FX Midday Briefing — Thu 22 Oct 2026: USD/ZAR Gains 0.94% as US Session Kicks Off
MarketsFN FX Desk
Mid-session update on Thursday 22 October 2026: with the US session underway, G10 and emerging FX markets are showing 5 pairs bid and 13 offered against the Dollar. The session's leading movers are USD/ZAR (+0.94%), AUD/JPY (-0.77%), USD/PLN (+0.61%). Cross-asset flows from US equity and bond markets are increasingly influencing FX positioning as European traders hand off to their New York counterparts.
This midday snapshot includes updated intraday pivot levels, the full day's economic calendar with actual releases for morning data, and fresh candlestick charts for all 19 pairs. Afternoon risk events — if any remain on the calendar — are flagged in the calendar section below.
All pivot levels (R1 R2 R3 / S1 S2 S3) are computed from yesterday's full-session OHLC via the standard floor-pivot formula. Charts cover 65 daily bars with SMA20, SMA50 and Bollinger Bands (20,2).
Today's Economic Calendar
| Time (UTC) | Event | CCY | Previous | Forecast | Actual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:30 | ● SNB Monetary Policy Assessment | CHF | — | — | — |
| 10:50 | ● BoE Gov Bailey Speaks | GBP | — | — | — |
| 11:00 | ● One-Week Repo Rate (Oct) | TRY | 37.00% | 36.00% | 36.00% |
| 12:30 | ● Continuing Jobless Claims | USD | 1,703K | 1,720K | 1,728K |
| 12:30 | ● Initial Jobless Claims | USD | 200K | 200K | 194K |
| 12:30 | ● RMPI (MoM) (Sep) | CAD | 3.3% | 3.1% | 4.8% |
| 13:00 | ● New Housing Price Index (MoM) (Sep) | CAD | -0.1% | -0.1% | -0.2% |
| 14:00 | ● US Leading Index (MoM) (Sep) | USD | -0.1% | -0.1% | — |
| 20:30 | ● Fed's Balance Sheet | USD | 6,756B | — | — |
| 23:30 | ● National Core CPI (YoY) (Sep) | JPY | 1.7% | 2.1% | — |
| 23:30 | ● National CPI (MoM) (Sep) | JPY | 0.1% | — | — |
Major Pairs
EUR/USD
1.1202 ▼0.25% Day H 1.1256 / L 1.1192 52W 1.1112–1.2082
| R3 | R2 | R1 | S1 | S2 | S3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1270 | 1.1255 | 1.1243 | 1.1216 | 1.1201 | 1.1189 |
With the US session now active, EUR/USD trades at 1.1202 (-0.25% vs. yesterday's close), just 0.81% above its 52-week floor at 1.1112. Today's intraday range of 1.1192–1.1256 (0.0063 pips) is above the average daily range. The intraday bias is neutral-to-bearish while price holds below the daily pivot at 1.1228.
Price is closest to S1 at 1.1216 — a decisive break below S1 (1.1216) exposes S2 (1.1201). The R1–S1 corridor (1.1243–1.1216) defines the equilibrium zone for the afternoon session; a sustained directional break will likely set the tone into tomorrow's Asian open.
For EUR/USD, the annual support remains the decisive level — bulls need a firm hold here to prevent a deeper pullback. The 52-week range of 1.1112–1.2082 places the pair at the 9th percentile annually. Key risk: any USD-moving headline into the NY close could extend the intraday range well beyond current pivot boundaries.
EUR/USDRangeboundBelow S1Near 52W Low
GBP/USD
1.3373 ▼0.14% Day H 1.3418 / L 1.3361 52W 1.3009–1.3868
| R3 | R2 | R1 | S1 | S2 | S3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.3447 | 1.3425 | 1.3408 | 1.3369 | 1.3347 | 1.3330 |
With the US session now active, GBP/USD trades at 1.3373 (-0.14% vs. yesterday's close), at the 42th percentile of its 1.3009–1.3868 52-week range. Today's intraday range of 1.3361–1.3418 (0.0058 pips) is above the average daily range. The intraday bias is neutral-to-bearish while price holds below the daily pivot at 1.3386.
