GBP/JPY Analysis – Key Levels & Trade Scenarios📊 Timeframe: Weekly (1W) | Current Price: ~189.90
📉 Bearish Context:
Resistance at 192.04:
Strong supply zone (red rectangle) where price previously reversed.
Aligned with moving averages (likely 50 & 100 periods), acting as dynamic resistance.
Support at 184.63:
Marked in blue as a significant demand zone.
Historical reaction area, where buyers may step in again.
📉 Current Outlook:
Price rejected 192.04, forming a bearish structure.
Price currently consolidating below resistance, indicating weakness.
If selling pressure continues, a move toward 184.63 is likely.
📈 Trade Setups:
🔻 Short (Bearish Bias):
Entry: Below 189.50 with a bearish confirmation.
Target 1: 186.00
Target 2: 184.63
Stop Loss: Above 192.00 to avoid fakeouts.
🔼 Long (Reversal Play):
Entry: Strong bullish reaction from 184.63.
Target: Retest of 192.04, with SL below 184.00.
📌 Final Thoughts:
The bearish trend remains dominant unless 192.04 is broken.
A clean break below 189.50 strengthens the bearish outlook.
Macro factors and volatility could influence upcoming price action.
Fed
Bitcoin - Bitcoin, waiting for another decline?!Bitcoin is located between the EMA50 and EMA200 on the four-hour timeframe and is trading in its descending channel. Bitcoin's downward correction and its placement in the demand zone will provide us with the opportunity to buy it again. It should be noted that there is a possibility of heavy fluctuations and shadows due to the movement of whales in the market and compliance with capital management in the cryptocurrency market will be more important. If the downward trend continues, we can buy in the demand range.
Donald Trump has issued an executive order on digital assets, directing the Presidential Task Force to move toward establishing a strategic cryptocurrency reserve that will include XRP, SOL, and ADA. He emphasized, “I will ensure that the United States becomes the cryptocurrency capital of the world.” Trump further added, “We are making America great again!”
He also highlighted Bitcoin and Ethereum as other valuable digital assets that will be central to this reserve, stating, “I love Bitcoin and Ethereum!” Following this announcement, Bitcoin responded positively to the news of the executive order.
On February 28, BlackRock made headlines after Bitcoin (BTC) dropped below $80,000. Amid speculation, some claimed that the company had sold $500 million worth of Bitcoin, playing a significant role in the price decline.
However, a closer analysis contradicts these claims. Data shows that BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) still holds 577,919 BTC. While this fund saw an outflow of 2,274 BTC on February 27 and a total of 10,595 BTC over the past week, this does not imply that BlackRock itself is selling Bitcoin.
These ETF outflows result from investors selling shares of the fund. In such scenarios, the ETF is required to sell Bitcoin proportionally to meet liquidity demands. Therefore, these movements are not directly tied to BlackRock’s own decision to offload BTC but rather reflect investor behavior.
Contrary to circulating rumors, BlackRock is not exiting Bitcoin; in fact, it has been increasing its exposure. Recent financial filings reveal that the company now holds a 5% stake in MicroStrategy (MSTR), up from 4.09% in September 2024.
Additionally, it has been announced that BlackRock plans to integrate its Bitcoin ETF into the firm’s $150 billion portfolio. This move suggests that rather than pulling out of the market, BlackRock is strengthening its position in Bitcoin-related assets.
Ultimately, this situation highlights how quickly rumors and speculation can spread during market downturns, but a detailed analysis of the data always provides a clearer picture of reality.
Meanwhile, Ronaldinho, the former Brazilian football star, has announced plans to launch his own cryptocurrency. He also warned his fans to stay vigilant against fraudulent meme coins.
NAS100 - Nasdaq, won't it go below 20k?!The index is below the EMA200 and EMA50 on the four-hour timeframe and is trading in its medium-term ascending channel. If the index rises towards the suggested zones, we can look for the next Nasdaq sell-off.
The composition of investors’ financial assets from 1990 to 2025 reveals shifts in the allocation of equities, bonds, and cash. Currently, the share of equities in investment portfolios has reached an all-time high of 54%, indicating a growing preference for the stock market among investors.
Conversely, the share of bonds and cash has declined to 18% and 13%, respectively, suggesting reduced interest in holding fixed-income assets and liquidity. At present, more than half of investors’ financial assets are concentrated in equities, which could reflect optimism about the market’s future growth.
