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Japanese Yen Strengthens

Japanese Yen Strengthens as Traders Anticipate BoJ Rate Hike

Japanese Yen Strengthens as Traders Anticipate BoJ Rate Hike

The Japanese Yen (JPY) continues to gain momentum for the second consecutive day as Bank of Japan (BoJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda’s hawkish comments stand in stark contrast to the dovish tone of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

In a speech to Parliament on Friday, Governor Ueda suggested that the BoJ might consider further interest rate hikes if economic conditions align with their projections. July’s National Consumer Price Index (CPI) data remained at its highest level since February, further supporting the BoJ’s hawkish outlook.

Meanwhile, the US Dollar (USD) is weakening due to increasing expectations of a rate cut in September. During the Jackson Hole Symposium, Fed Chair Powell remarked, “The time has come for policy to adjust,” though he did not specify the timing or scale of the potential cuts.

Market participants are now widely anticipating a 25 basis point (bps) rate cut from the Federal Reserve in September. The CME FedWatch Tool shows that markets are fully pricing in at least this amount.

Daily Market Movers: Japanese Yen Rises on BoJ Ueda’s Hawkish Comments

Bloomberg reported that Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker emphasized the need for a gradual reduction in US interest rates. Reuters added that Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee noted that monetary policy is currently at its most restrictive level, with the Fed now focusing on achieving its employment mandate.

Governor Ueda, speaking before the Japanese parliament on Friday, clarified that the BoJ is “not considering selling long-term Japanese government bonds (JGBs) as a tool for adjusting interest rates.” He added that any reduction in JGB purchases would only account for about 7-8% of the balance sheet, which is a relatively small decrease. Ueda further mentioned that if the economy meets their projections, there could be a phase where interest rates might be adjusted slightly higher.

Japan’s National CPI rose by 2.8% year-on-year in July, maintaining this rate for the third consecutive month and remaining at its highest level since February. Additionally, the National CPI excluding Fresh Food increased by 2.7%, the highest reading since February, in line with expectations.

In the US, the Composite PMI edged down slightly to 54.1 in August from 54.3 in July, a four-month low but still above market expectations of 53.5. This indicates continued growth in US business activity, marking 19 consecutive months of expansion.

The FOMC minutes from July’s policy meeting revealed that most Fed officials were in agreement that a rate cut is likely at the September meeting, provided that inflation continues to cool.

Technical Analysis: USD/JPY Drops Near 144.00

USD/JPY traded around 143.90 on Friday, with the daily chart indicating the pair is positioned below a downtrend line, suggesting a bearish outlook. However, the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) remains slightly above 30, indicating that the bearish trend might persist.

On the downside, the USD/JPY pair may approach the seven-month low of 141.69, recorded on August 5. A break below this level could drive the pair toward the throwback support level at 140.25.

In terms of resistance, the USD/JPY pair may test the immediate barrier at the downtrend line around the psychological level of 145.00, followed by the nine-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at the 145.74 level. A breakthrough above the nine-day EMA could lead the pair to explore the region around the throwback-turned-resistance at the 154.50 level.

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Gold Price Holds Below $2,500 as Traders

Gold Price Holds Below $2,500 as Traders Await Powell’s Speech

Gold Price Holds Below $2,500 as Traders Await Powell’s Speech

Gold (XAU/USD) is seeing some dip-buying on the last trading day of the week, partially recovering from Thursday’s over 1% drop to a weekly low. The US Dollar (USD) is struggling to build on its overnight rebound from the year-to-date low, due to expectations of lower interest rates in the US. This dovish outlook has triggered a decline in US Treasury bond yields, putting pressure on the Greenback. Additionally, ongoing geopolitical risks are providing support to the safe-haven appeal of gold.

However, traders remain cautious and are avoiding significant bullish positions ahead of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at the Jackson Hole Symposium later today. This hesitation is keeping gold prices below the key psychological level of $2,500 as the European session approaches. Powell’s remarks will be closely analyzed for indications regarding the Fed’s potential rate-cut path, which will significantly impact near-term USD price movements and offer new directional momentum for gold.

Daily Market Movers: Gold Traders on Standby for Powell’s Speech

On Thursday, the US Dollar staged a solid recovery from its 2024 low, buoyed by rebounding US Treasury bond yields, which drew investors away from gold. However, the USD’s recovery lacked sustained momentum due to market speculation that the Federal Reserve might begin a rate-cutting cycle in September, limiting losses for XAU/USD.

On the economic data front, the US Department of Labor reported that initial jobless claims rose to a seasonally adjusted 232,000 for the week ending August 17, up from the previous 228,000. This followed an annual benchmark review revealing that US employers added 818,000 fewer jobs than initially reported for the year through March.

Minutes from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on July 30-31 showed an increasing number of policymakers supporting a rate cut next month due to progress in reducing inflation. The S&P Global flash PMI indicated that US manufacturing activity contracted at its fastest pace this year, although the services sector saw a surprise increase. The composite PMI showed continued healthy expansion in US private sector business activity, with selling price inflation nearing pre-pandemic levels.

Comments from regional Fed officials reflect a cautious stance on rate cuts. Kansas City Fed President Jeffrey Schmid emphasized the need for more data to support a rate reduction, while Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker indicated openness to a September cut, contingent on economic data. Boston Fed President Susan Collins also suggested that a rate cut would soon be appropriate as inflation data stabilizes.

Market attention is now focused on Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s upcoming speech, which will be pivotal in signaling the future trajectory of interest rates and influencing gold’s direction.

Technical Analysis: Gold’s Setup Suggests Potential for Further Gains

From a technical perspective, gold’s recent decline found support near the $2,370 horizontal resistance-turned-support level, which now serves as a crucial pivot point. A decisive break below this level could trigger technical selling, pushing gold prices towards the next support area around $2,345-$2,343. Further downside could extend towards the 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA), currently positioned just above the $2,400 mark.

Conversely, if gold can regain momentum above the $2,500 level, it will face initial resistance around the $2,513-$2,514 region. Clearing this hurdle could open the door to testing the all-time high near $2,531-$2,532, potentially reigniting bullish momentum and extending gold’s recent uptrend.

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US Dollar Faces Continued Pressure as Market Focus

US Dollar Faces Continued Pressure as Market Focus Shifts to PMI Data

US Dollar Faces Continued Pressure as Market Focus Shifts to PMI Data

After a brief recovery earlier in the day on Wednesday, the US Dollar Index reversed course during the American session, marking its fourth consecutive day of losses. As of Thursday’s European trading hours, all eyes are on the preliminary August PMI data from Germany and the Eurozone, provided by HCOB, alongside the S&P Global/CIPS PMI figures. Later in the day, the US economic calendar will feature weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Existing Home Sales, and S&P Global PMI data.

On Wednesday, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a preliminary estimate indicating a benchmark revision for March 2024’s total Nonfarm employment, with a downward adjustment of -818,000 (-0.5%). Additionally, minutes from the Federal Reserve’s July 30-31 policy meeting revealed that a significant majority of policymakers felt that, should the incoming data align with expectations, easing policy at the next meeting would likely be appropriate. The USD Index is currently trading just above 101.20, down over 1% since the start of the week. Meanwhile, US stock futures are slightly lower, and the 10-year US Treasury bond yield remains near the lower end of its weekly range, around 3.8%.

In Asian trading, data from Australia showed the Judo Bank Composite PMI rose to 51.4 in August’s preliminary reading, up from 49.9 in July. However, this improvement failed to significantly impact AUD/USD, which continues to trade sideways around 0.6750.

EUR/USD surpassed 1.1170 on Wednesday, reaching its highest level since July 2023 before entering a consolidation phase early Thursday. The pair is currently steady at around 1.1150.

GBP/USD maintained its bullish momentum on Wednesday, climbing above 1.3100 for the first time in over a year. The pair remains just below this level as of Thursday morning in Europe.

USD/JPY was unable to capitalize on the USD’s broader weakness, closing flat on Thursday. The pair continues to trade sideways around 145.50 at the start of the European session.

Gold, which had corrected from its record high of $2,531 set on Tuesday, stabilized above $2,500 late Wednesday. XAU/USD remains relatively quiet, trading near $2,510 early Thursday.

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How Responsible is the Polish Central Bank

How Responsible is the Polish Central Bank? – Commerzbank Analysis

How Responsible is the Polish Central Bank? – Commerzbank Analysis

The Polish zloty weakened against the euro and other CE3 currencies yesterday after Poland’s Constitutional Court issued a controversial ruling. The court declared that NBP governor Adam Glapinski could not be held accountable by a parliamentary committee, the State Tribunal, or through any report by such bodies, citing constitutional guarantees of central bank independence. This argument has been used by the previous ruling party (PiS) from the outset of this dispute, notes Commerzbank’s FX Analyst Tatha Ghose.

Zloty Weakens Against the Euro

“We believe this argument lacks merit and doubt that parliament will consider the Constitutional Court’s ruling as binding. Poland’s Constitutional Court has been compromised since the rule of law disputes with the EU and lacks legitimacy. Other key courts are also dominated by right-wing PiS affiliates. The accusations from both sides are driven by ideology rather than good faith.”

“On balance, it seems clear that Glapinski’s ’emergency’ rate cuts just before the elections, coupled with his refusal to cut rates further after an opposing political party took over, were politically motivated. The NBP cannot now claim ‘central bank independence’ after failing to uphold its constitutional duty to remain apolitical.”

“The new KO government will likely proceed with the planned Sejm procedures despite the court’s ruling, pushing for Glapinski’s suspension. Glapinski, in turn, will likely use the ruling to resist interrogation. This standoff is expected to continue in parliament for the next year without a clear resolution. As a result, monetary policy is likely to remain highly politicized and stagnant during this period.”

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EUR/USD Approaches YTD Highs Near

EUR/USD Approaches YTD Highs Near 1.1050 on Expectations of Fed Rate Cuts

EUR/USD Approaches YTD Highs Near 1.1050 on Expectations of Fed Rate Cuts

The EUR/USD pair climbed to year-to-date (YTD) highs, nearing 1.1040, during early European trading on Monday. This rise is supported by a broad weakening of the US Dollar (USD) amid increasing speculation that the Federal Reserve (Fed) might cut interest rates in September. Market participants are now keenly awaiting Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech on Friday for further insights into potential rate cuts.