Price is closest to S1 at 1.3369 — a decisive break below S1 (1.3369) exposes S2 (1.3347). The R1–S1 corridor (1.3408–1.3369) defines the equilibrium zone for the afternoon session; a sustained directional break will likely set the tone into tomorrow's Asian open.
For GBP/USD, price is in the lower half of its annual range, keeping the path of least resistance lower. The 52-week range of 1.3009–1.3868 places the pair at the 42th percentile annually. Key risk: any USD-moving headline into the NY close could extend the intraday range well beyond current pivot boundaries.
GBP/USDRangebound
USD/JPY
157.24 ▼0.56% Day H 158.25 / L 156.69 52W 152.04–163.98
| R3 | R2 | R1 | S1 | S2 | S3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 158.95 | 158.67 | 158.40 | 157.84 | 157.56 | 157.29 |
With the US session now active, USD/JPY trades at 157.24 (-0.56% vs. yesterday's close), at the 43th percentile of its 152.04–163.98 52-week range. Today's intraday range of 156.69–158.25 (1.56 pips) is above the average daily range. The intraday bias is neutral-to-bearish while price holds below the daily pivot at 158.11.
Price is closest to S1 at 157.84 — a decisive break below S1 (157.84) exposes S2 (157.56). The R1–S1 corridor (158.40–157.84) defines the equilibrium zone for the afternoon session; a sustained directional break will likely set the tone into tomorrow's Asian open.
For USD/JPY, price is in the lower half of its annual range, keeping the path of least resistance lower. The 52-week range of 152.04–163.98 places the pair at the 43th percentile annually. Key risk: any USD-moving headline into the NY close could extend the intraday range well beyond current pivot boundaries.
USD/JPYBearishBelow S1
USD/CHF
0.8211 ▼0.36% Day H 0.8246 / L 0.8191 52W 0.7602–0.8395
| R3 | R2 | R1 | S1 | S2 | S3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.8285 | 0.8274 | 0.8257 | 0.8230 | 0.8218 | 0.8202 |
With the US session now active, USD/CHF trades at 0.8211 (-0.36% vs. yesterday's close), at the 77th percentile of its 0.7602–0.8395 52-week range. Today's intraday range of 0.8191–0.8246 (0.0055 pips) is above the average daily range. The intraday bias is neutral-to-bearish while price holds below the daily pivot at 0.8246.
Price is closest to S1 at 0.8230 — a decisive break below S1 (0.8230) exposes S2 (0.8218). The R1–S1 corridor (0.8257–0.8230) defines the equilibrium zone for the afternoon session; a sustained directional break will likely set the tone into tomorrow's Asian open.
For USD/CHF, intraday momentum is constructive; the upper half of the annual range favours dip-buyers. The 52-week range of 0.7602–0.8395 places the pair at the 77th percentile annually. Key risk: any USD-moving headline into the NY close could extend the intraday range well beyond current pivot boundaries.
USD/CHFBearishBelow S1
AUD/USD
0.7007 ▼0.28% Day H 0.7036 / L 0.6993 52W 0.6421–0.7277
| R3 | R2 | R1 | S1 | S2 | S3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.7087 | 0.7061 | 0.7044 | 0.7001 | 0.6976 | 0.6959 |
With the US session now active, AUD/USD trades at 0.7007 (-0.28% vs. yesterday's close), at the 68th percentile of its 0.6421–0.7277 52-week range. Today's intraday range of 0.6993–0.7036 (0.0043 pips) is above the average daily range. The intraday bias is neutral-to-bearish while price holds below the daily pivot at 0.7018.
Price is closest to S1 at 0.7001 — a decisive break below S1 (0.7001) exposes S2 (0.6976). The R1–S1 corridor (0.7044–0.7001) defines the equilibrium zone for the afternoon session; a sustained directional break will likely set the tone into tomorrow's Asian open.
