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BOJ to discuss rate hike, yen dips lowerThe yen remains calm and is lower on Tuesday. In the North American session, USD/JPY is trading at 157.98, up 0.34% on the day. There are no tier-1 events out of Japan this week and the yen is having a relatively quiet week. That could change with the release of US inflation on Wednesday. Headline CPI is expected to rise to 2.9% y/y in December from 2.7% in November, while core CPI is expected to remain at 3.3% y/y for a third straight month. Inflation reports have had significant impact on rate expectations but the December inflation rate might not be all that significant, as expectations of a rate cut have fallen in recent weeks. Since the December meeting, the Fed has tried to dampen rate-cut expectations and the market is not expecting a rate cut in the first quarter of 2025. The money markets have currently priced in a quarter-point cut at the Jan. 29 meeting at below 3%  and at the March meeting at around 20%. With inflation largely under control and a solid labor market, there is little reason for the Fed to cut rates in the near term. The Bank of Japan tends not to telegraph its rate plans, leaving investors in the dark and on the hunt for clues about the central bank's rate plans. The uncertainty adds to the drama ahead of BoJ meetings and means that each meeting should be treated as a market-mover. BoJ's Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino said on Tuesday that the BoJ would discuss a rate hike at the Jan. 24 meeting. Himino didn't say what decision he expected the BoJ to make but reiterated Governor's Ueda recent comments that wage growth was solid and that there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump's trade policies. USD/JPY tested resistance at 158.13 earlier. Above, there is resistance at 158.49 There is support at 157.78 and 157.42
by yesfish
EURUSD: Pullback before the crash!The EUR/USD continues its downward trend, recently touching a new cycle low around 1.0176 as the US Dollar maintains its relentless rally, fueled by rising expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates elevated for an extended period. The Greenback’s strength has been amplified by a fifth consecutive bullish session, with the DXY surpassing the critical 110.00 level. Investors have sharply revised their outlook on Fed policy, reducing the probability of significant rate cuts in the near term. This shift in sentiment follows a robust Nonfarm Payrolls report and hawkish remarks from Fed officials, emphasizing the priority of taming inflation before contemplating further easing. On the policy front, while the Fed recently trimmed its benchmark rate to 4.25%-4.50%, Chair Powell’s cautious tone during the final press conference of 2024 left markets in little doubt that any future rate cuts will be gradual. Powell underscored the need to anchor inflation closer to the 2% target and pointed out that despite some softening, the labor market remains resilient. This narrative has bolstered USD demand and widened the divergence with the European Central Bank’s stance. In contrast, the ECB faces mounting pressure to sustain its easing cycle amid a deteriorating economic outlook across the eurozone, particularly in Germany, where industrial performance has been lackluster. Despite a marginal rise in inflation figures for December, ECB policymakers seem committed to prioritizing growth over inflation control in the short term. This divergence in central bank policies has created a headwind for the euro, further weakening EUR/USD and increasing the likelihood of a test of parity. Adding to the complexity, potential trade policy shifts under the incoming US administration could inject additional volatility. Proposals for renewed tariffs could stoke inflationary pressures in the US, compelling the Fed to adopt a more aggressive tightening stance. Such a scenario would exacerbate the euro’s struggles, as a stronger USD and continued ECB easing would widen the interest rate differential between the two economies. Looking ahead, the focus will remain on key data releases, including US CPI and Retail Sales, alongside eurozone Industrial Production and German inflation data. These reports will offer crucial insights into the respective economic trajectories and may set the tone for future price action. However, in the current context, the EUR/USD appears poised to remain under pressure as the fundamental backdrop heavily favors the Greenback. Until there is a significant shift in economic or policy expectations, the pair may continue its march towards parity.
Short
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
1
AUDUSD: RSI moves into oversold levelsThe AUDUSD has experienced a consistent decline of over 3% in the past month. This is primarily due to the growing strength of the U.S. dollar as the next Fed decision approaches (January 29), where interest rates are expected to remain stable at 4.5%. Bearish Channel: Since October 4, 2024, a solid bearish channel has been maintained, with the price reaching a low of 0.61308. However, to further confirm bearish momentum, it is almost essential to break through the next key support level at 0.60151. RSI: Currently, the RSI line is oscillating below the 30 level , indicating significant oversold conditions, where bearish momentum has taken over the market with greater intensity. Additionally, higher lows on the RSI and lower lows on the price have created a bullish divergence. Both events in the indicator may signal the emergence of potential short-term bullish corrections as short positions ease near support zones. Key Levels: 0.62369: A nearby resistance level that has acted as a point of neutrality in recent oscillations and coincides with the upper boundary of the current bearish channel. Breaks above this level could bring back buying momentum and challenge the current bearish formation on the chart. This level is crucial to monitor for potential short-term bullish corrections. 0.60151: A key support level and the closest barrier for bearish positions. Breaks below this level could mark a new price low and further consolidate the strength of the current bearish channel. By Julian Pineda, CFA - Market Analyst
by FOREXcom
