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EUR/USD: Trading the US Core Durable Goods Orders

The Core Durable Goods Orders indicator measures the change in purchase orders for durable goods, excluding transportation items. A reading which is  higher than the market forecast is bullish for the dollar.

Here are all the details, and 5 possible outcomes for EUR/USD.

Published on Wednesday at 12:30 GMT.

Indicator Background

Core Durable Goods is an important economic indicator, as an increase in orders from manufacturers indicates stronger activity in the manufacturing sector.

The  indicator  was a major disappointment in February,  plunging by 3.2%, despite a flat market forecast of 0.0%. This was the poorest reading dating back to  February 2011.  The markets are predicting a healthy rebound in March, with a  forecast calling  for  a 1.5% increase.  

Sentiments and levels

Although  an agreement has been  finally hammered  out on the Greek  bailout, the crisis is still not over, with the IMF threatening to cut off aid if Greece doesn’t make further cuts. Other eurozone countries, notably  Portugal, are in deep trouble as well. In the US, the slow but steady recovery continues, with the economy producing strong employment numbers. Thus, the overall sentiment is bearish on EUR/USD towards this release.

Technical levels, from top to bottom: 1.3550, 1.3486, 1.3437, 1.3360, 1.33, 1.3212 and 1.3080.

5 Scenarios

  1. Within expectations: 1.1% to 1.9%. In such a scenario, EUR/USD is likely to rise within range, with a small chance of breaking higher.
  2. Above expectations: 2.0% to 2.4%: An unexpected higher reading  could  push  the pair  below  one  support level.
  3. Well above expectations: Above 2.4%: The chances of such a scenario are low. Such an outcome would push EUR/USD   downwards, and a second  support level might be broken as a result.
  4. Below expectations: 0.7% to 1.0%:   A lower figure than predicted could cause the  pair to  drop and break one resistance line.
  5. Well below expectations:   In this scenario, EUR/USD will  likely climb  and could break a second  resistance line.

For more on the Euro, see the  EUR/USD forecast.

Kenny Fisher

Kenny Fisher

Kenny Fisher - Senior Writer A native of Toronto, Canada, Kenneth worked for seven years in the marketing and trading departments at Bendix, a foreign exchange company in Toronto. Kenneth is also a lawyer, and has extensive experience as an editor and writer.