On Sunday, San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly expressed greater confidence that inflation is under control, suggesting that it might be time to consider lowering borrowing costs from the current range of 5.25% to 5.5%. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee also cautioned that the US central bank should avoid maintaining restrictive policies longer than necessary. These dovish remarks from Fed officials have added selling pressure on the Greenback and provided a boost to EUR/USD.

Currently, investors are pricing in a roughly 70% chance of a quarter-point Fed rate cut in September, with some expecting a more substantial half-point cut. Morningstar’s chief US economist, Preston Caldwell, noted that the latest CPI report further supports the case for aggressive Fed rate cuts starting in September, with an initial 25 basis point cut projected to bring the Fed Funds rate down to 5.00-5.25%.

Meanwhile, the Euro (EUR) remains resilient as markets anticipate a gradual reduction in interest rates by the European Central Bank (ECB). At the latest press conference, ECB President Christine Lagarde emphasized a cautious, data-dependent approach, stating that policymakers are “not pre-committing to a particular rate path” and will make decisions on a meeting-by-meeting basis.

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Japanese Yen Strengthens

Japanese Yen Strengthens Amid Hawkish BoJ Sentiment; US Data in Focus

Japanese Yen Strengthens Amid Hawkish BoJ Sentiment; US Data in Focus

The Japanese Yen (JPY) rebounded against the US Dollar (USD) on Friday, likely bolstered by Japan’s strong second-quarter GDP growth, which fuels speculation about a potential interest rate hike from the Bank of Japan (BoJ).

However, the Yen may face headwinds due to political uncertainty in Japan, triggered by reports suggesting that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will not seek re-election as party leader in September, potentially ending his term as prime minister.

The USD/JPY pair is trending lower as the US Dollar weakens, pressured by declining Treasury yields. Moreover, traders are fully pricing in a 25 basis point rate cut by the US Federal Reserve for September, according to the CME FedWatch tool.

Despite this, the Greenback found some support from recent positive US economic data, which has eased recession fears. Upcoming data, including the preliminary US Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index for August and July’s Building Permits, will be closely watched during the North American session.

Market Highlights: Japanese Yen Rises on Hawkish BoJ Outlook

On Thursday, the US Census Bureau reported a 1.0% month-over-month increase in US Retail Sales for July, reversing June’s 0.2% decline and exceeding the expected 0.3% rise. Additionally, Initial Jobless Claims for the week ending August 9 came in at 227,000, lower than the forecast of 235,000 and down from 234,000 the previous week.

Japanese Economy Minister Yoshitaka Shindo expressed optimism on Thursday, stating that Japan’s economy is expected to recover gradually as wages and incomes improve. He also mentioned that the government will work closely with the BoJ to implement flexible macroeconomic policies.

Japan’s GDP grew by 0.8% quarter-on-quarter in Q2, beating market expectations of 0.5% and rebounding from a 0.6% contraction in Q1. This marks the strongest quarterly growth since Q1 2023. On an annualized basis, GDP grew by 3.1%, surpassing the 2.1% market consensus and reversing a 2.3% contraction in Q1. This is the highest yearly growth since Q2 2023.

Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President Austan Goolsbee expressed concern on Wednesday about the labor market rather than inflation, noting recent improvements in price pressures alongside weak employment data. He added that the extent of rate cuts will depend on prevailing economic conditions, according to Bloomberg.

US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data showed a 2.9% year-over-year increase in July, slightly down from the 3% rise in June and below market expectations. The Core CPI, excluding food and energy, rose by 3.2% year-over-year, a slight decrease from June’s 3.3% increase, in line with market forecasts.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on Wednesday that he will not seek re-election as the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in September. Kishida highlighted the need to address Japan’s deflationary pressures by promoting wage and investment growth, with the goal of expanding Japan’s GDP to ¥600 trillion.

Rabobank’s senior FX strategist, Jane Foley, noted that this week’s series of US data releases, along with the upcoming Jackson Hole event, should offer more clarity on potential US policy actions. The primary expectation is for the Fed to cut rates by 25 basis points in September, with another potential cut by year-end.

Technical Analysis: USD/JPY Slips Toward 148.50; Immediate Support at Nine-Day EMA

The USD/JPY pair is trading around 148.80 on Friday. The daily chart indicates that the pair is above the nine-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), suggesting a short-term bullish trend. However, the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) remains below 50, and further gains would confirm a bullish momentum.

In terms of support levels, the USD/JPY pair may find immediate support at the nine-day EMA, around 148.09. A drop below this level could enhance the bearish outlook, potentially pushing the pair toward the seven-month low of 141.69, recorded on August 5. A continued decline could bring the pair closer to the next support level at 140.25.

On the upside, the USD/JPY pair could target the 50-day EMA at 153.08, with a possibility of testing the resistance level at 154.50, which has shifted from previous throwback support to current pullback resistance.

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Australian Dollar Declines as US Dollar Gains Strength

Australian Dollar Declines as US Dollar Gains Strength Ahead of CPI Inflation Data

Australian Dollar Declines as US Dollar Gains Strength Ahead of CPI Inflation Data

The Australian Dollar (AUD) has weakened against the US Dollar (USD) following an unexpected rate cut by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) on Wednesday. The RBNZ reduced its Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 25 basis points to 5.25% from 5.50%. Given the close economic ties between Australia and New Zealand, developments in one country can influence the other, impacting their respective currencies.

Despite this, the AUD found some support from recent data showing that Australian wage growth remained strong in the second quarter, leading the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to maintain a hawkish stance on its policy outlook. The RBA kept the cash rate steady at its meeting last week, aiming to return inflation to its 2-3% target range.

RBA Governor Michele Bullock ruled out the possibility of rate cuts within the next six months, emphasizing the bank’s cautious approach to inflation risks and its readiness to raise rates if necessary. Traders are now focused on the upcoming release of Consumer Inflation Expectations and Employment data from Australia on Thursday.

The AUD/USD pair saw support as the US Dollar retreated following weaker-than-expected Producer Price Index (PPI) data from the United States (US) released on Tuesday. Investors are now looking ahead to the US CPI inflation report on Wednesday, which could provide insights into the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate strategy.

Market Movers: Potential for Australian Dollar Appreciation Amid RBA’s Hawkish Stance

On Tuesday, Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic expressed increased confidence in the Fed’s ability to achieve its 2% inflation target, though he noted that more evidence is needed before supporting a rate reduction, according to Reuters.

The US Core Producer Price Index (PPI) rose by 2.4% year-on-year in July, down from the previous 3.0%, and below the expected 2.7%. The overall PPI increased by 2.2% YoY in July, compared to 2.7% in June, missing the market forecast of 2.3%. Month-over-month, PPI rose by 0.1% after a 0.2% increase in June.

In Australia, Westpac Consumer Confidence rose by 2.8% in August, reversing a 1.1% decline in July. Meanwhile, the Wage Price Index saw a 0.8% rise in the second quarter, slightly below the expected 0.9% increase.

RBA Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser attributed persistent inflation to weaker supply and a tight labor market, noting the significant uncertainty surrounding economic forecasts.

However, the AUD’s upside could be limited by safe-haven flows due to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. On Sunday, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant informed US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin of Iran’s military activities, which suggest preparations for a significant strike on Israel, according to Axios writer Barak Ravid.

Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman also stated on Sunday that she sees ongoing inflation risks and labor market strength, indicating that the Fed may not be ready to cut rates at their next meeting in September, according to Bloomberg.

Westpac recently revised its RBA forecast, now predicting the first rate cut in February 2025, delayed from the previously expected November 2024. They also adjusted their terminal rate forecast to 3.35% from 3.10%, reflecting the RBA’s cautious approach, requiring stronger evidence before considering rate cuts.

Technical Analysis: Australian Dollar Trades Near 0.6650

The Australian Dollar is trading around 0.6640 on Wednesday. Technical analysis of the daily chart shows that the AUD/USD pair is moving within an ascending channel, indicating a strengthening bullish trend. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) has also moved above the 50 level, confirming the bullish momentum.

On the upside, the AUD/USD pair may test the upper boundary of the ascending channel at the 0.6675 level. A breakout above this level could propel the pair toward its six-month high of 0.6798, achieved on July 11.

In terms of support, the AUD/USD pair could test the nine-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at 0.6587, followed by the lower boundary of the ascending channel and the throwback level at 0.6575. A drop below this level could lead to a bearish outlook, potentially pushing the pair toward the throwback level at 0.6470.

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The Dow futures remained unchanged, but Zoom witnessed a notable 17.1% drop

The Dow futures remained unchanged, but Zoom witnessed a notable 17.1% drop

During Monday’s evening trading, U.S. stock futures experienced minimal movement, remaining within a narrow range, following moderate gains in major benchmark averages. Investors were focused on upcoming quarterly earnings reports scheduled for the week. By 7:15 pm ET (11:15 pm GMT), Dow Jones Futures, S&P 500 Futures, and Nasdaq 100 Futures were all trading flat.

In after-hours trading, ZoomInfo Technologies Inc (NASDAQ: ZI) saw a significant dip of 17.1% after reporting its Q2 earnings. The company’s earnings per share (EPS) came in at $0.26, slightly higher than the expected $0.23, while its revenues reached $308.6 million, slightly below the anticipated $310.94 million.

Similarly, Yum China Holdings Inc (NYSE: YUMC) experienced a decline of 2.8% following its Q2 earnings release. The company reported an EPS of $0.47, slightly surpassing the expected $0.46, but its revenues were $2.65 billion, falling short of the projected $2.72 billion.

Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) also faced a significant drop of 13.7% after reporting Q2 earnings. The company’s EPS was $0.12, missing the expected $0.13, and its revenues were $156 million, lower than the expected $167.52 million.

In contrast, Arista Networks (NYSE: ANET) witnessed a substantial increase of 14% following its Q2 earnings announcement. The company reported an EPS of $1.58, surpassing the expected $1.44, and its revenues were $1.46 billion, higher than the expected $1.38 billion.

Looking ahead to Tuesday’s trading session, market participants will closely monitor the release of Markit and ISM manufacturing PMIs and JOLTs job openings data. Additionally, several prominent companies, including Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE), Advanced Micro Devices Inc (NASDAQ: AMD), Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ: SBUX), and Uber Technologies Inc (NYSE: UBER), will be reporting their quarterly earnings.

