empty
 
 
20.01.2026 08:35 AM
Intraday strategies for beginner traders on January 20

The dollar was again subject to another sharp sell-off, for objective reasons.

Talks that Europe may start selling US stocks and bonds in response to Trump's renewed trade war led to a sharp decline in the dollar and a strengthening of risk assets, including the euro and the British pound. Traders, frightened by the prospect of escalation, began to dispose of dollar assets and to seek safer havens in European currencies. Many experts forecast further volatility, stressing that the outcome of this potential new trade war is unpredictable.

European politicians have already indicated they are considering tariffs on US goods worth €93 billion in response to the threat of new duties. Some experts believe Europe will be forced to take a tough stance to protect its economic interests.

As for data, this morning Germany's producer price index, the German ZEW economic sentiment index, and the euro-area ZEW sentiment index are expected. These indicators will be important gauges of the European economy's health and will allow an assessment of its resilience amid global challenges.

The German producer price index, in particular, will provide insight into inflationary trends and pressures on businesses. A higher-than-expected print could signal rising inflation. The German ZEW economic sentiment index is a leading indicator of economic activity: positive sentiment can signal forthcoming growth, while negative sentiment points to a risk of slowing. Similarly, the euro-area ZEW sentiment index will help assess the overall business climate in the region. Together, today's releases could have a meaningful impact on the euro's dynamics.

Regarding the pound, attention will focus on UK reports on changes in initial jobless claims and the unemployment rate. A fall in unemployment will indicate a strong labour market and could push the pound higher. At the same time, average earnings data will also be released, an important factor for assessing inflationary pressure. Wage growth outpacing productivity growth could lead to higher prices and inflationary pressure, adding impetus to the Bank of England.

If the data match economists' expectations, it is better to act using a Mean Reversion strategy. If the data are much higher or lower than economists' expectations, it is best to use a Momentum strategy.

Momentum strategy (on breakout):

For EURUSD

  • Buying on a breakout of 1.1676 may push the euro toward 1.1697 and 1.1717;
  • Selling on a breakout of 1.1655 may send the euro down to 1.1640 and 1.1614;

For GBPUSD

  • Buying on a breakout of 1.3453 may push the pound toward 1.3475 and 1.3499;
  • Selling on a breakout of 1.3436 may send the pound down to 1.3410 and 1.3382;

For USDJPY

  • Buying on a breakout of 158.28 may drive the dollar toward 158.53 and 158.81;
  • Selling on a breakout of 157.93 may trigger dollar sell?offs toward 157.69 and 157.40;

Mean Reversion strategy (on return):

This image is no longer relevant

For EURUSD

  • I will look for short positions after a failed move above 1.1682 on the return back below that level;
  • I will look for long positions after a failed move above 1.1642 on the return to that level;

This image is no longer relevant

For GBPUSD

  • I will look for shorts after a failed move above 1.3458 on the return back below that level;
  • I will look for longs after a failed move above 1.3419 on the return to that level;

This image is no longer relevant

For AUDUSD

  • I will look for shorts after a failed move above 0.6754 on the return back below that level;
  • I will look for longs after a failed move above 0.6713 on the return to that level;

This image is no longer relevant

For USDCAD

  • I will look for shorts after a failed move above 1.3870 on the return back below that level;
  • I will look for longs after a failed move above 1.3832 on the return to that level.
Miroslaw Bawulski,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2026
Summary
Urgency
Analytic
Maxim Magdalinin
Start trade
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • Chancy Deposit
    Deposit your account with $3,000 and get $10000 more!
    In January we raffle $10000 within the Chancy Deposit campaign!
    Get a chance to win by depositing $3,000 to a trading account. Having fulfilled this condition, you become a campaign participant.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • Trade Wise, Win Device
    Top up your account with at least $500, sign up for the contest, and get a chance to win mobile devices.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • 30% Bonus
    Receive a 30% bonus every time you top up your account
    GET BONUS

Recommended Stories

Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback