When one side of any market gets crowded, it is time to prepare for a possible
reversal. While there are numerous reasons to be bearish on the U.S. dollar
long-term, there are some short-to-intermediate-term factors that may cause
the dollar to stage a counter-trend rally in the coming weeks. As we monitor
the dollar, we must also consider the possible impact on "weak dollar assets" such
as gold (GLD), silver (SLV), copper (JJC), oil (USO), agricultural commodities
(DBA), Australian dollar (FXA), Canadian dollar (FXC), and emerging markets
(EEM).
Investor sentiment, which can be used as a contrary indicator at extremes,
is telling us to keep an open mind about the dollar as the next Fed meeting
draws closer. According to Bloomberg:
Commodity Futures Trading Commission data show hedge funds and other
large speculators are more bearish on the dollar than at any time in history,
with bets on a decline exceeding those on a rise by 341,683 contracts as
of Oct. 5. The last two times sentiment was close to this level, in early
2008 and late 2009, the dollar rallied. The Dollar Index, which tracks
the greenback against the euro, yen, pound, Canadian dollar, Swiss franc
and Swedish krona, surged as much as 24 percent in the second half of 2008
and 19.6 percent between November 2009 and June 2010. (Full
Story).
The Fed's strong hints at quantitative
easing have helped propel the dollar lower in recent weeks. The details
on any new quantitative easing programs will be announced on November 3,
2010. We need to prepare for a possible "sell the rumor, buy the news" scenario,
especially if the Fed's announcement fails to meet the market's high expectations
relative to dollar amount of bonds to be purchased by the Fed.
On a monthly chart going back to 1999, 75.10 and 72.62 represent logical areas
to monitor closely relative to a possible reversal. Other levels to watch include
75.89, 74.27, 73.20, 72.46, and 70.70. Additional charts showing trends and
levels to watch in the U.S. Dollar Index can be found in Weak
Dollar Good for Stocks.
Chris Ciovacco is the Chief Investment Officer for Ciovacco
Capital Management, LLC. More on the web at www.ciovaccocapital.com.
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