During Monday’s regular trading hours, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 100.2 points or 0.3% to reach 35,559.5. The S&P 500 also gained 6.7 points or 0.2%, reaching 4,589, and the NASDAQ Composite rose by 29.4 points or 0.2% to reach 14,346.

On the bond markets, the United States 10-Year rates were at 3.965%. Investors will keep a close eye on economic data and corporate earnings to gauge the market’s direction in the upcoming trading sessions.

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US Dollar Stabilizes After Recent Losses

U.S. Stocks Rise as Market Awaits Fed Decision

U.S. Stocks Rise as Market Awaits Fed Decision

On Tuesday, the U.S. stock market experienced a positive swing, with investors closely watching earnings reports and eagerly anticipating the outcome of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average, one of the key indices in the stock market, ended the day with a marginal increase of 0.1 percent, settling at 35,437.93 points. This marked the twelfth straight day of gains for the index. Meanwhile, the broader S&P 500 Index rose by 0.3 percent to reach 4,567.54, and the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite Index saw an increase of 0.6 percent, closing at 14,144.56.

Several companies released their earnings reports, which resulted in a mixed response on Wall Street. Shares of General Electric, Sherwin-Williams, and 3M saw substantial increases following their respective earnings announcements. Conversely, despite raising its full-year guidance, General Motors experienced a drop in share value.

In other corporate news, shipping giant UPS saw its shares dip by 1.9 percent after it reached a tentative five-year contract agreement with the Teamsters union. The agreement helped avert a potentially devastating nationwide strike. However, despite avoiding a disruptive strike, Steve Sosnick from Interactive Brokers suggested that UPS’s costs would likely increase as a result of the agreement.

Investors also kept a close eye on Alphabet, Google’s parent company, and Microsoft, both due to release their earnings reports after the market closed. The anticipation surrounding these tech giants’ earnings reports added an extra layer of suspense to the day’s trading activities on Wall Street.

However, the main focus for investors remained the impending decision by the U.S. central bank on interest rates. The decision is due at the end of a two-day policy meeting on Wednesday. The central bank is widely expected to raise interest rates for the eleventh consecutive time. Market participants are keen to glean any signs of further increases beyond this.

According to Peter Cardillo of Spartan Capital, the market is already factoring in a hike of 25 basis points. He further speculated that there might be indications that the central bank is nearing the end of its monetary tightening cycle.

In global economic news, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) slightly upgraded its outlook for global growth this year on Tuesday. This provided a glimmer of hope amid the prevailing economic uncertainties.

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Optimism in Asian Stock Markets as Fed, ECB, and BoJ Meetings Loom; China’s Performance Lags Despite Stimulus Hopes

Optimism in Asian Stock Markets as Fed, ECB, and BoJ Meetings Loom; China’s Performance Lags Despite Stimulus Hopes

Asian stock markets experienced a mixed start to the week, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 emerging as the top performer, soaring by nearly 1.5% fueled by robust quarterly earnings from major automotive manufacturers. The overall Japanese market sentiment also received a boost from expectations that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) would maintain its ultra-dovish stance during the forthcoming two-day policy meeting set to conclude on Friday.

In contrast, Chinese stocks struggled to keep pace with their regional counterparts due to mounting concerns over a real estate sector debt crunch and fears of a slowdown in economic growth. The Hang Seng in Hong Kong experienced a significant drop of over 1%, ranking among the weakest performers on the first trading day of the week. However, there are hopes that China will implement additional stimulus measures to mitigate potential losses.

In line with these expectations, China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) revealed new measures aimed at encouraging and supporting private investments in specific infrastructure sectors. The NDRC also pledged to provide enhanced financial backing for private projects, although the exact details are yet to be disclosed. Despite these efforts, the market sentiment remained cautious and failed to see a substantial lift.

Investors across the region appeared to be exercising caution and adopting a wait-and-see approach ahead of key central bank events scheduled for the week. The Federal Reserve (Fed) is set to announce its monetary policy decision on Wednesday following a two-day meeting, and a 25 basis points interest rate hike is widely anticipated. However, there are doubts among market participants regarding the extent of the Fed’s commitment to a more dovish policy stance.

Attention will be closely focused on the accompanying policy statement and the post-meeting press conference, where Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks could provide valuable insights into the central bank’s future plans. Subsequently, the European Central Bank (ECB) meeting on Thursday and the Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) policy update on Friday will be key events to watch.

Meanwhile, traders on Monday were keenly awaiting the release of flash PMI prints from the Euro Zone, the UK, and the US, hoping for valuable cues to drive market momentum.

Overall, the Asian stock markets are facing a delicate balancing act, with some countries experiencing positive economic indicators and strong corporate earnings, while others grapple with uncertainties and the need for further stimulus measures. Investors are treading cautiously, recognizing the potential impact that central bank decisions and economic data releases can have on the regional and global financial landscape. As the week unfolds, market participants will closely analyze every development to make informed decisions in this dynamic and ever-changing market environment.

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GBP/USD Drops Below 1.2500 on Dovish BoE Outlook and Trump Tariff Moves

Asian markets mixed as Japan reports weak trade data

Asian markets mixed as Japan reports weak trade data

Asian markets exhibited a varied performance in response to Japan’s disclosure of disappointing trade data for June. The revelation of a nearly 13% decline in imports from the previous year resulted in an unexpected trade surplus for Japan, primarily attributed to the reduction in oil prices. This news had a mixed impact across Asian markets, with share prices rising in Sydney and Hong Kong, but declining in Shanghai, Tokyo, and Seoul. In addition, U.S. futures experienced a slight dip, while oil prices remained relatively stable.

While Asian markets showed divergence, Wall Street continued its bullish trend as positive profit reports from major U.S. companies bolstered investor confidence. However, gains on the Nasdaq were somewhat tempered due to weaker-than-anticipated results from streaming giant Netflix and electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla, triggering caution among Asian investors.

In the U.S., the S&P 500 rose by 0.2%, reaching its highest level in over 15 months, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a gain of 0.3%. One of the standout performers was Elevance Health, which reported robust profits and revenue for the spring, surpassing analysts’ expectations. Similarly, U.S. Bancorp, M&T Bank, and Goldman Sachs posted positive results, contributing to the overall market upswing.

In the commodities market, wheat prices experienced a sharp surge following Russia’s attacks on critical port infrastructure in Ukraine, resulting in the destruction of 60,000 tons of grain. The sudden spike in wheat prices was driven by concerns over potential disruptions to grain exports from Ukraine, raising global food security apprehensions.

As the earnings reporting season gains momentum, analysts are projecting a third consecutive quarter of weaker earnings per share for S&P 500 companies. However, the relatively low expectations provide companies with an opportunity to outperform and surprise the market positively.

In the currency market, the U.S. dollar depreciated slightly against the Japanese yen, while the euro displayed a marginal increase against the dollar. These currency movements reflect ongoing fluctuations in foreign exchange markets, influenced by various economic indicators and geopolitical developments.

Amidst these market dynamics, investors remain vigilant of further trade data releases and earnings reports, which have the potential to significantly influence market sentiment and impact future performance in the Asian markets. Market participants will carefully assess economic indicators and corporate results to gain insights into the trajectory of the global economy and the investment landscape. As uncertainties persist in the aftermath of the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, investors seek to navigate an ever-changing and complex market environment, making informed decisions to manage risks and identify potential opportunities.

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Asian Stock Traders Tread Cautiously Ahead of US Retail Sales Data

Asian Stock Traders Tread Cautiously Ahead of US Retail Sales Data

As Tuesday unfolded, Asian stock traders navigated the markets with caution, displaying a predominantly negative sentiment across the region. One prevailing concern on their minds was China’s economic outlook, which cast shadows of uncertainty on the trading floors. Adding to their apprehension was the imminent release of crucial U.S. data, especially the highly anticipated Retail Sales and Industrial Production figures for June. The impending data release fueled a sense of cautious anticipation, as the market eagerly awaited insights into the health of the world’s largest economy and its potential implications for global markets.

Despite the prevailing market sentiment, Japanese traders managed to defy the regional trend, with their return from a holiday marking a slight upswing in the NIKKEI index, which gained 0.23%. However, other parts of Asia did not share in this mild success. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index experienced a significant decline of 1.85%, while China’s Shanghai Composite Index slipped marginally by 0.06%. South Korea’s KOSPI index also followed the downward trend, losing 0.5%, further adding to the cautious atmosphere.

Interestingly, amid the cautious sentiment, the Bank of Japan (BoJ) took a counterintuitive stance by maintaining its easy-money policy. This decision surprised many, as market participants had anticipated a potential departure from ultra-low interest rates and a toning down of its Yield Curve Control (YCC) policy. However, the BoJ’s steadfastness underscored its commitment to supporting the Japanese economy amid the prevailing global economic challenges.

Geopolitical developments also grabbed the attention of investors. U.S. Climate Envoy John Kerry’s optimistic remarks about future cooperation with China during a dialogue with China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, were closely monitored. Any shifts in U.S.-China relations could significantly influence market dynamics and risk sentiment, making this a crucial factor for traders to watch closely in the days ahead.

Additionally, the latest economic indicators from China added to the market’s unease. The disclosure of an annual GDP growth rate of 6.3% fell short of the projected 7.3% and was lower than the previous figure of 4.5%. Despite this, year-on-year Industrial Production showed a more positive side, rising to 4.4% from the previous 3.5%, surpassing the consensus estimate of 2.7%. These mixed economic signals from China further contributed to the cautious mood on the trading floors.

As the trading week progressed, market players eagerly awaited upcoming data releases that could influence the market’s direction. Among these are Japan’s Trade Balance and National Core CPI YoY, which may provide insights into the health of the Japanese economy. However, the most significant event on their radar was the release of U.S. Retail Sales data for June, expected to increase by 0.5% compared to the previous month’s 0.3%. This data release could have substantial implications for USD dynamics and possibly hint at the trajectory of the ongoing rate hike cycle. Consequently, traders kept a close eye on the performance of assets like Gold, equities, and AUDUSD, which could be significantly influenced by these developments in the global financial markets.

