EUR/USD

The euro and other counterdollar currencies rallied during the first half of Tuesday, on what appears to be profit taking in the first short sales since Friday. The ZEW economic sentiment index in Germany jumped from 59.3 to 71.5 in August against expectations of 58.0 points. The index was higher only in February 2004 (72.9). But this indicator, and especially at this time, has a strong psychological component; it is compiled on the basis of surveys of business representatives who, as always, expect an improvement in their prospects. This was confirmed by the index of current economic conditions ZEW, which showed a drop in the index from -80.9 to -81.3, and against the forecast of growth to -68.8.

The dollar went on the offensive in the afternoon and as a result the euro closed the day at the opening price. The situation has not changed for the euro on the technical side, the price is heading towards its 1.1620 target. The Marlin oscillator is even closer to the border of the negative trend territory. Its introduction will ease the euro's fall.

Yesterday's growth stopped by the target level of 1.1806 on the four-hour chart. The level has confirmed its strength, now the price can have no doubts about choosing a direction. The first target is 1.1620.