AUD/USD stabilizes after post-NFP slideThe Australian dollar has started the week quietly. In the North American session, AUD/USD is trading at 0.6151, up 0.07% at the time of writing.  Earlier, the Australian dollar fell as low as 0.6130, its lowest level since April 2020. It was another rough week for the Australian dollar, which declined 1.7% last week. The Aussie can't find its footing and has plunged 10.4% in the past three months. Strong US nonfarm payrolls sends Aussie tumbling The week ended with a surprisingly strong US jobs report. In December, the economy added 256 thousand jobs, the most since March 2024. This followed a downwardly revised 212 thousand in November and easily beat the market estimate of 160 thousand. The unemployment rate eased to 4.1%, down from 4.2% in November. Wage growth also ticked lower, from 4% y/y to 3.9% and from 0.4% to 0.3% monthly. The upshot of the jobs report is that the US labor market remains solid and is cooling slowly. For the Federal Reserve, this means there isn't much pressure to lower interest rates in the next few months. That will suit Fed policy makers just fine as it awaits Donald Trump, who has pledged tariffs against US trading partners and mass deportations of illegal immigrants. Either of those policies could increase inflation and the Fed will try to get a read of the Trump administration before cutting rates again. The latest Fed forecast calls for only two rate cuts in 2025 but that could change, depending on inflation and the strength of the labor market. The strong employment numbers boosted the US dollar against most of the majors on Friday and the Australian dollar took it on the chin, falling 0.8%, its worst one-day showing in three weeks. With interest rates likely on hold in the near-term and and high tensions in the Middle East, the safe-haven US dollar should remain attractive to investors in the coming months. AUD/USD tested resistance at 0.6163 earlier. Above, there is resistance at 0.6188 0.6121 and 0.6096 are providing support
by yesfish
XAUUSD - The NFP indicator will determine the direction of gold!Gold is above the EMA200 and EMA50 in the 4-hour timeframe and is in its ascending channel. In case of weakness in the data of the employment market and increase in the unemployment rate, you can look for opportunities to buy gold. A lower-than-expected unemployment rate release and a strong NFP headline will lead to a breakout of the bullish and bearish channel in gold. While most major economies are expected to pursue expansionary monetary policies this year, the pace of these measures will likely slow. According to Bloomberg’s forecast, the overall interest rate index in advanced economies is projected to decrease by only 72 basis points in 2025, which is lower than the rate of decline in 2024. Donald Trump, with his electoral promises and economic policies, has become a source of concern for central banks worldwide.If Trump enforces his threats to impose trade tariffs, these policies could harm economic growth and, in the case of retaliatory measures, drive up consumer prices. Analysts at Bank of America (BofA) highlighted the “complex” impacts of Trump’s proposed tariffs on metal prices in a recent note. The proposed 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada—two of the main suppliers of metals to the U.S.—are expected to have both direct and indirect effects on the market. The bank identified two main concerns. First, the potential negative impact on global growth and the fundamentals of the metals market, particularly if the tariffs escalate into a full-blown trade war. However, BofA predicts that a more “measured approach to trade barriers is likely to prevail,” which would mitigate the overall damage. Second, regional metal prices will need to adjust to the potential tariffs. Bank of America warned that tariffs could strengthen the dollar, increase inflation, and lead to higher interest rates—all of which could pose challenges for the U.S. economy. Nevertheless, they concluded that metal prices are likely to stabilize after the initial volatility subsides, especially if the tariffs are targeted and investments in energy transition continue. Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chair, downplayed expectations of continued monetary easing in 2025 during his December 18, 2024, press conference. Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester’s dissenting vote against a rate cut was surprising, but the major shock to markets came from the Fed members’ projections (dot plot). The Fed members forecast only two rate cuts for 2025, signaling that the monetary easing cycle, which began in September 2024, will slow significantly in the coming year. Powell also admitted that inflation forecasts for the end of the year had been overly optimistic, suggesting that inflation is not yet fully under control. The Fed is increasingly concerned about Trump’s policies, as tools like tariffs could raise import prices and, subsequently, inflation. Forecasts for Friday’s NFP data: • Average estimate: 165K • Lowest estimate: 120K • Highest estimate: 190K The importance of the labor market for monetary policy has slightly diminished following Powell’s December 18 press conference. This indicates that the Fed has some confidence in easing price pressures stemming from the labor market. However, recent data suggests that the labor market has not fully cooled. The upcoming NFP report is expected to show a 160,000 increase in nonfarm payrolls, while the unemployment rate and hourly wage growth are likely to remain steady at 4.2% and 4%, respectively. If these expectations are unmet, especially with job growth below 50,000, the likelihood of a Fed rate cut in Q1 2025 will increase. Currently, markets anticipate a 25-basis-point rate cut by June 2025, but this move could occur sooner if labor market data remains weak.
FOREXCOM:XAUUSDLong
by Ali_PSND
USDZAR 1Q2025 outlookThe rand has been on the ropes since mid-December after it failed to pull the pair below the 50-day MA support. Since then the broad-based dollar strength has seen the rand give away all its post-election gains. Fundamentally there I only see two factors which are supportive for the rand as we head into 2025. The first is a strong SA trade surplus of R34.7 billion for November 2024 and the second is the SARB’s continued hawkish stance. The dollar has punished both developed and developing market currencies whose central banks opted to front run the Fed with their respective rate cuts last year and the SARB’s hawkish stance has limited the rand’s losses in 2024. Apart from these two factors, the overall risk-off sentiment stemming from the volatility in the US and other bond markets coupled with the fleeting post-election SA election optimism does not bode well for the rand. Technically, we have completed a five wave impulse for the pair which pushed the pair to a high of just shy of the psychological handle of 19.00. I believe we should see an ABC corrective pattern play out and a re-test of the levels around 18.40 and 18.50. A failed break below this support range will be the first sign for the predicted move higher towards the 2024 high of 19.35. A break below the 50-day MA will however invalidate the idea and allow the rand to re-test levels below the 18.00 handle. The 50- and 200-day MAs are currently sitting at 18.15 and we are seeing the infamous “golden cross” taking shape which is rand negative. Over the very short-term, the bearish divergence on the RSI could allow the rand to strengthen with today’s US non-farm payroll volatility. The USDZAR and the DXY both look overstretched and this week’s attempted move higher for the USDZAR does have the characteristics of a bull trap.
Long
by Goose96
AUDUSD - stronger dollar, what consequences will it have for us?The AUDUSD currency pair is below the EMA200 and EMA50 in the 4-hour timeframe and is moving in its downward channel. In case of a valid failure of the support range, we can see the bottom of the downward channel and buy in that range with a suitable risk reward. If the downward momentum decreases, we will look for buy positions on the support range. According to the official data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Thursday, Australia’s retail sales index increased by 0.8% in November compared to the previous month. In October, the index had grown by 0.5% after being revised down from an initial 0.6%. However, this growth fell short of market expectations, which had predicted a 1.0% rise. Additionally, newly released foreign trade data from the ABS on Thursday showed that Australia’s trade surplus reached AUD 7,079 million in November, surpassing the market forecast of AUD 5,750 million and the previous month’s revised figure of AUD 5,670 million (adjusted from AUD 5,953 million). Details of the report indicate that Australian exports rose by 4.8% month-over-month in November, compared to a revised 3.5% in October. Meanwhile, imports grew by 1.7% in November, compared to a flat 0% growth in October (adjusted from 0.1%)Meanwhile, JPMorgan reported that the US dollar has maintained its value contrary to expectations and may continue to do so. However, the bank’s analysts believe further appreciation of the dollar is limited. Key Factors Influencing the US Dollar • Global Growth Divergence and Central Bank Policies: Disparities in global economic growth have led to significant differences in monetary policies. Additionally, the yield gap between US 10-year bonds and those of key trading partners has reached its highest level since 1994. • Sustained Strength of the US Dollar: Despite two rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2024, the US dollar appreciated by 7%. The real effective exchange rate (REER) also remains near its historical peak. • Reasons Behind Dollar Strength: 1. Economic Growth Disparity: The US economy grew by 2.7% in 2024, compared to 1.7% growth in other developed markets. 2. Monetary Policy Differences: The limited rate cuts by the Federal Reserve (44 basis points projected for 2025) compared to larger cuts by the European Central Bank (110 basis points) and rate hikes by Japan (47 basis points) have sustained the yield gap. 3. Policy Shifts: New government policies, such as domestic production support, tariffs, and deregulation, could bolster economic growth and strengthen the dollar. • Long-term Constraints on Dollar Strength: 1. The US dollar is historically overvalued (two standard deviations above the 50-year average), indicating limited room for further appreciation. 2. Structural issues, such as the US trade deficit (4.2% of GDP as of September 2024), could eventually pressure the dollar downward. • Impacts of Dollar Strength: 1. Challenges for US-Based Investors: A strong dollar could reduce the performance of international companies and increase export costs. 2. Negative Effects on US Companies with Extensive International Operations: These businesses might suffer due to the dollar’s strength. Assessing risks related to the dollar’s strength is essential for investors. While the dollar may continue to rise in the short term, structural factors and historical trends suggest significant downward pressure in the long term.
Long
by Ali_PSND
EUR/USD Bearish - FOMC Release!EUR/USD trades near 1.0320 after dipping to a low of 1.0275, with recent price action reflecting a prevailing bearish sentiment driven by employment data, a cautious Federal Reserve, and concerns over potential tariff measures by President-elect Donald Trump. Technical indicators on the daily chart show accelerated declines in negative territory, suggesting the likelihood of further downside movement. In the short term, the bearish outlook remains intact as EUR/USD continues trading below all its key moving averages. The 20-period SMA has lost bullish momentum, positioning below longer-term SMAs and confirming persistent selling pressure. Meanwhile, technical indicators maintain a negative slope, signaling further potential losses. The pair experienced a sharp drop ahead of key US economic data amid reports that Trump might declare a national economic emergency to implement a broad tariff program. Despite holding near session lows, EUR/USD showed little reaction to the ADP Employment Report, which revealed that the US private sector added 122K jobs in December, below expectations of 140K. Additionally, Initial Jobless Claims for the week ending January 3 came in at 201K, better than the expected 218K but lower than the previous 211K, with no significant impact on the pair’s price. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decided to reduce the target range for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points, bringing it to 4.25-4.5%. The decision was made in response to economic data showing solid expansion in economic activity, a labor market displaying slight easing signals, and inflation still above the 2% target. Although some Committee members considered keeping the rate unchanged as a valid option, the majority agreed that further easing was necessary to support the economy and continue reducing inflation toward the established target. From an economic standpoint, real GDP continued to grow at a sustained pace in the fourth quarter of 2024. Inflation, as measured by the PCE (personal consumption expenditures) price index, slowed compared to the levels recorded in the previous year, though it remained elevated. Employment data indicated an increase in the unemployment rate to 4.2%, with a slight decline in labor force participation. International indicators pointed to a slowdown in economic growth across several advanced economies and declining inflation, mainly due to lower energy prices. From a financial market perspective, the Committee observed a degree of stability in money markets and short-term funding conditions, despite high political and economic uncertainty. Long-term Treasury yields remained stable, while the dollar appreciated against major foreign currencies, reflecting expectations of diverging monetary policies between the United States and other advanced economies. The Committee also discussed the future path of monetary policy, indicating that if data continued to show declining inflation and an economy near full employment, it might be appropriate to further slow the pace of monetary policy interventions. However, members emphasized the need to maintain a cautious approach, considering both upside and downside risks to inflation and economic activity. Key risks highlighted included potential changes in trade and immigration policies, as well as possible geopolitical tensions that could impact global supply chains. Finally, it was decided to proceed with the process of reducing the Federal Reserve's holdings of Treasury securities and mortgage-backed securities (MBS), maintaining a monthly cap on reinvestment of principal payments.