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Market Optimism Rises as Asian Shares Rally and Dollar Slumps on Fed’s Potential End to Rate Hikes

Market Optimism Rises as Asian Shares Rally and Dollar Slumps on Fed’s Potential End to Rate Hikes

On Thursday, Asian shares and bonds enjoyed a rally, while the dollar faced significant losses. This shift in the market sentiment was fueled by lower-than-expected U.S. inflation figures, leading to the belief that the Federal Reserve may be nearing the end of its tightening cycle post-pandemic. In contrast, European stocks had a cautious start, with EUROSTOXX 50 futures holding steady, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures showed minimal movement.

Despite China reporting disappointing trade data, indicating a higher-than-anticipated decline in both exports and imports last month, Asian investors maintained their optimism. They wagered that this setback would prompt further stimulus measures. The MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan surged by 1.8%, with Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index soaring 2.6% and Australia’s resource-heavy shares gaining 1.7%. Japan’s Nikkei also experienced a rise of 1.5%.

Chinese tech giants listed in Hong Kong witnessed a 3.5% rally after Premier Li Qiang encouraged their support in bolstering the slowing economy. This move adds to indications that the sector’s years-long crackdown has come to an end.

The latest U.S. consumer inflation report delivered more positive news than expected. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed a year-on-year increase of 3% in June, falling slightly short of the anticipated 3.1% gain. This figure is significantly lower than last year’s 9.1% for the same period. Furthermore, core inflation, which had concerned the Fed, displayed a sharper deceleration than anticipated.

However, futures still suggest a 94% probability of a quarter-point hike from the Fed later this month. Yet, the likelihood of an additional hike in September has decreased to 13.2%, down from the previous day’s 22.3%. Futures now indicate an earlier first rate cut in March next year and anticipate a total of 125 basis points in cuts by 2024.

Following last week’s sell-off, bonds rebounded, resulting in a decline in global yields. The U.S. dollar reached a new 15-month low, easing pressure on emerging market currencies and granting Asian policymakers greater flexibility to implement monetary policy adjustments.

Meanwhile, the euro reached a new 15-month high, and the Japanese yen strengthened against the dollar. Oil prices remained close to two-month highs, and gold prices remained stable.

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European Stock Futures Show Slight Increase; U.S. CPI Identified as Crucial Factor

European Stock Futures Show Slight Increase; U.S. CPI Identified as Crucial Factor

A slight uptick in European stock futures has been observed, with the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report playing a crucial role in the trend. As of 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT), Germany’s DAX futures contract traded 0.4% higher, while France’s CAC 40 futures saw an increase of 0.4%. The FTSE 100 futures contract in the U.K., however, remained largely unchanged.

The positivity is believed to stem from the strong close on Wall Street, where the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained over 300 points, or 0.9%. Investors are hopeful that the upcoming U.S. inflation report for June may influence the Federal Reserve to conclude its interest rate hikes earlier than anticipated.

Federal policymakers are expected to raise interest rates during their next meeting later this month, following a pause last month. However, investors are keenly awaiting the monthly consumer inflation report for insights into potential additional hikes. The headline annual figure for June is projected to have risen by 3.1%, down from May’s 4% rise. Meanwhile, the core rate is predicted to have dropped for a third consecutive month to 5%, from 5.3%.

Concerns about aggressive measures to curb inflation potentially leading to a recession in the world’s largest economy have been a significant factor impacting global markets.

In Europe, German inflation rose 6.4% annually in June, halting a steady decline since the beginning of the year. In contrast, Spanish inflation is expected to rise 1.9% year-on-year in June, falling short of the European Central Bank’s 2% target. This suggests that the central bank should contemplate concluding its rate-hiking cycle.

Oil prices have stabilized due to predictions of increased demand offsetting rising U.S. crude stockpiles. Major oil producers, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, have announced additional output cuts for August. A weakening U.S. dollar, which is suspected to be a result of the Federal Reserve nearing the end of its rate-hiking cycle, supports the oil market.

However, data from the American Petroleum Institute showed an unexpected growth of over 2 million barrels in U.S. crude stockpiles in the week leading up to July 7. Official numbers from the Energy Information Administration are yet to be released.

Gold futures rose 0.4% to $1,944.60/oz, and the EUR/USD exchange rate increased slightly, trading 0.2% higher at 1.1031.

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Crude Oil Climbed Whether Russia’s Oil Imports Will Be Banned by the EU

Crude Oil Climbed Whether Russia’s Oil Imports Will Be Banned by the EU

Crude oil closed yesterday at 9080, up 2.06%, as traders awaited news on whether the European Union would agree to an embargo on Russian oil imports. On Monday and Tuesday, the EU will gather to consider the sixth package of sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow refers to as a “special military operation.”

When the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, including Russia, meet on Thursday, they are expected to reject Western efforts to accelerate output increases, underscoring market tightness. They will maintain to their existing plans to increase output by 432,000 barrels per day in July. Russia slightly increased oil production to 10.17 million barrels per day (bpd) between May 1 and 29, according to the TASS news agency, although output is still over 1 million bpd lower than when the West placed sanctions on Moscow. After some clients postponed or denied Russian barrels owing to sanctions, production from the world’s third-largest producer after the United States and Saudi Arabia fell by almost 10% to 10.05 million bpd in April from February. On May 1-29, TASS reported that output had been marginally restored to 10.17 million bpd.

Technically, the market is seeing fresh buying, with open interest up 9.13 percent to settle at 11055, while prices are up 183 rupees. Crude oil is now getting support at 8987, with a move below seeing prices test 8894 levels, and resistance is now likely to be seen at 9131, with a move above seeing prices test 9182 levels.

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Dollar falls, Gold prices rise in range-bound trade

Dollar falls, Gold prices rise in range-bound trade

Gold prices rose in turbulent trading on Monday, bolstered by a weaker dollar, which boosted greenback-priced metal, though gains were limited as some investors shifted to riskier Asian assets. As of 0152 GMT, spot gold was up 0.2 percent at $1,856.86 per ounce. Gold futures in the United States rose 0.1 percent to $1,859.40.

“We may find that gold will remain nailed to its tight range around $1,850 unless a new catalyst arrives,” City Index senior market analyst Matt Simpson said. “With the 3-day holiday in the US, which means lower liquidity than usual, and a lack of top-tier data until Wednesday, we may find that gold will remain nailed to its tight range around $1,850 unless a new catalyst arrives.”

For the Memorial Day holiday in the United States, federal government offices, stock and bond markets, and the Federal Reserve will be closed on Monday. Despite a mainly positive performance since hitting a more than three-month low of $1,786.60 per ounce on May 16, gold prices are on track for their first monthly drop since March 2021, down roughly 2.4 percent so far.

“Gold’s underperformance has been attributed in part to investors rushing to cash as equities markets dropped, as well as Chinese lockdowns. June is traditionally a bad month for gold, but that trend looks to have been shifted forward by one month “Simpson said. Investors bet on a pause in US monetary tightening, despite big hikes in June and July, as Asian equities followed Wall Street higher and the dollar remained at five-week lows.

For buyers holding other currencies, a weakened dollar makes bullion more appealing. The potential cost of storing non-yielding bullion rises when short-term interest rates in the United States rise. Spot silver increased by 0.1 percent to $22.13 per ounce, platinum increased by 0.1 percent to $954.51, and palladium increased by 0.8 percent to $2,079.39 per ounce.

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Gold prices are declining as the Fed maintains its aggressive policy stance

Gold prices are declining as the Fed maintains its aggressive policy stance

On Thursday, gold prices fell, with some investors profiting after minutes from a US Federal Reserve policy meeting revealed that the central bank was likely to maintain its interest-rate hikes. The price of spot gold fell 0.1 percent to $1,851.57 per ounce. Gold futures in the United States rose 0.2 percent to $1,849.8. According to Brian Lan, managing director of dealer Gold Silver Central, the Fed’s resolve to hiking rates has influenced gold a little, with some profits being taken as the news sinks in, and prices could drop to $1,820 or so.

On Wednesday, gold recovered some of its losses caused by the dollar’s rise as minutes from the Fed’s May meeting suggested the central bank would not become more aggressive, instead raising interest rates by 50 basis points in June and July to combat inflation. In the long run, however, investors who are aware that a recession is on the horizon are looking for a high-value asset that can help them get through this period, and gold will shine, according to Lan.

The opportunity cost of owning bullion, which returns nothing, rises as short-term interest rates and bond yields rise in the United States. During financial crises, however, gold is seen as a safe-haven asset. The Fed’s decision to add two more half-percentage-point raises and then wait to see how they affect the economy was good for gold, but the market’s reaction has been disappointing, according to Michael McCarthy, chief strategy officer at Tiger Brokers in Australia.

The world’s largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, SPDR Gold Trust, reported a 0.2 percent increase in holdings to 1,069.81 tones on Wednesday, up from 1,068.07 tones the day before. Spot silver rose 0.1 percent to $21.99 per ounce, while platinum rose 0.2 percent and palladium rose 0.5 percent to $2,015.72 per ounce.

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Global oil prices have risen again as EU negotiates with Hungary

Global oil prices have risen again as EU negotiates with Hungary

Oil prices increased on Thursday, extending a cautious advance this week on signals of constrained supply, as the European Union (EU) negotiates with Hungary over plans to prohibit imports from Russia, the world’s second-largest crude supplier, following its invasion of Ukraine. At 0142 GMT, Brent crude futures for July settlement were up 7 cents, or 0.1 percent, to $114.10 per barrel. WTI crude futures for July delivery in the United States rose 22 cents, or 0.2 percent, to $110.55 a barrel.

“An EU embargo on Russian oil imports is the key upward driver,” Commonwealth Bank commodities analyst. On Wednesday, European Council President Charles Michel expressed confidence that a deal may be struck before the council’s next meeting on May 30. However, Hungary continues to be a stumbling barrier to the EU penalties that require unanimous agreement. Hungary is requesting 750 million Euros ($800 million) to improve its refineries and expand a pipeline from Croatia, allowing it to transition away from Russian oil.

Even without a formal ban, Russian oil is scarce on the market as buyers and traders avoid interacting with the country’s crude and fuel providers. Cargoes from Baltic ports are taking lengthier routes to Asian refineries, according to ANZ analysts, while exports to the Netherlands and France have all but ceased. The Permian Basin’s expected growth in oil output to a record high of 5.2 million barrels per day (bpd) is unlikely to close the 2 million to 3 million bpd gap left by lost Russian supply analyst said. Nonetheless, rigorous COVID-19 lockdowns have curbed this week’s increase in oil markets, raising concerns about falling gasoline demand in China, the world’s largest oil importer, and concerns about inflation slowing global economy.

