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EUR/GBP Drops Near 0.8400 Ahead of Eurozone Retail Sales

EUR/GBP Drops Near 0.8400 Ahead of Eurozone Retail Sales

EUR/GBP Drops Near 0.8400 Ahead of Eurozone Retail Sales

EUR/GBP surrenders its recent gains from the previous session, trading around 0.8420 during Thursday’s Asian session. Traders are closely watching the Eurozone Retail Sales data set to be released later in the day.

The decline in the EUR/GBP pair is driven by growing speculation that the European Central Bank (ECB) might cut interest rates in September. If the ECB follows through, it would be the second rate cut since the bank shifted towards policy normalization in June.

In the Euro Area, the Producer Price Index (PPI) increased by 0.8% month-over-month in July, marking the largest rise since December 2022. This follows a revised 0.6% increase in June, significantly surpassing market expectations of 0.3%.

However, the Eurozone Services PMI dropped to 52.9 in August, down from 53.3 in the prior month, while the Composite PMI slipped to 51.0, missing forecasts and falling short of the previous reading of 51.2.

On the other hand, the British Pound (GBP) is gaining strength due to rising expectations that the Bank of England’s (BoE) rate-cutting cycle will proceed more slowly than that of the ECB. These expectations were fueled by Tuesday’s BRC Like-for-Like Retail Sales report, which showed a 0.8% year-on-year increase in August, up from 0.3% in July, marking the fastest growth in five months.

Additionally, positive UK macroeconomic data is boosting sentiment. A Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) survey revealed that business activity in August accelerated at its fastest pace since April.

On Wednesday, the S&P Global UK Composite PMI rose to 53.8 in August, up from 53.4 the previous month, and was revised higher from the preliminary estimate of 53.4. The Services PMI increased to 53.7, compared to 53.3 in July. Meanwhile, the Manufacturing PMI held steady at 52.5 in August, aligning with earlier estimates.

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WTI Breaks Below $69.50 Amid Potential Libyan Dispute Resolution

WTI Breaks Below $69.50 Amid Potential Libyan Dispute Resolution

WTI Breaks Below $69.50 Amid Potential Libyan Dispute Resolution

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil prices extended their losses for the second consecutive day, trading around $69.40 per barrel during the Asian session on Wednesday. This decline is attributed to the potential resolution of a political dispute that had halted Libyan oil exports, alongside concerns over slowing global demand growth.

According to Reuters, Libya’s two legislative bodies reached an agreement on Tuesday to jointly appoint a central bank governor, a move that could ease the conflict over control of the country’s oil revenue, which had fueled the recent dispute. If the agreement holds, it could lead to the return of over 500,000 barrels per day to the market.

Market sentiment was further dampened by data from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), which indicated that U.S. manufacturing activity remains sluggish. Although there was a slight improvement in August from an eight-month low in July, the ISM Manufacturing PMI rose only to 47.2 from 46.8, falling short of market expectations of 47.5. This marks the 21st contraction in U.S. factory activity in the past 22 months.

China, the world’s largest crude importer, reported that its manufacturing activity fell to a six-month low in August, with factory gate prices dropping significantly. This has prompted Chinese policymakers to accelerate plans for additional stimulus aimed at supporting households.

Additionally, oil prices are facing pressure from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies (OPEC+) as they plan to increase production in the upcoming quarter. Starting in October, eight OPEC+ members are set to raise production by a combined 180,000 barrels per day (bpd), adding further supply to the market.

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Gold Price Declines as Traders Await US PMI Data

Gold Price Declines as Traders Await US PMI Data

Gold Price Declines as Traders Await US PMI Data

The price of gold (XAU/USD) is under pressure, falling on Tuesday due to a stronger US Dollar (USD) and rising US Treasury bond yields. Despite this, expectations of a potential interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) in September may provide some support for gold, as lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold. Additionally, ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could increase demand for safe-haven assets such as gold.

Looking ahead, traders will focus on the Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) set to be released on Tuesday. The highlight of the week will be the US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report for August, which could influence the Fed’s decision on the pace of interest rate cuts and, consequently, impact gold prices in the short term.

Daily Market Overview: Gold Faces Selling Pressure Amid USD Strength

Gold prices are facing selling pressure as the USD rebounds. Protests erupted across Israel on Monday over the government’s inability to secure a ceasefire-for-hostages deal with Hamas, following the retrieval of six hostages’ bodies by Israeli soldiers in Gaza over the weekend, as reported by CNN.

In other economic data, China’s Caixin Manufacturing PMI rose to 50.4 in August from 49.8 in July, surpassing the market consensus of 50.0. The US ISM Manufacturing PMI for August is expected to improve to 47.5, up from 46.8 in July, while the Services PMI is projected to dip slightly to 51.1 from 51.4. The US economy is anticipated to add 163,000 jobs in August, with the unemployment rate expected to decrease slightly to 4.2%.

According to the CME FedWatch Tool, markets are now pricing in a nearly 69% probability of a 25 basis point (bps) rate cut by the Fed in September, with a 31% chance of a 50 bps reduction.

Technical Analysis: Long-Term Outlook for Gold Remains Positive

While gold prices are drifting lower on the day, the longer-term outlook remains positive. On the daily chart, gold is trading well above the key 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), suggesting a constructive outlook. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) is also above the midline at around 55.70, indicating that the upward momentum is more likely to continue than reverse.

The key resistance for XAU/USD is in the $2,530-$2,540 range, which marks the upper boundary of a five-month ascending channel and aligns with the all-time high. A decisive break above this level could trigger a rally towards the $2,600 psychological mark.

On the downside, initial support lies at the August 22 low of $2,470. A break below this level could lead to further declines, with additional support at the August 15 low of $2,432 and the 100-day EMA at $2,372.

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Japanese Yen Pares Intraday Gains Despite Hawkish BoJ Stance

Japanese Yen Pares Intraday Gains Despite Hawkish BoJ Stance

Japanese Yen Pares Intraday Gains Despite Hawkish BoJ Stance

The Japanese Yen (JPY) has lost momentum against the US Dollar (USD), reversing some intraday gains after the release of the US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index data for July. This data dampened expectations for a significant interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve (Fed) in September. The CME FedWatch Tool now shows that markets are fully pricing in at least a 25 basis point rate cut at the Fed’s upcoming meeting, though traders will be closely monitoring upcoming US employment data, including August’s Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP), for further clues on the Fed’s policy trajectory.

On Monday, data showed Japanese companies increased Capital Spending by 7.4% in the second quarter. Additionally, Japan’s Manufacturing PMI for August was revised upwards to 49.8 from an initial estimate of 49.5, suggesting a move towards stabilization in the sector. Recent Tokyo inflation data, which showed an increase, has bolstered the Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) hawkish stance, providing some support to the JPY and limiting gains in the USD/JPY pair.