For AUD/USD, intraday momentum is constructive; the upper half of the annual range favours dip-buyers. The 52-week range of 0.6421–0.7277 places the pair at the 68th percentile annually. Key risk: any USD-moving headline into the NY close could extend the intraday range well beyond current pivot boundaries.
AUD/USDRangebound
NZD/USD
0.5689 ▼0.16% Day H 0.5709 / L 0.5680 52W 0.5564–0.6092
| R3 | R2 | R1 | S1 | S2 | S3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5744 | 0.5724 | 0.5711 | 0.5678 | 0.5658 | 0.5645 |
With the US session now active, NZD/USD trades at 0.5689 (-0.16% vs. yesterday's close), at the 24th percentile of its 0.5564–0.6092 52-week range. Today's intraday range of 0.5680–0.5709 (0.0030 pips) is above the average daily range. The intraday bias is neutral-to-bearish while price holds below the daily pivot at 0.5691.
Price is closest to S1 at 0.5678 — a decisive break below S1 (0.5678) exposes S2 (0.5658). The R1–S1 corridor (0.5711–0.5678) defines the equilibrium zone for the afternoon session; a sustained directional break will likely set the tone into tomorrow's Asian open.
For NZD/USD, price is in the lower half of its annual range, keeping the path of least resistance lower. The 52-week range of 0.5564–0.6092 places the pair at the 24th percentile annually. Key risk: any USD-moving headline into the NY close could extend the intraday range well beyond current pivot boundaries.
NZD/USDRangebound
USD/CAD
1.4022 ▼0.16% Day H 1.4049 / L 1.4013 52W 1.3480–1.4299
| R3 | R2 | R1 | S1 | S2 | S3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4115 | 1.4098 | 1.4071 | 1.4028 | 1.4011 | 1.3984 |
With the US session now active, USD/CAD trades at 1.4022 (-0.16% vs. yesterday's close), at the 66th percentile of its 1.3480–1.4299 52-week range. Today's intraday range of 1.4013–1.4049 (0.0036 pips) is above the average daily range. The intraday bias is neutral-to-bearish while price holds below the daily pivot at 1.4054.
Price is closest to S1 at 1.4028 — a decisive break below S1 (1.4028) exposes S2 (1.4011). The R1–S1 corridor (1.4071–1.4028) defines the equilibrium zone for the afternoon session; a sustained directional break will likely set the tone into tomorrow's Asian open.
For USD/CAD, intraday momentum is constructive; the upper half of the annual range favours dip-buyers. The 52-week range of 1.3480–1.4299 places the pair at the 66th percentile annually. Key risk: any USD-moving headline into the NY close could extend the intraday range well beyond current pivot boundaries.
USD/CADRangeboundBelow S1
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EUR/GBP
0.8374 ▼0.12% Day H 0.8394 / L 0.8371 52W 0.8371–0.8865
| R3 | R2 | R1 | S1 | S2 | S3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.8426 | 0.8412 | 0.8398 | 0.8370 | 0.8357 | 0.8343 |
With the US session now active, EUR/GBP trades at 0.8374 (-0.12% vs. yesterday's close), just 0.04% above its 52-week floor at 0.8371. Today's intraday range of 0.8371–0.8394 (0.0023 pips) is above the average daily range. The intraday bias is neutral-to-bearish while price holds below the daily pivot at 0.8385.
Price is closest to S1 at 0.8370 — a decisive break below S1 (0.8370) exposes S2 (0.8357). The R1–S1 corridor (0.8398–0.8370) defines the equilibrium zone for the afternoon session; a sustained directional break will likely set the tone into tomorrow's Asian open.
For EUR/GBP, the annual support remains the decisive level — bulls need a firm hold here to prevent a deeper pullback. The 52-week range of 0.8371–0.8865 places the pair at the 1th percentile annually. Key risk: any USD-moving headline into the NY close could extend the intraday range well beyond current pivot boundaries.
