Forex - G7 Friday – Summit expected to scrutinize exchange rates.

Forex News and Events: The dollar weakened throughout the night as continued speculation the U.S Stimulus package wouldn’t be sustainable marred sentiment. The EURUSD traded a 1.2879 – 1.2949 range with a slight bias to the upside. However, we continue to believe any move on the part of the pair is dollar driven. Euro zone GDP figures are expected at 10:00 GMT today (-1.2% vs. -0.2%). A key event today and tomorrow is the G7 summit in Rome. 7 of the largest economies will discuss monetary policy and interest rates – with a focus on the dollar and the Yen. Some may remember the concerted intervention in 1985 and 1987 on the dollar – however we don’t see this meeting being a major currency mover, except if some sort of landmark agreement spawns from this meeting. Markets will continue to trade with risk aversion as the main impetus. It is interesting to note that with global interest rates so low the YEN isn’t necessarily that strong against other currencies – however with a local economy so dependant on exports, the relatively strong Yen continues to hurt the economy. The inverse can be said of the Sterling, which has been greatly oversold – on worsening economic data. News in brief: Australia votes and accepts the previously rejected $27.3m stimulus plan. Europe set to confirm deep recession with GDP numbers today. US initial jobless claims falls short of consensus at -623K (vs. prev. -626K). Improvement in Retail sales shouldn’t be taken as a real sign of recovery – heavy discounts and a strong Christmas season are to blame. News is light today.

Today's Key Issues (time in GMT): 10:00 EUR Euro Zone GDP (Q4) -1.2% vs. -0.2% 00:00 U. of Michigan Sentiement 60.2 vs. 61.2

The Risk Today: EurUsd Convergence towards the 1.2900 pivot continues, breakout failed to materialize – Euro moves continue to be unsustainable. Downward channel slows, initial focus for a support level points to 1.2902, 1.2877 – solid support at 1.2814. Resistance on the upside sits at 1.2934, breakout of 1.2900 – 1.2940 range would retest 1.3000 levels. GbpUsd The cable rebounding nicely, testing 38.20% retracement of 1.4986 – 1.4140 move at time of writing. We see initial support at 1.4339 (Feb 11th support, 23.6% retracement) then aim for 1.4140 (Feb 12th lows) – further down 1.4052 (Feb 2 low). On the upside 1.4535 stands as a soft resistance (23.60% retracement on 1.4988 – 1.4395 move). UsdJpy Renewed risk aversion and continued haven status of both currencies sees the Yen give way to the dollar. Upward channel on the 1week chart shows we are in a 1 day upward channel. Strong resistance at 91.78, from there we go to 92.42. UsdChf Clear upward trend persists on the monthly chart. We tested the lower trend line several times these past days. 1.1567 and 1.1502 support on the lower side. Not much points to the pair breaking out anytime soon – despite consumer confidence improving in Switzerland.

Resistance and Support: EURUSD GBPUSD USDJPY USDCHF 1.3280 M 1.4650 S 92.45 K 1.1850 M 1.3000 S 1.4555 M 91.78 M 1.1713 M 1.2934 M 1.4535 K 91.55 M 1.1667 S 1.2904 1.4506 91.39 1.1601 1.2902 M 1.4339 M 91.04 M 1.1567 M 1.2877 M 1.4140 M 90.84 K 1.1502 M 1.2814 S 1.4032 S 88.80 M 1.1315 M S: Strong, M: Minor, T: Trendline, K: Keylevel, P: Pivot