This situation calls for increased caution from the Federal Reserve and the Trump administration, as a significant portion of American households’ surplus income is now directed toward stocks. As a result, any downturn in the U.S. stock market could have more severe consequences for the public than before.
Scott Bassett, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, responded to a recent survey indicating that Americans want President Donald Trump to focus more on reducing inflation. He stated that he is confident consumer price inflation in the United States will decline throughout the year.
In an interview with CBS and Face the Nation, Bassett defended Trump’s economic policies, emphasizing that the president is pursuing a comprehensive approach that includes tariffs, deregulation, and a gradual reduction in energy costs.
Meanwhile, following weaker-than-expected preliminary Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data for February and a decline in the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index, investors are now pricing in approximately 60 basis points of rate cuts by the Federal Reserve for this year. This projection is 10 basis points higher than the forecasts from the December dot plot.
Market pricing indicates that traders still expect the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates in June, particularly after the release of Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data. However, with Trump ramping up tariff threats against key U.S. trading partners such as China, Canada, and Mexico, outlining a clear economic roadmap has become more challenging. Tariff impositions pose a serious risk of reigniting inflation, prompting many Federal Reserve officials who have recently expressed their views to adopt a “wait and see” approach.
This week, market attention will once again turn to employment data, as investors eagerly anticipate the release of the February Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) report. Other key events include the preliminary Consumer Price Index (CPI) estimates for the Eurozone and the ISM U.S. Manufacturing PMI on Monday, the ADP Employment Report and ISM Services PMI on Wednesday, and the weekly jobless claims data on Thursday. Additionally, the European Central Bank’s monetary policy decision on Thursday will be closely watched, with economists expecting another interest rate cut.
EUR/USD Bearish Outlook – Key Levels & Trade Setups📊 Technical Analysis EUR/USD
Timeframe: Likely Weekly (1W)
Current Price: ~1.0416
📉 Bearish Context:
Key Resistance: 1.05290
This zone has been tested multiple times without a breakout, indicating strong selling pressure.
It aligns with a liquidity area visible in the red rectangle.
Also near the yellow moving average (likely 50 or 100 periods), acting as dynamic resistance.
Key Support: 1.02838
Marked in blue as a potential short-term target.
A level that previously provided support and may attract buyers again.
📉 Current Scenario:
The price has rejected the 1.0529 resistance with a strong bearish candle.
A breakdown from the gray zone suggests a potential continuation downward.
If selling pressure persists, the 1.02838 target could be reached.
📈 Potential Trading Strategies:
🔻 Short Scenario (Bearish Bias):
Entry: Below 1.0430 after confirmation with a daily bearish close.
Target 1: 1.02838
Target 2: Below 1.0200 (depending on price action).
Stop Loss: Above 1.0500 (to avoid false breakouts).
🔼 Long Scenario (Less Likely Bullish Setup):
Entry: Confirmed bounce above 1.02838 with a strong reversal candle.
Target: Retest of 1.0529, with a stop below 1.0280.
📌 Final Considerations:
The current structure favors a short-term bearish continuation.
Key areas (support and resistance) will be crucial for the next move.
Watch for macroeconomic data and volatility, as they could impact the trend.
XAUUSD - Worries about the US economy!?Gold is below the EMA200 and EMA50 on the 30-minute timeframe and is in its descending channel. An upward correction of gold towards the supply limits will provide us with the next selling position with a good risk-reward ratio.
An economist believes that the massive influx of gold and silver into the United States, coupled with speculation about the liquidity of the country’s gold reserves, could have profound effects on American consumers as well as the domestic and global economy.
Thorsten Pollitt, professor emeritus of economics at the University of Bayreuth and publisher of the BOOM & BUST report, told Kitco News that the increase in physical gold and silver inflows into the US is not surprising, as banks are increasing their reserves to counter potential risks associated with tariffs. He stressed that while the likelihood of tariffs on gold and silver is low, the risk is significant enough for banks and investors to take a precautionary approach.
Looking at the long-term implications of this, Pollitt explained that the increase in US gold and silver reserves, coupled with the government’s renewed focus on its reserves, could lead to expectations that both precious metals would be used as currency alongside the US dollar.
He added that using gold and silver as hard currency alongside the dollar could help reduce the problem of inflation, which has become a major challenge for the economy. However, he stressed that for such a scenario to happen, the price of gold and silver would have to reach a much higher level to be commensurate with the size of the US economy. (Hard currency refers to a form of currency that is globally accepted and retains its value due to its stability and reliability.)
