Skip to main content

XtremeMarkets

Xtreme Markets Ltd

Web Trader
Register
Download App
Login
Affiliates
Xtreme Markets Logo

Market News

USD/CAD Holds Near One-Week Low

USD/CAD Falters Below 1.3400, Stays Under Recent Multi-Week Peak

USD/CAD Falters Below 1.3400, Stays Under Recent Multi-Week Peak

The USD/CAD currency pair experienced a slight uptick, nearing the 1.3400 level as the European session commenced on Wednesday. Despite this increase, the pair remained just shy of the multi-week peak it had achieved on the preceding day, Tuesday.

The strength of the US Dollar is largely attributed to the robust yields of US Treasury bonds, which have been sustaining near a three-week apex since last Friday. Currently, the 10-year US government bond yield is staying firm above the 4.0% mark. This higher yield mirrors a shift in market sentiment, indicating a lessened expectation for a forceful policy loosening by the Federal Reserve (Fed). Such a financial landscape bolsters the US Dollar, providing a supportive backdrop for the USD/CAD currency pair.

Contrastingly, the pair’s upward trajectory is somewhat restrained by a continued interest in Crude Oil purchases, spurred by various supply-related anxieties. A series of geopolitical escalations in the Red Sea region, coupled with a halt in production at Libya’s most significant oil field, and a notable decrease in the US’s crude oil stocks, are key factors in this trend. These elements collectively prop up Crude Oil prices, which in turn benefits the Canadian Dollar (Loonie), given its status as a commodity-linked currency. Consequently, this dynamic imposes a ceiling on the potential gains for the USD/CAD pair.

Investors and traders are displaying a sense of caution, anticipating the forthcoming US consumer inflation data scheduled for release on Thursday. This Consumer Price Index (CPI) report is expected to shed light on the Federal Reserve’s future policy moves, particularly concerning the timing of the first rate cut. The data from this report is poised to significantly impact the US Dollar’s valuation and thereby influence the future course of the USD/CAD pair.

In the interim, with no major economic announcements from either the United States or Canada on Wednesday, the direction of the US Dollar is likely to be guided predominantly by the movements in US bond yields. This factor remains a crucial determinant of the demand for the US Dollar. In parallel, the dynamics of Oil prices will also be closely watched by market participants, offering them opportunities for short-term trading.

Considering this complex mix of fundamentals, it is projected that the USD/CAD pair will persist in its current range-bound pattern. This trend is particularly expected in the lead-up to the key US inflation data release, an event that carries significant potential to sway market dynamics.

Read More
GBP/USD Dips to Around 1.2710 Following

GBP/USD Dips to Around 1.2710 Following Recent Rises Amid Better Risk Sentiment

GBP/USD Dips to Around 1.2710 Following Recent Rises Amid Better Risk Sentiment

The British pound (GBP) retreated slightly to 1.2710 against the US dollar (USD) after recent gains bolstered by an improved risk appetite, halting its winning streak from Wednesday. This shift comes amidst mixed economic signals from the United States, affecting the USD’s performance and Treasury bond yields.

The US Dollar Index (DXY) fluctuated around 102.40, exhibiting a slight negative bias. This trend is likely influenced by a decrease in short-term US Treasury yields, with the 2-year bond’s yield dropping to 4.38%.

On Friday, the US dollar saw volatile trading driven by mixed economic reports. Employment figures were a bright spot, with Nonfarm Payrolls for December rising to 216K—outperforming both the anticipated 170K and the previous 173K. Yet, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) reported a deceleration in the services sector, with the Services PMI falling to 50.6, below both the expected 52.6 and the prior 52.7 reading.

Thomas Barkin, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, noted a consistent softening in the US labor market, suggesting a rebound is unlikely. Meanwhile, Lorie Logan, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, highlighted the need for caution in monetary policy, implying that rate hikes shouldn’t be hastily discounted despite recent financial easing.

In the UK, positive economic indicators have bolstered the pound. Improvements in Consumer Credit and a rise in the Services PMI indicated by the S&P Global/CIPS Composite PMI for December suggest a healthier economic condition.

However, the GBP faces downward pressure amid a bleak economic outlook. The Bank of England (BoE) is caught between high inflation and looming recession risks. Corporate leaders in the UK are pressing the BoE for swift interest rate cuts to aid the faltering economy, a sentiment echoed by the Institute of Directors Economic Confidence Index, which noted a decline in optimism among business leaders.

Investors are now looking ahead to the British Retail Consortium (BRC) Like-For-Like Retail Sales data due Tuesday and Manufacturing Production figures on Friday for further insights into the UK’s economic trajectory.

Read More
GBP/USD Ascends Towards 1.2700 Prior

GBP/USD Ascends Towards 1.2700 Prior to US Nonfarm Payrolls Announcement

GBP/USD Ascends Towards 1.2700 Prior to US Nonfarm Payrolls Announcement

The GBP/USD exchange rate has been on an upward trajectory, reaching heights around 1.2690, as market activities ramp up during the Friday Asian trading session. This marks the third consecutive day of gains for the Pound, which has benefited from a streak of favorable economic reports from the United Kingdom. The rise, however, has been somewhat restrained by parallel positive economic releases from the United States.

In the UK, a surge in consumer credit was observed, with individuals’ borrowing increasing to £2.005 billion in November, up from a revised figure of £1.411 billion. Economic indicators such as the S&P Global/CIPS Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for December also painted an optimistic picture, climbing to 52.1 from a previous value of 51.7. The Services PMI followed suit, advancing to 53.4 from 52.7.

Yet, the British Pound is not without its challenges. It faces potential headwinds due to a broadly pessimistic economic outlook. Business leaders across the UK have been vocally pressing the Bank of England for prompt interest rate cuts to provide a lifeline to the weakening economy. This sentiment is echoed in the Institute of Directors Economic Confidence Index, which highlights a persistent erosion in optimism from British directors about the country’s economic future over the next year.

The US Dollar Index (DXY), which gauges the strength of the dollar against a basket of currencies, has remained relatively stable after experiencing some losses, currently sitting around 102.40. Lower Treasury yields in the US could apply downward pressure on the dollar; the 2-year and 10-year US bond yields are at 4.37% and 3.99%, respectively.

Support for the US Dollar emerged following the release of promising employment figures. The ADP Employment Change for December reported a robust addition of 164,000 jobs, significantly exceeding both the prior figure of 101,000 and market forecasts of 115,000. Additionally, Initial Jobless Claims showed a decrease to 202,000, defying expectations and indicating a resilient job market. Despite this, the S&P Global Composite PMI indicated a marginal dip in business activity, with a reading of 50.9, just below the expected 51.0.

Investors and traders are now keenly focused on the upcoming US labor market reports, which will include pivotal data such as the Average Hourly Earnings and Nonfarm Payrolls for December. The forthcoming ISM Services PMI will also provide a snapshot of the health of the US services sector, potentially influencing market sentiment and the direction of the GBP/USD currency pair.

Read More
EUR/GBP Stays Near 0.8670 Before German

EUR/GBP Stays Near 0.8670 Before German Employment Data Release

EUR/GBP Stays Near 0.8670 Before German Employment Data Release

During the early European trading hours on Wednesday, the EUR/GBP pair is exhibiting a narrow trading pattern, oscillating between 0.8665 and 0.8675. Market participants are keenly awaiting the release of German employment statistics for December, with the unemployment rate projected to stabilize at 5.9%. As of the current moment, the pair is hovering around 0.8670, marking a slight decline of 0.02% for the day.

