Forecasting Forex Futures Based on Equities

To predict the potential movement in a currency, forex traders look for trends and economic outlooks. Forecasting forex is possible using equity markets instead of economic reports, gross domestic product (GDP), or trade relations. For currency traders, equity markets provide hundreds of reports every day from thousands of firms worldwide.

Fundamental Issues with Forecasting Forex

Ultimately, a currency fluctuates based on supply and demand factors. Generally, a currency’s value will increase about other currencies when investors demand it more. During times of excess supply, the opposite occurs.

Currency fluctuations every day are caused by a variety of factors that influence the fundamental principle. Many of these factors are beyond the scope of this article. We will focus on how equity markets can give us insight into foreign exchange markets.

An international game

In terms of size, the foreign exchange market is the largest of all securities markets. To understand equities in the context of forex markets, you must consider them globally. Companies with international operations and multiple currencies to deal with are the best candidates.

A great example is Walmart, the largest retailer in the world, which deals with foreign exchange issues. It is also worth mentioning Coca-Cola. The best corporate glimpse into forex markets comes from these global consumer stocks that transact with customers around the world.

Forex traders can also benefit from commodities markets. Take crude oil as an example of a global commodity. The global oil price is denominated in U.S. dollars. A decline in the value of the U.S. dollar, for instance, can cause the price of oil to spike. Consequently, oil prices must rise to match the price other foreign countries pay in their home currencies. Compared to other commodities, oil offers the most insight into foreign exchange markets compared to sugar, corn, and wheat.

Forex markets can also be affected by major equity markets in another way. When there is a weak currency in a particular country, exporters benefit. Exports abroad are cheaper when your domestic currency is weak. Exporters benefit from that since it fuels their growth and profits. In times of growth in earnings, equity markets tend to perform well. Among the major global currencies backed by equity markets are the U.S. dollar, the yen, the euro, and the British pound.

Looking Forward

Since foreign exchange markets are dynamic and fluctuate quickly, most industries serve as indicators for the direction of forex markets. Currency movements are not apparent until a company reports its earnings.

Forex plays a major role. Often, the company’s results will differ significantly from analysts’ estimates when forex has had a significant impact on results. Investors should examine management’s comments regarding currency fluctuations in the future. Look for any indications that a company will adopt hedging strategies in the future.

Differentiating between hard assets and soft assets is pointless. The importance of an asset lies in its necessity. Clothing and jewelry are less useful than food, gasoline, and medicine. Food companies like Kraft, which sell worldwide, are more useful than luxury stores like Nordstrom.

The government’s involvement

In forex markets, it is reasonable to assume that global financial institutions have a significant role to play. The central banks facilitate forex markets in the sense that they provide liquidity, but government policy influences the value of the material they use most commonly money.

Sadly, stocks aren’t a good leading indicator. Money’s value is determined by its supply and demand, which is generally determined by government policy changes like interest rates. It would not be wise to use equities as a leading indicator when governments can influence markets at will.

A prudent way of predicting currency direction is not to rely solely on equities. Interest rates, monetary policy, and government balance sheets all have a significant impact on forex markets.

Taking a global view of forecasting forex

Over the years, one major pattern has emerged. Global businesses are increasingly focusing their growth efforts outside of the United States. Developing and emerging markets have the highest growth rates. Globally, most companies have devoted significant resources to growing in developing and emerging countries.

Dollar weakness has coincided with growth from abroad. Generally, strong currencies support strong economies over time, although it is not a guarantee. Foreign exchange markets are subject to short-term fluctuations, which investors should understand.

An indebted nation or one that is required to continue issuing currency will have negative long-term effects on its currency. There is no guarantee that a strong economy reflects a strong currency, of course. 

Investing in areas where there is strong economic growth is often a sign of the health of a company. A strong economy usually leads to a greater demand for the currency. Additionally, a strong economy often suggests a solid government balance sheet that supports currency prices.

In summary

There is a great deal of complexity and dynamic in forex markets. Forecasting future forex directions based on one data point, such as equities, can be limiting. Investing in equities can provide useful indicators, but they may not be sufficient to provide an accurate picture. There are many tools supplied on Telegram.forex that can help you identify the best possible trades and ultimately limit financial risk. Set up an account today.