GBP/USD at a Crossroads: Imminent Breakout or Bull Trap?The weekly chart of GBP/USD shows a strong recovery following the late-April correction, which brought the price down to a key demand zone between 1.2550 and 1.2600. The bounce was sharp and decisive, but the pair is now facing resistance between 1.3000 and 1.3150 — a previously sold area marked by a visible supply block in red.
The current weekly candle reflects a bullish reaction, but the overall structure suggests a potential exhaustion zone for upward momentum. Price action reveals a series of lower highs in the short term, and while the RSI is bouncing, it remains far from overbought, hinting that this move may be just a technical rebound.
From a trading perspective, a confirmed weakness around the 1.3000–1.3150 zone could offer short opportunities with an initial target near 1.2700 and, if extended, down to 1.2550 — a key dynamic support area. On the flip side, a clean breakout above 1.3150 with strong volume and a weekly close would open the door for a new bullish leg toward 1.3300–1.3400.
Conclusion: GBP/USD is currently at a critical juncture. The next directional move will depend on how price reacts to this resistance zone: a confirmed rejection could trigger renewed selling pressure, while a confirmed breakout may reignite the bullish trend.
Fed
HOW IS CRYPTO SHAPING UP?Trump and tariffs have a firm grip on the economic world as of late, so where does that leave the crypto market?
TOTAL has a clear structure since the beginning of the bull market in 2023, in the last 3 days TOTAL has wicked into the bullish trendline support but sits within a bearish trend channel. This level also coincides with the bullish orderblock that started the leg up post US election so a very strong level of support here.
Do I think this is the end and the bottom is in? The chart would make a very good case for it however I believe that the Geo-politics outweigh Technical Analysis currently, at least in the short term. Everyone is watching for the latest news release/Trump announcement and all the time that is going on the market is very reactionary with less passive orders and more reactionary news based market orders. That taken into account in the short term this is a game of musical chairs with massive volatility swings and liquidations left right and center, a traders dream.
I'm very interested in how the FED will react to this, once we start getting emergency or early interest rate cuts that for me is when BTC will take the next step up and will flip to an investor/buy and hold environment, whether that's from here, lower or higher I'm not sure but but BTC needs a risk-on environment to thrive and Trump is doing his best to force J Powells hand.
GOLD MARKET UPDATE – Trend Breakouts and Market Structure Shift🟡 GOLD MARKET UPDATE – Trend Breakouts and Market Structure Shift
Gold has broken through both the parallel ascending channel and a narrow triangle pattern at the edges, resulting in a strong buying momentum (FOMO BUY). This move can be attributed to a mild positive shift in the US stock market yesterday, along with some upward momentum in the Asian and European markets today.
📉 Current Situation: It’s still unclear whether this movement is tied to positive news about tariffs, but an important level to watch is 3075 – 3077. If this level is breached, it may be time to reassess the outlook and consider shifting towards a BUY.
💡 Currently, there’s strong buying activity during the European session. It’s recommended to avoid jumping into BUY positions at these levels and to refrain from selling too aggressively.
📌 Scenario for Today: Look for potential BUY opportunities at the important levels 3030 – 3018 during the European session, and stay tuned for updates regarding FOMC tonight.
🔮 Be Cautious: The FOMC meeting will take place later today, which could lead to significant market movements. Be prepared for potential volatility and liquidity sweeps in less liquid areas.
🧭 Key Technical Levels:
🔺 Resistance: 3075 – 3090 – 3110
🔻 Support: 3030 – 3018 – 3000 – 2988 – 2974
🎯 Trade Setup:
🔴 SELL ZONE: 3074 – 3076
SL: 3080
TP: 3070 – 3066 – 3062 – 3058 – 3054 – 3050 – 3040
🟢 BUY ZONE: 2976 – 2974
SL: 2970
TP: 2980 – 2984 – 2988 – 2992 – 2996 – 3000
📌 Reminder: The market is currently very sensitive, so stick to risk management rules, ensure full TP/SL implementation, and avoid making hasty decisions.
Be cautious and watch the market movements closely!
— AD | Money Market Flow
EUR/GBP: Monthly Resistance Test, Rising Risk of PullbackEUR/GBP has recently shown a strong bullish acceleration, breaking decisively above the consolidation zone between 0.8285 and 0.8480, and reaching the monthly resistance area around 0.8580–0.8600. This zone, highlighted on the chart with a marked red and grey band, represents a historically significant selling area—already tested earlier this month and revisited again today. The strong upward expansion has been accompanied by an RSI nearing extreme levels, indicating a possible and imminent loss of bullish momentum.