This comes against the backdrop of a weakening UK manufacturing sector. In December 2023, the UK’s S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) recorded a downturn, registering at 46.2, a slight drop from its previous 46.4 and falling short of market expectations. This downturn is part of a broader negative sentiment surrounding the British economy, amid concerns of a looming technical recession. Such economic pressures have exerted selling momentum on the British Pound (GBP), providing a comparative advantage to the EUR/GBP pair.

Conversely, the Eurozone has shown a marginally positive trend in its manufacturing sector. The HCOB Manufacturing PMI for the region slightly increased to 44.4 in December 2023, up from November’s 44.2, surpassing the anticipated figures. Similarly, the German Manufacturing PMI demonstrated an unexpected rise, reaching 43.3 in December, improving from the prior 43.1. These indicators suggest a relative strengthening in the Eurozone’s manufacturing activities, contributing positively to the Euro’s performance against the GBP.

As traders and analysts look forward, the release of German employment figures, including both the Unemployment Rate and Unemployment Change, is highly anticipated later on the same Wednesday. These data will provide fresh insights into the health of Europe’s largest economy and potentially influence the EUR/GBP exchange rate. Further, the forthcoming Thursday will see the release of critical Eurozone economic reports, including the HCOB Composite PMI, Services PMI, and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December. These comprehensive datasets are expected to shed light on the overall economic environment of the Eurozone and could offer significant directional cues for the EUR/GBP currency pair.

Overall, with the impending release of key economic data from both the UK and the Eurozone, market participants remain vigilant. The EUR/GBP pair’s movement is likely to reflect the interplay of these economic narratives, with any significant deviations in data poised to induce volatility in this cross-currency relationship.

Read More

GBP/USD Remains Over 1.2800 as USD Weakens, Eyes on US Jobless Claims

GBP/USD Remains Over 1.2800 as USD Weakens, Eyes on US Jobless Claims

The British Pound (GBP) maintains its strength against the US Dollar (USD), persistently trading above the pivotal 1.2800 level amidst a period of USD softening, with market participants keenly awaiting the release of US jobless claims data for further direction.

During the Asian trading session on Thursday, the GBP/USD currency pair saw a continued ascendancy beyond the 1.2800 threshold. A combination of reduced inflationary pressures within the American economy and the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) dovish stance has contributed to the depreciation of the US Dollar, thus favoring a rise in the GBP/USD exchange rate. At the time of this update, the pair is valued at 1.2810, marking a slight increase of 0.09% from the previous close.

Investor sentiment towards the Greenback is currently subdued, with the market largely convinced that the Fed is on the brink of implementing rate cuts. The CME Fedwatch tool evidences this belief, showing a more than 88% likelihood of rate reductions commencing in March 2024, and anticipates over 150 basis points in cuts throughout the next calendar year.

Conversely, the Bank of England (BoE) has signaled that rate decreases are not imminent within the United Kingdom. The BoE has upheld its interest rate at the current 5.25% during three consecutive meetings, suggesting a more cautious approach to monetary policy adjustments. Despite the central bank’s stance that discussions of rate cuts are premature, financial markets are betting on a potential reduction in rates by May of the following year.

The trading atmosphere is expected to be less vigorous due to the holiday season, which may influence the GBP/USD pair’s volatility in the lead-up to the New Year. Significant economic data releases are on the horizon, which will likely impact currency fluctuations. Later on Thursday, the United States will disclose its Initial Weekly Jobless Claims, Trade Balance figures, and November’s Pending Home Sales statistics. Following this, on Friday, the United Kingdom’s Nationwide Housing Prices and the US Chicago Purchasing Managers’ Index will be published, providing further insight into the economic health of both nations.

Investors and traders alike will be closely monitoring these economic indicators, as they provide crucial information on the labor market and housing sector’s health, both of which are significant factors in the central banks’ decision-making processes regarding interest rates. The outcomes of these reports could either reinforce or challenge the current market consensus on the direction of monetary policy in both the US and the UK, thereby influencing the GBP/USD currency dynamics as the financial year draws to a close. 

Read More
Focus Shifts to FOMC Minutes

EUR/GBP Regains Ground, Nearing Mid-0.8600 Range in Response to UK Inflation Data

EUR/GBP Regains Ground, Nearing Mid-0.8600 Range in Response to UK Inflation Data

The European currency pair EUR/GBP witnessed a modest rebound in the early hours of the European market session on Wednesday, as it climbed towards the mid-0.8600 territory, a notable recovery from its recent slump. The upswing in the pair was primarily fueled by a weaker-than-expected set of inflation figures from the UK, which put downward pressure on the British Pound and conversely offered a boost to the EUR/GBP exchange rate. As trading progressed, the pair was observed to be exchanging hands near 0.8645, marking an increase of 0.21% within the day’s trading activities.

In a surprising turn, the UK’s latest inflation report, disseminated by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), recorded a month-over-month (MoM) Consumer Price Index (CPI) decline of 0.2% in November, deviating from the flat rate previously reported and falling short of the modest 0.1% rise forecasted. On an annual basis, inflation climbed by 3.9%, a significant drop from the preceding value of 4.6% and below the anticipated consensus of 4.4%. A more focused view on the Core CPI, which strips out the more volatile components such as food and energy prices, reflected a deceleration to 5.1% in November from October’s 5.7%, not aligning with the market’s projected figure of 5.6%. This softer inflation outlook led to the Sterling losing ground against the Euro, providing momentum for the EUR/GBP currency pair.

Further complicating the monetary landscape, Sarah Breeden, Deputy Governor of the Bank of England (BoE), conveyed on Tuesday that the institution had not charted a fixed trajectory for interest rate adjustments, emphasizing the need for a continued restrictive policy stance to manage inflationary pressures effectively.

Adding to the broader economic context, data published by Eurostat revealed that the Eurozone experienced weaker inflation in November, attributed mainly to declining energy prices. Despite this easing, Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), cautioned that inflationary pressures could intensify in December, spurred by colder weather conditions leading to increased energy demand and higher prices. The ECB also acknowledged that the evolving challenges posed by climate change would inevitably complicate the monetary policy framework.

On the policy front, ECB policymaker Bostjan Vasle communicated that a proper evaluation of the bank’s policy direction would require time extending at least until the forthcoming spring, deeming any current market anticipations of interest rate reductions in March or April as premature.

Market participants are poised to closely monitor upcoming financial releases, including the Eurozone’s Current Account and October’s Construction Output data. Additionally, remarks from ECB’s Chief Economist Philip Lane, who is scheduled to speak later on Wednesday, will be scrutinized for insights that could influence the EUR/GBP trading dynamics. 

Read More
EUR/USD Holds Near 1.0600 as US Dollar Weakens on Profit-Taking

EUR/USD Maintains Modest Increase Near 1.0900, Awaiting German IFO Report

EUR/USD Maintains Modest Increase Near 1.0900, Awaiting German IFO Report

Rewrite this news and expand to 400  words: EUR/USD Maintains Modest Increase Near 1.0900, Awaiting German IFO Report

The EUR/USD pair posts modest gains during the Asian trading hours on Monday. The major pair remains capped under 1.1000, the key barrier, and currently trades near 1.0900 amid the rebound of the US Dollar Index (DXY) and weaker Eurozone data. Investors will take more cues from the German IFO survey for fresh impetus on Monday.

The downturn in eurozone business activity surprisingly fell in December and indicated the bloc’s economy is almost certainly in recession. The preliminary Eurozone HCOB Composite PMI dropped to 47.0 in December from November’s print of 47.6, below the market consensus of 48.0. The figure registered the seventh consecutive month below the 50 level, separating growth from contraction.