Daily Market Movers: JPY Declines Despite Hawkish BoJ

The US Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that the headline PCE Price Index rose by 2.5% year-over-year in July, consistent with the previous month’s reading but below the expected 2.6%. The core PCE, excluding food and energy prices, also increased by 2.6% year-over-year, in line with the prior month’s data but slightly under the forecast of 2.7%. Meanwhile, Tokyo’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) climbed to 2.6% year-over-year in August, up from 2.2% in July, and the core CPI rose to 1.6% from 1.5%. However, Japan’s unemployment rate unexpectedly increased to 2.7% in July, the highest since August 2023, from 2.5% in June.

Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic, a notable hawk, recently suggested that it might be time for the Fed to consider rate cuts due to cooling inflation and a higher-than-expected unemployment rate. According to FXStreet’s FedTracker, which rates the tone of Fed officials’ speeches on a scale from 0 to 10, Kashkari’s recent remarks were rated as neutral, with a score of 5.6.

In the US, second-quarter GDP growth was reported at an annualized rate of 3.0%, surpassing expectations and the previous rate of 2.8%. Initial Jobless Claims dropped to 231,000 for the week ending August 23, slightly below expectations, signaling a robust labor market.

Japan’s Finance Minister, Shunichi Suzuki, noted that foreign exchange rates are influenced by a variety of factors, including monetary policies, interest rate differentials, geopolitical risks, and overall market sentiment. He emphasized the unpredictability of these factors’ impact on FX rates.

Technical Analysis: USD/JPY Holds Ground Around 146.00

USD/JPY is trading near the 146.00 mark. Technical analysis on the daily chart shows the pair remains above the downtrend line, indicating a reduced bearish outlook. However, the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) is still below 50, suggesting that the bearish trend is not fully out of play.

For support, USD/JPY could test the nine-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) around 145.53, followed by the downtrend line near 144.00. If it falls below this level, the pair might aim for the seven-month low of 141.69, set on August 5, with further support at 140.25. On the upside, breaking above the psychological level of 150.00 could lead the pair to test resistance around the 154.50 level.

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Gold Price

Gold Price Gains Momentum as Traders Await US GDP Data

Gold Price Gains Momentum as Traders Await US GDP Data

Gold prices (XAU/USD) are recovering on Thursday, bouncing back from weekly lows in the sub-$2,500 region per troy ounce. The potential for US interest rate cuts is boosting gold demand, as lower interest rates decrease the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding gold. Political uncertainty in the US, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and global economic concerns further support the precious metal’s upward movement.

However, renewed demand for the US Dollar (USD) could weigh on gold prices, as a stronger USD makes gold more expensive for international buyers. Investors are closely watching the second estimate of US Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the second quarter (Q2) on Thursday for clues on the size and pace of potential Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cuts. Additionally, the US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index data for July, due on Friday, will be a key focus.

Daily Digest Market Movers: Gold Price Holds Strong Amid Rising Rate Cut Expectations

Emerging markets, particularly China, India, and Turkey, are expected to continue driving demand for gold, according to John Reade, Chief Market Strategist at the World Gold Council. “US data has failed to give gold any further lift, so the temptation for traders to book some profit after a long run has been rising,” said Ole Hansen, head of commodities strategy at Saxo Bank A/S.

The second estimate for US Q2 GDP growth is expected to show a 2.8% increase. Meanwhile, the headline PCE Price Index is anticipated to rise by 2.6% year-over-year in July, up from 2.5% in June, with core PCE inflation projected to increase from 2.6% to 2.7% year-over-year. The rate futures markets have fully priced in a 25 basis point (bps) rate cut in September, with a 36.5% chance of a deeper cut, according to the CME FedWatch Tool. Traders are expecting a total of 100 bps in Fed easing this year.

Technical Analysis: Gold Price Shows Bullish Outlook Long-Term

Gold prices are trading positively on the day, remaining just below the five-month-old ascending channel’s upper boundary and the all-time high. The overall outlook remains bullish, with prices staying well above the key 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) on the daily chart. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) is above the midline near 61.00, suggesting potential for further upside.

The confluence of the all-time high and the upper boundary of the trend channel in the $2,530-$2,535 range serves as a critical resistance level for gold. A break above this zone could lead to a rally toward the psychological $2,600 mark.

On the downside, immediate support for XAU/USD is at the $2,500 level. A decisive break below this support could trigger a significant sell-off toward $2,432, the low from August 15. The next major support is at $2,367, the 100-day EMA.

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Choppy Market Action Persists as Investors Await Next Catalyst

Forex Today: Choppy Market Action Persists as Investors Await Next Catalyst

Forex Today: Choppy Market Action Persists as Investors Await Next Catalyst

After hitting its lowest level in over a year near 100.50, the US Dollar Index (DXY) rebounded toward 101.00 during the European session on Wednesday. With no high-impact economic data releases scheduled for midweek, investors remain focused on central bank commentary and geopolitical developments.

A slight improvement in market risk sentiment made it challenging for the USD to maintain its strength against major currencies on Tuesday. As of early Wednesday, US stock index futures are trading virtually flat. Meanwhile, the yield on the 10-year US Treasury bond hovers slightly above 3.8%, fluctuating within a narrow range.

In early trading on Wednesday, data from Australia showed that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 3.5% year-over-year in July, down from June’s 3.8% but slightly above market expectations of 3.4%. Following this release, AUD/USD initially surged to a new high for 2024 above 0.6810 but lost momentum, retreating below 0.6800.
Bank of Japan (BoJ) Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino commented on Wednesday that financial and capital markets remain unstable, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring by the Japanese central bank. Despite these comments, there was little immediate impact on the USD/JPY pair, which was trading positively around 144.50 at the time of writing.

EUR/USD saw gains on Tuesday, nearing the 1.1200 mark, but lost its upward momentum and traded lower near 1.1150 early Wednesday.

GBP/USD extended its rally, reaching its highest level since March 2022, climbing above 1.3260 on Tuesday. The pair entered a consolidation phase on Wednesday and was last seen trading just below 1.3240.

Gold registered modest gains for the second consecutive day on Tuesday. However, XAU/USD lost traction early Wednesday, pulling back below $2,510.

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EUR/USD Rises Above 1.1150 Amid Market Optimism

EUR/USD Rises Above 1.1150 Amid Market Optimism

EUR/USD Rises Above 1.1150 Amid Market Optimism

The EUR/USD pair has rebounded from its recent losses, trading around 1.1170 during Tuesday’s Asian session. This recovery is fueled by growing market optimism following comments from U.S. Air Force General C.Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who told Reuters that fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East have eased after his three-day visit to the region.