From a technical perspective, the current setup reveals an active supply zone that could trigger a pullback, especially if the price fails to close decisively above the weekly and monthly highs. Potential profit-taking may drive the pair back toward the intermediate balance zone around 0.8450–0.8480, which would serve as the first dynamic support level. Only a clear and confirmed breakout above 0.8600 would open the door for further bullish continuation, with targets toward 0.8650 and beyond.
Strategically, caution is advised at this stage: traders already long may consider scaling out near resistance, while those eyeing short entries could find opportunities on reversal signals or confirmation of rejection from the current zone.
Crude Oil: Volatility and Key Levels in FocusThe Crude Oil (CL1!) chart shows a recent phase of high volatility, with a sharp decline followed by a recovery attempt. After reaching the recent high around 80.77, the price underwent a significant correction, returning to the key support zone between 60.97 and 62.43. This price range represents an important accumulation level, previously tested multiple times in recent months and defended by buyers.
From a technical perspective, the area between 65.27 and 69.00 represents a dynamic resistance zone, whose breakout could pave the way for a recovery towards the critical 73.00 area. However, the recent bearish impulse has pressured lower levels, and a weekly close below 60.97 could indicate a structural trend change, with potential bearish targets around 57.00.
The RSI is currently in an oversold zone, suggesting a potential consolidation phase or a technical rebound attempt. However, selling pressure remains high, and sentiment is negative, partly driven by global economic uncertainties and concerns about oil demand.
From an operational perspective, a move back above 65.27 could indicate a recovery phase, with targets at 69.00 and subsequently 73.00. Conversely, a break below 60.97 would open negative scenarios with a possible extension towards the lower support at 57.00. Investors remain focused on macroeconomic data and OPEC+ decisions, as potential production cuts could trigger a new rally, while an unfavorable macro environment could increase selling pressure.
EUR/USD: What to Expect - Trump vs FED!The EUR/USD has recently shown a recovery phase after reaching the late-September high near 1.1150 last Thursday, initially supported by the weakness of the US dollar following fears of stagflation in the United States, fueled by tariff announcements from President Trump. However, the scenario changed rapidly after the release of Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) data and Jerome Powell’s speech last Friday. Employment data showed NFP growth in line with expectations, but also an increase in the unemployment rate, signaling a less solid labor market than anticipated. During his speech, Powell expressed concerns about the resilience of the US economy, highlighting the risk of an economic slowdown while at the same time reiterating the focus on inflation, maintaining a cautious approach regarding further monetary easing policies.
From a technical perspective, the chart shows that the area around 1.0980-1.1000 represents a crucial zone to assess the sustainability of the bullish trend. A daily close above this level could trigger a new upward push towards the highs of 1.1100 and subsequently 1.1150, especially if supported by further signs of dollar weakness or positive European economic data. If the EUR/USD fails to hold above 1.1000, we could see a pullback towards the support at 1.0950 and subsequently 1.0900. The critical support area on the chart is identified between 1.0360 and 1.0280, and a break below these levels would indicate a significant change in market sentiment.
GOLD BREAKS SHARPLY — BUT THE MOVE WAS WRITTEN IN THE STRUCTURE🟡 GOLD BREAKS SHARPLY — BUT THE MOVE WAS WRITTEN IN THE STRUCTURE
A steep drop in gold just rattled the markets — but if you’ve been following the macro and technical setup closely, this was not only expected, but anticipated.
From the first week of April, we’ve been tracking signals of potential exhaustion in XAUUSD:
🕯️ Candlestick wicks on higher timeframes
📈 Overextended structure
🧠 Macro divergence
Now, all signs have converged — and we’re finally seeing the correction play out.
🔍 Why This Isn’t Just About Gold
What we’re seeing is a broader shift in global market sentiment:
U.S., European, and Asian equities are all under pressure
Crypto has stagnated with little to no fresh capital inflow
Gold — after months of aggressive buying — is now facing wave after wave of profit-taking
This is classic risk-off behaviour.
Investors are choosing cash, sitting tight, and waiting for clarity — not only in the charts but in the headlines too.
📉 DXY Building a Case for Recovery
The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) has been heavily sold in recent months — but is now holding at a multi-year structural support zone that’s been tested multiple times since 2021.