Furthermore, the Eurozone Manufacturing PMI came in worse than expected, dropping to 44.2 in December, while the Services PMI fell to 48.1 from 48.7 in the previous reading, missing the estimation of 49.0. The data suggested that the Eurozone economy is likely to contract in the fourth quarter, contrary to the ECB’s projections. This, in turn, exerts some selling pressure on the Euro (EUR) and acts as a headwind to the EUR/USD pair.

Across the pond, the US S&P Global Composite PMI grew at the fastest pace in five months, rising to 51.0 in December from 50.7 in the previous reading. Meanwhile, the Manufacturing PMI fell to the lowest level in four months, easing from 49.4 to 48.2 in December. The Services PMI rose to 51.3 in December from 50.8 in November.

On Sunday, Federal Reserve (Fed) Bank of Chicago President Austan Goolsbee stated that it’s too early to declare victory over the inflation battle, and the decisions on rate cuts will be dependent on economic data.

Moving on, the German IFO surveys will be released and are expected to show a modest improvement. Later this week, the Eurozone Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) for November will be due on Tuesday, and the German Producer Price Index (PPI) will be released on Wednesday. On the US docket, the Census Bureau will release the housing data, including Building Permits and Housing Starts on Tuesday.

Read More

Fears about economy are causing stock global markets to collapse

Fears about economy are causing stock global markets to collapse

The United Kingdom and Switzerland boosted interest rates on Thursday, a day after the Federal Reserve of the United States announced the highest rate hike since 1994 affected the global stock market. Policymakers are hiking interest rates in order to decrease demand and alleviate some of the pressures that are driving up consumer prices. Investors are concerned that the actions will cause a lasting slump in the global economy. After the US rate hike was announced, Ryan Sweet of Moody’s Analytics said, “The Federal Reserve will hike interest rates until policymakers break inflation, but the risk is that they also break the economy.”

The Nikkei 225 and Australia’s main stock market index were both down more than 2% on Friday; however Hong Kong and Shanghai stocks were higher. That occurred following a sell-off in the US on Thursday, with the S&P 500 dropping 3.2 percent and the tech-heavy NASDAQ dropping more than 4%. For the first time since January 2021, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell more than 2.4 percent, falling below 30,000 points. Few businesses were spared, and corporations that rely on discretionary spending, such as Nike and airlines, were among the hardest hit. Energy businesses, which would potentially face a decline in demand if the economy slowed, were also hit hard.

Tesla’s stock dropped 8.5 percent after the company announced price hikes due to increased costs. The autopilot features of the electric vehicle are also being scrutinised by US road safety regulators. Spotify also dropped 7% a day after the streaming behemoth announced it was slowing recruiting in the wake of economic uncertainty, becoming the second major internet business to do so.

The FTSE 100 ended Thursday down more than 3% in the UK, where the Bank of England warned that inflation could reach 11% this year. After warning investors that inflationary pressures were impacting shopping behaviour, Asos, a British online apparel company, plummeted 32.5 percent. The Dax index in Germany sank more than 3%, while the Cac 40 in France fell 2.4 percent.

Read More

Fed’s rate hike, the stock market in the United States rallied

Fed’s rate hike, the stock market in the United States rallied

Stocks in the United States jumped on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve approved its largest interest-rate hike since 1994, although the central bank hinted that such moves would be rare. The S&P 500 index increased 54.51 points, or 1.5 percent, to 3789.99, ending a five-day losing run. The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 303.70 points, or 1%, to 30668.53, while the NASDAQ Composite increased by 270.81 points, or 2.5 percent, to 11099.15.

The move is the Fed’s latest attempt to reduce inflation by tightening monetary policy. The Fed was widely expected to boost its short-term benchmark rate by 0.75 percentage point, as forecast by investors. Some had feared that, before of Wednesday’s interest-rate decision, the Fed might have to hike rates even faster.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said Wednesday’s decision was “an extraordinarily significant one” during a press conference following the announcement. He also stated that he expects the Fed to raise rates by 0.50 to 0.75 percentage points at its July meeting. Ultimately, the guidance the Fed gives about the direction of interest rates Wednesday is more important for markets than the size of the rate increase, said Dorian Carrell, a fund manager at Schroders. This year, uncertainty regarding monetary policy has been a major source of volatility.

On Monday, the S&P 500 entered bear market territory, or a decline of at least 20% from a prior high. “Markets are pricing in a Fed that wants to be ahead of the curve on inflation rather than behind it,” said Art Hogan, chief market analyst at National Securities. Mr. Hogan said that this helped raise stocks ahead of Wednesday’s rate announcement. Stocks were up across the board, with 10 of the S&P 500’s 11 sectors closing the day higher. Technology companies, which have been one of the market’s hardest hit this year, were among the best performers. Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon.com, and Netflix all increased by 3% or more.

Areas of the market that are economically sensitive have also risen. The KBW NASDAQ Bank Index rose 1.6 percent on Wednesday, following a sell-off in bank stocks due to market concerns about a slowing economy. Energy stocks have fallen, marking a rare reversal for the year’s best-performing S&P 500 sector. The energy sector of the S&P 500 index declined by around 2.1 percent.

Meanwhile, government bonds in the United States recovered after falling in recent weeks in a selloff that pushed rates to their highest levels in almost a decade. The yield on 10-year Treasurys fell to 3.389 percent on Wednesday, down from 3.482 percent the day before. Rates for everything from mortgages to federal student loans to auto loans are influenced by yields, which fall as bond prices rise.

Ahead of the ECB’s ad hoc meeting on Wednesday to tackle instability in the region’s bond markets, European stocks and prices on peripheral government bonds in the eurozone soared. Under an existing bond-purchase programme, the ECB plans to buy more bonds from weaker eurozone governments. It charged ECB employees with speeding up the development of a new instrument that would reduce borrowing cost variations throughout the area, addressing financial imbalances that have long plagued the currency union.

Willem Sels, chief investment officer at HSBC Private Banking and Wealth Management, said, “They wanted to make sure financing circumstances don’t deteriorate too much.” The meeting, he claimed, showed that the ECB was ready to support markets sooner than investors had anticipated.

Shares of banks and insurers led the Stoxx Europe 600 index higher by 1.4 percent. As the price of government bonds declined, shares of Italian banks, who own a large portion of them, suffered. On Wednesday, Intesa Sanpaolo and UniCredit were among the best-performing banks in Europe. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was trading at 30669 in the afternoon on Wednesday. It was wrongly stated in an earlier version of this article that it traded at 20639. Furthermore, on Tuesday, Italy’s 10-year government bond yields finished at 4.111 percent. The yields settled at 4.067 percent in an earlier version of this story, which was inaccurate.

 

Read More

Stocks fall further into a bear market ahead of major Fed comments

Stocks fall further into a bear market ahead of major Fed comments

Most stocks on Wall Street fell in their first trading day Tuesday after plunging into a bear market on fears that soaring inflation may force central banks to slam the brakes on the economy too forcefully. The S&P 500 index slid 14.15 points, or 0.4 percent, to 3,735.48 as investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rate hikes on Wednesday. After a couple of prominent corporations displayed financial fortitude with stronger profits and dividends to shareholders, it swung back and forth between losses and gains throughout the day.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 151.91 points to 30,364.83, or 0.5 percent. After bouncing between a loss of 0.7 percent and a gain of 1.1 percent, the NASDAQ composite increased 19.12, or 0.2 percent, to 10,828.35. Despite the swings, trading was calmer than it had been during Monday’s global sell-off, which drove the S&P 500 down 3.9 percent. In Tokyo and Paris, stocks sank more than 1%, but increased by the same amount in Shanghai. Even as Treasury yields rose to their highest levels in more than a decade, investors on Wall Street appeared to be less anxious.

