Forex: GBP/USD consolidating below 1.5500

The sterling is now struggling to break above the key resistance at 1.5500 ahead of the opening bell in Europe, extending the negative tone that prevailed in the last weeks.

In the data space, the Rightmove House Prices in the UK rose 2.8% on a monthly basis in February, and 1.1% over the last twelve months.

As of writing, the cross is losing 0.04% at 1.5496 facing the immediate support at 1.5462 (low Feb.15) ahead of 1.5458 (low Jul.26) and then 1.5414 (low Jul.13).
On the other hand, a break above 1.5544 (high Feb.14) would expose 1.5550 (high Feb.15) and finally 1.5647 (MA10d).

Feb 18, 2013

Japan's Nikkei rallies as BoJ independence is put into question

As Japan wasn't a direct target of criticism for its monetary policy intentions at the G20 meeting, the Yen started the week weaker, lending Nikkei Stock Average the opportunity to rally, by +2.09%, as Prime Minister Abe suggested to the Parliament that he considers removing the BoJ’s independence should the central bank fail to achieve 2% inflation. China's Shanghai Composite eased -0.22% and Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropped -0.24%, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose +0.59% and South Korea's Kospi gained +0.04%.

Forex: USD/CHF at Friday's highs

The Asian session rally was capped at 0.9258 and so, the USD/CHF retrieved to Friday's high area, around 0.9242. The market is up by +0.28% and extending the retracement of late January's tumble to 0.9022 low.