Pollitt went on to explain that the significant increase in US government debt has put not only the Federal Reserve, but the entire fiat-based monetary system at risk. “In the future, the Federal Reserve will no longer be able to maintain the same flexibility that it has in the past,” he said. For example, in times of financial crises, the Fed would usually support the economy by injecting liquidity into it. But now, doing so could trigger a wave of hyperinflation. We now know that the Fed can no longer simply be the savior of the economy as it used to be.”
He also warned that the Fed’s policies have led to the market not pricing in risks properly. For example, yields on risky corporate bonds are significantly below their historical average. Currently, the yield spread between B-rated corporate bonds and U.S. Treasury bonds is 1.45 percent, its lowest level since mid-1979.
Warren Buffett, one of the most influential figures in the investment world, has made his concerns clear. In his annual letter to shareholders, the 94-year-old has a stark message for policymakers in Washington: financial turmoil and monetary instability pose a serious threat to the U.S. economy.
The warning comes as his conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway has delivered a record-breaking profit and a record $334.2 billion in cash. But Buffett is treading carefully as investment opportunities appear to be shrinking and is preparing to hand over the reins to his appointed successor, Greg Abel.
In the letter, Buffett expressed concern about the growing U.S. budget deficit and warned of a possible extension of tax cuts that began under Trump. He emphasizes that “irresponsible fiscal policies can destroy the value of paper money” and emphasizes the importance of sound public financial management. According to him, the stability of the US economy depends on a strong dollar, and any mistake in monetary policy can have irreparable consequences.
With the rapidly growing budget deficit and increasing discussions about extending the Trump-era tax cuts, Buffett warns that the value of the dollar may weaken. He calls on Washington policymakers to maintain a stable economic framework and support the vulnerable:
“Support people who have been unfortunate in life through no fault of their own. They deserve a better life.”
Warren Buffett reminds us of one of the fundamental principles of investing: “In times of uncertainty, caution and responsible management are more important than ever.” His warning about the growth of the US public debt and the depreciation of the dollar may come true if current trends continue.
Moreover, his focus on investing in Japan and preparing for his successor is a key step for the future of Berkshire Hathaway, a company that must find its way without him in a world of increasing economic instability.
GBPUSD - Dollar’s eye on the Fed?!The GBPUSD pair is above the EMA200 and EMA50 on the 4-hour timeframe and is moving in its ascending channel. In case of a downward correction, the pair can be bought within the specified demand range.
The Federal Reserve of the United States has embarked on a process that could have profound implications for the global economy: a reassessment of the framework used to determine interest rates. These rates influence borrowing costs and prices not only in the U.S. but also across much of the world.To implement this reform effectively, the Federal Reserve must first identify the core issue. During the January meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee, central bank policymakers emphasized that the new framework must be “resilient to a wide range of conditions.” This marks a step in the right direction, given that the current framework, established in 2020, proved inadequate in responding to the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2020 framework was introduced at a time when inflation consistently remained below the Fed’s 2% target. To compensate for this shortfall, policymakers committed to allowing inflation to run above target. Specifically, the Fed pledged to keep short-term interest rates near zero until three conditions were met:
• The economy achieved maximum sustainable employment,
• Inflation reached 2%,
• Inflation was expected to remain above 2% for some time.
Additionally, interest rate hikes could not begin until the central bank had concluded its asset purchase program, known as quantitative easing (QE)—a process that itself depended on substantial progress toward meeting the three stated conditions.
As a result, the Federal Reserve was significantly delayed in responding to a strong economy, a tight labor market, and accelerating inflation. When rate hikes finally began in March 2022, real GDP growth remained robust, unemployment was below the level deemed sustainable by policymakers, and the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge had already exceeded 5%.
Despite these clear signals, debates persist about whether the Fed’s policy framework was to blame. Some argue that the central bank merely made a forecasting error, later compensating with aggressive monetary tightening. Fed Chair Jerome Powell has echoed this view, calling the framework “useless.”
However, had the Federal Reserve disregarded this framework and instead adhered to traditional policy rules, it likely would have started raising short-term rates about a year earlier.
Another argument is that the inflation surge, which was observed globally, was beyond the Fed’s control. However, in the U.S., surging demand for goods—bolstered by a massive fiscal stimulus—played a significant role in driving up global prices.