“No one is going to take major positions today,” said Katie Nixon, chief investment officer at Northern Trust Wealth Management, “before of what could be a rip-roaring day” with the Fed’s decision. The price of cryptocurrencies continued to fluctuate. They’ve been among the hardest affected in this year’s market sell-off, as the Federal Reserve and other central banks boost interest rates to combat inflation and forcefully turn off the “easy mode” that has kept markets afloat for years. According to CoinDesk, Bitcoin was down over 5% in afternoon trading and was trading at $22,201. It had already dropped over 70% from its all-time high of $68,990.90 achieved late last year.

However, economists believe the data will not prevent the Federal Reserve from raising its benchmark interest rate by a larger-than-usual amount on Wednesday. Investors are now anticipating the largest increase since 1994, a three-quarters of a percentage point increase, or three times the typical amount. Only a week ago, such a massive gain was considered a remote prospect, if at all. However, a market-beating report on consumer inflation on Friday appears to have forced the Fed into acting more aggressively. It showed that, instead of declining as expected, consumer price inflation worsened in May.

A major rate hike, Nixon added, “is really a split judgement in terms of the market as to whether it will be a good thing or a terrible thing.” “It certainly paves the way for more significant hikes in the future.” According to Tradeweb, Treasury yields continued to rise, with the two-year yield reaching its highest level since November 2007, before the financial crisis. During the day, the 10-year yield hit its highest level since April 2011. They also had a relatively dependable recession warning indicator blinking on and off in the bond market. The 10-year Treasury yield has risen above the two-year yield in afternoon trading, at 3.47 percent vs 3.41 percent. In the bond market, things usually look like this.

Some investors see the unique situation in which the two-year yield exceeds the 10-year yield as a sign that a recession is on the way in the next year or two. It’s known as a “inverted yield curve,” and it appeared briefly earlier today. Oracle stock rose 10.4% on Wall Street after the company reported better revenue and earnings for the most recent quarter than experts predicted. FedEx’s stock rose 14.4% after the company increased its dividend distribution by more than 50%. It was the first day of trading for US stocks since the S&P 500 finished Monday at a 21.8 percent loss from its early-year high. This put it in a bear market, which is defined as a decrease of 20% or more in value.

The Federal Reserve’s aim to contain inflation by raising interest rates is at the heart of the sell-off. The Fed is scrambling to bring prices under control, and one of its key tools is to raise interest rates. However, this is a harsh tool that could slow the economy too much and lead to a recession. “The attention on this week’s Fed decision is driving the true calm in today’s market,” said Greg Bassuk, CEO of AXS Investments. “Today’s calm is either the calm before the storm or the calm that will hopefully last for a long time.” Other central banks around the world have started raising rates as well, notably the Bank of England, and the European Central Bank has suggested it will do so next month.

Oil and food costs are skyrocketing as a result of the Ukraine conflict, driving inflation and sapping consumer spending, particularly in Europe. Meanwhile, COVID infections in China have prompted some harsh, business-slowing regulations that threaten to stifle the world’s second-largest economy and exacerbate clogged supply chains. The move toward higher rates has reversed the market’s extraordinary gain, which was fueled by significant central bank support after the pandemic struck in early 2020. From late March 2020 to the climax in January, the S&P 500 more than doubled. According to S&P Dow Jones Indices, it was the shortest bull market on record, dating back to 1929, and it followed the shortest bear market on record.

Investors are less inclined to pay high prices for hazardous assets when interest rates are higher. As a result, some of the biggest stars of the earlier low-rate era, such as bitcoin and high-growth technology companies, have taken the brunt of this year’s crash. In 2022, Netflix will be down by more than 70%.

Read More

S&P 500 entered a bear market, global stocks dropped

S&P 500 entered a bear market, global stocks dropped

Stock futures increased, indicating that U.S. markets were on the verge of recovering from a meltdown that pushed the S&P 500 into a bear market on Monday, but Asian stocks remained under pressure. In Asia on Tuesday morning, S&P 500 futures were up 0.6 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq-100, which is centered on technology, both rose 0.5 percent and 0.8 percent, respectively.

Consumer inflation in the United States reached its highest level in more than four decades, according to data released late last week. This has fueled fears that the Federal Reserve will be forced to act quickly, and that the monetary tightening that follows will push the economy into recession. Following a two-day policy meeting, the Fed will announce its next interest rate decision on Wednesday. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, market pricing swung quickly on Monday, implying that a 0.75 percentage point increase was a near certainty. According to the programme, futures markets previously indicated a one-in-four possibility of such a significant gain.

Shorter-term Treasury yields surged above longer-term Treasury yields during Asian trading hours Tuesday, a phenomenon known as an inverted yield curve that has often preceded prior recessions. As bond prices decrease, yields climb. The yield on the 10-year note fell to 3.355 percent from 3.371 percent on Tuesday, after jumping to an 11-year peak on Monday. The yield on the two-year note, meanwhile, increased by 0.116 percentage point to 3.395 percent.

While several markets have been impacted by higher interest rates this year, the shares of money-losing companies that were once industry darlings and other speculative plays have been particularly hard hit. Higher interest rates on risk-free assets like government bonds tend to lower the appeal of riskier investments—and the perceived value of future cash flows—while increasing corporate borrowing costs. The S&P 500 has now down approximately 22% from its January high, while the NASDAQ Composite has dropped 33% from its November high.

Read More

Concerns about Global Economy have caused the stock markets to fall

Concerns about Global Economy have caused the stock markets to fall

As a result of rising prices in the United States, Asian stock markets have plunged, raising fears that the Federal Reserve may tighten its monetary policy to combat inflation. At the same time, the US dollar rose to 135 yen for the first time in more than two decades. It comes as official numbers released on Friday revealed that US inflation touched a 40-year high last month. Investors’ anxieties over global economic development were heightened by a warning in Beijing about Covid-19 infections.

The Nikkei 225 index in Japan was down 2.7 percent on Monday, while the Hang Seng in Hong Kong was down 2.7 percent. The Australian stock market was closed for the public holiday commemorating the Queen’s birthday. Brent crude has dropped roughly $1.70 to just over $120 per barrel, bringing global oil prices down. Official data released on Friday indicated that prices rose more than predicted in the United States last month, with rising energy and food expenses pushing inflation to its highest level since 1981.

After dropping in April, the annual inflation rate climbed to 8.6% in May, according to the Labor Department. This dashed hopes that inflation had reached a nadir, and instead alerted investors to the possibility that the Federal Reserve would respond more forcefully to the problem. On Wednesday, the central bank is expected to issue its next policy pronouncement. It has an 80% likelihood of raising its main interest rate by half a percentage point, according to the markets.

The reforms occurred as the cost of living has risen, putting pressure on officials to address the issue. The rising cost of gasoline has become a big issue in the United States, with the price of gasoline averaging more than $5 per gallon for the first time on Saturday, according to the American Automobile Association. Investors are concerned, however, that the Fed and other major central banks would take extreme measures to curb increasing prices, such as raising interest rates too high and too quickly, causing a sudden economic slowdown.