EUR/GBPRangeboundNear 52W Low
EUR/JPY
176.70 ▼0.49% Day H 177.75 / L 176.35 52W 175.70–187.94
| R3 | R2 | R1 | S1 | S2 | S3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 178.39 | 178.11 | 177.84 | 177.29 | 177.00 | 176.73 |
With the US session now active, EUR/JPY trades at 176.70 (-0.49% vs. yesterday's close), just 0.57% above its 52-week floor at 175.70. Today's intraday range of 176.35–177.75 (1.40 pips) is above the average daily range. The intraday bias is neutral-to-bearish while price holds below the daily pivot at 177.56.
Price is closest to S1 at 177.29 — a decisive break below S1 (177.29) exposes S2 (177.00). The R1–S1 corridor (177.84–177.29) defines the equilibrium zone for the afternoon session; a sustained directional break will likely set the tone into tomorrow's Asian open.
For EUR/JPY, the annual support remains the decisive level — bulls need a firm hold here to prevent a deeper pullback. The 52-week range of 175.70–187.94 places the pair at the 8th percentile annually. Key risk: any USD-moving headline into the NY close could extend the intraday range well beyond current pivot boundaries.
EUR/JPYBearishBelow S1Near 52W Low
GBP/JPY
210.65 ▼0.53% Day H 211.97 / L 210.26 52W 199.06–219.60
| R3 | R2 | R1 | S1 | S2 | S3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 212.66 | 212.32 | 212.04 | 211.43 | 211.08 | 210.81 |
With the US session now active, GBP/JPY trades at 210.65 (-0.53% vs. yesterday's close), at the 56th percentile of its 199.06–219.60 52-week range. Today's intraday range of 210.26–211.97 (1.72 pips) is above the average daily range. The intraday bias is neutral-to-bearish while price holds below the daily pivot at 211.70.
Price is closest to S1 at 211.43 — a decisive break below S1 (211.43) exposes S2 (211.08). The R1–S1 corridor (212.04–211.43) defines the equilibrium zone for the afternoon session; a sustained directional break will likely set the tone into tomorrow's Asian open.
For GBP/JPY, intraday momentum is constructive; the upper half of the annual range favours dip-buyers. The 52-week range of 199.06–219.60 places the pair at the 56th percentile annually. Key risk: any USD-moving headline into the NY close could extend the intraday range well beyond current pivot boundaries.
GBP/JPYBearishBelow S1
AUD/JPY
110.27 ▼0.77% Day H 111.30 / L 109.95 52W 98.82–114.95
| R3 | R2 | R1 | S1 | S2 | S3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 112.09 | 111.68 | 111.40 | 110.71 | 110.29 | 110.02 |
With the US session now active, AUD/JPY trades at 110.27 (-0.77% vs. yesterday's close), at the 71th percentile of its 98.82–114.95 52-week range. Today's intraday range of 109.95–111.30 (1.36 pips) is above the average daily range. The intraday bias is neutral-to-bearish while price holds below the daily pivot at 110.98.
Price is closest to S1 at 110.71 — a decisive break below S1 (110.71) exposes S2 (110.29). The R1–S1 corridor (111.40–110.71) defines the equilibrium zone for the afternoon session; a sustained directional break will likely set the tone into tomorrow's Asian open.
For AUD/JPY, intraday momentum is constructive; the upper half of the annual range favours dip-buyers. The 52-week range of 98.82–114.95 places the pair at the 71th percentile annually. Key risk: any USD-moving headline into the NY close could extend the intraday range well beyond current pivot boundaries.
AUD/JPYBearishBelow S1
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USD/NOK
9.344 ▼0.10% Day H 9.373 / L 9.332 52W 9.144–10.297
| R3 | R2 | R1 | S1 | S2 | S3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.453 | 9.432 | 9.392 | 9.332 | 9.310 | 9.271 |
With the US session now active, USD/NOK trades at 9.344 (-0.10% vs. yesterday's close), at the 17th percentile of its 9.144–10.297 52-week range. Today's intraday range of 9.332–9.373 (0.041 pips) is above the average daily range. The intraday bias is neutral-to-bearish while price holds below the daily pivot at 9.371.