Additionally, while many other countries faced dramatic increases in energy prices, this factor played a relatively minor role in the U.S. inflation spike.
A third perspective holds that the Biden administration’s $1.9 trillion stimulus package was excessively large. While this undoubtedly contributed to economic overheating, it was still the Fed’s responsibility to account for its effects and respond with tighter monetary policy.
Identifying these missteps is crucial. Otherwise, how can we be confident that the Federal Reserve won’t repeat them? Credibility is essential; without it, policymakers will struggle to influence financial markets and the broader economy effectively.
To restore confidence, the Fed must address the shortcomings of the 2020 framework. It should abandon policies that kept interest rates artificially low for too long and adopt a more cautious approach to quantitative easing (QE) and quantitative tightening (QT). Finally, it should reconsider whether interbank interest rates remain the best policy tool or if focusing on the interest rate banks pay on reserves would be more effective.
WTI - Will Oil Return to the Uptrend?!WTI oil is below the EMA200 and EMA50 on the 4-hour timeframe and is moving within its medium-term descending channel. If the downward trend continues towards the demand range, the next opportunity to buy oil with a risk-reward ratio will be provided for us. An upward correction of oil towards the supply range will provide us with an opportunity to sell it.
Despite markets showing resilience to geopolitical uncertainties following recent tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, any signs of economic weakness in the United States could prompt investors to raise their expectations for interest rate cuts. However, even if inflation data does not reinforce such expectations, it is unlikely to have a significant impact on the U.S. dollar.
In the United States, inflation remains a major challenge for the Federal Reserve. The overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 3% in January, dashing hopes for two rate cuts in 2025. However, the market’s reaction was not overly negative, as investors anticipated that the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, which the Federal Reserve prioritizes, would be less severe than the CPI.
According to the Cleveland Federal Reserve’s Nowcast model, the core PCE index fell from 2.8% to 2.7% in January, while the overall PCE rate declined to 2.5%. If the actual data released on Friday aligns with these projections and no unexpected increases appear in the monthly figures, expectations for two 0.25% rate cuts may strengthen, exerting downward pressure on the U.S. dollar.
Meanwhile, U.S.President Joe Biden attempted to foster freer elections in Venezuela by extending an offer of cooperation, but this initiative failed. Now, Trump has announced that he will terminate this policy. He also noted that Venezuela is refusing to take back illegal migrants who had arrived in the U.S.
This agreement, which had eased sanctions on oil, gas, and gold, was partially revoked in April 2024 after opposition candidate María Corina Machado was barred from running in the presidential election. Trump wrote on Truth Social: “We hereby revoke the concessions that corrupt Joe Biden granted to Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela regarding the oil deal dated November 26, 2022, as well as the electoral conditions in Venezuela, which the Maduro regime has failed to meet. Additionally, the regime has not returned the violent criminals it sent to our great America as quickly as promised. Therefore, I am ordering that Biden’s ineffective and unmet concessions be revoked as of the March 1 extension date.”
Today, Trump escalated his stance on Venezuela by canceling Chevron’s oil license. This move was prompted by Caracas’s refusal to accept deportees and implement democratic reforms. President Trump announced that he would revoke the Biden-era license that had allowed Chevron to produce oil in Venezuela.
This decision appears to be a significant setback for Chevron, the American oil giant. On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated that he would rescind the license granted on November 26, 2022, which had permitted Chevron to operate in Venezuela.
NVDA Earnings - Must Watch EarningsNVDA Earnings Wednesday after market
This is crazy that 1 stock may be the pain or gain for the markets in 2025
Glass Half Full
-NVDA is a revenue monster
-Earnings trend continues to point higher
-Demand for chips remains high (minus DeepSeek scare and uncertainty)
-19% weight on SMH
-7% weight on SPY
-8% weight on QQQ
-NVDA bullish can single handedly lift the markets and renew optimism and risk appetite
Glass Half Empty
-NVDA is overvalued
-NVDA hasn't hit all-time highs since Nov 2024 (with fakeout in Jan 2025)
-NVDA's reign is over and competition is heating up in the chips space and AI arms race
-NVDA bearish can be the wave of risk off that confirms current market concerns and fears
It's a big deal - plan and trade accordingly. Thanks for watching!!!