With Trump returning to the spotlight and triggering a fresh round of global tariff negotiations, the USD is regaining narrative strength.
Trump’s stance has already prompted discussions among major economies, putting the U.S. in a dominant position — and the market is beginning to price that in.
🤔 What’s Holding the Fed Back?
Despite rising trade tensions, the Federal Reserve has remained cautious — choosing not to act until the dust settles from geopolitical and policy developments.
This creates a window of opportunity:
If the Fed holds rates while global central banks soften
And if the USD holds this major support
→ We could see strong dollar flows return in Q2.
🔮 Gold Outlook – Where Next?
In the short term:
Expect continued volatility
Potential for gold to slide further toward 308x – 305x range
Any bounce is likely to be technical rather than fundamental
In the medium term:
Once political noise fades, gold may find support again
Especially if inflation expectations persist or the Fed pivots dovish later in Q2
💡 Takeaways for UK Traders
✅ Don't trade the news — trade the reaction
✅ Macro structure matters more than the daily headlines
✅ Capital preservation beats chasing euphoria
We’re not guessing.
We’re reading the story and planning with structure.
Golden Momentum to Short the goldWe already know what FED powell talked about on the 4th and trump's tariffs which have a very big effect on the global economy.
exchanges have fallen, this pattern is very similar where during the crisis the price of gold also fell sharply because there was no demand from the world and they saw the USD as a safe heaven because the price of gold was also too high.
Price between 3040 -3070 is a entry price to short
Price rocketing above 3110 = bull resisting (very small chance, only below 5%)
Good luck for your trade, lets win this trade.
Markets eye US, Canada job reports, US dollar steadiesThe Canadian dollar has taken a break after an impressive three-day rally, in which the currency climbed about 2%. In the European session, USD/CAD is trading at 1.4148, up 0.39%. On Thursday, the Canadian dollar touched 140.26, its strongest level since December.
The hottest financial news is understandably the wave of selling in the equity markets, but there are some key economic releases today as well. The US and Canada will both release the March employment report later today.
The US releases nonfarm payrolls, with the markets projecting a gain of 135 thousand, after a gain of 151 thousand in February. This would point to the US labor market cooling at a gradual pace, which suits the Federal Reserve just fine. The Fed will also be keeping a watchful eye on wage growth, which is expected to tick lower to 3.9% y/y from 4.0%. The unemployment rate is expected to hold at 4.1%.
The employment landscape is uncertain, with the DOGE layoffs and newly-announced tariffs expected to dampen wage growth in the coming months. Canada's employment is expected to improve slightly to 12 thousand, after a negligible gain of 1.1 thousand in February. Unemployment has been stubbornly high and is expected to inch up to 6.7% from 6.6%.
US President Donald Trump's tariff bombshell on Wednesday did not impose new tariffs on Canada, but trade tensions continue to escalate between the two allies. Canada said it would mirror the US stance and impose a 25% tariff on all vehicles imported from the US that do not comply with the US-Canada-Mexico-Canada free trade deal. The US has promised to respond to any new tariffs against the US, which could mean a tit-for-tat exchange of tariffs between Canada and the US.
USD/CAD has pushed above resistance at 1.4088 and 141.26. The next resistance line is 1.4170
1.4044 and 1.4006 are the next support levels
Markets eye US, Canada job reports, US dollar steadiesThe Canadian dollar has taken a break after an impressive three-day rally, in which the currency climbed about 2%. In the European session, USD/CAD is trading at 1.4148, up 0.39%. On Thursday, the Canadian dollar touched 140.26, its strongest level since December.
The hottest financial news is understandably the wave of selling in the equity markets, but there are some key economic releases today as well. The US and Canada will both release the March employment report later today.
The US releases nonfarm payrolls, with the markets projecting a gain of 135 thousand, after a gain of 151 thousand in February. This would point to the US labor market cooling at a gradual pace, which suits the Federal Reserve just fine. The Fed will also be keeping a watchful eye on wage growth, which is expected to tick lower to 3.9% y/y from 4.0%. The unemployment rate is expected to hold at 4.1%.
The employment landscape is uncertain, with the DOGE layoffs and newly-announced tariffs expected to dampen wage growth in the coming months.
Canada's employment is expected to improve slightly to 12 thousand, after a negligible gain of 1.1 thousand in February. Unemployment has been stubbornly high and is expected to inch up to 6.7% from 6.6%.