Short
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
1
XAUUSD: Gold will continue its upward trend?!Gold is above the EMA200 and EMA50 in the 4-hour timeframe and is in its ascending channel. The continued rise of gold towards the supply zones will provide a position to sell it with a suitable risk reward. The performance of commodities in 2024 was highly diverse. While investors turned to gold as a hedge against inflation, other commodities like iron ore experienced declines due to weak economic growth in China, the world’s largest metals consumer. It seems that the story this year will resemble that of the previous year. Sabrina Chaudhry, Head of Commodities Analysis at BMI Research, stated, “Commodities will generally face pressure in 2025,” adding that the strong US dollar will limit demand for dollar-priced commodities. Adrian Ash, Director of Research at BullionVault, a gold investment services company, said investors are optimistic about gold and silver in 2025 due to pessimism surrounding geopolitical conditions and rising government debt, emphasizing gold’s role as a risk hedge. Analysts at J.P. Morgan also predict that gold prices will rise, especially if U.S. policies take a more “disruptive” turn through increased tariffs, heightened trade tensions, and greater risks to economic growth. Gold recorded its best annual performance in over a decade last year. According to FactSet data, gold bullion prices rose by approximately 26% in 2024, driven by central bank purchases as well as retail investment. Data indicates that China purchased gold for the second consecutive month in December. The country’s gold reserves increased to 73.29 million ounces in December, up from 72.96 million ounces in November. China’s gold buying pace has nearly doubled, with December’s 0.33 million-ounce increase significantly surpassing the 0.16 million-ounce rise in November. The value of China’s gold reserves is now estimated at around $191 billion, while its total foreign exchange reserves stand at $3.2 trillion. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs has postponed its previous forecast of gold prices reaching $3,000 per ounce by the end of 2025 to mid-2026. This adjustment is attributed to expectations of a slower pace of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. A slower reduction in interest rates in 2025 is likely to limit demand for gold-backed Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). As a result, analysts such as Lina Thomas and Dan Stryon have forecasted gold prices to reach $2,910 per ounce by the end of the year. In a note, they mentioned that weaker-than-expected ETF inflows in December — attributed to reduced uncertainty following the U.S. elections — also contributed to a lower starting point for prices in the new year. Analysts commented, “Counteracting forces — reduced speculative demand and increased central bank purchases — have effectively neutralized each other, keeping gold prices range-bound in recent months.” They further emphasized that central bank appetite for gold purchases remains a key driver for prices in the long term. Analysts projected, “Looking ahead, we expect monthly gold purchases to average 38 tons through mid-2026.”
FOREXCOM:XAUUSDLong
by Ali_PSND
GBPUSD -Dollar, employment indicators or tariff news?!The GBPUSD currency pair is below the EMA200 and EMA50 in the 4-hour timeframe and is moving in its downward channel. In case of upward correction of the currency pair, it is possible to sell this currency pair within the specified supply zone. If the downward trend continues due to the release of economic data this week, we can see the demand zone and buy within that zone with the appropriate risk reward. The yield on the UK’s 30-year bonds reached 5.22%, the highest level since 1998. This surge followed the sale of similar maturity bonds and heightened concerns about the large issuance of government debt. The UK government plans to issue £297 billion in bonds during the current fiscal year, marking the second-highest figure in the country’s history. This substantial issuance has exerted significant pressure on the bond market and raised fears about mounting national debt. Moreover, expectations of a smaller rate cut by the Bank of England (BoE) have added further strain to the bond market. The UK government faces a considerable challenge in balancing the need to gain investors’ trust while managing its growing debt burden. The market remains overshadowed by the controversial 2022 budget under Liz Truss, the former Conservative Prime Minister. Meanwhile, recent data has led to improved economic forecasts. Real personal consumption expenditure growth for Q4 is now expected to rise from 3% to 3.3%, while projections for real private domestic investment growth have improved from -0.9% to -0.6%. Additionally, the contribution of net exports to real GDP growth in Q4 has been revised upward from 0.07% to 0.11%. Goldman Sachs has reduced its forecast for the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cuts in 2025 from 100 basis points to 75 basis points. The bank does not anticipate that President-elect Donald Trump’s policies will result in rate hikes. Goldman Sachs notes that core inflation is declining and remains skeptical about Trump’s policy changes having a significant impact on interest rates. According to a report by The Washington Post, Trump may impose tariffs that are more limited in scope than he had promised during his campaign. This news has led to a decline in the value of the US dollar. Such reactions are likely to recur as more details about the tariffs are announced. Reports of lower tariffs typically weaken the dollar. But what happens if higher tariffs are imposed, such as those targeting China? Chris Meissner from Santa Clara University believes, “The Chinese yuan will appear weaker relative to the US dollar, which will strengthen the dollar to offset part of the direct tariff impact.” Olivier Jeanne, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, stated, “A stronger dollar benefits American consumers by lowering the cost of imports.” He added, “It is also advantageous for American tourists traveling abroad when the dollar is strong.” However, he cautioned that this is detrimental to the export sector, as a stronger dollar means other countries would need more of their own currency to purchase American goods. With approximately two weeks remaining until Trump’s inauguration, the threats surrounding his proposed tariff plans have already introduced stress into the global trade system and created uncertainties regarding inflation and interest rate trends.
