3 December 2024

USDCHF Weekly Outlook (September 30—October 4): Key Economic Indicators Ahead

The USDCHF pair, known as the "Swissie," reflects the exchange rate between the US dollar and the Swiss franc. This week, traders are focused on key economic indicators that could impact the USDCHF, including the Swiss CPI and US non-farm payrolls report, which will influence the monetary policies of the Swiss National Bank and the Federal Reserve.

USDCHF Weekly Outlook (September 30—October 4): Key Economic Indicators Ahead

As traders of the USDCHF pair, also known as the "Swissie," prepare for a week of significant economic data, the focus remains on how these indicators will influence the exchange rate between the US dollar and the Swiss franc. The US dollar's value is closely tied to various economic metrics, including inflation rates, employment figures, and decisions made by the Federal Reserve. In contrast, the Swiss franc is often viewed as a safe-haven currency, gaining strength during times of global economic uncertainty.

This week, the Swiss Consumer Price Index (CPI) is anticipated to remain stable at 0.0%, suggesting no change in price levels. Should the actual CPI report indicate an unexpected rise in inflation, it could signal increasing consumer prices and potential overheating in the Swiss economy. Such a scenario might compel the Swiss National Bank (SNB) to adopt a more hawkish approach, possibly delaying any interest rate cuts, which would likely strengthen the Swiss franc and push the USDCHF lower.

On the other hand, if the CPI report falls short of expectations, indicating lower inflation or deflation, it could reflect deteriorating economic conditions in Switzerland. This may lead the SNB to either maintain or even ease its monetary policy, potentially weakening the Swiss franc and resulting in a rise in the USDCHF pair.

In the United States, the upcoming non-farm payrolls (NFP) report is projected to show an increase of 130,000 jobs, a decrease from the previous figure of 142,000. If the actual job growth surpasses expectations, it would demonstrate the resilience of the US labor market, likely reducing the urgency for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, which could lead to an appreciation of the USDCHF pair.

Conversely, disappointing NFP data could raise concerns about the US economy's health, increasing speculation about potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and causing the USDCHF pair to decline.

The last NFP release on September 6 resulted in significant market volatility due to figures that were well below expectations.

From a technical perspective, the USDCHF has formed a descending triangle pattern within a long-term bearish trend on the daily chart. The price is currently constrained between two significant levels, leading to two potential scenarios:

  1. If bearish momentum drives the price below the support level at 0.8420, the next downside target could be 0.8230, aligning with the 161.8 Fibonacci retracement level.
  2. Conversely, if the price breaks above the trend line and surpasses the 0.8500 mark, the next resistance target could be 0.8700.

Source: Action Forex