Price is closest to S1 at 9.332 — a decisive break below S1 (9.332) exposes S2 (9.310). The R1–S1 corridor (9.392–9.332) defines the equilibrium zone for the afternoon session; a sustained directional break will likely set the tone into tomorrow's Asian open.
For USD/NOK, price is in the lower half of its annual range, keeping the path of least resistance lower. The 52-week range of 9.144–10.297 places the pair at the 17th percentile annually. Key risk: any USD-moving headline into the NY close could extend the intraday range well beyond current pivot boundaries.
USD/NOKRangebound
USD/SEK
9.888 ▲0.06% Day H 9.897 / L 9.866 52W 8.737–10.105
| R3 | R2 | R1 | S1 | S2 | S3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.968 | 9.942 | 9.912 | 9.857 | 9.831 | 9.801 |
With the US session now active, USD/SEK trades at 9.888 (+0.06% vs. yesterday's close), at the 84th percentile of its 8.737–10.105 52-week range. Today's intraday range of 9.866–9.897 (0.031 pips) is above the average daily range. The intraday bias tilts bullish with price above the daily pivot at 9.886.
Price is closest to R1 at 9.912 — a decisive break above R1 (9.912) opens R2 (9.942). The R1–S1 corridor (9.912–9.857) defines the equilibrium zone for the afternoon session; a sustained directional break will likely set the tone into tomorrow's Asian open.
For USD/SEK, intraday momentum is constructive; the upper half of the annual range favours dip-buyers. The 52-week range of 8.737–10.105 places the pair at the 84th percentile annually. Key risk: any USD-moving headline into the NY close could extend the intraday range well beyond current pivot boundaries.
USD/SEKRangebound
EUR/NOK
10.506 ▼0.08% Day H 10.537 / L 10.480 52W 10.480–12.012
| R3 | R2 | R1 | S1 | S2 | S3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10.619 | 10.593 | 10.554 | 10.489 | 10.463 | 10.424 |
With the US session now active, EUR/NOK trades at 10.506 (-0.08% vs. yesterday's close), just 0.25% above its 52-week floor at 10.480. Today's intraday range of 10.480–10.537 (0.057 pips) is above the average daily range. The intraday bias is neutral-to-bearish while price holds below the daily pivot at 10.528.
Price is closest to S1 at 10.489 — a decisive break below S1 (10.489) exposes S2 (10.463). The R1–S1 corridor (10.554–10.489) defines the equilibrium zone for the afternoon session; a sustained directional break will likely set the tone into tomorrow's Asian open.
For EUR/NOK, the annual support remains the decisive level — bulls need a firm hold here to prevent a deeper pullback. The 52-week range of 10.480–12.012 places the pair at the 2th percentile annually. Key risk: any USD-moving headline into the NY close could extend the intraday range well beyond current pivot boundaries.
EUR/NOKRangeboundNear 52W Low
NOK/SEK
1.0577 ▲0.31% Day H 1.0582 / L 1.0477 52W 0.9064–1.0582
| R3 | R2 | R1 | S1 | S2 | S3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0716 | 1.0644 | 1.0594 | 1.0473 | 1.0401 | 1.0351 |
With the US session now active, NOK/SEK trades at 1.0577 (+0.31% vs. yesterday's close), just 0.05% below its 52-week high of 1.0582. Today's intraday range of 1.0477–1.0582 (0.0105 pips) is above the average daily range. The intraday bias tilts bullish with price above the daily pivot at 1.0523.
Price is closest to R1 at 1.0594 — a decisive break above R1 (1.0594) opens R2 (1.0644). The R1–S1 corridor (1.0594–1.0473) defines the equilibrium zone for the afternoon session; a sustained directional break will likely set the tone into tomorrow's Asian open.
