Chinese Lunar New Year This time its different

The biggest event of the year for China begins on February 12^th, the Chinese Lunar New Year. This year’s animal sign is the ox. This is a time when many workers receive seven days off, and therefore, millions of people travel to visit friends and relatives all over China. The New Year results in billions in spending and is a huge boost for national and local economies. In 2020, Chinese officials were trying to contain the early stages of the coronavirus and dissuading people from traveling. The government canceled many large-scale celebrations as Wuhan and surrounding areas were already on partial lockdown, though many were still able to travel.

This year will be different.

This year will be much more subdued. Once again, all largescale celebrations have been canceled and restrictions have been put in place to significantly reduce travel. Many factories are remaining open over the holiday, with some increasing pay to incentivize people not to travel. This will help reduce travel and therefore, help contain the spread of the coronavirus. In addition, it will help increase production, which had been resilient since the spring, however, has faltered as of late. January’s Manufacturing PMI had slowed in January from 51.9 in December to 51.3. Non-manufacturing PMI was only 52.4 in January vs 55.7 in December. One area this year’s Chinese New Year won’t help is retail sales. December’s retail sales were only 4.6% (YoY) vs 5.0% in November. The lack of travel over the holidays will only reduce these numbers further. In addition, both headline and core CPI for January (YoY) were -0.3%. Although keeping the factories open will help industrial metal prices remain strong, such as copper and iron ore, headline CPI may not fare well.

USD/CNH has been in an orderly down trending channel since May 2020 and put in a low on January 5^th at 6.4116. Price then bounced to the top of the channel and traded sideways, moving above the top trendline of the channel January 22^nd to a near-term high of 6.5150. On Wednesday, price retested the lows from January 5^th and bounced. Since February 5^th, price has been moving in a descending channel and bounced off the previous lows and out of the wedge. Bulls will be looking to buy pullbacks to the lows near 6.4116 and target a 100% retracement of the wedge, near 6.4878. Horizontal resistance above is at 6.4377. Above there is a confluence of resistance at the 50% retracement level from the January 27^th highs to recent lows, as well as horizontal resistance, near 6.4637. First support is back at Wednesdays lows near 6.4176, then the January 5^th lows near 6.4116. If price breaks lower from there, the next support level isn’t until 6.3825, which is support from June 2018.

Source: Tradingview, FOREX.com

Things will be different this year in China surrounding the Chinese New Year. However, one thing for certain is that volume will slow dramatically during Asian hours over the holiday. Be careful trading over the next week during the holidays, as there may be some sporadic moves on light volume as some traders try and take advantage of the illiquidity.

For those of you celebrating, Happy New Year!

Learn more about forex trading opportunities.

The information on this web site is not targeted at the general public of any particular country. It is not intended for distribution to residents in any country where such distribution or use would contravene any local law or regulatory requirement. The information and opinions in this report are for general information use only and are not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any currency or CFD contract. All opinions and information contained in this report are subject to change without notice. This report has been prepared without regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any particular recipient. Any references to historical price movements or levels is informational based on our analysis and we do not represent or warranty that any such movements or levels are likely to reoccur in the future. While the information contained herein was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, author does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness, nor does author assume any liability for any direct, indirect or consequential loss that may result from the reliance by any person upon any such information or opinions.

Futures, Options on Futures, Foreign Exchange and other leveraged products involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Losses can exceed your deposits. Increasing leverage increases risk. Spot Gold and Silver contracts are not subject to regulation under the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act. Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are not available for US residents. Before deciding to trade forex, commodity futures, or digital assets, you should carefully consider your financial objectives, level of experience and risk appetite. Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices or other information contained herein is intended as general information about the subject matter covered and is provided with the understanding that we do not provide any investment, legal, or tax advice. You should consult with appropriate counsel or other advisors on all investment, legal, or tax matters. References to FOREX.com or GAIN Capital refer to StoneX Group Inc. and its subsidiaries. Please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.

Please note that foreign exchange and other leveraged trading involves significant risk of loss. It is not suitable for all investors and you should make sure you understand the risks involved, seeking independent advice if necessary.

The products and services available to you at FOREX.com will depend on your location and on which of its regulated entities holds your account.

FOREX.com is a trading name of GAIN Global Markets Inc. which is authorized and regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority under the Securities Investment Business Law of the Cayman Islands (as revised) with License number 25033.

FOREX.com may, from time to time, offer payment processing services with respect to card deposits through StoneX Financial Ltd, Moor House First Floor, 120 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5ET.

GAIN Global Markets Inc. has its principal place of business at 30 Independence Blvd, Suite 300 (3rd floor), Warren, NJ 07059, USA., and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of StoneX Group Inc.