While there was an exchange of fire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, it did not lead to further escalation. However, Hamas has rejected new ceasefire conditions proposed by Israel in negotiations held in Egypt, insisting on adherence to terms set by U.S. President Joe Biden and the UN Security Council.

On the monetary policy front, San Francisco Federal Reserve President Mary Daly indicated in a Bloomberg TV interview that it might soon be time to cut interest rates, potentially starting with a quarter-point reduction. Daly mentioned that if inflation continues to decrease gradually and the job market maintains steady growth, a more regular policy adjustment would be appropriate.

For the euro, market participants are considering how expectations of future rate cuts by the Federal Reserve could affect European Central Bank (ECB) policies. Traders will closely watch the GfK Consumer Confidence Survey and GDP data due later in the day for further direction.

Last week, ECB Governing Council member Olli Rehn noted that the slowing inflation and the weak Eurozone economy make a case for reducing borrowing costs next month. According to Bloomberg, the sluggish growth outlook in Europe, especially in the manufacturing sector, supports the argument for a potential rate cut in September.

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U.S. stocks fail to change much as the quarter end approaches

U.S. stocks failed to change much as the quarter end approaches

As investors analyzed remarks made by central bankers at a panel in Europe and anticipated more quarterly profit reports, U.S. stocks ended the day with no movement. On Wednesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 82.32 points, or 0.3%, to 31029.31. The NASDAQ Composite Index dropped 3.65 points, or 0.03 percent, to 11177.89, while the S&P 500 dropped 2.72 points, or less than 0.1 percent, to 3818.83.

The market is having a brutal first half after three years in a row of double-digit increases. The S&P 500 has lost roughly 20 percent of its value so far this year, making it likely that this will be its worst first half in fifty years.

Rising interest rates and sluggish growth are two factors that have a negative impact on stock prices. Stocks have also been affected by the swift return of inflation, a faltering Chinese economy, and a conflict in Ukraine that startled the commodity markets. Before the second half of the year begins on Friday, investors need to reorganise, according to State Street managing director Michael Arone. As the Fourth of July and the first half came to an end, he added, “We’re limping.”

Investors should take comfort in the fact that a poor first half does not imply a poor second half. The S&P 500 experienced a first-half decline of 21% and a second-half gain of 27% in 1970, concluding the year approximately level. As a result of a number of data releases showing that increased prices are dampening consumer optimism, stocks started the week on a low note. Investors continued to worry that if central banks tightened policy too quickly to combat inflation, it may trigger a recession.

At the European Central Bank’s annual economic policy conference in Portugal, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said the epidemic had disturbed the economy in ways that could continue to generate more inflation or volatility in pricing pressures than previously. Is there a chance that we might go too far? There is unquestionably a risk, Mr. Powell remarked on Wednesday. “Failing to restore pricing stability would be the worse mistake to make, to put it that way,”

Some investors are losing faith in the Fed’s ability to arrange a “soft landing,” in which interest rates increase to combat inflation without causing the economy to enter a recession. “Until we have a strong indication that inflation has peaked, we anticipate markets will at best remain stable. Our belief in a soft landing has diminished even further, and the market is moving in that direction as well, according to Pictet Asset Management multiasset strategist Arun Sai.

After three straight days of advances, the yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note decreased to 3.091% from 3.206 percent on Tuesday. Prices increase as yields decrease. Investors are anticipating more corporate profit reports as the second quarter draws to a close. Even though FactSet projects a relatively small 5.8 percent increase in S&P 500 company earnings, early misses raise doubts about that estimate.

The market has been rattled by some earnings reports, according to Andrew Slimmon, a portfolio manager at Morgan Stanley Investment Management. “I assumed we’d see a rally into month-end,” he said. Bed Bath & Beyond, a retailer, provided an example of the point on Wednesday. After the company reported a larger quarterly loss than Wall Street anticipated and announced the departure of its chief executive, the shares dropped $1.54, or 24 percent, to $4.99.

General Mills’ stock increased $4.46, or 6.3 percent, to $74.72 after the firm reported that higher prices helped boost sales despite the food manufacturer selling fewer products overall. In 2022, consumer staples stocks have excelled. Carnival, a cruise line, dropped $1.46, or 14%, to $8.87, quickening a loss sparked by several price-target reductions made by stock research analysts.

Bitcoin was trading at around $20,000. After creditors filed a lawsuit against the cryptocurrency hedge fund Three Arrows Capital for failing to pay back debts, a court in the British Virgin Islands ordered it to liquidate. Stoxx Europe 600, a continental index, decreased 0.7 percent. Most important benchmarks fell in Asia. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped 1.9 percent, while the Shanghai Composite Index dropped 1.4 percent. Nikkei 225 in Japan fell 0.9 percent.

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Stocks drop following poor consumer confidence reading

Stocks drop following poor consumer confidence reading

As investors analyzed new economic data in search of hints regarding the rate of monetary policy tightening, U.S. stocks declined on Tuesday, giving up early gains and sliding for a second straight day. To reach 30946.99, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 491.27 points, or 1.6 percent. Earlier in the session, the blue-chip index rose as much as 1.4 percent. The S&P 500 dropped 78.56 points, or 2%, to finish the day at 3821.55. The NASDAQ Composite Index, which focuses on technology, dropped 343.01 points, or 3%, to 11181.54.

The major indices have been extremely sensitive to news and data in recent sessions as investors evaluate how long the market’s recovery from its lows will last. As a result of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates earlier this month, the S&P 500 entered a bear market or a 20 percent decline from its recent top.

Stocks’ initial momentum was gone. Tuesday, following data from the Conference Board that revealed consumers’ short-term expectations for the American economy had fallen precipitously to their lowest level in a decade. As Americans continue to weigh the effects of high prices and rising rates, consumer confidence dropped for a second month in a row. The unfavorable report comes after a barometer from the University of Michigan issued on Friday indicated that consumer mood had reached its lowest level ever.

The unfavourable report comes after a barometer from the University of Michigan issued on Friday indicated that consumer mood had reached its lowest level ever. In a paradoxical view where bad news was good news, weak economic statistics fuelled a stock market rise last week as investors thought the Fed could delay its monetary-policy tightening. According to Boston Partners’ Mike Mullaney, head of global markets research, Tuesday’s consumer reading is “poor news that’s awful news.”

“The Fed is going to be that much more aggressive in squashing inflation,” he added. “If inflation expectations are rising up to the amount they are right now. Market volatility, as demonstrated by Tuesday’s intraday reversal, might also be linked to a lack of liquidity, according to Jim Besaw of GenTrust. Because there are “not a lot of risk takers right now,” the chief investment officer claimed that he has observed markets move more than anticipated when carrying out trades for customers. The lack of liquidity over the past few months has made a lot of problems worse, he said.