For NOK/SEK, upside momentum is intact; the 52W high is the key target on a sustained break above R2. The 52-week range of 0.9064–1.0582 places the pair at the 100th percentile annually. Key risk: any USD-moving headline into the NY close could extend the intraday range well beyond current pivot boundaries.
NOK/SEKBullishNear 52W High
Exotic Pairs
USD/MXN
18.746 ▲0.40% Day H 18.856 / L 18.633 52W 16.855–18.856
| R3 | R2 | R1 | S1 | S2 | S3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19.137 | 18.931 | 18.801 | 18.466 | 18.261 | 18.131 |
With the US session now active, USD/MXN trades at 18.746 (+0.40% vs. yesterday's close), just 0.59% below its 52-week high of 18.856. Today's intraday range of 18.633–18.856 (0.223 pips) is above the average daily range. The intraday bias tilts bullish with price above the daily pivot at 18.596.
Price is closest to R1 at 18.801 — a decisive break above R1 (18.801) opens R2 (18.931). The R1–S1 corridor (18.801–18.466) defines the equilibrium zone for the afternoon session; a sustained directional break will likely set the tone into tomorrow's Asian open.
For USD/MXN, upside momentum is intact; the 52W high is the key target on a sustained break above R2. The 52-week range of 16.855–18.856 places the pair at the 94th percentile annually. Key risk: any USD-moving headline into the NY close could extend the intraday range well beyond current pivot boundaries.
USD/MXNBullishNear 52W High
USD/ZAR
16.52 ▲0.94% Day H 16.54 / L 16.36 52W 15.64–17.57
| R3 | R2 | R1 | S1 | S2 | S3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16.52 | 16.47 | 16.42 | 16.32 | 16.27 | 16.22 |
With the US session now active, USD/ZAR trades at 16.52 (+0.94% vs. yesterday's close), at the 45th percentile of its 15.64–17.57 52-week range. Today's intraday range of 16.36–16.54 (0.19 pips) is above the average daily range. The intraday bias tilts bullish with price above the daily pivot at 16.37.
Price is closest to R1 at 16.42 — a decisive break above R1 (16.42) opens R2 (16.47). The R1–S1 corridor (16.42–16.32) defines the equilibrium zone for the afternoon session; a sustained directional break will likely set the tone into tomorrow's Asian open.
For USD/ZAR, price is in the lower half of its annual range, keeping the path of least resistance lower. The 52-week range of 15.64–17.57 places the pair at the 45th percentile annually. Key risk: any USD-moving headline into the NY close could extend the intraday range well beyond current pivot boundaries.
USD/ZARBullishAbove R1
USD/PLN
3.9000 ▲0.61% Day H 3.9044 / L 3.8707 52W 3.4750–3.9350
| R3 | R2 | R1 | S1 | S2 | S3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.9076 | 3.9005 | 3.8884 | 3.8692 | 3.8621 | 3.8500 |
With the US session now active, USD/PLN trades at 3.9000 (+0.61% vs. yesterday's close), just 0.90% below its 52-week high of 3.9350. Today's intraday range of 3.8707–3.9044 (0.0337 pips) is above the average daily range. The intraday bias tilts bullish with price above the daily pivot at 3.8813.
Price is closest to R1 at 3.8884 — a decisive break above R1 (3.8884) opens R2 (3.9005). The R1–S1 corridor (3.8884–3.8692) defines the equilibrium zone for the afternoon session; a sustained directional break will likely set the tone into tomorrow's Asian open.
For USD/PLN, upside momentum is intact; the 52W high is the key target on a sustained break above R2. The 52-week range of 3.4750–3.9350 places the pair at the 92th percentile annually. Key risk: any USD-moving headline into the NY close could extend the intraday range well beyond current pivot boundaries.
USD/PLNBullishAbove R1Near 52W High
Informational purposes only — not investment advice. Pivot levels computed from yesterday's session OHLC via standard floor-pivot formula. Prices sourced from MetaTrader 5 as of Thursday 22 October 2026 midday (15:30 CET). Past performance is not indicative of future results.
