Forex Forecast: Quant vs. Chart Reading - 19 July 2015

Quantitative Forecast

Academic studies have shown that the most reliable way to determine future price movements from past price movements, is by use of momentum.

In the Forex market, a momentum study is best applied to the four major Forex currency pairs by simply checking whether the weekly close is above or below the weekly close 13 weeks ago.

If the price is higher, the statistical edge is in trading that pair long.

If the price is lower, the statistical edge is in trading that pair short.

On this basis, the quantitative momentum forecast for the edge during the coming week is as follows:

Chart 1

 

Technical Forecast

The question as to whether an experienced chart-reading technical analyst can outperform a simple momentum model warrants a live experiment. Looking at the weekly charts for each of the four major pairs, I will try to determine the line of least resistance, and forecast the directional edge using my own technical analysis.

On this basis, my technical analysis forecast for the edge during the coming week is as follows:

Chart 2

 

Last week saw a stronger than expected move in favour of the USD, although the GBP was a little stronger. The moves against the EUR and CHF were especially strong, which produced a moderately negative overall result for both of the forecasts, which were identical.

 

Summary

This week, the quantitative and technical forecasts are identical. They see the USD rising across the board next week, with the exception of the GBP which is expected to be the strongest of all.

Next week, we will review how these forecasts performed.

 

Previous Forecasts

These forecasts have been running for 31 weeks.

Last week, the quantitative and technical forecasts were different regarding all the currencies except the JPY. The quantitative forecast performed just a little better this week. The results were as follows:

Chart 3

 

The running totals of the forecasts after 31 weeks so far are as follows:

Chart 4

 

Both forecasts have performed negatively to date, due solely to the very sharp and historically unprecedented counter-trend moves in the CHF over recent months. Excluding the USD/CHF pair, both have performed positively, but the quantitative forecast has performed a little better.

Adam Lemon

Adam Lemon began his role at DailyForex in 2013 when he was brought in as an in-house Chief Analyst. Adam trades Forex, stocks and other instruments in his own account. Adam believes that it is very possible for retail traders/investors to secure a positive return over time provided they limit their risks, follow trends, and persevere through short-term losing streaks – provided only reputable brokerages are used. He has previously worked within financial markets over a 12-year period, including 6 years with Merrill Lynch.