Investors are also concerned about the spread of Covid-19 in China, following the announcement on Sunday by Beijing’s most populous district of Chaoyang that three rounds of mass testing would be conducted to control a “ferocious” outbreak – 166 confirmed cases so far – that began last week at a bar in a nightlife and shopping area. This has sparked fears of future lockdowns, which might stifle the city’s economic resurgence just as restrictions were being relaxed.

Read More

Stocks drop as Wall Street prepares for inflation data

Stocks drop as Wall Street prepares for inflation data

Stocks in the United States fell sharply on Thursday, as Wall Street fretted about critical inflation data due out on Friday. The S&P 500 was down 2.4 percent, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 1.9 percent, or 640 points. The NASDAQ Composite Index dropped by 2.8 percent. The majority of the losses occurred in the final hour of trading, as selling intensified as the session came to a close.

Investors are anticipating the release of the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday in order to gain further insight into how aggressively the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates. Inflation is expected to have continued in May, according to the reading. According to consensus estimates, headline inflation would climb at an annual pace of 8.3 percent in May, matching April’s reading, and 5.9 percent excluding food and energy prices.

The sell-off was triggered by disappointing labour market statistics released before the market opened, as well as confirmation from the European Central Bank that it intends to hike interest rates next month. Last week, 229,000 people applied for unemployment benefits, the highest number since January and an indication that the labour market is becoming more stressed. Prior to the release of this data, all three main indexes were forecasting gains of more than 0.4 percent at the open.

Oil prices fell somewhat but remained above $120 per barrel, and the 10-year Treasury yield rose to 3.06 percent, just above the 3% level that the 10-year had surpassed earlier this week for the first time since early May. Investors are still looking for signs of how the economy is faring in the face of tighter financial conditions, as well as how aggressive the Federal Reserve rate hike cycle will grow before a possible stop.

Last Friday’s robust May employment numbers undoubtedly conveyed to policymakers that present labour market conditions can survive further monetary tightening. As it fights inflation, central bank policymakers have taken clues from the labour market on the rate hike pace, with policy geared at cooling labour demand just enough to keep the unemployment rate from rising too high.

In a morning note, FWDBONDS Chief Economist Christopher S. Rupkey noted, “The surge in initial jobless claims does fit with anecdotal information offered by CEOs that they are closely watching their head counts, which frequently covers up for their actions where they are discreetly throwing away pink slips.” “One thing is certain: joblessness will only rise as inflation raises costs for every company across the country, necessitating cost-cutting measures that will inevitably fall on the backs of workers.”

Shares of Tesla (TSLA) closed marginally down in other markets after the electric vehicle’s price gained as much as 3% in early trading following a UBS upgrade to Buy. The electric vehicle behemoth is also “best positioned to become one of the top three global auto manufactures by 2030,” according to the research.

 

Read More

As volatile trading on Wall Street continues, stocks dip

As volatile trading on Wall Street continues, stocks dip

Investors were disheartened to see further evidence of inflation’s impact on businesses and another grim forecast for the global economy on Wall Street Wednesday, erasing most of their gains for the week. The losses come after a string of choppy trading days, with key indexes swinging back and forth between gains and losses by the hour. As investors strive to figure out how rising interest rates and inflation will affect the economy, volatility prevails.

The S&P 500 index dropped 44.91 points, or 1.1%, to 4,115.77. For the week, the benchmark index managed to maintain a small increase. It has now lost eight of the previous nine weeks. The NASDAQ slid 88.96 points, or 0.7 percent, to 12,086.27, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 269.24 points, or 0.8 percent, to 32,910.90. The largest weights on the broader market were banks and industrial businesses. Union Pacific was down 3.1 percent and Wells Fargo was down 1.8 percent. Stocks in the technology sector have also dropped. Intel’s stock dropped 5.3 percent.

Stocks of smaller companies plummeted faster than the rest of the market. The Russell 2000 index dropped 28.56 points (1.5%) to 1,891.01. Bond yields have risen. The 10-year Treasury yield, which banks use to set mortgage and other loan rates, increased to 3.02 percent on Wednesday from 2.97 percent late Tuesday.

On Wall Street, the biggest issue is increasing inflation and whether the Federal Reserve’s decision to hike interest rates rapidly will help mitigate the damage or push the economy into recession. “What investors need to understand is that inflation numbers will take a long time to look good,” said Brian Levitt, global market strategist at Invesco. “What they need to pay attention to is whether it improves or deteriorates in relation to expectations.”

Businesses are still feeling the effects of inflation. Scotts Miracle-Gro, a lawn care products firm, fell 8.9% after reducing its profit prediction for the year because merchants aren’t restocking orders as quickly as projected. Consumers are shifting to either spending on services or focusing on basics rather than purchasing otherwise discretionary products such as electronics, according to retailers.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has increased pressure on oil and food prices since February, has only exacerbated the impact of inflation. Crude oil prices in the United States jumped 2.3 percent on Wednesday, bringing the year’s total to 63 percent, while wheat prices are up 39 percent in 2022. Following a series of lockdowns in Chinese cities dealing with COVID-19 cases, supply chains have tightened as well.

“It will be more difficult to see headline inflation come down as long as commodity prices remain elevated,” Levitt added. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has lowered its economic growth prediction, following numerous other international organisations, like the World Bank, who expect inflation to have a long-term impact on economies around the world.

In testimony before the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said she expects inflation to stay high and that lowering it is a primary priority. At its meeting next week, the Federal Reserve is largely expected to raise its benchmark short-term interest rate by half a percentage point. That would be the second consecutive hike of more than double the regular amount, with a third expected in July.

The Fed’s goal is to reduce economic growth enough to mitigate the impact of inflation. Throughout most of the post-pandemic recovery, demand for commodities outpaced supplies and production capacity. However, investors are concerned that the Fed may raise rates too quickly, causing the US economy to enter a recession, especially given the current state of the economy. Wall Street is keeping a tight eye on economic statistics for signs that the Fed may be easing up on the scale of its rate hikes. The latest report on the consumer price index will be released by the US government on Friday, which will provide the next major update on inflation.

Read More
Gold Struggles Below $3,300 as Fed Rate Cut Hopes Dim Ahead of FOMC Minutes

Gold Struggles Below $3,300 as Fed Rate Cut Hopes Dim Ahead of FOMC Minutes

Gold (XAU/USD) dipped to a one-and-a-half-week low near $3,284 during the Asian trading session on Wednesday, weighed down by a stronger US Dollar and rising Treasury yields. Investors are increasingly convinced that recent US tariff hikes may fuel inflation, prompting the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates elevated for longer. 

The firmer Greenback, bolstered by expectations of prolonged Fed tightening and a robust June jobs report, has dulled the appeal of non-yielding assets like gold. Benchmark 10-year US bond yields also climbed, adding further pressure on the precious metal. 

Market participants remain cautious amid ongoing concerns about the economic fallout from Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff proposals. On Tuesday, the former US President threatened to impose duties of up to 50% on copper and 200% on foreign pharmaceuticals, unsettling global markets. However, gold’s traditional safe-haven demand has yet to see significant support in response. 

Traders are now eyeing the release of the FOMC meeting minutes later today, hoping for clues on the Fed’s rate path. Although a July rate cut appears off the table, markets are still pricing in up to 50 basis points of easing by year-end, likely beginning in October. 

Technically, a break below the $3,300 level, coupled with resistance at the 100-period SMA on the 4-hour chart, signals further downside. Momentum indicators suggest gold could slide towards the next support at $3,270, with a deeper drop towards $3,248–$3,247 not ruled out. 

