The Swiss franc had a quiet week against the dollar, closing just below the 0.94 level, which was very close to where it started the week. There are three releases in the upcoming week. Here is an outlook for the Swiss events, and an updated technical analysis for USD/CHF.
USD/CHF daily graph with support and resistance lines on it. Click to enlarge:
- SVME PMI: Tuesday, 8:30. This important leading indicator is on a strong downward trend, slumping from a high of 63.5 in March, all the way down to 44.8 in December. The last three readings have all been below the market forecasts, and the forecast predicts little change. Will the first release of the new year show some much-needed improvement in the PMI?
- SNB Chairman Hildebrand Speaks: Thursday, 15:00. Whenever the head of the central bank speaks, analysts listen carefully for any hint of interest rate moves, which would likely have an effect on the currency markets. Comments which are more hawkish than forecast is bullish for the franc.
- Foreign Currency Reserves: Friday, 8:10. The Swiss attach great importance to their foreign currency reserves. The indicator has pointed downwards since October, and a further drop could point to a lack of confidence by international investors, and spell trouble for the franc.
- CPI: Friday, 8:15.This important inflation index is usually released in the first week of each month. The index has been in negative territory for the past two readings, although the market is forecasting a rise this month to the important 0% level.
USD/CHF Technical Analysis
Dollar/Swiss showed little movement this week, with some slight pressure on the franc. The pair opened the week at 0.9360. It dipped slightly to 0.9318, before climbing to 0.9470, very close to the strong resistance line of 0.9479 (discussed last week). The pair closed just shy of the 0.94 level, at 0.9392.
Technical lines from top to bottom:
We start with the resistance level of 0.9780, which was last tested by the pair in February. Next is a resistance line at 0.9636, followed by strong resistance levels at 0.9540 and 0.9479. The round figure of 0.94 was touched this week, and will be tested on any upwards move. 0.9340 is now in a role of weak support, followed by the line of 0.9210.
0.9085, which was a strong support level in mid-October, is once again providing support for the pair. The round number of 0.90 is the next important support level. Next is 0.89, which acted as strong resistance in mid- 2011 and is now a major supprt line. The final support lines for now are 0.8640 and the round level of .8600.
I am bullish on USD/CHF.
Economic indicators, such as the well-respected KOF Economic Barometer, paint a picture of an economy headed in the wrong direction, and analysts are predicting that the Swiss economy will dip into a recession sometime next year. The US economy appears to be improving, and the dollar has been on a recent upswing against most major currencies.
Further reading:
- For a broad view of all the week’s major events worldwide, read the USD outlook.
- For EUR/USD, check out the Euro to Dollar forecast.
- For the Japanese yen, read the USD/JPY forecast.
- For GBP/USD (cable), look into the British Pound forecast.
- For the Australian dollar (Aussie), check out the AUD to USD forecast.
- For the New Zealand dollar (kiwi), read the NZD forecast.
- For USD/CAD (loonie), check out the Canadian dollar.