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On the back of the Fed Minutes, sellers of XAU/USD are targeting $1,848

On the back of the Fed Minutes, sellers of XAU/USD are targeting $1,848

During Wednesday’s Asian session, the gold price (XAU/USD) posts its first daily loss in five days, dropping to an intraday low of roughly $1,860. The recent weakness of the metal could be linked to the US dollar’s recovery from a monthly low ahead of crucial data and events. However, the US Dollar Index (DXY) is up 0.21 percent after recovering from a four-week low to reclaim the 102.00 level. The market’s preparations for the US Durable Goods Orders for April, projected at 0.6 percent versus 1.1 percent previously, as well as the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Minutes, could be linked to the risk-negative reports from China and South Korea.

The shooting of three missiles by North Korea, as well as Japan’s displeasure with it, have added to the market’s nervousness ahead of today’s Fed Minutes, and appear to be weighing on the market’s optimism. The news regarding China’s COVID lockdowns and their detrimental effects on the world’s second-largest economy could be on the same line. “Beijing has kept its COVID quarantine in place for another month, while Shanghai authorities aim to keep most restrictions in place this month before releasing the two-month-old lockdown completely on June 1,” Bloomberg said.

While the S&P 500 Futures pare early-day gains at 3,955, up 0.40 percent intraday, the US 10-year Treasury yields remain protective around a one-month low, at 2.76 percent at press time. In contrast to the ECB’s hawkish statements, disappointing US housing statistics and repeated Fedspeak put downward pressure on US Treasury rates and the US Dollar on Tuesday. Gold prices are likely to face the brunt of the US dollar’s recovery in the future. However, any more bearish FOMC Minutes and/or negative US data will allow the precious metal to recover some of its recent losses.

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Gold prices fall as the dollar tries to recover

Gold prices fall as the dollar tries to recover

Gold prices fell marginally on Tuesday as the dollar recovered slightly after a recent dip, impacting on demand for greenback-priced gold. After reaching to its highest level since May 9 of $1,865.29 on Monday, spot gold dipped 0.2 percent to $1,850.40 per ounce at 0240 GMT. Gold futures in the United States were unchanged at $1,848.20. The safe-haven dollar recovered some of its losses from the previous day. Bullion becomes more expensive for foreign customers when the currency strengthens.

Bullion, which is seen as a safe haven during economic downturns, loses its appeal to investors when interest rates in the United States rise since it pays no interest. “Gold remains oversold in my opinion, and the daily closing (on Monday) above the 200-day average is bullish,” Simpson said. The world’s largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, SPDR Gold Trust, reported a 0.44 percent increase in holdings to 1,068.07 tonnes on Monday, up from 1,063.43 tonnes on Friday.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note fell, reducing losses in zero-yield gold. Silver fell 0.3 percent to $21.71 per ounce, platinum fell 1.3 percent to $946.00, while palladium rose 0.1 percent to $1,994.50 per ounce. Due to weaker demand from the automotive industry throughout the Ukraine crisis and a gradual recovery of the chip business from a shortfall, Russia’s Nornickel cut its projection for the global palladium market deficit in 2022.

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Oil rises as traders consider a tight fuel market and poor global growth

Oil rises as traders consider a tight fuel market and poor global growth

Investors evaluated tight product markets against concerns about slowing global growth as oil prices increased at the start of the week. Following four weeks of advances, West Texas Intermediate rose beyond $111 a barrel, the longest such run since February. Prices of gasoline and diesel have risen to new highs ahead of the start of the US driving season, which starts in a week. Bullish oil bets have also been boosted by money managers.

Oil prices have risen this year as a result of increased demand and the worldwide consequences from Russia’s invasion. Energy price increases have led to high inflation, leading central banks to hike interest rates and raising market concerns that GDP could slow. At the same time, to combat Covid-19 outbreaks, China has implemented a series of crippling lockdowns, harming Asia’s greatest economy.

Oil markets are still in backwardation, which is a positive pattern in which short-term prices trade above longer-term ones. Brent’s prompt spread was $2.58 a barrel in backwardation, up from $2.13 a barrel a week ago. A weakening dollar may have given crude an extra boost, making the commodity cheaper for holders of foreign currencies. The dollar fell on Monday after falling 1.4 percent last week, the most since November 2020.

According to Bloomberg Intelligence, oil may have a ceiling of around $110 per barrel due to China’s falling demand and economic growth being hampered by Beijing’s efforts to eradicate Covid-19. Bloomberg Economics has lowered its China growth projection for the year to 2% from 5.7 percent.

The image in Asia’s largest economy is still bleak. Officials in Shanghai have laid out the criteria for classifying portions of the commercial centre as low-risk for Covid-19 as they prepare to terminate two-month quarantine, with no new cases detected outside of confinement. However, Beijing recorded a record number of cases, reviving fears that the capital may be shut down.

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EUR/USD Price Forecast

EUR/USD Price Forecast: Consolidating Below 1.0500 Amid Multi-Week High

The EUR/USD currency pair is having a hard time continuing its recent winning streak, trading in a tight range just below the 1.0500 psychological mark during the Asian session on Monday. In spite of the consolidation, the pair is still close to its three-week high of Friday, buoyed by a weaker US Dollar (USD).

Technically, the pair‘s location above the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level of the November-January bear run, combined with upbeat oscillators on the daily chart, indicates that the bullish momentum is still intact. This leaves room for a potential rally towards the 1.0545-1.0555 resistance area, which coincides with the 50% Fibonacci retracement level and the 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA).

A successful breach above this crucial barrier may set the stage for additional gains, with EUR/USD potentially challenging the 1.0600 level. A break above this level may propel the pair towards the December 2024 swing high of 1.0630, close to the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level. Further bullish momentum may continue to drive the rebound from its more than two-year low in January.

To the contrary, however, the 38.2% Fibonacci level of 1.0465 acts as an instant support level. A resolute breach through this area can drive selling momentum faster, pulling the pair towards the 1.0400 round number and down further into the mid-1.0300s (23.6% Fibonacci level). Failure to hold these levels could shift the bias in favor of bearish traders, potentially exposing the 1.0200 handle.

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EUR/USD Eases Near

EUR/USD Eases Near 1.0300 Ahead of Lagarde’s Speech

The EUR/USD pair edges lower to approximately 1.0310 during the Asian session on Monday, weighed down by a stronger US Dollar (USD). Market participants are focused on the upcoming Eurozone Sentix Investor Confidence data for February and a speech by European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde later in the day.

On Friday, former US President Donald Trump announced plans to introduce reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries by Tuesday or Wednesday, though he did not specify which ones. This move has heightened concerns about a global trade war, fueling demand for the safe-haven USD.

“The immediate concern might not be inflation, as counter-effects like a demand slowdown could come into play. However, the bigger issue is uncertainty and the shift toward a more protectionist world,” said Charu Chanana, Chief Investment Strategist at Saxo.

Meanwhile, the Euro faces pressure from growing expectations of further ECB rate cuts amid sluggish economic growth. ECB Governing Council member Boris Vujcic stated that the market’s anticipation of three rate cuts this year is reasonable. However, he emphasized that greater clarity on monetary policy direction may not emerge until early in the second quarter.

Traders will keep a close eye on US trade policies, especially Trump’s repeated threats against Europe. JPMorgan economist Nora Szentivanyi noted that the objectives, timing, and tariff rates remain unclear. Nonetheless, the European Commission has stated it would retaliate firmly against any tariffs imposed by the US.

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EUR/USD Holds Below 1.0400 Ahead of Eurozone Retail Sales Data

EUR/USD Struggles Below 1.0400 Ahead of Eurozone Retail Sales Data

EUR/USD is trading lower around 1.0390 in the Asian session on Thursday, extending losses following a two-day recovery. Investors remain wary ahead of the release of Eurozone Retail Sales data later today.

Market predictions suggest that Eurozone retail sales scaled by 1.9% year on year in December, up from the previous 1.2% increase. However, the monthly number is expected to fall by 0.1%, erasing the 0.1% increase reported in November.

The euro remains under pressure as market sentiment points to further monetary easing by the European Central Bank (ECB). Policymakers feel optimistic that inflation will steadily return to the ECB’s 2% objective, lessening the need for additional tightening.

Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the dollar against six major currencies, has stabilized at 107.70, restricting EUR/USD’s upside potential. The dollar’s resiliency comes after a three-day losing skid, which puts pressure on the pair.

On Thursday, Federal Reserve Vice Chair Philip Jefferson reiterated his desire for keeping existing interest rates, underlining that the Fed’s policy remained restrictive despite the 100-basis-point drop. Meanwhile, San Francisco Federal Reserve President Mary Daly emphasized the central bank’s cautious attitude in the face of prolonged economic uncertainties.

The dollar weakened on Wednesday following a disappointing US Services PMI reading. The ISM Services PMI dropped to 52.8 in January from a revised 54.0 in December, falling short of the market consensus of 54.3. Looking ahead, traders are watching Friday’s US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report, which might influence the Federal Reserve’s next policy actions.

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EUR/USD Stuck in Range Near 1.0375-1.0380 as Bulls Struggle for Direction

EUR/USD Struggles for Clear Direction, Stays Range-Bound Near 1.0375-1.0380

The EUR/USD pair continues in consolidation mode, failing to build on its recent recovery from the 1.0200 region—the lowest level since January 13. After reaching a weekly high earlier on Wednesday, the pair is fluctuating within a narrow range around 1.0375-1.0380, showing little change for the day amid mixed market signals.

Tuesday’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) indicated a cooling U.S. labor market, reinforcing expectations of Federal Reserve (Fed) policy easing. Markets are now factoring in the likelihood of two rate cuts by the Fed this year. Risk-on sentiment also remains prevalent, but should continue to weigh on demand for the safe-haven USD, and thereby support EUR/USD.

Upside momentum, however remains constrained by issues on the introduction of U.S. tariffs over the goods to be imported in Europe under Trump’s administration, among others, and the ECB dovish direction which is being felt in restraining the Euro though HICP was reported higher to an annual rate of 2.5% in the last month, still, does not allow much upside in this pair.