On the upside, recovery attempts may face initial resistance near $3,310 and stronger barriers around $3,326 and $3,340. A decisive move above $3,360 could open the door to a short-term rebound toward the $3,400 mark. 

Read More
Gold Price Climbs Steadily

Gold Price Climbs Steadily, Eyes Record High Amid Trade War Concerns

Gold (XAU/USD) extends its intraday rally, reaching the $2,880 region during the Asian session on Monday. The gains come in response to US President Donald Trump’s plan to impose new 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, reigniting fears of a global trade war and driving demand for the safe-haven precious metal. Additionally, concerns that Trump’s protectionist policies could fuel inflation further bolster gold’s appeal as a hedge against rising prices.

Gold Supported by Trade War Fears, But Fed Policy Remains a Concern

Despite strong upside momentum, gold’s gains may face limitations due to the resilient US Dollar (USD) and expectations that the Federal Reserve (Fed) might delay further rate cuts. The strong US employment data released on Friday, coupled with inflationary concerns, has reinforced speculation that the Fed will maintain a cautious stance.

Overbought conditions on the daily chart could also deter traders from initiating fresh bullish positions, especially in the absence of key US economic data early in the week.

Trump’s Tariff Announcement Sparks Market Uncertainty

On Sunday, Trump reaffirmed plans to impose 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the US, adding that his administration would match tariff rates imposed by other countries. These announcements have further fueled uncertainty and strengthened gold’s safe-haven appeal.

Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions remain elevated. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Galuzin stated there are no satisfactory proposals for Ukraine peace talks, dismissing Western statements as mere rhetoric. US Vice President JD Vance is reportedly heading to Germany this week to outline US policy proposals.

Fed Policymakers Express Caution Amid Economic Uncertainty

The latest US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report showed 143K jobs were added in January, falling short of the 170K estimate but offset by an unexpected dip in the Unemployment Rate to 4.0%. While the report provides mixed signals, it has reinforced the belief that the Fed will remain cautious regarding further monetary easing.

Several Fed officials have weighed in on economic policy:

  • Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari stated he would consider supporting further rate cuts if inflation data remains favorable and the labor market stays strong.
  • Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee noted that inconsistent US government policies create economic uncertainty, making it difficult to assess inflation trends.
  • Fed Governor Adriana Kugler acknowledged steady US economic growth but warned that progress toward the 2% inflation target remains uneven and slow.

What’s Next for Gold?

A stronger US Dollar could act as a headwind for gold prices, limiting aggressive bullish momentum. Traders will closely monitor Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s semi-annual congressional testimony and the upcoming US consumer inflation figures for further market direction.

Read More
Gold Price Rally Holds Strong, But Overbought Conditions Raise Caution

Gold Price Bulls Hold Firm, But Overbought Conditions Suggest Caution

Gold (XAU/USD) continues its upward trajectory through the Asian session on Wednesday, reaching a fresh all-time high near $2,858. Concerns about the economic impact of US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs continue to drive demand for the safe-haven metal. Furthermore, predictions that the Federal Reserve (Fed) would continue its easing cycle, backed by signs of deteriorating momentum in the US labor market, are fuelling demand for the non-yielding yellow metal.

 

Meanwhile, the US dollar (USD) remains under pressure near its weekly low, with rising expectations of further Fed policy easing, offering an extra lift to gold prices. However, Trump’s decision to suspend tariffs on Canada and Mexico has contributed to a risk-on mentality, which may restrict future gains for XAU/USD. Furthermore, gold is entering overbought territory on the daily chart, implying a short-term consolidation or minor retreat before the advance begins. Traders are now waiting for significant U.S. data releases, such as the ADP private-sector employment report and the ISM Services PMI, for new market signals.

Gold Bulls Retain Control Amid US-China Trade Tensions

Despite the positive risk tone, a further escalation in U.S.-China trade tensions continues to lend support to the upward momentum in gold. In response to President Trump’s latest tariffs, China has imposed targeted duties on US imports, and the threat of a trade war between the world’s two biggest economies has seen gold reach an all-time high on Wednesday.

On the macroeconomic front, the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) released Tuesday revealed a decline in U.S. job openings, dropping to 7.6 million in December from a previous 8.09 million. The data signals a cooling labor market, increasing the likelihood of additional Fed rate cuts. This has kept USD bulls on the defensive and further strengthened XAU/USD.

Trump’s decision to postpone the application of a 25% tax on Canadian and Mexican imports by 30 days has revived hopes that a global trade war can be avoided. However, this has done little to undermine the positive enthusiasm toward gold.

Market players will be keenly monitoring Wednesday’s U.S. economic data, such as the ISM Services PMI and the ADP employment report, which may cause short-term changes in gold prices. However, Friday’s highly anticipated Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report continues to be the main focus. Furthermore, any fresh information about trade tariffs is probably going to cause financial markets to become more volatile.

Read More
WTI Crude Oil Struggles Near $72.00, 100-Day SMA Holds as Key Support

WTI Crude Oil Struggles Near $72.00, 100-Day SMA Holds as Key Support

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices fell from a one-week high on Tuesday, attracting sellers for the second straight session. The commodity trades at $72.00, barely above last week’s one-month low and close to the important 100-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) support. 

US Tariff Delay Weighs on Oil Prices

US President Donald Trump has announced a one-month suspension on newly imposed tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, easing worries about potential supply disruptions from two of the country’s main oil suppliers. This development put downward pressure on crude oil prices. Furthermore, fears of lower gasoline demand—driven by the larger economic impact of Trump’s trade policies—are contributing to gloomy sentiment in the oil market.

OPEC+ Stands Firm on Production Policy

Despite Trump’s calls for higher output to combat rising oil prices, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) have chosen to keep current production levels. This decision may give some support for crude oil prices, avoiding further losses in the near term.

Key Technical Levels to Watch

Traders will closely monitor the 100-day SMA, currently positioned near the $71.00 mark, which serves as a crucial support level. A decisive break below this threshold could trigger an extended pullback from the recent multi-month highs. Conversely, a bounce from this level may reinforce buying interest and help WTI recover from its recent slump.

Read More
Gold Holds Below $2,800 Despite Intraday Recovery

Gold Price Trims Intraday Losses but Remains Below $2,800 Amid Stronger USD

The gold price (XAU/USD) recovers some of its losses following the strong Asian session sell-off but remains in negative territory, hovering around $2,785, down about 0.60% for the day. The recent rise in the US Dollar (USD), fueled by President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, has pushed the greenback closer to a two-year high, weighing on gold and dragging it away from its all-time high of $2,817, hit on Friday.

However, projections that the Federal Reserve (Fed) would lower interest rates twice by the end of 2025, combined with indications about probable economic disruptions from Trump’s trade policies, contribute to gold’s safe-haven appeal. The current risk-off mentality further shields the downside, so bearish traders should exercise caution ahead of this week’s key US macroeconomic data, which begins with today’s ISM Manufacturing PMI release.

Technical Outlook: Gold’s Uptrend Intact Despite Intraday Pullback

From a technical perspective, the intraday decline found support near the $2,772 resistance-turned-support level, which now serves as a pivotal point. A decisive break below this zone could trigger further selling pressure, exposing gold to the next key support levels:

 

  • $2,755 – Initial downside target
  • $2,740 – Intermediate support
  • $2,725-$2,720 – Strong demand zone
  • $2,700 – Psychological level, a break below which could accelerate losses

Conversely, immediate resistance is seen in the $2,790-$2,800 region, followed by the record high of $2,817. Notably, momentum indicators on the daily chart remain comfortably positive, indicating that gold has not yet reached overbought levels. This provides room for additional upward momentum, confirming the broader bullish trend that began with the December swing bottom.