S&P 500: Rejection at Resistance and Potential Downside RisksThe chart shows a clear rejection from a key resistance zone around 6,150 points, highlighted by the red area. After an attempt to break through, the price faced strong bearish pressure, falling back below the 6,100 level. The current retracement has led the price to test the 50-day moving average (yellow), which has so far provided temporary support. However, breaking this structure could increase the risk of a sharper decline toward the intermediate support at 5,924, marked by the dashed yellow line.
Recent macroeconomic releases, such as the decline in retail sales and weakening consumer confidence, are weighing on market sentiment, increasing pressure on stock indices. Additionally, uncertainty related to tariffs proposed by the U.S. administration is adding volatility, with investors showing signs of risk aversion. If the price fails to quickly recover the 6,100-6,150 area, the next bearish target could be the more structured support zone at 5,850-5,800, identified by the lower blue area.
In summary, the technical structure reflects a moment of uncertainty with a clear rejection from the weekly resistance. A recovery above 6,100 could bring buyers back in control, while further weakness would open the door to new declines toward lower support levels.
Gold Prices Stay Fundamentally Strong Despite Profit-TakingMacro:
- Gold prices corrected as investors took profits following a brief consolidation near recent highs but maintained an upward bias amid uncertainty over Trump's tariffs and policy plans.
- Meanwhile, strong ETF inflows and weak US economic data, reinforcing rate cut expectations for Jul, supported gold prices.
- All focus is on this week's core PCE release to gauge gold's short-term direction.
Technical:
- XAUUSD topped out around 2952, confluence with the 200% Fibo Extension. The price is still above both EMAs and the ascending trendline, indicating the upward structure is still intact.
- If XAUUSD breaks below the ascending trendline and the support at 2880, the price may prompt a further correction to retest the following support at 2790.
- On the contrary, if XAUUSD stays above 2880, the price may retest the previous swing high of around 2952.
Analysis by: Dat Tong, Senior Financial Markets Strategist at Exness
USD/JPY: Liquidity Grab Below Weekly LowThe chart shows that the price has grabbed liquidity below the weekly low, potentially triggering a bullish reaction. Analyzing the current USD/JPY situation, recent economic data highlights bearish pressure on the dollar due to declining consumer confidence in the U.S. and expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts, while the yen is strengthening on the back of more solid economic indicators. Technically, the price has rejected a key demand zone and remains below the psychological threshold of 150.00, which acts as a crucial resistance. If the price confirms a bullish structure on lower timeframes, we could see an upward move towards the 152.00-152.50 area, aligning with a supply zone and moving average confluence. However, a close below recent lows could invalidate this outlook, paving the way for a further drop toward the next support at 146.00.
Dollar weakens amid growing economic uncertainty
Persistent tariff threats from the Trump administration and rising concerns over the U.S. economy are weighing on the dollar. Trump reaffirmed his commitment to implementing tariffs on Mexico and Canada according to schedule and reiterated the need for reciprocal tariffs. Meanwhile, weak consumer confidence data further rattled investor sentiment, as the February CB Consumer Confidence Index plunged to 98.3 from 105.3, marking its lowest level since June last year.
In Japan, accelerating inflation increases the likelihood of a BoJ rate hike. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Japan’s January CPI rose 3.2%, the largest increase since June 2023. Bloomberg noted that with Japan's inflation among the highest in the G7, the BoJ may continue scaling back stimulus and shifting toward a more restrictive policy stance.
After breaking below the ascending trendline, USDJPY shows a persistent downtrend. After EMA21 death-crossed EMA78, it widens the gap and reinforces the bearish momentum. If USDJPY breaks below the support at 148.20, the price could extend its decline toward 145.00. Conversely, if USDJPY tests the resistance at 150.80, it may gain upward momentum toward 153.40.
USD lower, yields whacked on renewed Fed-cut betsEven as recently as two weeks ago, the thought of fed cuts were in the distant past. Yet a slew of weak data from the US since Friday including two consumer sentiment reports and a surprise PMI miss has seen markets reconsider a 25bp Fed cut in June. Today I cover bond yields, the US dollar index and futures exposure to update my dollar outlook.
Matt Simpson, Market Analyst at City Index and Forex.com
EUR/USD Faces Key Resistance Amid Liquidity Grab ExpectationsEUR/USD is undergoing a pullback after reaching a one-month high of 1.0528, closing at 1.04658 on February 24, marking a 0.22% decline from the previous day. The euro's recent strength was driven by post-election stability in Germany, where centrist parties formed a coalition government, boosting market confidence. However, bullish momentum has stalled near key resistance levels around 1.0530 and 1.0560, with the pair struggling to sustain gains above the 100-day simple moving average.