US President Donald Trump's tariff bombshell on Wednesday did not impose new tariffs on Canada, but trade tensions continue to escalate between the two allies. Canada said it would mirror the US stance and impose a 25% tariff on all vehicles imported from the US that do not comply with the US-Canada-Mexico-Canada free trade deal. The US has promised to respond to any new tariffs against the US, which could mean a tit-for-tat exchange of tariffs between Canada and the US.
USD/CAD has pushed above resistance at 1.4088 and 141.26. The next resistance line is 1.4170
1.4044 and 1.4006 are the next support levels
Crypto Market at Critical Crossroads: Is History Repeating?Maybe an altcoin season seems too luxurious for us investors right now.
The TOTAL market cap is currently at a critical point, showing price action similar to past cycles.
Previously, we had COVID as our black swan event - could today's equivalent be a trade war?
We're probably approaching the final wave before the market truly enters a downtrend. It's crucial now to stay alert and prepare carefully.
Everything the US is currently doing—including tariffs—serves one goal: shrinking their huge federal debt load, absorbing wealth from other global economies, and keeping gold prices in check. This gives the FED more room to reduce interest rates and reignite growth.
Eventually, global markets always rebalance. Governments typically respond by printing more money to ease the pain, and historically, that's positive news for BINANCE:BTCUSD
Cheap money policies always return; it's just a matter of when.
Your job now is straightforward:
- Be patient
- Stay flexible
- Maintain solid cash reserves
Remain calm, stay sharp, and be ready for opportunities.
#BTC #FED #TotalMarketCap #CryptoTrading #TechnicalAnalysis #CryptoVeteran #TheCryptoFire
Will the BoJ's hawkish approach affect the yen's strength?
US equity markets plunged amid growing concerns that the Trump administration's tariffs, set to be announced on April 2, could be aggressively implemented. Goldman Sachs warned that US tariff rates could reach as high as 18%, potentially shaving 1.0% off GDP growth and pushing the unemployment rate to 4.5% this year.
Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda signaled a continued tightening stance, stating that if persistently rising food prices lead to broader inflation, the central bank would consider raising interest rates.
USDJPY broke below the support at 149.50 before retracing to 150.00. However, failing to reenter the channel, the price hovers near the channel’s lower bound. If USDJPY fails to reenter the channel, the price may break below 149.50 again. Conversely, if USDJPY reenters the channel, the price could gain upward momentum toward the resistance at 151.30.
NAS100 - Stock market still in a downtrend?!The index is trading below the EMA200 and EMA50 on the 4-hour timeframe and is trading in its descending channel. If the index moves down, it will be clear that it is heading for further moves. At the channel ceiling, I could be close to the next sell-off.
As the new US tariffs are set to take effect on April 2, new evidence suggests that they may be less than the markets had expected. According to a recent report in the Toronto Star, Canada is likely to face the lowest level of tariffs, while Mexico, another member of the US trade agreement, is likely to face a similar situation. In addition, Trump’s recent statements about significant progress in controlling fentanyl (an industrial drug), are seen as a positive sign for improving trade relations.
In this regard, CNBC reported that VAT and non-tariff barriers will not be taken into account in calculating the tariff rate, or at least not fully. The main concern is that by threatening to impose a 25% tariff, Trump is actually preparing Canada and Mexico to accept higher rates than the current conditions. It seems that his goal is to impose the highest possible tariff level. This decision could be an incentive to increase tariff revenue to reduce taxes. Of course, such an approach is associated with high risks, since any level of tariffs can lead to retaliatory measures from trading partners.
In the case of Europe, tariffs imposed on American goods are higher than in other countries, but a large part of them relate to the automotive industry. Europe has previously announced that it is ready to reduce these tariffs. The question now is whether the EU will take a different approach than Mexico and Canada? That is, first impose higher tariffs and then negotiate to reduce them.
This scenario could ultimately benefit the US economy, as the bulk of its trade is with Mexico and Canada. Meanwhile, China remains a complex challenge, as it is the main target of Trump’s tariff policies. In addition, the US president recently proposed imposing tariffs on Venezuela, which could be a pretext for intensifying trade pressure on China. Polls show that 50% of the market expects new tariffs on China, which indicates the level of investor concern.