Portfolio rebalancing may have an effect on market movement as the month and the quarter come to an end later this week, Mr. Besaw added With a decline of almost 20% this year, the S&P 500 is on pace for its worst first-half performance since 1970. Eloise Goulder, head of the global market, data, and positioning intelligence teams in equity trading at JPMorgan Chase, said: “The challenge is when we hit a market bottom and when we get that turning point, and it’s not necessarily straight away.” She continued, “We need to see the combination of inflation having peaked, and data having steadied, for me to get bullish about the second half of the year.”

Other information made public on Tuesday morning revealed that the increase in property prices in April somewhat slowed. The average home price in the nation’s main metropolitan areas, as measured by the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index, increased at a somewhat slower annualised rate in April compared to March. Mortgage rates doubled earlier this month, reaching their highest point in more than 13 years.

In other news, China’s National Health Commission announced that it would relax its rigorous quarantine regulations for visitors from other countries in an effort to strike a compromise between its zero-Covid policy and the strains on its second-largest economy. Following the consumer confidence report, consumer-discretionary stocks drove the S&P 500 lower. Nike was one of the index’s worst laggards, dropping $7.72, or 7 percent, to $102.78 after the sneaker manufacturer reported nearly flat quarterly sales and a drop in earnings.

Mega-cap technology stocks also experienced a sell-off, which hurt the major indices. Each of Apple, Microsoft, and parent company Alphabet saw at least a 3 percent decline. To reach $107.40, Amazon.com lost $5.82, or 5.1 percent. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note’s yield increased in the bond market, rising to 3.206 percent from 3.193 percent on Monday. When bond prices decrease, yields increase. Globally, the Stoxx Europe 600 index increased by 0.3% thanks to a surge in equities for manufacturing and energy sectors. After the announcement, indexes generally increased throughout Asia.

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Stock Market declines following massive rally last week

Stock Market declines following massive rally last week

U.S. stocks declined on Monday, erasing some of the gains made during a surge last week as expectations for the direction of interest-rate rises by the Federal Reserve softened. Early gains were erased by the S&P 500, which dropped 11.63 points, or 0.3 percent, to close at 3900.11. The technology-focused NASDAQ Composite Index fell 83.07 points, or 0.7 percent, to 11524.55, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 62.42 points, or 0.2 percent, to 31438.26.

Investors were reportedly in a holding pattern, and traders reported low volumes and a calm day. Justin Wiggs, managing director in stock trading at Stifel Nicolaus, compared the paltry volumes to those last week and said, “It’s extremely lethargic today.” He continued, describing how FTSE Russell’s stock benchmarks were rebalanced on Friday by adding and removing stocks.

The S&P 500 experienced its highest one-day percentage rise in the past two years on Friday. Investors have revised their expectations for the Federal Reserve to tighten monetary policy at a rapid pace in response to weaker-than-expected U.S. economic statistics. This year’s market volatility has been triggered by the Fed’s efforts to raise interest rates and rein in inflation. Earlier this month, the S&P 500 entered a bear market, or a 20 percent decline from its most recent top.

However, recent studies have shown that the American economy—and possibly inflation—is starting to slow down. The most recent proof was released on Friday, when the University of Michigan reduced its June estimate of inflation forecasts over the following five to ten years down, to 3.1 percent from 3.3 percent.

In other economic news, data released on Monday revealed that durable goods orders increased more than anticipated in May. According to the National Association of Realtors’ monthly index, U.S. pending-home sales increased by 0.7 percent in May. The rise occurs despite rising mortgage rates and ends a six-month slump.

Florian Ielpo, head of macro at Lombard Odier Investment Managers in Geneva, stated that “any good macroeconomic news is perceived as bad market news.” “If we continue to experience robust growth and inflation, the Fed and ECB will raise interest rates, and we will experience a recession.” He predicted that as investors rebalance their portfolios ahead of Thursday, which is the end of the second quarter, stocks are likely to receive more support in the near term.

He claimed that the recent signals of inflation having peaked and bearish market posture together “provide a double punch that is pushing equities up.” In recent weeks, Treasury yields have decreased as investors gambled that the Fed’s ambitions to raise rates will be thwarted by a deteriorating economy. According to experts at UBS, investors are boosting their wagers that the Fed will start lowering rates in the middle of 2023.

Investors have reduced their anticipation of rate increases this year as well. According to CME Group, traders assigned a 52 percent probability that the Fed will increase interest rates by an additional 2 percentage points this year in futures bets made on Monday. This is a decrease from a chance of 74% one week prior.

The benchmark 10-year Treasury note’s yield was 3.133% on Monday, up from 3.125% on Friday but still significantly below its peak of 3.482% this month. Bond yields increase as prices decline. Some of the worst performers were consumer stocks. Following a proxy advisory firm’s recommendation that Spirit Airlines investors approve a planned merger with Frontier Airlines, the airline’s shares dropped $1.95, or 8%, to $22.57. Spirit received multiple offers from JetBlue Airways as well as a sweetened offer from Frontier on Friday. The offers will be voted on by Spirit’s shareholders at a special meeting on Thursday.

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After stock rebound week, stock futures are marginally higher

After stock rebound week, stock futures are marginally higher

Following a significant recovery last week from this year’s sharp declines, U.S. stock futures increased marginally on Monday morning. Wall Street is getting ready to close out the worst first half for equities in decades despite the rebound. Futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 30 points, or 0.1 percent. The NASDAQ 100 futures increased by 0.51 percent and the S&P 500 futures increased by 0.22 percent. These actions came after a pivotal recovery week in which the Dow industrials rose by more than 800 points, or 2.7 percent. The NASDAQ Composite rose 3.3 percent, while the S&P 500 rose 3.1 percent.

The major averages recorded their first positive week since May thanks to their increases. The Dow increased 5.4% last week. The NASDAQ Composite rose 7.5 percent, while the S&P 500 rose 6.5 percent. Participants in the market kept determining whether stocks have reached a bottom or are only momentarily recovering from oversold levels. As investors rebalance their holdings at the end of the quarter, stocks may continue to rise in the near future. For the foreseeable future, the equity market is “expected to be… in a go-nowhere-fast phase,”

“Earnings are both a bright spot and a wildcard, while inflation is running hot, mood is muted, liquidity is disappearing, etc. Overall, that suggests to us that we’re likely to be in a sideways trending pattern for some time, Sandven continued. Wall Street anticipates the most recent reading of durable goods orders to be released Monday before the bell on the economic front.