From a technical standpoint, the price is approaching a significant supply zone, where a liquidity grab could occur before a potential downside move. Resistance in this area aligns with broader concerns over Germany's economic outlook and coalition negotiations, which could weaken the euro’s appeal. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar, despite recent weakness due to declining consumer confidence, remains in a favorable position for a short-term recovery, adding further pressure on EUR/USD.
If the pair fails to break through resistance, a rejection could trigger a decline toward 1.0400, with further downside potential extending to 1.0283. Conversely, if buyers manage to push past the liquidity zone, the next upside targets lie at 1.0530 and 1.0560.
GBP/USD: Bullish Momentum Faces Key ResistanceGBP/USD has reached its highest point since mid-December at 1.2690, primarily driven by the weakness of the US dollar. The pair has shown strong momentum, and as long as it holds above the key support at 1.2520, analysts see potential for further upside toward 1.2725. Positive UK economic data, including better-than-expected retail sales and inflation figures, have reinforced a bullish outlook for the pound. However, minor retracements have been observed, with slight declines following recent gains, such as the 0.05% drop on February 24. Market volatility remains a factor, with geopolitical tensions and fluctuating commodity prices impacting the dollar’s strength. From a technical standpoint, the price is currently testing a resistance zone while approaching key moving averages, which could act as dynamic resistance. The presence of supply zones above suggests that the pair could face selling pressure before a potential continuation higher. If the price fails to sustain above the resistance area, a retracement toward the 1.2520 level and possibly deeper into the 1.2400 region could materialize. Despite the recent bullish momentum, caution is warranted due to broader market uncertainties, and future movements will depend on economic indicators from both the UK and the US, as well as overall market sentiment.
EUR/GBP: Key Support Test Amid Bearish PressureThe analysis of EUR/GBP as of February 24, 2025, presents an interesting technical outlook. The price is testing a key support area around 0.8297 after a modest recovery from the 0.8271 lows. The current setup suggests a potential reaction in this zone, with the possibility of a technical rebound towards higher levels or a more significant bearish breakdown.
From a technical perspective, several key areas stand out: the upper resistance in the 0.8440-0.8460 range represents a critical level for a bullish recovery, while the lower support around 0.8265-0.8240 could act as a catalyst for further downside momentum if broken. Moving average analysis indicates persistent bearish pressure, with both the 50 and 200-period moving averages sloping downward. This reinforces the idea that, despite recent rebounds, the dominant trend remains bearish in the medium term.
From a macroeconomic standpoint, expectations regarding the UK and Eurozone economic outlook are shaping the pair's direction. UK inflation is showing signs of recovery, providing some support for the pound, but uncertainties related to economic growth and Bank of England policies could hinder a sustained strengthening of the British currency. On the other hand, the Eurozone is facing challenges linked to growth stagnation, and the ECB may maintain an accommodative policy to stimulate the economy. These factors create an unstable balance that could lead to heightened volatility in the coming days.
Technical forecasts suggest two possible scenarios: a temporary rebound towards 0.8340-0.8360 before another test of the lows or a direct break below 0.8265, which could open the door for a decline towards 0.8240-0.8220.
GOLD| Approaching Historic Highs Amid Geopolitical UncertaintyThe analysis of XAU/USD highlights a strong bullish trend, closing at approximately $2,939.41 on February 20, 2025, marking a 0.23% increase from the previous day. The recent high of $2,946.83 on February 19 indicates continued positive momentum, driven by geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns, and fears of potential trade wars, all of which have strengthened gold’s status as a safe-haven asset. The current momentum has pushed prices toward historic levels, with the potential to surpass $3,000, supported by a weaker U.S. dollar and declining U.S. yields. The chart shows a key resistance zone around $2,960, with a potential retracement towards the $2,880 area, identified as the first major support level. The current price action suggests a possible pullback before another breakout attempt. If the price consolidates above $2,900, it could accelerate towards new highs, while a break below $2,880 may drive the price toward the next support level around $2,840. The overall outlook remains bullish, with investor interest fueled by global uncertainties and the increasing demand for gold as a hedge against economic risks.