Short
by Ali_PSND
2
GBP/USD Holds Key Level Amid US Data WatchCurrently, GBP/USD is attempting to hold above the 1.2500 level after hitting an intraday high of 1.2575, but pressure from a strengthening US Dollar, driven by positive economic data, has capped further gains. A sustained move above this level could pave the way for new bullish targets, with the first resistance area at 1.2620-1.2630, corresponding to the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement, followed by 1.2700, which aligns with the 78.6% retracement level. On the downside, the first significant support stands at 1.2302. The recent strength of the Pound has been supported by broad-based USD weakness earlier this week, driven by improved market sentiment, which reduced demand for the greenback as a safe-haven currency. However, risk flows could be influenced by upcoming US macroeconomic data. Traders are focused on December’s ISM Services PMI and JOLTS job openings data. A reading above 50 has strengthened the Dollar, signaling expansion in the services sector.
Short
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
1
Brent Oil Poised for a Rally!Brent crude prices are currently influenced by a combination of strong geopolitical and climatic factors. At present, WTI is trading around $73.30 per barrel, nearing its highest levels since October 2024, as investors closely monitor the potential impact of colder weather in the United States and Europe. Seasonal demand for heating oil is expected to rise, providing additional support to crude prices. Simultaneously, China’s economic policy plays a crucial role in shaping the global energy market, given its status as the world’s largest crude importer. Recent stimulus measures announced by Beijing, including ultra-long-dated treasury bonds and initiatives to boost investment and consumption, have heightened expectations for increased fuel demand. Support from the People’s Bank of China, which anticipates a potential interest rate cut in 2025, along with the Shanghai Stock Exchange’s commitment to further open capital markets to foreign investors, strengthens the country’s economic recovery outlook. In addition to these dynamics, the outlook for Iranian exports remains a critical factor for the Brent market. Goldman Sachs forecasts a decline in Iranian production by approximately 300,000 barrels per day by the second quarter of 2025, lowering the country’s total output to 3.25 million barrels per day. This drop is attributed to the anticipated tightening of sanctions under the new Trump administration, which could curtail global supply and support higher prices. The combination of rising seasonal demand for heating oil, growing demand from China, and reduced Iranian supply could sustain an upward trend in Brent prices in the short to medium term. However, it remains essential to closely monitor geopolitical developments and major central bank policies, as any significant changes could alter the current outlook.
TVC:USOILLong
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
1
XAUUSD - Gold is waiting for an important week!!In the 4-hour timeframe, gold is above the EMA200 and EMA50 and is in its short-term descending channel. The continued rise of gold towards the supply zones will provide a position to sell it with a suitable risk reward. The year 2024 turned out to be unprecedented for the global gold market. This precious metal witnessed a remarkable growth of nearly 30%, outperforming all other commodities and emerging as one of the most prominent financial assets of the year. Such exceptional performance has continued to gain the trust of analysts and professionals in the gold and jewelry industry, drawing the attention of many traders to this market. Despite forecasts suggesting that gold prices could surpass $3,000 per ounce in 2025, the beginning of 2024 told a different story. Spot gold prices started the year at around $2,000 but fell to $1,992 by mid-February. However, Valentine’s Day marked a turning point, as gold rebounded strongly, climbing back above $2,000 and successfully maintaining this critical level. A significant market milestone occurred at the end of February. In just two days, gold prices surged by over $60, and on the first trading day of March, the metal broke past the $2,100 threshold, setting a new record. After a period of price consolidation at higher levels, gold resumed its upward trend in the final days of the month, surpassing $2,200. By mid-April, gold approached the $2,400 mark. However, traders were not yet prepared to accept these levels, and by the end of April, spot gold prices had retreated below $2,300. May saw renewed optimism in the precious metals market. On May 16, spot gold decisively broke through the $2,400 resistance level. Nonetheless, after reaching a peak of $2,426, prices entered the longest consolidation phase of 2024. Finally, on June 10, gold once again broke the $2,400 resistance and managed to establish it as a support level. From that point onward, gold embarked on one of its most stable upward trends of the year, which continued through late summer and early autumn. On October 30, gold prices hit a new record of $2,788.54 per ounce. However, the election of Donald Trump on November 5, 2024 (15th of Aban 1403), interrupted gold’s rally. Spot gold, which had reached $2,743 on November 4, dropped within 10 days to the $2,560 range. Nevertheless, gold quickly found new support. The president-elect’s threats of tariffs and trade wars, combined with renewed inflationary concerns, pushed gold prices back above $2,700. Although the metal did not return to its October highs, it maintained strong support at $2,600 for the remainder of the year, preventing further declines. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs revised its forecast for gold prices, stating that the metal would not reach $3,000 in 2025. However, the bank remains optimistic that gold prices will continue to rise, albeit at a slower pace than before.