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Fears about economy is growing as Wall Street’s hiring frenzy eases

Fears about economy is growing as Wall Street’s hiring frenzy eases

After a hiring frenzy last year, Wall Street is slowing down due to the growing uncertainty around the U.S. economic future and the ensuing decline in the financial markets. In 2021 and early this year, Wall Street firms, including banks like Citigroup Inc, JPMorgan Chase & Co, and Wells Fargo & Co, were obliged to pay more to attract and keep employees due to fierce hiring competition. The increase in bonuses was the biggest in 15 years.

However, hiring fever is waning, according to executives, recruitment experts, and recent data. According to Alan Johnson, managing director of compensation consultancy firm Johnson Associates, “by the end of 2021 it was white hot with unprecedented demand for employment and pay.” “It’s changing swiftly from extremely hot to normal, and by the end of the year it might even turn cold. Undoubtedly, a change is taking place.”

According to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, firms in the securities, commodity contracts, investments, funds, and trusts sector were still adding jobs, but the rate of growth was noticeably slower in May, adding only 1,200 positions as opposed to 4,600 in April. In contrast, the industry experienced its largest annual headcount growth since 2000 in 2021, when the monthly average was 3,400.

In light of the weakening global markets, some clients have paused some talent searches, according to Alberto Mirabal, senior vice president for investment banking at the recruitment firm GQR Global Markets. These clients want to “see how things shake out” before adding to their already sizable teams.

We’re observing a little slowness, he added. Some Wall Street firms are concerned about the possibility of a recession due to rising inflation that has been compounded by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent interest rate increases. Layoffs are already happening in several areas of the banking sector, most notably the mortgage sector, which is especially vulnerable to interest rate increases that harm house sales.

According to Bloomberg, JPMorgan Chase & Co. is this week reassigning hundreds of workers from its home loan division and firing hundreds more. The industry is not yet experiencing widespread hiring freezes or layoffs, the recruiters claimed, although in general. In addition, some smaller companies, such as boutique investment bank Lazard, are trying to seize the opportunity presented by the evolving market to attract top personnel for themselves.

After 2021, which he described as being the most difficult in a decade for staff retention and remuneration, Lazard Chief Executive Kenneth Jacobs claimed that a hiring slowdown was assisting his company in attracting new talent. Jacobs stated last week at a Morgan Stanley conference that “the rivalry for talent is lessening.” “I believe we’ll try to profit from this.”

Equity capital markets have experienced the sharpest reduction in activity; according to Julian Bell is the managing director and head of the Americas for the Sheffield Haworth talent firm. Broker-dealers will suffer more than full-service banks as a result, according to this. According to him, brokers in the main equities capital markets sectors of healthcare/biotech and technology will suffer the most. Investment bankers are not worried about impending layoffs, despite the fact that hiring is decreasing and salary expectations have decreased following an extraordinarily robust payout in 2021.

According to Anthony Keizner, managing partner at Odyssey Search Partners, whose clients include private equity, hedge funds, and investment funds, “they still think they’re relatively understaffed for the deal volumes that they have.” According to him, certain clients are still quite hungry for skill. The car isn’t about to crash, Keizner replied, “maybe the foot is off the gas just a little.”

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Stocks decline as Wall Street’s effort at a rally fails

Stocks decline as Wall Street’s effort at a rally fails

As markets struggled to maintain a recovery from earlier in the day, stocks modestly declined on Wednesday in turbulent trading. Traders also considered remarks made by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who reaffirmed the position of the central bank in battling inflation. In the last hour of trade, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 47.12 points, or 0.15 percent, to 30,483.13. To 3,759.89, the S&P 500 fell 0.13 percent. To 11,053.08, the NASDAQ Composite dropped 0.15 percent.

Stock prices have recently been affected by growing fears of a Wall Street slump. On Wednesday, Fed Chair Powell testified before Congress that the Fed has the “resolve” to rein in inflation, which has risen to 40-year highs. The Fed chairman told the Senate Banking Committee, “At the Fed, we realise the suffering high inflation is inflicting. “We are acting quickly to bring inflation back down because we are strongly committed to doing so.”

Until it sees “compelling evidence that inflation is heading down,” Powell continued, the Fed will maintain its current trajectory. He added that it has grown “much more difficult” to provide a smooth landing for the economy without one. The Federal Reserve increased interest rates by 0.75 percentage points last week and warned that a similar hike could occur again the following month. Investors were alarmed by the central bank’s previous week change to a more aggressive stance against inflation, fearing that it would prefer a recession to continued high inflation.

Jerome Powell has made it clearly apparent that the Fed will keep raising interest rates until inflation starts to decline because inflation is still the largest risk to financial assets. Robert Schein, chief investment officer at Blanke Schein Wealth Management, wrote that a sustained rally for risk assets is difficult to envision until that time. Till the Fed gives the go-ahead, “tight monetary conditions will continue to be a headwind for financial markets,” Schein said.

This week on Wall Street, anticipation of an impending recession grew. According to evidence showing that consumers are beginning to cut down on spending, Citigroup increased the likelihood of a worldwide recession to 50%. The cumulative probability of recession is now approaching 50%, according to a note from Citigroup. “The experience of history indicates that disinflation generally bears considerable costs for growth,” the paper stated.

According to Goldman Sachs, the risks are “greater and more front-loaded,” making a recession for the American economy more likely. The Fed will feel compelled to respond forcefully to high headline inflation and consumer inflation expectations if energy prices continue to rise, even if activity slows sharply, the firm said in a note to clients. “The main reasons are that our baseline growth path is now lower and that we are increasingly concerned.” In the meantime, UBS stated in a note to clients on Tuesday that while in its base scenario it does not anticipate a U.S. or global recession in 2022 or 2023, “it is obvious that the possibilities of a hard landing are rising.”

Given the robustness of consumer and bank balance sheets, UBS continued, “Even if the economy does enter a recession, it should be a brief one. “Oil prices fell on worries that a weaker economy may reduce fuel consumption, hurting energy equities. With a decline of about 4.2 percent, the sector had the worst performance on the broad-market index. Shares of ConocoPhillips and Marathon Oil fell by around 6.3 percent and 7.2 percent, respectively. Exxon Mobil and Occidental Petroleum had declines of 3.6% and almost 4%, respectively.

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After a recent pullback, US stocks are up 2%

After a recent pullback, US stocks are up 2%

Following a recent selloff, global market indices rose dramatically on Tuesday, with major U.S. stock indexes each closing the day up more than 2%, while the Japanese yen sank to its lowest level since October 1998 against the US dollar. As investors returned from a long weekend, Wall Street gained, with buyers snapping up shares of megacap growth and energy businesses hammered by global economic concerns last week.