GBP/NZD Analysis: Market Uncertainty Amid Key Technical LevelsThe analysis of GBP/NZD shows recent volatility, with a close at 2.20571 on February 19, 2025, slightly down from the previous day, indicating a phase of market indecision. The previous trend saw moderate progression from February 16 to 18, supported by an increase in UK GDP, which temporarily strengthened the Pound. However, the absence of new economic data left the pair exposed to market sentiment, contributing to the decline on February 19. From a technical perspective, the chart highlights a strong resistance area between 2.21770 and 2.22180, a level that has rejected the price multiple times, suggesting that without a decisive breakout above this zone, the bullish trend may weaken. Conversely, a significant support area is located around 2.17616, a level that has already provided a positive reaction, pushing the price back up. The current price action shows a consolidation phase between these two key levels, with a recent structure of higher lows that could indicate an accumulation attempt before a potential bullish breakout. If the price manages to break above the upper resistance decisively, the next target would be around the recent highs in the 2.24000 area. On the other hand, a break below the 2.17616 support could trigger a decline towards the next key level at 2.15000, where an interesting liquidity zone is present. The combination of the recent positive GDP data and a more cautious market sentiment leaves the pair in a state of uncertainty, with a key reaction expected in the coming days depending on the holding or breaking of the main technical levels.
USD/JPY: Bearish Momentum and Key Support TestThe USD/JPY analysis as of February 18, 2025, shows a clear bearish structure, with the price breaking below key support levels, particularly around 152.70, which aligns with the 200-day moving average. The February 17 close at 151.456 confirms the downward trend after the recent high of 154.79 on February 12, highlighting the weakness of the US dollar against the strengthening Japanese yen. The yen’s appreciation was driven by Japan’s unexpectedly strong GDP data, which showed an annualized growth of 2.8%, far exceeding expectations and fueling speculation of a potential rate hike by the Bank of Japan. In contrast, the US dollar has been under pressure due to weak retail sales data and a general lack of bullish catalysts.
The chart setup highlights a key demand zone between 150.50 and 151.00, where the price is showing an initial reaction, suggesting a possible technical rebound. However, the overall structure remains weak, and unless the price can stabilize above 152.50-153.00, the risk of further downside remains high. The next significant resistance lies between 154.50 and 156.00, an area with concentrated sell orders and a potential reversal point in case of recovery. Conversely, a break below 150.50 would open the way toward 148.00 and even lower levels, with a critical support zone around 146.00.
The short-term trading range could remain between 151.00 and 155.00, with strong dependence on upcoming macroeconomic developments, particularly statements from the Bank of Japan and economic updates from the United States.
GBP/JPY: Uncertainty and Bearish PressuresGBP/JPY has shown a volatile trend in recent sessions, with a combination of ups and downs highlighting a phase of uncertainty. The last closing on February 15, 2025, at 191.618 marks the beginning of a bearish trend after the doji on February 14. This movement reflects a complex dynamic, where macroeconomic and technical factors play a decisive role in price direction. The recent rebound was supported by positive UK GDP data, which helped the pound recover from bearish pressures over the past months. Notably, on February 12, a reversal of the bearish trend occurred, with GBP/JPY starting to regain ground due to an improvement in market sentiment. Additionally, the strengthening of US inflation negatively impacted the Japanese yen, pushing GBP/JPY up by 1.22% around February 12, driven by a weaker yen following the increased strength of the US dollar. However, despite these positive elements, the Bank of England’s monetary policy has introduced uncertainty, with a dovish stance fueling pressure on the pound. The interest rate cut has raised concerns about further depreciation, negatively affecting GBP/JPY. Added to this is the earlier decline in early February, triggered by disappointing UK economic data and expectations of further BoE interventions, which contributed to a widespread bearish sentiment. From a technical perspective, the price is currently in a consolidation phase between 187.610 and 193.120, with a structure suggesting a possible expansion of volatility in the coming weeks. The key resistance at 193.120 represents a critical obstacle for a potential continuation of the bullish trend, while support at 187.610 remains the main level to watch in case of renewed bearish pressure. A breakout above the 193.50 threshold could confirm further pound strengthening, while a break below 188.00 could reopen scenarios of weakness. With a combination of technical and macroeconomic factors in play, GBP/JPY’s trend remains subject to upcoming BoE decisions and the evolution of global economic conditions, making it crucial to monitor upcoming economic releases to determine the market’s direction.
XAUUSD - Gold, no competitors!Gold is located in a 2 -hour timeframe, above EMA200 and EMA50 and is on its uptrend channel. Gold reform to the demand range will provide us with a good risk position for us.