FOREXCOM:XAUUSDShort
by Ali_PSND
XAGUSD - Silver, waiting for the start of the upward trend?!Silver is located between EMA200 and EMA50 in the 4-hour timeframe and is moving in its descending channel. If the decline continues, we can see a support limit. Stabilization of silver above the resistance range will provide us with the path of silver up to the supply zone, where we can sell in that range with a suitable risk reward. In 2025, it might be wiser to adopt a contrarian approach, as the upcoming year has the potential to be one of the most turbulent, especially in the commodities market. The return of Donald Trump as the President-elect of the United States brings the threat of disrupting global trade flows through the imposition of heavy tariffs on U.S. imports. With a Congress led by Republicans, there seems to be little to restrain him this time. Furthermore, there remains significant uncertainty regarding the economic trajectory of China, the world’s second-largest economy and the biggest buyer of commodities. Historically, the dollar tends to perform strongly in January and February. Interestingly, last month also saw a 2.6% rise in the DXY index, breaking a seven-year streak of December weakness. This performance suggests that macroeconomic factors and expectations around Trump’s policies were strong enough to counteract the usual seasonal drag. As the year begins with a positive phase for the dollar, any shift in the current narrative sustaining the dollar’s strength through the end of the year would require a significant change in economic dynamics. The U.S. dollar started 2025 with a slight dip but quickly resumed its upward trend, as the fundamental drivers of the U.S. economy remain intact. The Federal Reserve, adjusting its projections downward, indicated that there might only be two rate cuts in 2024. This stance has further widened the yield gap between the U.S. and other major economies, as central banks in other regions move towards more accommodative monetary policies. Kugler, a member of the Federal Reserve, recently stated that the U.S. economy ended 2024 in good shape, exhibiting solid growth. He noted that the Federal Reserve is likely to take its time before implementing future rate cuts and sees no urgency in this regard. Meanwhile, questions remain about whether inflationary pressures will continue to persist. Kugler also highlighted improvements in productivity and labor supply, which have played a key role in strengthening the economy. He emphasized that the labor market still appears stable, with the current unemployment rate remaining at historically low levels. Even as the labor market cools gradually, real wages remain elevated. Overall, while the labor market is slowly losing heat, it continues to demonstrate resilience. Similarly, the disinflation process is steadily progressing at a consistent pace.
OANDA:XAGUSDShort
by Ali_PSND
BIG BIG weekI think 7 FED speakers, A lot of tension in the markets, tops mean polarisation, considering reflexivity theory extreme volatility will ensue. A lot of people might think the -0.786 ATH we got before the holidays is the top. I think they are mistaken as seen in the analysis below. There is still legroom for higher, this is a big bet on my part. I have a few contracts on the mag7 (GOOGL, TSLA and META) focusing on GOOGL since they seem to be in the same headwind as S&P Let's see how this plays out
CME_MINI:ES1!Long
by Osmanomics
XAU/USD toward $2500 before a new high!Gold's recent performance and future outlook continue to be influenced by a complex blend of technical indicators, macroeconomic events, and geopolitical factors. As of Friday, XAU/USD registered a slight retracement below $2,650 after a significant 1% increase on Thursday. The minor pullback coincides with a stabilization in the US 10-year Treasury yield around 4.57%, which traditionally exerts downward pressure on non-yielding assets like gold. On the upside, gold faces key psychological resistance at $2,700. Conversely, immediate support levels are positioned around $2,640. A break below these levels could signal a deeper correction; however, current sentiment suggests resilience in the face of such potential declines. Fundamentally, gold's stellar 27% annual return in 2024, the highest since 2010, underscores its renewed appeal as a safe-haven asset amid persistent global uncertainties. Geopolitical tensions remain a primary driver of demand. Recent reports about heightened US-Iran tensions, including contingency plans regarding Iran's nuclear facilities, increase the risk premium for gold. Additionally, the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to foster a risk-averse environment, further bolstering gold's safe-haven allure. From a global economic perspective, developments in China also play a crucial role in determining gold's trajectory. The anticipated rate cut by the People's Bank of China (PBoC), coupled with proactive measures to stimulate economic growth, is likely to support gold demand as a hedge against potential currency depreciation. Moreover, the Chinese government's commitment to fostering consumption growth through ultra-long treasury bond financing signals continued support for economic expansion, indirectly benefiting gold demand. Upcoming macroeconomic events in the United States will be pivotal in determining short-term price action for gold. The U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls report is expected to provide critical insights into the labor market's health. A stronger-than-expected report could strengthen the US dollar, potentially capping gold's gains. Conversely, a weaker report may reinforce gold's appeal as a safe-haven asset. Additionally, the U.S. CPI release will offer further clarity on inflation trends, a key factor influencing the Federal Reserve's monetary policy stance. Higher-than-expected inflation could prompt the Fed to adopt more restrictive measures, applying downward pressure on gold, while softer inflation data may provide a supportive environment for continued bullish momentum. In terms of market positioning, traders are advised to adopt a cautious approach in the short term, given the potential for heightened volatility surrounding key economic data releases. A hold rating is prudent for the next month, pending further clarity on macroeconomic conditions. In the medium term, a buy rating is justified, supported by ongoing geopolitical risks, persistent inflation concerns, and central bank gold purchases aimed at diversifying reserves. Over the long term, gold remains an attractive asset, with analysts projecting a 15% to 20% price appreciation over the next five years, driven by structural economic challenges and sustained demand for safe-haven investments.
