USD Markets Await Nonfarm Payrolls Data – 30 September 2024

As we head into Monday, September 30, 2024, global markets are positioned for a session that could see heightened volatility, driven by significant economic data releases. The U.S. dollar remains at the center of attention as traders digest the recent economic reports and prepare for the upcoming Nonfarm Payrolls report. Central bank commentary and economic data from the Eurozone, the U.K., and Australia are also set to impact currency movements, providing traders with opportunities across various pairs.

In the currency markets, the EUR/USD pair witnessed mixed movements, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding the Eurozone’s economic performance. The euro has remained sensitive to economic data and central bank communications as traders monitor developments from the European Central Bank (ECB) and key U.S. economic figures.

Meanwhile, the GBP/USD pair saw a gradual decline amid ongoing concerns about the U.K.’s economic outlook. The British pound’s movements have been heavily influenced by market sentiment and traders positioning ahead of key U.S. labor market data.

The AUD/USD pair also experienced volatility, driven by shifts in risk sentiment and Australian economic indicators. Traders are closely watching global developments as they assess the market’s next moves.

EUR/USD

Technicals in Focus

The EUR/USD pair remained volatile, closing near the 1.1160 level after fluctuating throughout the session. Mixed economic data from both the Eurozone and the U.S. influenced the pair’s movements, with traders exhibiting caution ahead of the U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls report. On the technical front, the MACD indicator hovers near the zero line, with the histogram showing minimal momentum, suggesting indecision in the market. The Stochastic Oscillator remains in neutral territory, offering no clear directional bias, while the 14-day RSI indicates a lack of strong momentum as the pair consolidates.

Trading Strategy: Neutral to Sell

  • Sell below 1.1150-1.1130 with targets at 1.1100-1.1070 and 1.1040-1.1010, with a stop loss above 1.1170.
  • Alternatively, consider long positions above 1.1180 with targets of 1.1210-1.1240, with stops below 1.1150.

GBP/USD

Technicals in Focus

The GBP/USD pair trended lower, closing around 1.3370 after a session marked by gradual declines. The pair was influenced by ongoing concerns about the U.K.’s economic trajectory as well as market positioning ahead of key U.S. economic data. From a technical perspective, the MACD has crossed into bearish territory, indicating increasing downside momentum. The Stochastic Oscillator has entered oversold conditions, suggesting that a corrective bounce may be on the horizon. The 14-day RSI is neutral, indicating that the pair could remain range-bound in the short term.

Trading Strategy: Neutral to Sell

  • Sell below 1.3360-1.3340 with targets at 1.3310-1.3280 and 1.3240-1.3200, with a stop loss above 1.3400.
  • Alternatively, consider buying above 1.3400 with targets at 1.3430-1.3460, with a stop below 1.3360.

AUD/USD

Technicals in Focus

The AUD/USD pair experienced volatility, closing near the 0.6900 level after oscillating throughout the session. The movements were influenced by Australian economic data and global risk sentiment as traders remained cautious ahead of U.S. labor market reports. On the technical side, the MACD is hovering near the zero line, indicating a weakening of bearish momentum. The Stochastic Oscillator is in oversold territory, suggesting potential upside in the short term. The 14-day RSI is neutral, reflecting the pair’s recent consolidation phase.

Trading Strategy: Neutral to Buy

  • Buy above 0.6900-0.6880 with targets at 0.6930-0.6950 and 0.6980-0.7000, with a stop loss below 0.6860.
  • Alternatively, consider selling below 0.6860 with targets at 0.6830-0.6800, with stops above 0.6900.

Market Outlook

Looking ahead, the U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls data and the Unemployment Rate for September will be closely watched, as they could provide critical insights into the strength of the U.S. labor market and influence the direction of the U.S. dollar. Traders will also pay attention to central bank commentary, particularly from the Federal Reserve, as it may offer clues on future monetary policy moves.

In Europe, the ECB’s President Lagarde will speak, which could shed light on the central bank’s policy stance amidst ongoing economic uncertainties in the Eurozone. The U.K. and Australia will also see key economic releases that could further impact the GBP/USD and AUD/USD pairs.

Overall, the market is expected to remain sensitive to economic data and central bank communications, with potential for increased volatility as traders react to new information.