With the rise in oil prices, energy stocks have risen as well. Summer fuel demand drove up oil prices. “You’ve pushed the ball under the water deep enough now that we’re getting a bounce,” said Paul Nolte, portfolio manager at Kingsview Investment Management in Chicago, after back-to-back weeks of 5% drops. However, according to Nolte, “Interest rates are continuing to rise. The price of oil continues to rise.” Investors have been on edge due to expectations of interest rate hikes from major central banks and concerns about a worldwide recession. To confront high inflation, central banks are expected to tighten policy.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 641.47 points, or 2.15 percent, to 30,530.25; the S&P 500 increased by 89.95 points, or 2.45 percent, to 3,764.79; and the NASDAQ Composite increased by 270.95 points, or 2.51 percent, to 11,069.30. The pan-European STOXX 600 index increased 0.35 percent, while MSCI’s global stock index increased 1.83 percent.

The risk-off mindset that dragged on US markets last week has subsided, resulting in higher Treasury yields. Benchmark 10-year rates were at 3.305 percent, up from the previous week’s finish of 3.239 percent. For signals on rates, all eyes are on Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s hearing to the Senate Banking Committee on Wednesday. Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) now believes there is a 30% risk that the US economy would enter a recession in the coming year, up from its previous estimate of 15%.

In the foreign exchange market, the Japanese yen fell to 136.330 per dollar against the US dollar. Fumio Kishida, Japan’s prime minister, said the central bank should keep its current ultra-loose monetary policy. This distinguishes it from other major central banks. Brent crude futures increased by 52 cents, or 0.5 percent, to $114.65 a barrel. The July West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude contract in the United States ended on Tuesday, finishing at $110.65, up $1.09, or 1%. At $109.52, the more active August contract was up $1.53. Gold fell 0.3 percent to $1,832.27 an ounce on the spot market.

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XAU/USD closes in to the golden ratio of 61.8 percent

XAU/USD closes into the golden ratio of 61.8 percent

In Asia, the price is attempting to break below the 50% mean reversion line, exposing the 61.8 percent Fibo target of $1,850 once more. Following a move into the 50 percent mean reversion level of the hourly bullish impulse highlighted in earlier trading, the gold price is backpedalling further at $1,852, as shown in the technical analysis below. The US dollar has been on the rise since mid-week and has remained steady in Asia, rising higher in the DXY index’s basket of currencies.

The US dollar index rose on Wednesday, erasing earlier losses as investors exited stocks at the same time as the US 10-year auction touched a high yield of 3.03 percent, up from the previous auction’s high of 2.943 percent. The dollar also hit a new two-decade high against the yen, despite the Bank of Japan remaining one of the few global central banks to maintain a dovish approach. Following this, US rates have rallied, with the 10-year presently holding above 3%, bolstering the greenback.

Following warnings from the OECD that the world will pay a high price for the war in Ukraine, gold has been promoted for its safe-haven attributes. “It cut its global growth forecast for this year from 4.5 percent to 3 percent, down from 4.5 percent in December.” This comes after the World Bank altered its growth prediction earlier this week. As the dollar rose, gold gave up some gains late in the day,” according to ANZ Bank analysts.

“While the fighting in Ukraine helped to send the bears packing, the fading of geopolitical risk premia across global assets hasn’t seen this cohort of discretionary traders liquidate their position,” according to analysts at TD Securities. “As a result, the disparity between gold and real rates can be linked to both an excessive rise in real rates as a result of quantitative tightening, as well as the still-significant amount of complacent length maintained in gold, which keeps gold’s prices elevated.”

The focus for the rest of the day will be on the European Central Bank before traders prepare for Friday’s US inflation report. TD Securities analysts believe the EUR/USD has limited potential to advance unless the governor, Christine Lagarde, “commits to a series of 50s,” especially with the Euribor curve trading as it is and US CPI due the next day. For EURUSD to trade lower, the risk/reward ratio is more advantageous.

TDS analysts also believe the ECB will “announce that the APP will terminate within weeks” and “give a strong signal that rate rises will occur in July and September” (October remains a more interesting meeting in this sense). Forecasts show higher inflation and slower growth, reflecting the ECB’s ongoing difficulties. “As a result, gold may be appealing due to its safe-haven features. The precious metal has found some support from investors due to the worsening economic backdrop. Despite a stronger dollar, gold has just climbed past $1,850.

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On constrained supply, oil rises 1%, with US crude hitting a 13-week high

On constrained supply, oil rises 1%, with US crude hitting a 13-week high

On Tuesday, oil prices rose by around 1%, with U.S. crude settling at a 13-week high due to supply concerns, including the likelihood of no nuclear deal with Iran and forecasts for demand growth in China, which is reducing pandemic lockdowns. According to Reuters polled analysts, U.S. crude inventories decreased last week. A decline in petroleum stockpiles might boost prices further more.

On Tuesday, at 4:30 p.m. EDT (2030 GMT), the American Petroleum Institute (API) will release its inventory report. On Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. EDT (1430 GMT), the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) releases its report.

“Several numbers” in the EIA report, according to Robert Yawger, executive director of energy futures at Mizuho, are “within striking distance of historical lows,” including possibly crude storage for the country, crude storage at Cushing, Oklahoma, and crude storage in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Brent crude futures rose $1.06, or 0.9 percent, to $120.57 per barrel, the highest level since May 31. WTI crude in the United States rose 91 cents, or 0.8 percent, to $119.41, its highest settlement since March 8 and matching an August 2008 settlement high.

Iran’s demands for sanctions relief, according to the US, are impeding progress on reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. According to analysts, a deal might increase global oil supplies by 1 million barrels per day. In 2022, the US EIA predicts that both crude production and petroleum demand will increase in the United States.

Expectations that demand will resume in China, where the capital Beijing and the business hub Shanghai have started resuming normalcy after two months of lockdowns, boosted prices. Analysts also questioned that global oil supplies would grow significantly as a result of OPEC+’s decision to accelerate output increases last week. According to analysts, the rise in quotas from OPEC+, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allied producers including Russia, is less than the loss of Russian crude as a result of Western sanctions, and it also fails to alleviate an oil product deficit.

Oil prices could touch $150 a barrel shortly and continue higher this year, according to Trafigura’s CEO, with demand destruction probable by the end of the year. For the period between the second half of 2022 and the first half of following year, Goldman Sachs boosted its Brent oil price projections by $10 to $135 a barrel, citing an unsolved structural supply shortage.

In other supply concerns, Libya’s Sharara oilfield was shut down again late Monday, and more than a tenth of Norway’s offshore oil and gas workers intend to strike starting Sunday if state-mediated pay negotiations fail.