OANDA:XAUUSDShort
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
1
NZDUSD - The uptrend of the dollar is over?!The NZDUSD currency pair is below the EMA200 and EMA50 in the 4-hour timeframe. In case of upward correction, we can see the supply zone and sell within that range with appropriate risk reward. A valid break of the support area will provide us with the continuation of the downward path of this currency pair. At the beginning of 2025, the US dollar has continued its upward trajectory, solidifying its position as one of the leading global currencies. After delivering a strong performance in 2023 and 2024, the dollar has now risen by more than 1% against the euro and the British pound, outpacing other major currencies. From an economic news perspective, recent reports have had little impact on the market. While data on jobless claims, affected by holiday factors, were assessed positively, reports such as construction spending and manufacturing PMI fell short of expectations. However, these statistics failed to create significant market movement, with US Treasury yields seeing only a slight uptick. According to data published by S&P Global, the US manufacturing PMI for December 2024 stood at 49.4, a slight decline from 49.7 in November. This figure remains below the 50-point threshold, indicating contraction in manufacturing activity. Nonetheless, there has been a slight recovery from the mid-month figure of 48.3. Manufacturing output in November declined for the fourth consecutive month, hitting its lowest level in 18 months. Additionally, new orders continued to fall, though at a slower pace compared to previous months. However, export orders experienced a steeper decline, primarily driven by economic weakness in Europe and Australia. In the employment sector, there has been modest yet positive growth for the second consecutive month, reflecting manufacturers’ efforts to retain their workforce. Input cost inflation has reached its highest level since August 2024, largely due to concerns over trade tariffs and potential protectionist policies. Approximately 25% of firms attributed their increased purchases to tariff threats, highlighting concerns over the inflationary effects of such policies. Despite current challenges, manufacturers are increasingly optimistic about the future. This optimism, which has reached its highest level in two and a half years, stems from reduced uncertainties following the elections and positive expectations of stronger economic growth and supportive government policies in 2025. However, the gap between current production levels and future expectations has reached its widest point in a decade, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic period. The main driver behind the strength of the US dollar is capital inflows. While the US economy appears robust, this alone does not explain the dollar’s growth. A confluence of positive factors has made US assets attractive, with the country’s stock markets outperforming other global markets. Currently, a significant portion of global capital formation is concentrated in the US dollar and its markets. Nevertheless, risks such as rising tariffs or restrictive fiscal policies could alter the dollar’s trajectory. For now, the market shows little concern about the Republican-led Congress, and the US dollar continues to assert its dominance in global markets. Donald Trump, the US President-elect, recently tweeted that tariffs have brought immense wealth to the country and that he plans to continue these policies after assuming office on January 20. Trump also referenced border issues, calling Joe Biden the “worst president in US history.” The chief asset strategist at HSBC Bank highlighted the hawkish messages from the Federal Reserve’s December meeting as a cause for concern. January is expected to be highly volatile, but these fluctuations could present intriguing investment opportunities.
Short
by Ali_PSND
USD/JPY: After Testing 158.07, Ready for a Bearish Move?The analysis of the USD/JPY exchange rate reflects a complex combination of macroeconomic, monetary, and geopolitical factors influencing the pair's performance. During the Asian session on January 3, 2025, USD/JPY dropped toward 157.00, highlighting bearish pressure driven by a deterioration in risk sentiment and weak Chinese PMI data, which increased demand for the Japanese yen as a safe-haven currency. Reduced activity due to Japanese holidays amplified exchange rate movements. Nonetheless, Japan’s December manufacturing PMI showed a marginal improvement to 49.6 from November’s 49.0, although it remained in contraction territory for the sixth consecutive month. Recent dynamics have been influenced by declining U.S. Treasury yields, with the 10-year yield at 4.62% and the 2-year yield at 4.32%, temporarily weakening the U.S. dollar. However, the greenback’s resilience is supported by expectations of fewer rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2025. The DXY remains near 108.00, reflecting the dollar's intrinsic strength, further corroborated by solid U.S. economic data and persistently high inflation, with Tokyo's CPI rising to 3.0% year-over-year in December. In Japan, the government and the Bank of Japan (BoJ) maintain a cautious stance. The BoJ has emphasized that potential adjustments to monetary policy will depend on wage dynamics and inflation, which is expected to approach the 2% target in 2025. While the minutes of the latest meeting left room for gradual rate hikes, the likelihood of significant actions in the short term appears limited. This strengthens the expectation that the interest rate differential will continue to favor the dollar over the yen in the medium term. The global geopolitical and macroeconomic context also adds to uncertainty. Recent statements from Japan’s Finance Minister expressing concerns over unilateral and sharp currency market moves suggest potential FX interventions in the event of further yen depreciation. However, such interventions would likely have only a temporary impact, given that structural monetary policy dynamics remain favorable to the dollar. Investors are closely monitoring upcoming macroeconomic events, including U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls (January 10, 2025), which could confirm further strengthening of the U.S. labor market, and the U.S. CPI release (January 15, 2025), which will provide insights into the Fed’s future monetary policy trajectory. The BoJ’s monetary policy meeting is another key event, as any signal of monetary normalization could trigger yen strengthening. In the short term, the pair is expected to remain near current levels, with a potential test of the 158.07 resistance. In the medium term, the trend remains bullish, supported by the interest rate differential and the strength of the U.S. economy. In the long term, however, potential economic reforms in Japan and global monetary policy normalization could reduce the dollar's appeal against the yen, pushing the exchange rate lower.
Short
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
1
XAUUSD: Gold in 2025!Gold is located between EMA200 and EMA50 in the 4-hour timeframe and has exited its short-term ascending channel. In case of a valid break of the resistance range, we can witness the continuation of the rise of gold and see the supply zone. Correction of gold and pullback to the broken channel will provide the opportunity to buy it with the appropriate risk reward. According to a recent report by UBS, the price of gold is expected to reach $2,900 per ounce by the end of 2025. UBS highlights that one of the main drivers of this price increase is the continued demand for gold by central banks. These institutions are motivated by a desire to reduce reliance on the dollar and diversify their reserves, and they are expected to maintain their purchasing momentum in 2025, supporting high gold prices. In addition, investor demand for gold as a safeguard against geopolitical and policy-related uncertainties will also play a critical role in sustaining elevated prices. UBS points to ongoing concerns about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, tensions in the Middle East, and uncertainty surrounding U.S. fiscal and trade policies under President Donald Trump as factors that could boost investment in gold-backed exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Furthermore, declining interest rates and a weakening U.S. dollar are other key factors contributing to gold’s rise. UBS anticipates that interest rates will continue to drop and that a weaker dollar will drive higher demand for gold. Beyond gold, UBS also highlights opportunities in copper and other energy-transition metals. The bank identifies global investments in electricity generation, energy storage, and electric transportation as long-term drivers of demand for these metals. Meanwhile, according to surveys conducted by the Financial Times, Trump’s economic policies, known as “Maganomics,” could pose risks to economic growth. The findings suggest that many economists believe Trump’s protectionist measures might overshadow the benefits of his other policies. More than half of the 220 economists surveyed across the U.S., UK, and Eurozone believe Trump’s policies could lead to higher inflation and force the Federal Reserve to adopt a more cautious stance on cutting interest rates. However, most analysts, including those from the IMF, OECD, and European Commission, forecast that U.S. economic growth in 2025 will outpace that of Europe.