Looking ahead, market participants will focus on the final Eurozone Services PMI release, while the U.S. economic calendar highlights the ADP private-sector employment report and the ISM Services PMI. Movements in the USD could also be influenced by key FOMC member speeches. Still, Friday’s NFP report will focus more attention on it as it will help deliver a better picture of the situation in the U.S. labor market and set the direction for future Fed policy.

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GBP/USD Holds Above 1.2400 as Markets Watch China Tariff Developments

GBP/USD Holds Above 1.2400 as Markets Watch China Tariff Developments

GBP/USD extends its gains for a second consecutive session, trading around 1.2430 during Asian market hours on Tuesday. With  the  decision   by   U.S. President Donald Trump   to pause tariffs on Mexico and Canada , the pair benefits from a risk-on sentiment .

Despite this, investors continue to pay close attention to ongoing trade negotiations, making market volatility a major concern. Trump declared that he would postpone imposing high tariffs on Canada and Mexico for at least 30 days following their agreements to send 10,000 troops to the U.S. border to fight drug trafficking.

This move follows Trump’s recent decision to impose 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods, along with a 10% tariff on Chinese imports. Additional tariffs on China are anticipated to go into effect Tuesday at 5:00 GMT. Trump managed to say that talks with Chinese officials might happen “probably over the next 24 hours,” and that tariffs on China would be “very, very substantial” if an agreement could not be made.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the USD against six major currencies, hovers around 108.70 after erasing most of its gains from the previous session. Strong U.S. economic data could provide support for the greenback, as the ISM Manufacturing PMI climbed to 50.9 in January from 49.3 in December, surpassing the expected 49.8.

While GBP/USD may rise, the British Pound’s upside may be limited, given the expectation that the Bank of England (BoE) will cut interest rates once again. Despite rising wages in the UK, the BoE is expected to lower interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.5% on Thursday.

The BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is expected to vote 8-1 in favor of the rate cut, with one member likely advocating for maintaining rates at their current level for now.

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EUR/USD Drops to 1.0200 on Trump’s Trade Tariffs

EUR/USD Slumps to Multi-Week Low Near 1.0200 Amid Trump’s Trade Tariffs

The EUR/USD pair extends its decline on Monday, plunging to the 1.0200 region—a three-week low—during the early Asian session. This drop brings the pair closer to its lowest level in over two years, last seen in January, reinforcing the ongoing multi-month downtrend.

The US Dollar (USD) gains broad strength following President Donald Trump’s weekend announcement of new tariffs: 25% duties on imports from Canada and Mexico, along with an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods. These measures escalate global trade tensions, dampening investor appetite for riskier assets and boosting demand for the safe-haven USD. As a result, the EUR/USD pair faces renewed selling pressure.

Adding to the bearish sentiment, Trump also declared on Friday evening that he would impose tariffs on goods from the European Union. This, coupled with the European Central Bank’s (ECB) dovish stance, further weighs on the euro. Last Thursday, the ECB cut borrowing costs by 25 basis points (bps) as expected and signaled the possibility of additional rate cuts before the year’s end, exacerbating the euro’s weakness.

The policy divergence between the ECB and the Federal Reserve (Fed) further tilts market sentiment in favor of the USD. While the Fed has opted for a hawkish pause, supporting the dollar’s strength, a recent pullback in US Treasury yields may limit further USD gains and offer some relief to the EUR/USD pair. However, the overall market outlook suggests that the pair’s downside momentum is likely to persist.

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EUR/USD Holds Above 1.0400 | Focus on Q4 GDP & ECB Policy Decision

EUR/USD Holds Above 1.0400 Ahead of Q4 GDP Data and ECB Policy Decision

The EUR/USD pair is edging higher after three consecutive losses, trading near 1.0420 during Thursday’s Asian session. The rebound is primarily driven by a technical pullback in the US Dollar (USD). Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the greenback against six major currencies, remains just below 108.00.

Despite the recent uptick, further gains for EUR/USD may be capped as the USD could regain strength following the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) cautious approach to monetary policy. The Fed reinforced its hawkish stance by removing language suggesting confidence in inflation reaching its 2% target.

During his press conference, Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized that any policy changes would require “real progress on inflation or some weakness in the labor market.” As expected, the Fed maintained its overnight borrowing rate at 4.25%-4.50% during its January meeting on Wednesday. This decision follows three consecutive rate cuts since September 2024, totaling a one-percentage-point reduction.

Meanwhile, the Euro faces downward pressure as the European Central Bank (ECB) is widely expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points in its policy meeting on Thursday, lowering the Deposit Rate to 2.75%. Market sentiment suggests that further rate cuts from the ECB may follow in the coming months, potentially weighing on the Euro.

Investors will closely watch the release of fourth-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data from the Eurozone and Germany on Thursday. Later in the day, focus will shift to the US Annualized GDP report, which could influence market sentiment and currency movements.

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USD/JPY Holds Steady Near 147.00 as Yen Weakens on Trade Tensions and BoJ Rate Outlook

USD/JPY Holds Steady Near 147.00 as Yen Weakens on Trade Tensions and BoJ Rate Outlook

The Japanese Yen (JPY) continues to trade with a bearish bias on Wednesday, keeping the USD/JPY pair firm around the 147.00 mark during the Asian session. A stronger US Dollar and persistent concerns over rising trade tensions are weighing heavily on the Yen, as markets brace for the impact of US tariffs on Japanese goods starting August 1. 

Former US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on Japanese imports, coupled with the threat of retaliatory action, has sparked renewed fears over Japan’s economic resilience. The country’s Q1 GDP contracted, real wages in May dropped at their steepest pace in nearly two years, and political uncertainty is rising ahead of the July 20 House of Councillors election. Recent polls suggest the ruling LDP-Komeito coalition may struggle to retain its majority, further dampening investor confidence. 

These developments have led traders to scale back expectations of a rate hike by the Bank of Japan this year. The combination of domestic headwinds and external pressure is weakening the JPY, while the US Dollar continues to gain on expectations that rising tariffs will stoke inflation and prompt the Federal Reserve to maintain a hawkish stance. 

The Fed’s June decision to hold interest rates steady, along with a strong US jobs report, has reinforced the belief that rate cuts may be delayed until at least October. The FOMC meeting minutes, due later today, will be closely watched for insights into the Fed’s policy trajectory. Markets currently anticipate up to 50 basis points in rate cuts by year-end. 

Technical Outlook: Bullish Momentum Builds 

Technically, USD/JPY’s break and close above the 100-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) — for the first time since February — signals potential for further gains. Positive momentum on the daily chart supports a move toward the 147.60–147.65 resistance area, with the 148.00 handle, a key June high, in sight. 

On the downside, immediate support lies near 146.50, with the 100-day SMA just below 146.00 acting as a critical pivot. A decisive break below this level could shift momentum in favor of bears, opening room for deeper losses. 

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NZD/USD gains ground to near 0.5700 on weaker US PMI data

During the early Asian session on Thursday, the NZD/USD pair was trading slightly higher at 0.5690. The Greenback falls against the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) as US economic data disappoints. Investors will keenly monitor developments in the rekindled trade battle between the United States and China, the world’s two largest economies. 

The weaker US Services Purchasing Manager Index (PMI) could weigh on the Greenback and generate a tailwind for the pair. The US ISM Services PMI fell to 52.8 in January from 54.0 (revised from 54.1) in December. This reading came in below the market consensus of 54.3.

On the other hand, New Zealand’s fourth-quarter employment report will put the RBNZ on pace to decrease the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 50 basis points (bps) to 3.75% this month. Statistics New Zealand said on Wednesday that the country’s unemployment rate increased to 5.1% in Q4, up from 4.8% the previous quarter. This result was a four-year high and exceeded the 25-year average of 4.8%. Rising expectations that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) may decrease interest rates may further impact on the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).

“In line with RBNZ guidance, markets continue to imply another 50bps rate cut to 3.75% at the February 19 meeting and the policy rate to through around 3.00% over the next 12 months. Bottom line: NZ-US 2-year bond yield spreads can further weigh on NZD/USD,” noted Société Générale’s FX analysts. 

On Tuesday, the finance ministry in China unveiled a package of tariffs on various US products such as crude oil, farm equipment, and some autos in a sharp response to an announcement made by US President Donald Trump imposing a 10% tariff on Chinese imports. Further, China served notice to several companies including Google for potential sanctions in response to Trump’s tariffs. Any sign of uncertainty or a rising trade war tension may see the China-proxy Kiwi being dragged lower, as China remains one of the major trading partners to New Zealand.

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JPY Recovers Losses vs. USD, Bullish Outlook Intact

Japanese Yen Recovers Some Losses Against USD; Bullish Outlook Remains Intact

The Japanese yen (JPY) cut some of its intraday losses against the US dollar (USD) on Monday, bringing the USD/JPY pair back below the mid-155.00s during the early European session. The Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) Summary of Opinions showed conversations about the possibility of further hikes in interest rates. Furthermore, Tokyo’s core inflation increased at the quickest annual rate in nearly a year, raising expectations of further policy tightening by the BoJ, which supports the JPY.

Beyond monetary policy, narrowing interest rate differentials between Japan and other major economies, including the US, alongside a broader risk-off sentiment, provide additional support to the safe-haven JPY. However, concerns over the economic impact of US President Donald Trump’s newly announced trade tariffs limit the yen’s upside. Meanwhile, the USD remains broadly strong, allowing the USD/JPY pair to maintain its positive momentum for a second consecutive day, ahead of the upcoming US ISM Manufacturing PMI report.

Yen Gains Traction Amid BoJ Rate Hike Bets and Trade War Fears

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% tariffs on Chinese goods, effective Tuesday.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, and China’s foreign ministry all replied quickly, indicating probable retaliation. The US Dollar continues to climb, approaching a two-year high last hit in January, supporting the USD/JPY pair’s upward trend.

The Bank of Japan’s latest Summary of Opinions, released on Monday, showed that policymakers are thinking about additional rate hikes, though this has failed to appreciably lift the JPY.

Board members of the Bank of Japan stressed the need of continuing to raise interest rates if economic conditions and inflation remain stable.

Japan’s Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato stated that the government is closely monitoring the impact of Trump’s tariffs on the yen amid concerns over potential economic fallout.

Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa reiterated Japan’s commitment to achieving the BoJ’s 2% inflation target while implementing measures to offset rising living costs.

The US-Japan yield spread remains near a multi-week low, which, coupled with risk aversion, could help stabilize the yen in the near term.

