of the channel.