Traditional Markets

Stocks are mixed to negative today but the currency markets are in the throes of a strong US Dollar swing. 

This is primarily the result of the new direction in policy from the US Federal Reserve, which is planning to increase interest rates while the rest of the world largely sustains their very low rates.

We've discussed before how the Dollar may be reversing the trend but now we can see that it is at its highest level in almost a year.

On this chart, I've put a Fibonacci Retracement line. For those of you who are green on technical analysis, fib lines are used to predict the likelihood in nature of a specific price being reached, according to Fibonacci's patterns found in nature.

As we can see, we're now approaching the 50% level.

Metals Moving

The main mover lately has been gold and other precious metals which are currently dropping like it's hot.

As the Dollar get's stronger gold tends to get weaker as you can buy more ounces of gold with a single dollar.

The recent slide has brought us all the way back to the medium term trend line that we've been watching for the last year.

Of course, everyone draws their trendlines a bit differently, but for those that are bullish on the long-term prospects for precious metals, this might be a good time to start looking for an entry.

On the other hand, the hotter it gets, with the USD and other reasons, the more gold tends to melt.

Also watch out for the Bank of England today, which will deliver its decision (most likely not to raise rates) at noon in London. 

Though there will be no press conference following this decision, Governor Mark Carney will be speaking later tonight at the Mansion House Dinner.

Crypto Regulation

As we go forward, the role that governments play in cryptocurrencies is increasing at a rapid pace.

In response to hacks on Coinrail and bithumb, the government of South Korea has already released the details of a new bill to regulate crypto exchanges. 

Europol is also ramping up efforts to get a handle on the space and will be meeting this week with more than a dozen major crypto exchanges, discussing anti money laundering initiatives.

Here at eToro, we're doing our part as well. Yesterday, our very own Iqbal Gandham,UK Managing Director, addressed the Treasury Select Committee in London and did an amazing job representing the crypto industry. 

Iqbal is not only the managing director of eToro UK but he is also the Chairman of Crypto UK self-regulatory body and a huge advocate for the sensible regulation of cryptocurrencies. You can catch the recording here. 

The more clarity we see from global governments about how the space will be regulated the more people will feel free to invest and use cryptocurrencies regularly.

Let's have an awesome day ahead!