According to Tom Stevenson from Fidelity International, gold remains resilient despite challenges such as high interest rates and a strong dollar, continuing its march towards the $3,000 mark. However, while these fundamental factors persist, he believes that silver could be a more attractive investment option in the future.
Stevenson notes that gold prices have increased tenfold since 2000 and have surged by over $1,000 since late 2023. Yet, he argues that fundamentally, gold should not be this expensive.
He explains: “Historically, precious metals tend to underperform when interest rates rise. This is because, unlike bonds, stocks, cash, or real estate, gold does not generate income for investors. When other assets offer appealing returns, there is less incentive to hold onto what economist John Maynard Keynes once referred to as the ‘barbarous relic.’ This situation remains true today, yet gold continues to set new record highs.”
Stevenson also believes that gold should benefit from a weaker dollar. He states: “Since gold is priced in U.S. dollars, when other currencies strengthen against the dollar, their purchasing power for gold increases.Conversely, when the dollar strengthens, global demand for gold should decline. However, despite Trump’s policies reinforcing the dollar, gold remains on an upward trajectory.”
He concludes that this signals something important to the market: “Gold’s performance suggests that not everything is as stable in the world as some may think. It indicates investor concerns, and history has shown that ignoring gold’s signals during times of uncertainty is a mistake.”
Stevenson further emphasizes that central banks around the world are taking steps to hedge against risks. Since the onset of the Ukraine war and subsequent sanctions, countries like Russia, China, India, and Turkey have increased their gold purchases in an effort to reduce their dependence on the U.S. dollar. He points out that gold has long been recognized as a valuable store of wealth and a diversification tool, as it carries no credit risk unlike paper currencies. According to him, central bank gold purchases in 2024 have surpassed 1,000 tons for the third consecutive year.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E), has shared memes resurfacing old conspiracy theories regarding the status of the U.S. government’s gold reserves at Fort Knox. In response, a prominent politician seized this rare opportunity to call for greater transparency.
Senator Rand Paul, a Republican representative from Kentucky, replied to one of Musk’s posts advocating for an annual audit of Fort Knox, writing, “Let’s do it.” So far, no evidence has surfaced to support Musk’s theory of missing gold, but the status of these reserves remains highly classified.
US30 stalls amid Fed uncertainty and trade policy risks
Macro:
- The Dow remained in a prolonged sideways trend within a tightening range, navigating Fed policy uncertainty, geopolitical risks, and evolving trade policies.
- Markets expect it to stay range-bound until the Trump administration finalizes tariff measures early next month.
Technical:
- US30 is trading in a tight range at the previous top level and awaits an apparent breakout to determine the potential trend.
- If US30 breaks above the resistance at 45000, the index may continue rising to 47146, the 100% Fibonacci Extension level, which is confluence with the Ascending Channel's upper bound.
- On the contrary, a closing below 44000-44200 may prompt a further correction to restest the following support at 43300.
Analysis by: Dat Tong, Senior Financial Markets Strategist at Exness
XAUUSD - Consolidation, what’s next?Here is our in-depth detailed view on XAUUSD . Potential opportunities and what to look out for. This is a detailed overview on the pair sharing possible entries and important Key Levels.
Alright first, taking a look at XAUUSD from a lower time-frame . For this we will be looking at the m15 time-frame .
As of right now, we are consolidating on OANDA:XAUUSD The best “signal” for now is to sit on our hands and wait for a clear break. Right now we are in a range from around 2905.6 and 2896 . Until we get a clear break , we can’t know the direction of the pair just yet. So, breaking down everything and understanding the importance of Key Levels we have several outcomes possibly in play.
Scenario 1: BUYS at the break to the upside (from the consolidation area)
- We broke above our consolidation area.
With the break to the upside, we can expect to see 2915 or a deeper revisit of 2920. At this point we would have to see if we make any pullbacks, possibly revisiting the top of the consolidation area (now becoming our support).
Scenario 2: SELLS at the break to the downside (from the consolidation area)
- We broke below our consolidation area.
With the break to the downside, we can expect to see lower levels such as 2880. At this point we would have to see if we make any pullbacks and continue chugging away to the downside. With the breaks of current lows we have on gold, we can expect drops even down to 2840.
KEY NOTES
- XAUUSD is consolidating.
- Breaks to the upside would confirm buys.
- Breaks to the downside would confirm sells.
- Possible deeper digs to the upside from 2915.
Happy trading!
FxPocket