FOREXCOM:XAUUSDLong
by Ali_PSND
USDCAD: political crisis and tariff crisis in Canada!The USDCAD currency pair is above the EMA200 and EMA50 in the 4-hour timeframe and is moving in its upward channel. The correction of this currency pair towards the demand zones will provide us with the next buying position. The political crisis surrounding Justin Trudeau is deepening, with an increasing number of Liberal Party members publicly calling for the Canadian Prime Minister to step down and allow a new leader to take charge before the 2025 elections. Chad Collins, a Member of Parliament from Ontario, stated that nearly 50 elected Liberals are part of a growing group advocating for Trudeau’s resignation. Other Liberal opponents have reported similar numbers, representing approximately one-third of the 153 Liberal MPs in the House of Commons. The resignation of Chrystia Freeland, Trudeau’s influential Finance Minister and longtime deputy, has been a significant blow to the Prime Minister. Collins remarked that this resignation has caused irreparable harm to Trudeau. Freeland explained that she decided to resign after being informed of a reassignment within the cabinet. She mentioned that Trudeau informed her of the decision only three days before an important speech intended to update the nation on its financial and economic status. Criticizing Trudeau’s leadership, Collins said, “I don’t know who is advising him, but I can guess. This advice is far from effective. Ultimately, he is responsible for his decisions, and we are now witnessing consequences that many consider to be a clear demonstration of poor judgment.” Trudeau, now 52, has been under mounting pressure to resign for months. In June, the Liberals lost a by-election in a Toronto district they had held for decades. Similarly, they lost another seat in Montreal in September. However, Freeland’s resignation, amid economic threats posed by Trump’s incoming administration, has turned discontent into a full-blown crisis for Trudeau. The Prime Minister has canceled all of his usual year-end television interviews. Collins warned that more Liberals would exit politics if Trudeau insists on staying in power. Meanwhile, Ian de Verteuil, an equity strategist at CIBC Capital Markets, discussed Donald Trump’s tariff threats against Canada in an interview with Bloomberg. He argued that Trump’s threat to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports on his first day in office could hurt American consumers and is unlikely to proceed without major revisions. De Verteuil emphasized that Trump should be taken seriously, though not always literally. He added that Trump’s slogan, “Make America Great Again,” would be put to the test if a 25% tariff were imposed on Mexican and Canadian goods. Such tariffs could harm American consumers and are unlikely to be implemented. He further noted that tariffs are unlikely to target fossil fuels or auto parts from Canada, given the U.S. economy’s heavy reliance on these imports. However, companies exporting consumer goods such as clothing and vehicles to the U.S. are at greater risk. De Verteuil also highlighted that Mexican companies exporting goods to the U.S. would face more significant impacts, as Trump’s border concerns primarily focus on America’s southern neighbor. In conclusion, he stated that Canada remains a vital trade partner for the U.S., and major challenges for Canada in 2025 are highly improbable.
Long
by Ali_PSND
EUR/USD: Key Levels to Watch!EUR/USD stabilizes around 1.0400, with low volumes and a cautious market favoring a resilient US Dollar. The technical setup remains bearish: the 20-period moving average acts as dynamic resistance at 1.0470, while the 100 and 200-period moving averages confirm the downward trend. Technical indicators are weak and lack clear direction, highlighting the absence of bullish momentum. Key support is at 1.0370, with immediate resistance levels at 1.0440 and 1.0470. Fundamentally, the Dollar benefits from a stronger US economy and expectations of less accommodative monetary policies, while the Euro faces pressure from weak sentiment and uncertain economic prospects in the Eurozone. Key events, such as the Global Outlook Report and the FOMC meeting in January, could increase volatility. In the short term, the outlook remains bearish with the risk of approaching parity. However, the medium and long term could offer buying opportunities, supported by potential economic recovery in Europe and a weaker Dollar after the peak in US interest rates.
Short
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
2
2024 is a wrap - time for 2025 outlook - let's go2024 will be a memorable year -23% gains -Mag 7 + Semiconductors + Bitcoin all contributing nicely -PLTR was the top performing stock in the S&P 500 (impressive 340.48%) As always, 2024 wasn't in a straight line up, though it felt like it at times VIX had #1 and #2 largest single day moves ever (Aug 5 and Dec 18) April was a sticky inflation pullback month August was a Bank of Japan deleveraging weekend scare FED dominated the catalysts with guidance, narrative, and wait and see between employment and inflation data 2025 will bring new president, new policy, new Republican power. Many were excited about this but there are still checks and balances and markets need more reassurance than hyperbole. I plan to look at income plays and trading plays were buy and hold. Whatever I do own equities and ETFs wise, I want protection just in case the market isn't as straightforward and bullish like it has been since Oct 2022. Happy New Year - thanks for watching!!! See you in 2025!!!
TVC:US10Y
by ChrisPulver
1