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Oil falls after breaking through $120 as inflation and GDP concerns in the United States bite

Oil falls after breaking through $120 as inflation and GDP concerns in the United States bite

In Monday’s session, oil rose to near three-month highs above $120 a barrel before falling on profit-taking and concerns about the impact on the US economy of record fuel prices in a country already grappling with 40-year high inflation. “The rule of thumb is that every $10 increase in the price of a barrel of oil subtracts one-tenth of a point from GDP,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics. GDP is the broadest indicator of the country’s economic health.

On Monday, the average price of gasoline at U.S. gas stations reached all-time highs near $4.87 per gallon, up from $3.05 a year earlier. Diesel was $5.65 per gallon on average, up from $3.20 a year ago. Two schools of thought have emerged regarding the economic impact of such high fuel prices: one believes that demand destruction in gasoline is already taking place, with four-week consumption down 2.6 percent in the third week of May compared to a year ago; the other believes that because fuel is a “inelastic” commodity, its demand will not be harmed as much as the broader US economy.

Economists are concerned that the Federal Reserve’s efforts to combat inflation will push the US into recession. Since the beginning of the year, the economy has been on a downward trend, with negative growth of 1.4 percent in the first quarter. It will officially be in recession if it does not return to positive territory by the second quarter, as it only takes two consecutive negative quarters to cause a recession.

The New York-traded benchmark for US crude, West Texas Intermediate, fell 37 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $118.50 per barrel. “I believe people will only cut back on their driving to a certain extent,” Zandi remarked. “Other sorts of discretionary expenditure will take a blow.” WTI hit a high of $121 earlier today, its highest level since the first week of March, when it soared to nearly $130 following the imposition of the first Western sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. WTI is up 57 percent year to date.

Brent, the worldwide standard for crude traded in London, fell 21 cents, or 0.2 percent, to $119.51 for a barrel due in August. Brent had previously hit a session high of $121.85. It has increased by 53% year over year. Oil prices rose to three-month highs as a result of Europe’s ban on most Russian oil products, which went into effect last week as the West escalated its sanctions against Moscow over the Ukraine conflict. Traders blamed Monday’s gain on China’s removal of Covid restrictions, solid US employment growth, and an ill-timed Saudi increase in the selling price of its petroleum.

The rise in oil occurred ahead of the Consumer Price Index’s May reading, which is coming on Friday and will be scrutinized for signs of further contraction following its 8.3 percent climb in the year to April. That was the first time the CPI measurement had dipped since August, when it had increased by 5.3 percent on an annual basis.

Saudi Arabia boosted the official selling price, or OSP, for its flagship Arab light crude to Asia to a $6.50 premium above the average of the Oman and Dubai benchmarks on Sunday, up from a $4.40 premium in June. The July OSP is the highest since May, when prices reached all-time highs due to fears of supply disruptions from Russia as a result of sanctions imposed in response to its invasion of Ukraine.

The price increase came despite OPEC+, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its partners, agreeing last week to expand supply by 648,000 barrels per day in July and August, or 50% more than previously planned. However, Russia, which has already lost one million barrels per day owing to sanctions, and nations like Angola and Nigeria, which have frequently failed to fulfil set output objectives, were included in the accord.

As a result, analysts estimate that the net impact of the OPEC+ rise will be roughly 560,000 barrels per day, compared to the planned 1.3 million, because most members of the oil exporters’ alliance have already reached their production capacity. In comments cited by Reuters, Avtar Sandu, manager of commodities at Phillip Futures in Singapore, remarked that oil producers are “making hay while the sun shines.”

Summer driving demand and a solid job climate in the United States, as well as the relaxation of Covid lockdowns in China, are all contributing to oil’s bullish hype, according to Sandu. The only bearish aspect in oil, if there was one, was news that Eni and Repsol could start shipping Venezuelan oil to Europe as soon as next month to compensate for Russian crude. The shipments would restore oil-for-debt swaps that were interrupted two years ago when the US tightened sanctions against Venezuela.

“Should Venezuelan and Libyan production be returned to Europe and North America, it will not be significant enough to cut prices in the medium term,” Halley added. “Global refining margins show that demand for gasoline and diesel remains strong, with the refining glut in refined products supporting crude prices.”

According to Sunil Kumar Dixit, chief technical strategist at skcharting.com, oil is now in its seventh month of a bull run, with six weeks of steady positive closes, and $130 was WTI’s aim. “The recent week’s long price action has built strong bullish momentum that aims a retest of the $123 – $124.50 and $127 levels before retesting $130 provided the rally receives appropriate volume support,” Dixit added. He said that the readings of the Stochastics, Relative Strength Index, and Moving Average were also extremely supportive of additional rise.

WTI will be supported at $115 this week, according to Dixit. “At that time, weakness below $111 will put the brakes on the rally, and momentum will turn into a correction, exposing oil to $100 and below,” he warned.

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US jobs report indicates more rate hikes are on the way, gold prices are rising

US jobs report indicates more rate hikes are on the way, gold prices are rising

Even as the US jobs report suggested additional interest rate hikes this year, gold was up in Asia on Monday morning, putting pressure on non-yielding bullion. By 10:26 p.m. ET, gold futures were up 0.32 percent to $1856.20. (2:26 AM GMT). For the previous week, it has fluctuated between $1,828 and $1,864, with an overall average of $1,850.

Since new job market statistics revealed no signs of the US economy succumbing to high inflation and rising borrowing costs, the Federal Reserve is on track to raise interest rates by half a point in June, July, and possibly beyond. Gold fell on Friday as statistics indicated that firms in the United States employed more people than expected in May and continued to raise wages at a rapid rate.

Meanwhile, investors increased their bets on interest rate hikes by the European Central Bank this year, pricing in a larger, 50 basis-point raise at one of the bank’s policy meetings by October. Because gold pays no interest, higher rates increase the opportunity cost of storing it. Sibanye Stillwater, a South African precious metals miner, announced on Friday that trade unions leading a strike at its gold operations had received a mandate from their members to accept a three-year pay contract.

According to the president of the mining chamber, Ghana’s gold production plunged 30% last year, to its lowest level in more than a decade, knocking the country off its perch as Africa’s top producer. Gold discounts widened in India the previous week as demand slowed owing to rising prices and the end of the wedding season. Consumers in top consumer China were likewise wary of buying bullion as coronavirus restrictions were gradually eased. Platinum rose 0.2 percent to $1,015.99 per ounce, while palladium rose 0.9 percent to $1,993.52. The price of silver increased by 0.1 percent to $21.92 per ounce.