Investors now turn their focus to key US economic data, starting with today’s ISM Manufacturing PMI, followed by the highly anticipated Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report on Friday.

USD/JPY Faces Resistance Near 156.25; Bears in Control Below This Level

From a technical standpoint, last week’s strong rebound from the 50% Fibonacci retracement level of the December-January rally and the subsequent upside move favor bullish traders. However, additional gains beyond 156.00 may encounter resistance near last week’s swing high at 156.25. A sustained break above this level could spark a short-covering rally, pushing the pair towards:

  • 156.70-156.75 resistance
  • 157.00 psychological mark
  • 157.60 horizontal barrier
  • Potential extension towards 158.00, with an ultimate target at the 158.85-158.90 multi-month high from January 10

Conversely, on the downside:-

  • 155.00 serves as immediate support
  • Below this, watch for key levels at 154.55-154.50 and 154.00
  • A break below the 153.70 January low could accelerate the decline towards 153.30 and eventually 153.00

While the JPY is exhibiting some resilience, the overall trend remains unpredictable, with market participants intently watching economic indicators and geopolitical developments.

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Australian Dollar Drops as RBA Rate Cut Bets Rise, Fed Decision Looms

Australian Dollar Slides Amid Rising Odds of RBA Rate Cuts, Fed Decision in Focus

The Australian Dollar (AUD) extends its losing streak for a third consecutive session against the US Dollar (USD), weighed down by softer-than-expected inflation data from Australia.

Australia’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.2% quarter-on-quarter in Q4 2024, matching the previous quarter but missing the expected 0.3%. On an annual basis, CPI eased to 2.4% from 2.8% in Q3, below the market forecast of 2.5%. Despite December’s monthly CPI ticking up to 2.5% YoY, inflation remains within the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) 2%-3% target range. Meanwhile, the RBA’s Trimmed Mean CPI slowed to 3.2% YoY, its weakest pace in three years, slightly under the anticipated 3.3%.

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers expressed confidence that “the worst of the inflation challenge is behind us” and that a “soft landing” is increasingly likely. The cooling inflation strengthens the case for an RBA rate cut in February. The central bank has held the Official Cash Rate (OCR) steady at 4.35% since November 2023, emphasizing the need for inflation to “sustainably” return to target before considering a rate reduction.

AUD Pressured by Risk Aversion, Trump’s Tariff Threats

The AUD faces additional headwinds from risk-off sentiment following tariff threats by former US President Donald Trump. On Monday, Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on imports of key commodities, including computer chips, pharmaceuticals, steel, aluminum, and copper, aiming to boost US manufacturing.

Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index (DXY) holds firm around 108.00 as traders turn their attention to the upcoming Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rate decision. Market expectations, per the CME FedWatch tool, indicate near-certainty that the Fed will maintain its policy rate at 4.25%-4.50%. Investors will closely watch Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference for guidance on future policy shifts.

Concerns over the potential inflationary impact of Trump’s trade policies add another layer of uncertainty. US Bank chief economist Beth Ann Bovino noted, “A number of White House proposals appear inflationary, which could keep the Fed in check.” Additionally, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has proposed universal tariffs on US imports starting at 2.5%, with Trump reportedly favoring even higher rates.

China’s Economic Slowdown Adds Pressure on AUD

The Australian Dollar remains vulnerable to China’s economic struggles. China’s NBS Manufacturing PMI dropped to 49.1 in January from 50.1, missing expectations, while the Non-Manufacturing PMI slipped to 50.2 from 52.2. As Australia’s largest trading partner, China’s weak data weighs heavily on the AUD.

Despite China’s recent stimulus measures, including a $7.25 billion investment in index products and long-term stock investments, concerns persist. Industrial profits fell 3.3% YoY in 2024, marking a third consecutive year of contraction, driven by weak demand, deflationary pressures, and a prolonged property sector slump.

Technical Outlook: AUD/USD Turns Bearish Below 0.6250

The AUD/USD pair trades near 0.6230 on Wednesday after breaking below the ascending channel on the daily chart, signaling a shift toward a bearish bias. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) has dropped below 50, reinforcing downside momentum.

A decisive break below key support at the lower boundary of the ascending channel strengthens the bearish outlook, potentially pushing AUD/USD toward 0.6131—its lowest level since April 2020. On the upside, immediate resistance lies at the nine-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at 0.6256. A rebound above this level could reintroduce a bullish bias, with the next upside target near 0.6360.

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US Dollar Surges as Trump Revives Tariff Threats

US Dollar Surges as Trump Revives Tariff Threats

The US dollar strengthened significantly against all major currencies after President Donald Trump and his Treasury Secretary reignited concerns about potential tariffs, raising fears that trade policies may return to the forefront. Risk-sensitive currencies, particularly those tied to China, saw sharp declines, while the euro weakened amid speculation that the European Union could soon face tariff pressures. Simultaneously, the Japanese yen took a hit as traders hedged against potential US inflation spikes and rising Treasury yields.

This market turbulence followed a Financial Times report indicating that Scott Bessent, the newly appointed Treasury Department official, supports a phased approach to implementing universal tariffs on US imports. The initial proposal suggests starting with a 2.5% tariff rate. However, President Trump hinted at a much broader scope, potentially targeting a range of imports from steel to semiconductor chips and suggesting higher tariff rates over time.

The administration’s “moderate” proposal involves a gradual increase in tariffs, reaching 20% over eight months in increments of 2.5% per month. This timeline has triggered speculation about more extreme scenarios and raised questions about the global trade concessions needed to halt these measures. Bessent’s approach, which allows businesses time to adjust, could also spark a rush of imports and exports to avoid higher future costs.

Amid these developments, financial markets are grappling with the potential outcomes. Traders are assessing whether the proposed tariff measures are fully priced in and evaluating the likelihood of de-escalation through negotiation.

On the positive side, any concessions or agreements that delay or reduce tariffs could stabilize markets. However, the risks of escalating tariffs, particularly if negotiations fail, remain a significant concern. Higher tariffs could disrupt global trade and have far-reaching implications for currency valuations.

While we initially favored long positions on the dollar, the unfolding tariff narrative has introduced significant uncertainty. Staying prepared for sudden shifts in policy and market dynamics is now crucial as the situation continues to evolve.

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Australian Dollar Weakens Amid Concerns Over Trump’s Trade Policies and Mixed Chinese Data

Australian Dollar Weakens Amid Concerns Over Trump’s Trade Policies and Mixed Chinese Data

The Australian Dollar (AUD) ended its three-day winning streak against the US Dollar (USD) on Monday, with the AUD/USD pair trading flat following the release of mixed Chinese Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data. As a close trade partner, Australia’s economy is heavily influenced by China’s economic performance.

China’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that the Manufacturing PMI fell to 49.1 in January, down from 50.1 in December, missing market expectations. Similarly, the Non-Manufacturing PMI dropped to 50.2 from the previous month’s 52.2. These weaker-than-expected figures suggest a slowdown in China’s economic recovery, weighing on the risk-sensitive Australian Dollar.

Despite fresh stimulus measures from China aimed at revitalizing its equity markets, the AUD struggled to gain momentum. The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) announced a second round of long-term stock investment pilot programs valued at 52 billion Yuan ($7.25 billion). However, these measures have done little to alleviate investor concerns about China’s economic challenges.

Risk Aversion Rises Amid Trump’s Trade Tariff Push

Broader market sentiment took a hit as reports emerged that US President Donald Trump’s advisers are pushing to impose 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada as early as February 1, bypassing negotiations. According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump’s willingness to move swiftly on tariffs follows similar actions taken against Colombia, raising fears of escalating trade tensions and dampening demand for riskier assets like the Australian Dollar.

Adding to the negative outlook, China’s Industrial Profits declined by 3.3% year-over-year in 2024 to CNY 7,431.05 billion, marking the third consecutive year of contraction. This downturn highlights ongoing economic headwinds, including weak demand, rising deflationary pressures, and a prolonged slump in the property sector.

Technical Analysis: AUD/USD Eyes Key Resistance Amid Bullish Setup

The AUD/USD pair is trading near 0.6290 on Monday, showing signs of upward momentum within an ascending channel on the daily chart, indicating a potential bullish bias. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) remains slightly above 50, reflecting mild optimism in the market.

On the upside, the pair could retest the psychological resistance level at 0.6300, with the next target near the channel’s upper boundary around 0.6350.

Support levels are found at the nine-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) of 0.6265, followed by the 14-day EMA at 0.6254. A stronger support lies near the channel’s lower boundary around 0.6240, which could act as a safety net in case of a downside correction.

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NZD/USD Struggles

NZD/USD Struggles Below 0.5700 Amid Trump’s Tariff Plans and Dovish RBNZ Expectations

The NZD/USD pair remains under pressure, trading near 0.5675 during the early Asian session on Friday. The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) faces headwinds due to uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on China and the dovish outlook of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ).

New Zealand’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the fourth quarter of 2024 indicated a continued decline in underlying inflation, strengthening expectations of additional rate cuts by the RBNZ. Swap markets now estimate a nearly 90% chance of a 50-basis-point (bps) rate cut on February 19, building on the two cuts already implemented in this cycle. The RBNZ is projected to deliver a total of 100 bps in rate cuts through the remainder of 2025.

Meanwhile, the downside for the pair could be capped by recent comments from Trump. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Trump called for immediate interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve (Fed). “With oil prices going down, I’ll demand that interest rates drop immediately, and likewise, they should be dropping all over the world,” Trump said.

Investors are now closely watching for further details on Trump’s tariff policies, alongside key US economic data releases. The flash US S&P Global Manufacturing and Services PMI for January will be a key focus later on Friday, along with the release of US Existing Home Sales and the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index.

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US Yields Boost Dollar, Weaken Yen

US Yields Boost Dollar, Weaken Yen

US Yields Boost Dollar, Weaken Yen

The dollar strengthened on Tuesday, driven by rising U.S. yields, putting pressure on low-yielding currencies like China’s yuan and Japan’s yen, which fell to its lowest level since 1986.

Benchmark 10-year Treasury yields increased nearly 14 basis points to 4.479% overnight. Analysts attributed this rise to expectations of Donald Trump winning the U.S. presidency, which could lead to higher tariffs and increased government borrowing.

As the dollar gained, the euro reversed part of a small rally following the first round of France’s election, which aligned with polling predictions. The euro last traded at $1.0735.

