The U.S. dollar managed to maintain gains as the buck was supported by hawkish speeches from various central bank officials on Wednesday. The rebound comes as investors had previously sold off the U.S. dollar following the failed Healthcare bill.
Among the Fed officials who spoke on Wednesday were Charles Evans, John Williams and Eric Rosengren, all maintaining the rhetoric that they expect to see at least two rate hikes this year. The comments aren't something new for the markets but helped to boost confidence in the greenback.
In the UK, the Article 50 was formally triggered by PM May which turned out to be a volatile day for the British pound. Many questions remain on the progress of the exit talks with the EU and also the bid for another Scottish referendum, which has been rejected so far.
EUR/USD intra-day analysis
EUR/USD (1.0750) has been falling for the second consecutive day as the common currency fell to a 6-day low yesterday, closing at 1.0763. With the Stochastics now moving out from the overbought levels, EUR/USD is expected to continue to push lower after breaking down below 1.0800. There was no retracement or a pullback as expected.
With the support level at 1.0800 being cleared, any gains could be limited to this level where resistance could now be established. A continuation to the downside will see the EUR/USD push lower towards the support level at 1.0700.
USD/JPY intra-day analysis
USD/JPY (111.27) closed bearish yesterday, but price action is looking bullish in the near term. On the 4-hour chart, however, the Stochastics are currently in the oversold levels but with prices supported above 110.76 - 110.70, the downside is limited.
A continuation to the upside in USD/JPY will see prices testing 112.00 resistance level, following which expect further continuation towards 113.78 - 114.00. In the near term, USD/JPY could be range bound within 112.00 and 110.76 with a breakout from this level likely to give further direction in the near term.
XAU/USD intra-day analysis
XAU/USD (1249.60) Gold prices remained flat with the precious metal seen consolidating near the 1250 level yet again. On the 4-hour chart, price action has formed a lower high below 1262.50 with prices moving within a broadening wedge pattern.
In the near term, gold prices could see another modest rebound to the upside towards 1255.85 - 1256.00 following which we can expect to see further declines towards 1220.00 at the very least. A daily close above 1255.85 - 1256.00 could, however, invalidate the bearish bias.