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With an eye on the US NFP, the XAU/USD is approaching the $1,875 mark

With an eye on the US NFP, the XAU/USD is approaching the $1,875 mark

The gold price (XAU/USD) is swinging around $1,870, following an upswing to reclaim a one-month high during Friday’s early Asian session, as the NFP-related caution saps enthusiasm. The recent mixed stories about China, as well as resurgence in US Treasury yields, may also pose a threat to gold prices.

The previous day, though, the yellow metal climbed the highest in a fortnight as the US Dollar Index experienced its greatest daily drop in two weeks. Softer US statistics and Fed policymakers’ hesitation, on the other hand, appeared to have prompted the US dollar’s decline, as well as accelerated gold prices.

The early indication of Friday’s US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP), namely the US ADP Employment Change, fell to 128K for May, vs 300K estimates and a downwardly revised 202K previous figure. The Weekly US Initial Jobless Claims, on the other hand, fell to 200K from 210K expected and 211K the week before. In addition, Nonfarm Productivity and Unit Labor Costs also improved in Q1, to -7.3 percent and 12.6 percent, respectively, compared to market consensus numbers of -7.5 percent and 11.6 percent. Furthermore, factory orders in the United States fell by 0.3 percent in April, compared to a revised 1.8 percent in March and an estimate of 0.7 percent.

Lael Brainard, the Vice-Chair of the Federal Reserve, and Loretta Mester, the President of the Cleveland Federal Reserve, both repeated statements that suggested increasing odds supporting the Fed’s aggressive rate hikes. Deputy US Trade Representative (USTR) Sarah Bianchi stated in a Reuters interview on Thursday that “all options are on the table” when it comes to tariff determinations on Chinese goods. “The US Trade Representative is seeking a ‘strategic realignment’ with China, as well as a tariff structure that ‘makes sense,'” the diplomat noted.

While Wall Street benchmarks gained for the first time in a week, US Treasury rates remained under pressure. The S&P 500 Futures have recently posted minor increases, although US Treasury rates have paused their recent decline around 2.92 percent, indicating the market’s cautious confidence. Moving forward, gold traders will be looking for a new direction in the US jobs report for May, as well as the ISM Services PMI for the same month.

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OPEC prepares to establish new output targets, oil prices are rising

OPEC prepares to establish new output targets, oil prices are rising

Oil prices have climbed ahead of the OPEC cartel of oil-producing nations’ meeting on Thursday, as ministers prepare to establish output targets for July in their first meeting since the European Union slapped sanctions on Russian petroleum. Some members of OPEC are pressuring the organisation to eliminate Russia, the world’s third largest oil producer, from future quotas, potentially allowing Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to pump more oil.

Brent crude oil futures, the North Sea benchmark, climbed 2% to $117 a barrel at one point on Wednesday. West Texas Intermediate, its North American counterpart, climbed by a comparable amount to just under $116 a barrel. Prices had dipped from highs of over $125 earlier in the week, but had rebounded as investors considered how much supply could be raised to offset the sanctions’ impact.

On Thursday, ministers from OPEC’S 13 members and ten non-Opec producers led by Russia, known as Opec+, will meet by video conference. They’re anticipated to accept a 432,000-barrel-per-day hike in July, the latest in a series of monthly increases that began in September 2021. Russia has fallen behind the rest of the group, with output predicted to fall by 8% this year. According to the Wall Street Journal, Russia’s declining production has spurred some countries, including Gulf members, to propose eliminating Russia from production targets, allowing other members to increase their output.

Oil and energy costs have risen dramatically in recent months as global economies emerge from pandemic lockdowns, exacerbated by the consequences from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As people struggle with increased fuel prices, rapid price swings have contributed to inflationary pressures and cost-of-living issues around the world.

The price hikes have prompted failed attempts by US Vice President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to persuade other major oil producers, such as Saudi Arabia, to pump more, infuriating environmentalists who argue that governments should instead focus on energy efficiency measures that could quickly reduce demand. G7 energy ministers urged for higher OPEC production during a meeting last week in Germany.

The break-up of the Opec+ group, according to Bjarne Schieldrop, chief commodities analyst at SEB, will allow Saudi Arabia and the UAE to employ their spare capacity to boost production. However, he questioned if it would help to relieve the pressure on global markets. He claimed that “minds in the EU and the US are concentrated on damaging Russian petro-income.” “More oil from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will allow the west to impose stricter sanctions, reducing Russian oil supplies while keeping oil prices stable.” As a result, there would be no more supply for the market overall.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, on the other hand, stated on Wednesday that Russia hopes to continue working with OPEC. “The ideas of cooperation on this basis retain their meaning and relevance,” Lavrov said at a news conference in Saudi Arabia during a visit to the Middle East. Most of Russia’s important banks involved in the oil trade have been sanctioned by the US, EU, and allies such as the UK, and the EU belatedly agreed on a partial embargo on oil imports on Tuesday.

Another step to make it more difficult for Russia to export has been collaboration between the UK and the EU to prohibit insurers from insuring ships transporting Russian oil. The world’s oldest insurance market, Lloyd’s of London, announced on Wednesday that it is working closely with British and other governments and authorities to impose global sanctions on Russia.

“Lloyd’s supports and remains committed to the implementation of a global sanctions framework against Russia,” the company said. The EU embargo will not affect oil transported to Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia via the Soviet-era Druzhba pipeline, and Bloomberg Economics estimates that Russia will still receive $285 billion (£226 billion) in fossil fuel exports this year, including gas, on which European countries rely heavily.

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Ahead of the Manufacturing PMI, XAU/USD is expected to fall

Ahead of the Manufacturing PMI, XAU/USD is expected to fall 

In the New York session, the gold price (XAU/USD) broke down from its prior consolidation in a $1,846.20-1,864.16 range. The precious metal has been very volatile as investors prepare for the Federal Reserve (Fed) to increase the scope of its aggressive stance in June.

Inflationary forces in the US economy have wreaked havoc on the Federal Reserve and the US government. On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell held a meeting to discuss strategies to rein down surging inflation. Whatever steps the Fed takes to alleviate price pressures, one thing is certain: the liquidity absorption programme will be tightened even further, and gold prices will remain on pins and needles.

Meanwhile, the US dollar index is consolidating above 101.70, and after a fall, it is likely to see initiative buying. Today’s day will be dominated by the ISM Manufacturing PMI, which is expected to be lower at 54.5, compared to the previous print of 55.4. On the hourly scale, a negative breach of the Symmetrical Triangle resulted in a volatility expansion, which brought gold prices sharply lower. The precious metal’s downfall will find a cushion around roughly $1,820.00. At $1,846.00 and $1,850.00, respectively, declining 20- and 50-period Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs) suggest additional downside. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) (14) has also switched to a bearish range of 20.00-40.00, adding to the downside filters.

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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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