The yen dropped to 161.72 per dollar on Monday, its weakest in nearly 38 years, primarily due to the significant interest rate gap between the U.S. and Japan. On Tuesday, the yen traded at 161.55 per dollar in Asia and was under pressure from yen bears wary of potential intervention by Japanese authorities. The yen also hit a lifetime low of 173.67 against the euro on Monday and remained near that level on Tuesday.

In the bond market, the 10-year yield gap between U.S. and Japanese rates stood at 340 basis points, and nearly 440 basis points at the two-year tenor. China’s yuan, which reached a seven-month low against the dollar last week, faced similar pressure, with U.S. 10-year yields more than 220 basis points higher than Chinese government bond yields.

Robust manufacturing data in China and an announcement from the central bank about borrowing bonds, likely to sell them and stabilize falling yields, provided only a brief boost to the currency on Monday. The yuan last traded at 7.3043 in offshore markets on Tuesday, close to its June low.

The New Zealand dollar slipped 0.3% in early trade and was testing support at its 200-day moving average at $0.6075. The British pound remained steady at $1.2641. The Australian dollar hovered within its recent range at $0.6650, with traders focused on central bank minutes to gauge the likelihood of future interest rate hikes. Swaps market pricing suggests a one-in-three chance of a rate hike as soon as next month.

The question remains about the trigger for such a move. ING economist Rob Carnell noted that discussions have taken place, but the specific trigger for a hike is still uncertain. There is a leaning towards forecasting a hike at the August meeting.

Overall, the strengthening dollar and rising U.S. yields continue to exert pressure on low-yielding currencies, with markets closely watching upcoming central bank decisions and geopolitical developments.

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Cryptocurrency Move Back to Support the Pack to Level

If we have a look at the bearish start to the day in the majors and the Bitcoin move back to the level by $18,500 to the support pack. The Bitcoin to USD was seemed down at the level by 1.16% on this Thursday that reversing a 1.25% gain to the Wednesday to the ended the day at the level $18,260.0. At the start of the day, the Bitcoin rose to the early morning intraday to the high at the level before hitting the reverse level.

The major resistance level goes at the level by $18,878 and the Bitcoin fell to the intraday low to the level by $17,935.0.

The close term bullish pattern stayed flawless, disregarding the most recent pullback to sub-$18,000 levels. For the bears, Bitcoin would have to slide through the 62% FIB of $10,095 to shape a close term bearish pattern.

The Bitcoin was somewhere near at the level by 1.03% to $18,072.0. A blended beginning to the day saw Bitcoin ascend to an early morning high of $18,299.0 prior to tumbling to a low of $18,070.0.

Bitcoin left the significant help and obstruction levels untested from the get-go.

Somewhere else, it was a bearish beginning to the day for the majors. The Ripple’s XRP was somewhere around at the level 2.69% to lead the route down.

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Bitcoin Slips Down Below at Level $13,000 Since the Last Rally

Bitcoin Slips Down Below at Level $13,000 Since the Last Rally

The Bitcoin seems to the low at the level of $9,813 in September that managed the bitcoin to reach at the level high at $13,868. The bitcoin price is rejected to the sequential indicators on the 3-day chart.

If we have a look at the current candlestick of the 3-day chart it will seem significantly bearish and the TD sequential indicators are presented a sell signal. The 50- SMA seems down at the level of $10,600 and the 100 SMA at the level of $9,47.

The In/Out of the Money Around Price chart shows the closest and most grounded help region to be somewhere in the range of the level at $12,687 and $13,073 with near 624,000 BTC in volume. A break below this point can drive the cost of Bitcoin down to $11,914.

Despite the fact that bears appear to have assumed responsibility for the present moment, the powerful day by day upswing stays unblemished for Bitcoin. The 50-SMA and the 100-SMA harmonize around $11,200 which will go about as a critical help level. The MACD keeps bullish and the most basic obstruction level is still at $13,863. A breakout over this point can without much of a range drive the lead digital currency towards the untouched high at the level of $20,000.

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Bitcoin Price Clear the Path and Rose to the Level $13,000

Bitcoin Price Clear the Path and Rose to the Level $13,000

Bitcoin Price of the bulls has been the full control of the market to the price at the level of $11,340 to $12,835. The cryptocurrency had the largest to the single day that put the gain. The MACD shows the increasing the bullish momentum to price the growth anticipated.

The position detector is a convenient little apparatus that causes us to imagine solid opposition and backing levels. According to the everyday conjunction detector, there is an absence of solid obstruction levels on the potential gain. This should be empowering news for the buyers as they plan to bring BTC into the $13,000-zone.

Santiment’s holder’s distribution charts show you the number of addresses having a place with a specific symbolic section. According to the chart, the number of addresses holding 10,000-100,000 tokens tumbled from 111 on October 8 to 104 on October 20. This is an intensely bearish sign as it shows that the whales are selling off their property.

Bitcoin buyers have the opportunity to bring the cost into the level at $13,000 and even the $14,000 interference. The everyday intersection finder shows a total absence of solid opposition barriers straightforward.

For the bears, the drawback is covered off at the $12,000-$12,100 uphold divider. A break below that zone will bring the value down to $11,000, which has both the 50-day and 100-day SMA

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Cryptos Market: Bitcoin Shows Bullish Momentum Over Dollar Strength

Cryptos Market: Bitcoin Shows Bullish Momentum Over Dollar Strength

The BTC/USD traded at the level of $11,355 after the mild rejection of the top-level $11,720 that losing some of the bullish.

Ethereum USD had a similar fate at the higher risk that seeing the longer pullback than the Bitcoin. If we talk about the XRP/USD is the clear loser after breaking below the 50 SMA and the 100 SMA on the daily chart that currently trading at the level of $0.2482 after yet facing another rejection.

Bitcoin, BTC to USD, fell by 1.02% on Tuesday. Incompletely turning around a 1.55% increase from Monday, Bitcoin finished the day at the level of $11,442.0.

It was a quiet beginning to the day. Bitcoin rose to a late morning intraday high to the level of $11,574.9 before operating reverse.

Missing the mark concerning the primary significant obstruction level at $11,830, Bitcoin tumbled to an early evening intraday low of $11,333.0.

Avoiding the primary significant help level at $11,201 Bitcoin quickly returned to $11,470 levels before moving back.

The close term bullish pattern stayed perfect, upheld by the most recent move back through to $11,000 levels. For the bears, Bitcoin would need to slide through the 62% FIB of $6,400 to shape a close term bearish pattern.

Bitcoin was up by 0.22% to $11,467.0. A beginning to the day saw Bitcoin tumble to an early morning low of $11,427.0 before ascending to a high at the level of $11,467.0. Bitcoin left the support and Resistance levels untested at an early stage.

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Ethereum Rate Hits at Higher Level More Profitable Than Bitcoin Mining

Ethereum Rate Hits at Higher Level More Profitable Than Bitcoin Mining

Let’s have a look at the cryptocurrency that hovering near to the level at $10,600 mark. The Bitcoin price is consolidating to the 50-12 Hour SMA and the 200-12 Hours SMA. The strong resistance lies at the level 50-12 SMA that repeatedly rejected the price.

This repeated dismissal may drop the value down to the level at  $10,400 uphold level, which is by all accounts the main observable help level on the drawback. If case this level doesn’t hold firm, at that point you can anticipate that the cost should plunge below $10,000. For this situation, one can anticipate that BTC should tumble to the level of $9,700 before it experiences another solid help.

While this may not appear to be a huge number, remember that every one of these addresses holds a great many dollars worth of Bitcoin. The fishes using the stale value activity to merge their positions look good for the general market.

With respect to the top 50 digital forms of money, the greatest failures incorporate Compound, down 12% over the most recent 24 hours, UMA down 12%, OMG Network down at the level 13%, Yearn.finance down 16%, and Aave down 18%. The main bull among the sloths of bears is EOS, which broke out greatly as covered Tuesday.

Ethereum has since September 23, been holding inside a rising equal channel. Recuperation towards $400 flamed out marginally above $360 a week ago. On the drawback, the misfortunes that followed grasped uphold at the level of $335 throughout the end of the week, permitting the shrewd agreement sign to revitalize, making strides above $350.

The Ethereum selling pressure in the market halted the increase at the 50 SMA and 100 SMA. Ether fell below the climbing channel, confirming a bear banner.

The downside of a significant help zone shows that Ethereum is at grave risk of spiraling to the level at $300. Other than the various simple help zones, the most significant one lies somewhere in the range of $298 and $309. Previously, around 879,000 locations purchased almost 2 million ETH.

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Cryptocurrency Bitcoin Shows the Bullish Divergence on User Count

Cryptocurrency Bitcoin Shows the Bullish Divergence on User Count

The Bitcoin moves back and shows the bearish to the start of the day with the support level at $10,900 to the broader market.

The Bitcoin BTC to USD is rose by the level at 1.33% this Tuesday and reversing the loss at the level of 0.83% on Monday.

It was a mixed start to the day. Bitcoin fell to an early morning low $10,674.2 before finding support.

Steering clear of the major support levels, Bitcoin struck a late morning high at the level of $10,815.4 before operating reverse.

Coming up short of the major resistance levels, Bitcoin slid to a late afternoon intraday low $10,654.0.

Steering clear of the first major support level at $10,585, Bitcoin rallied to a final hour intraday high at the level of $10,889.0.

Falling short of the first major resistance level at $10,915, Bitcoin eased back to end the day at sub-$10,860 levels.

The near-term bullish trend remained whole, in contempt of the latest pullback. For the bears, Bitcoin would need to slide through the 62% FIB of $6,400 to form a near-term bearish trend. At the hour of composing, Bitcoin was somewhere around 0.28% to the level of $10,826.0. It was a blended beginning to the day. Bitcoin rose to an early morning high $10,866.0 before tumbling to a low $10,826.0.

Bitcoin started the significant help and obstruction levels untested from the get-go. Somewhere else, it was a blended beginning to the day.

Bitcoin Cash ABC (+0.54%), Bitcoin Cash SV to the level (+0.62%), and Crypto.com Coin (+0.65%) evaded the pattern right off the bat.

It was a bearish beginning to the day for the remainder of the majors, in any case. Binance Coin was somewhere around 1.18% to lead the way down.

https://xtreamforex.com/nasdaq-futures-shows-the-short/

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