The USD started the day on a strong note rising to early highs against most pairs in New York but has since falling back to make lows in some cases. Traders note that today's US data was as expected and showed no real surprises suggesting that today's action was driven by technical factors more so than sentiment. Most pairs met technical objectives for S/R during the past 24 hours or so lending some credibility to the argument. GBP continued to firm making highs against the EURO and the USD; climbing to a high print at 1.4994 and holding near the highs. Euro-Sterling cross traders continued to see liquidation and that rate traded to lows late in New York trade adding more upside pressure to GBP.

Rate drops to new lows overnight as cross-liquidation continues. Aggressive liquidation by EURO-Sterling cross spreaders providing the main selling but traders note lots of stops active under the 1.3400 area. Late longs are under pressure and can't ignore a break of the 50% fib defense numbers.

Bears took a stand at 1.4700 area last year and likely have reached technical levels around the 1.3300 area so expect some firmness in this area. Traders note lots of aggressive active buying getting disappointed. Stops building under 1.3440 area likely in size; the question is will the buyers show up?

Rate is two-way and firmer due to cross-spreaders liquidating EURO-Sterling; repatriation also lending to the firm tone. Rate is likely to have a knee-jerk reaction to more rate cuts due later in the week but with a new 2008 low late in the month last month the probabilities are good that any rate cut is factored in.

Rate sees upside stops cleared around the 1.4680 area overnight putting the next level resistance around 1.4780 in play. Toolbox signals a trend sell as active from late in December likely running out of steam around the 1.4400 area so if holding shorts be nimble. Spillover from EURO not there today as spreaders unwind.
 

The USD is better against most major pairs this morning as traders unwound EURO-Sterling and Yen pairs giving the Greenback a boost by default some desks report. Stops were driving trade as the USD crossed several important S/R levels overnight; most notably in EURO as the rate fell through stops at 1.3500, 1.3440, and 1.3390 for a low print at 1.3330. Traders report that semi-official demand was seen under the 1.3400 handle but the rate is not responding higher at this point as liquidation from the non-USD pairs continues.