If gold manages to sustain a move above $2,817, it could pave the way for fresh record highs, with bulls eyeing further gains amid ongoing market uncertainty.

Market Drivers to Watch

US Dollar Strength: The impact of Trump’s tariffs on global trade could continue supporting the USD, potentially weighing on gold.

Federal Reserve Policy: Expectations of rate cuts in 2025 remain a crucial factor for gold’s long-term trajectory.

US Economic Data: The upcoming ISM Manufacturing PMI and Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report later this week could trigger volatility in gold prices.

Risk Sentiment: Any escalation in geopolitical or economic tensions could further boost gold’s safe-haven demand.

Overall, while gold has retreated from its highs, the larger bullish trend remains intact, with technical signals suggesting further upward movement as long as critical support levels hold.

Read More
WTI Slips to $71.00 Amid Trade Tariff Concerns and Weak China Data

WTI Slips to $71.00 Amid Trade Tariff Concerns and Weak China Data

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices edge lower during Wednesday’s Asian session, erasing part of the previous day’s modest recovery from a nearly three-week low. The commodity trades near $71.00, down over 0.25% for the day, and remains vulnerable to further losses amid prevailing bearish sentiment.

Investor concerns persist over US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose trade tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico by February 1, which could weigh on global fuel demand. Additionally, weak Chinese economic data adds to downward pressure. Official PMIs released on Monday highlighted continued weakness in the world’s second-largest economy and top crude importer, raising concerns over lower consumption.

Further pressure on oil prices comes from Trump’s energy policies, which include plans to ramp up US energy production and calls for the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to increase output to drive prices lower.

With bearish fundamentals dominating, WTI remains susceptible to further downside risks in the near term.

Read More
WTI Drops Toward

WTI Drops Toward $74.00 as Trump Pressures OPEC to Lower Oil Prices

West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude oil benchmark, trades near $74.10 on Friday, continuing its downward trend after US President Donald Trump urged Saudi Arabia and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to reduce oil prices.

Uncertainty surrounding Trump’s proposed tariffs and energy policies adds to the pressure on WTI. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Trump announced plans to request Saudi Arabia and OPEC to lower oil prices, saying, “I’m also going to ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC to bring down the cost of oil.”

Expectations of increased US production under Trump’s administration further weigh on oil prices. Earlier this week, Trump declared a national energy emergency, leveraging his authority to expedite the approval of oil, gas, and electricity projects that would typically require years of permitting.

Meanwhile, US crude inventories declined for the ninth consecutive week. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a drop of 1.017 million barrels in crude oil stockpiles for the week ending January 17, following a 1.962 million-barrel decline in the prior week. Market expectations had forecast a larger decrease of 2.1 million barrels.

Oil traders will closely monitor developments surrounding Trump’s energy policies and tariff announcements. Additionally, attention will shift to the preliminary US S&P Global Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for January, set for release later on Friday. A weaker-than-expected reading could pressure the US Dollar (USD), potentially offering some support to the USD-denominated WTI price.

Read More

EUR/USD Falls Near 1.0800 Ahead of Key Eurozone and German GDP Data

EUR/USD Falls Near 1.0800 Ahead of Key Eurozone and German GDP Data

EUR/USD slipped on Wednesday, trading around 1.0810 in the Asian session after two days of gains. The Euro faces downward pressure amid expectations that the European Central Bank (ECB) may cut its Deposit Facility Rate again. Current market predictions indicate a nearly 50% probability of a 50 basis-point rate cut in the ECB’s December meeting.

Investors are awaiting preliminary GDP data from Germany and the Eurozone, alongside Germany’s Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) report, scheduled for release on Wednesday. Attention will also turn to the preliminary U.S. Q3 GDP figures and October’s ADP Employment Change, set to release later that day.

ECB policymakers recently expressed mixed views on rate adjustments. Pierre Wunsch, Governor of the National Bank of Belgium, suggested there’s no urgent need for accelerated rate cuts, allowing room for more moderate measures. In contrast, Mario Centeno, Governor of the Bank of Portugal, views a 50 basis-point cut as a viable option for December.

EUR/USD’s decline also reflects the strengthening U.S. Dollar, bolstered by rising Treasury yields. The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the Dollar against six major currencies, is around 104.30, with 2-year and 10-year U.S. Treasury yields at 4.09% and 4.24%, respectively.

The pair could face additional pressure as the U.S. presidential election draws near. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed a tight race, with Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris holding a slim 1-point lead over Republican nominee Donald Trump, polling at 44% against Trump’s 43%.

Read More
EUR/USD Slips Below 1.0550 Amid Awaited ECB Lagarde Speech and US PMI Data

EUR/USD Price Analysis: Holding Above 1.0800, Testing the Descending Channel’s Upper Boundary

EUR/USD Price Analysis: Holding Above 1.0800, Testing the Descending Channel’s Upper Boundary

The EUR/USD pair has eased back from its recent gains, trading near 1.0810 in the Asian session on Tuesday. On the daily chart, the pair is currently testing the upper boundary of the descending channel, hinting at a potential reinforcement of a bearish trend.

The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI), a key momentum indicator, is hovering slightly above 30. Should the RSI dip below this level, it would indicate an oversold state, suggesting a possible upward correction for the EUR/USD in the near term.

Further indicating bearish momentum, the nine-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) remains below the 14-day EMA. This setup aligns with ongoing downward price pressure and reflects weaker short-term momentum.

On the downside, the pair finds immediate support near the psychologically significant 1.0800 level, aligning with the upper boundary of the descending channel. If the price reenters this channel, it could prompt a further decline toward the 1.0600 level.

A drop below 1.0600 could amplify selling pressure, potentially driving the pair down to the lower boundary of the descending channel around 1.0680.

For resistance, the EUR/USD pair faces an initial hurdle at the nine-day EMA around 1.0826, followed by the 14-day EMA at 1.0855. A breakout above these levels might see the pair move toward the 1.0900 mark.

Read More
EUR/USD Eases Near

EUR/USD Steady Below 1.0800 Amid Speculation of a Less Dovish Fed Stance

EUR/USD Steady Below 1.0800 Amid Speculation of a Less Dovish Fed Stance

The EUR/USD pair remains stable around 1.0790 during Monday’s Asian trading hours, following previous session losses. However, it could face resistance from a strengthening U.S. Dollar (USD) as recent positive U.S. economic data fuels expectations for a potentially less dovish Federal Reserve (Fed) stance in November.

On Friday, the U.S. Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index showed an increase to 70.5 in October from 68.9, exceeding the forecast of 69.0. Meanwhile, Durable Goods Orders fell by 0.8% month-over-month in September—less than the anticipated 1.0% decline, suggesting resilient consumer demand.

Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could be enhancing the safe-haven appeal of the USD. Over the weekend, Israel conducted a targeted attack on Iran’s missile and air defense sites, reportedly in coordination with Washington. The restrained action, however, was narrower in scope than many had anticipated.

The USD’s strength is also supported by political uncertainty as the U.S. approaches its presidential election. Recently, former President Donald Trump’s allies encountered multiple court losses in key battleground states, potentially impacting the November 5 election outcome.

In Europe, European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member Klaas Knot emphasized the need for “keeping all options open” to manage risks to growth and inflation. Knot noted, “Retaining full optionality would serve as a hedge against risks impacting the growth and inflation outlook,” adding that the ECB’s meeting-by-meeting, data-driven approach has proven effective thus far, according to Reuters.

