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Thursday, December 29, 2011

European Money Supply and Private Loans Dip

Another time-out from my mini-holiday to slip this in:

Data released pre-market today showed a drop in European Money Supply, as shown on the graph below (courtesy of www.forexfactory.com). As can be seen, the total quantity of domestic currency in circulation and deposited in banks is still well below the levels seen from 2000 to 2009...not a healthy sign that would point to additional spending and investment in Europe.


Additionally, data released pre-market today showed a drop in Private Loans to consumers and businesses, as shown on the graph below. As well, the level of loans taken out are well below the levels seen from 2003 to 2009...which indicates that consumers and businesses are not confident in their future financial position, nor do they feel comfortable spending money.


Below is a Monthly chart of EUR/USD. At the moment, price has dipped below the 1.30 level and is hovering below trendline support. It has had difficulty moving above the 1.50 level since 2009 and has been, basically, range-bound from around 1.90/20 to 1.50. There is confluence support around 1.24...a break of that level could send price down to 1.20...a break of that level with confidence could see price drop to a confluence support level around 1.09/10.

This big picture view of the Euro tells me that it is weak and has not been able to sustain its rallies above 1.20 since October 2008. I wouldn't be surprised to see it retest that level sometime in the new year, with a possible dip, or significant drop, below. Also, the economic releases out of Europe lately (which I've posted) all point to a shrinking economy...there's no reason the currency shouldn't also follow suit.


Back to my holiday...