Markets in Focus – S&P 500, EUR/USD, USD/CAD, USD/CHF, USD/MXN, DAX, USD/JPY, GBP/USD

S&P 500

The S&P 500 remains highly volatile, with last week seeing the index test the 7,000 mark and briefly dip below 6,800 before rebounding. Overall, the price action suggests the market is still trying to determine its next direction, which is understandable given that earnings season is underway.

For now, the index continues to favor a buy-the-dip dynamic, with rebounds likely fueling further FOMO. A decisive move above 7,000 would likely open the door to further upside, although short-term choppiness is still to be expected.

EUR/USD

The euro traded in a choppy manner throughout the week as it tested the 1.18 level, an area that had previously acted as resistance. Last week’s price action formed a particularly ugly shooting star, leaving uncertainty about whether the euro has enough momentum to sustain an upside breakout.

A move below the low of last week’s candle could open the door for a pullback toward the 1.16 level, effectively returning the pair to its prior consolidation range. While short-term price action is likely to remain noisy, the broader outlook is clouded by ongoing uncertainty around ECB policy and whether the Federal Reserve will move quickly enough on rate cuts to satisfy market expectations. Overall, I remain neutral on this pair.

USD/CAD

The US dollar strengthened against the Canadian dollar but once again ran into resistance near the 1.37 level. Price is hovering around the 200-week EMA, and last week’s hammer candle suggests buyers may attempt to drive the pair higher, though confirmation is still needed.

From a technical perspective, this zone appears attractive for potential long positions, with the interest rate differential continuing to favor the US dollar. That said, this setup is better suited for short-term traders, as large or sustained moves are unlikely in the near term given the pair’s typically range-bound behavior.

USD/CHF

The US dollar has edged higher against the Swiss franc, pushing above the 0.78 level, a key psychological round number that many traders are closely monitoring. This pair is especially noteworthy given last week’s hammer formation and ongoing comments from the Swiss National Bank expressing discomfort with a strong franc.

Should the SNB maintain this stance, intervention remains a possibility, which would likely weaken the franc and lift USD/CHF along with other CHF-denominated pairs. While the positive swap favors long positions, the move higher is likely to be uneven and challenging, so traders should be mindful of potential volatility.

USD/MXN

The US dollar has been highly volatile against the Mexican peso, with the 17.50 level continuing to act as resistance. For now, the 17.00 area below appears to be the most likely short-term target.

From a longer-term perspective, there is substantial support beneath current levels, making a deeper breakdown uncertain. At the same time, the pair still offers an attractive carry trade, particularly for short-term participants. Given recent price action, this week is likely to remain as choppy as the last two, and significant moves seem unlikely.

DAX

The German DAX has maintained a bullish tone for most of the week but continues to face resistance near the 25,000 level. A decisive break above 25,000—ideally confirmed by a daily, if not weekly, close—would likely clear the way for further upside in the index.

A Global Search for Support

Over time, I expect that breakout to occur. This is not a market that lends itself well to short positions, as it is likely to receive ongoing support from the German government, which continues to inject significant spending into the economy. As a result, buying pullbacks in the DAX remains an attractive strategy.

USD/JPY

The US dollar has held up well against the Japanese yen this week, even in the wake of recent intervention efforts. The 158 level remains a major reference point on long-term charts, an area of significance that dates back to May 1990 and deserves close attention.

Looking further ahead, a sustained break above the 163 level—where the monthly chart shows a substantial resistance zone—could eventually open the door to much higher levels, potentially even toward 250 yen over the longer term. While such a move is not expected in the near future, it reflects the broader outlook for the yen unless there is a meaningful shift in underlying conditions.

GBP/USD

The British pound was highly volatile throughout the week, with the 1.3750 level once again acting as notable resistance. A break below 1.35 would be a strongly bearish signal for GBP/USD and could potentially open the door for a move toward the 1.30 area.

While it remains unclear whether the US dollar has definitively bottomed, it is beginning to show signs of attempting a base. If that proves to be the case, it could leave many traders positioned on the wrong side of the market.

Sources: Christopher Lewis

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