Read More
USD/CAD Holds Near One-Week Low

USD/CAD Nears Two-Month Highs at 1.3850 as Traders Turn Cautious Before US Election

USD/CAD Nears Two-Month Highs at 1.3850 as Traders Turn Cautious Before US Election

The USD/CAD pair holds steady with two consecutive days of gains, trading around 1.3850 in Friday’s Asian session. This level sits close to Thursday’s two-month high of 1.3868. The US Dollar’s strength underpins the pair’s resilience, fueled by growing expectations that the Federal Reserve may adopt a less aggressive stance on interest rate cuts.

Speculation surrounding the US presidential election in November is also boosting the Dollar, with former President Donald Trump gaining attention. His inflation-focused policies, including higher tariffs and tax cuts, are thought to be adding upward pressure on the Greenback.

During a rally in Las Vegas on Thursday, Trump emphasized his administration’s commitment to economic growth for all Americans, including African American, Hispanic, and Asian American communities, as reported by Reuters. Meanwhile, in Georgia, Vice President Kamala Harris held a rally with the support of prominent figures, including Bruce Springsteen, Tyler Perry, and former President Barack Obama, drawing thousands in the battleground state.

The Canadian Dollar (CAD), sensitive to commodity prices, is facing pressure as crude oil prices decline. Canada, the largest oil exporter to the US, is affected by West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude’s drop, currently marking its third consecutive day of losses and trading around $70.20 per barrel.

Traders are watching for Canada’s Retail Sales data, due later in the North American session, and Bank of Canada (BoC) Governor Tiff Macklem’s speech at the IMF meeting, which could provide further insights into Canada’s economic outlook.

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

EUR/USD Rebounds from Multi-Month Low, Eyes 1.0800 Ahead of Flash PMIs

EUR/USD Rebounds from Multi-Month Low, Eyes 1.0800 Ahead of Flash PMIs

The EUR/USD pair is showing signs of recovery during Thursday’s Asian session, breaking a three-day losing streak that saw it hit its lowest level since early July, near the 1.0760 region. Spot prices have edged closer to the 1.0800 level in recent hours, buoyed by a slight pullback in the US Dollar (USD). However, bullish traders should exercise caution due to underlying market conditions.

A retreat in US Treasury yields from a three-month high has led to some profit-taking on the USD, following its recent rally to levels last seen in late July. Still, the expectation that the Federal Reserve (Fed) may implement only modest rate cuts, coupled with investor caution ahead of the November 5 US Presidential election, could provide support for the USD as a safe-haven currency. Additionally, dovish signals from the European Central Bank (ECB) are likely to limit any significant upward movement for the EUR/USD pair.

Eurozone inflation fell to 1.7% in September, dipping below the ECB’s 2% target for the first time since June 2021. This reinforces the ECB’s view that inflationary pressures are easing and supports the likelihood of further policy easing. On Wednesday, ECB official Mario Centeno noted that downside risks are prominent for both growth and inflation, hinting that a 50 basis point rate cut in December is under consideration. Similarly, ECB’s Bostjan Vasle highlighted data suggesting potential delays in the expected recovery in growth.

Given these factors, traders may be hesitant to make aggressive bullish moves on the euro, keeping any upside for the EUR/USD in check. The focus now shifts to the upcoming flash PMI releases from the Eurozone and the US, which could offer fresh insights into global economic health and shape market sentiment. In the meantime, movements in US bond yields will also play a key role in driving USD fluctuations. Despite the current uptick, the broader fundamental outlook suggests that the EUR/USD may face downward pressure.

Read More
GBP/USD Tests 1.3000, Faces Challenges Amid BoE Dovish Outlook

GBP/USD Tests 1.3000, Faces Challenges Amid BoE Dovish Outlook

GBP/USD Tests 1.3000, Faces Challenges Amid BoE Dovish Outlook

The GBP/USD pair moved closer to the 1.3000 mark during Wednesday’s Asian session, though the British Pound (GBP) encountered resistance due to weaker UK economic data. Falling consumer and producer inflation, alongside disappointing labor market figures, have raised market expectations that the Bank of England (BoE) might cut interest rates by 25 basis points in November, with another quarter-point reduction anticipated in December.

On Tuesday, BoE Governor Andrew Bailey stressed the need for the central bank to improve oversight of the opaque non-banking financial sector. Speaking at a Bloomberg event in New York, Bailey stated, “We are nearing a shift from rule-making to surveillance” to better monitor financial activities outside traditional banking.

Additionally, BoE Deputy Governor Sarah Breeden is set to participate in a panel discussion on financial regulation hosted by the Institute of International Finance (IIF) in Washington on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the US Dollar (USD) strengthened as US Treasury yields rose, driven by the growing likelihood of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve (Fed). The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the USD against six major currencies, is hovering near a two-month high at 104.20. Yields on 2-year and 10-year US Treasury bonds have also climbed, sitting at 4.05% and 4.23%, respectively.

In a recent post on social media platform X, Mary Daly, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, noted that the US economy is in a stronger position, with inflation cooling and the labor market stabilizing.

Read More
EUR/USD Oscillates Above 1.0800, Bearish Risks Remain

EUR/USD Oscillates Above 1.0800, Bearish Risks Remain

EUR/USD Oscillates Above 1.0800, Bearish Risks Remain

The EUR/USD pair is currently in a bearish consolidation phase during Tuesday’s Asian session, fluctuating around the 1.0820 mark, just above its lowest level since early August, which was reached the day before. The short-term outlook remains skewed toward bearish sentiment, indicating that the pair may still trend lower.

On Monday, data showed that Germany, the Eurozone’s largest economy, experienced a drop in producer prices for the first time in seven months in September, with the annual deflation rate accelerating. This fueled expectations of additional monetary easing from the European Central Bank (ECB). ECB policymaker Gediminas Simkus hinted that further interest rate cuts could be necessary if inflation continues to fall, which could weigh on the Euro. Combined with a stronger US Dollar, this supports a bearish outlook for EUR/USD.

The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the USD against a basket of other currencies, is holding near its highest level since early August. This strength is bolstered by the belief that the Federal Reserve will implement modest interest rate cuts. Additionally, concerns over increased deficit spending after the November 5 US presidential election have driven US Treasury yields to a nearly three-month high. Ongoing geopolitical risks are also supporting the safe-haven dollar, adding to the downward pressure on EUR/USD.

With no significant economic data scheduled for release from the Eurozone on Tuesday, attention will shift to the US Richmond Manufacturing Index and a speech by Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker, which could impact USD price movements. Despite these events, the broader fundamentals suggest that any short-term recovery in EUR/USD could be viewed as a selling opportunity, with limited upside potential.

Read More
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. 

Read More
Best Forex Broker

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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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/

Read More

Popular Articles

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

Gold Struggles Below $3,300 as Fed Rate Cut Hopes Dim Ahead of FOMC Minutes

Gold Struggles Below $3,300 as Fed Rate Cut Hopes Dim Ahead of FOMC Minutes

EUR/USD Drops Toward 1.1700 as US Dollar Strengthens

EUR/USD Drops Toward 1.1700 as US Dollar Strengthens; FOMC Minutes in Spotlight

Forex Trading

Unlocking the Power of Forex Trading: Why Xtreme Markets is Your Ultimate Trading Partner

Commodity currencies

What Are Commodity Currencies? How They Impact Your Forex Trades

AI changing Forex trading?

How is AI changing Forex trading?

Categories

,
,
,

Subscribe Now!