The European Union has reacted to the Trump administration’s decision to impose new tariffs on imported cars and expressed regret over the move. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said the bloc will seek a negotiated solution to ease tensions, but she has also stressed that Europe’s economic interests will be protected against US trade policies.
The US credit rating has risen to a new low, according to a new report from Moody’s, which warns that tax cuts and trade tariffs could widen the country’s budget deficit.
Analysts at Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank say investors expect the effective tariff rate on all imports to be between 9% and 10%, although some analysts at Goldman Sachs have suggested a rate of 18%. However, inflation and exchange rate expectations point to lower figures.
If Trump’s promise of “reciprocal tariffs” is implemented, the effective tariff rate could be even lower than 5 percent, although this depends on whether the agricultural sector is also subject to tariffs. Some reports also suggest that non-tariff barriers may be completely ignored.
According to Deutsche Bank, it is very difficult to determine market expectations precisely. But if the tariff rate ultimately falls between 5 and 7.5 percent, markets are likely to react with more confidence. Otherwise, more volatility and turbulence in financial markets are expected.
At the beginning of the year, markets were in a positive and optimistic mood. The Republican victory in the election, the continuation of tax breaks and the possibility of new support packages were among the factors that reinforced this optimism.
However, factors such as the high US budget deficit, the deadlock in Congress and the high inflation rate have now challenged this optimism. Meanwhile, two important support tools that were effective in the past may no longer be as effective:
1. During Trump’s first term, the stock market was of particular importance to him. Even during the COVID-19 crisis, he constantly talked about the stock market and considered it part of his successes.
The term “Put Trump” meant that even if he made harsh statements, he ultimately acted in the market’s favor.
2. But now, in Trump’s second administration, he talks about “short-term pain” and “economic detoxification.” Tariff threats, reduced investment and policy uncertainty have caused the S&P 500 to fall 10% since February. Trump still considers the market important, but he is no longer as staunchly supportive of it as he used to be.
In addition, this week will include the release of a series of key economic data. Including:
• Tuesday: ISM Manufacturing PMI and JOLTS.
• Wednesday: ADP Private Employment Report
•Thursday: ISM services index and weekly jobless claims.
One of the big risks to the markets is that economic data remains weak while the ISM price sub-indices rise. Such a situation could signal a deflationary tailwind. In such a situation, even if the Federal Reserve moves to lower interest rates, it will still be difficult for the stock market to grow.
USDCHF Correction Due To Produce A Reversal Pattern?OANDA:USDCHF has been in a Correction Wave since the beginning of January and we now see that Price may have finally found Support at the 1.809 Fibonacci Extension Level of the Correction Wave.
With both Lows in March finding Support at the 1.809 Fibonacci Extension Level, Price is beginning to form what looks like a Reversal Pattern, the Double Bottom!
** Confirmation of Pattern will come when Price Breaks and Closes Above .8863, then we will be looking for a Long Opportunity to present itself as a Break and Retest Set-Up. The Retest will Validate the Trade Idea!
If we take the height of the Pattern and apply it to the Break of Confirmation, this puts the Potential Target at Previous Area of Support of the Correction Wave ( Point A ) in the .8975 area.
Fundamentals seem to Support the Bullish Idea with:
SNB Cutting Interest Rates by 25 Basis points from .5% to .25%
FED Holding Interest Rates @ 4.5% due to "Economic Uncertainty"
Unemployment Claims for USD came in as expected with no surprise and even 1K below Forecast ( Actual 223K / Forecast 224K )
Also Positive Outlook from Philly Fed Manufacturing Index and Existing Home Sales see USD rise.
Next Weeks Final GDP on Thursday, March 27th will be the next big News Event to bring some light to how the economy is doing and if USD will continue strengthening!
DAX Trade Log DAX Buy Setup with Ichimoku Confluence
Geopolitical tensions—especially the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe—continue to influence risk sentiment, while inflation and central bank policy remain in the spotlight. The European Central Bank’s more hawkish stance contrasts with fears of slowing growth in the Eurozone. Despite these headwinds, the DAX could see a near-term bounce, supported by technical signals:
1. Ichimoku Confluence : Price is testing the Kijun and the lower edge of the cloud, aligning with a daily pivot. A close back above the Kijun/cloud area suggests potential upside.
2. Volume Spike : Recent volume surge around this support zone may indicate bullish absorption—watch for follow-through.
3. Macro Backdrop : Although persistent inflation and geopolitical uncertainties loom large, short-term volatility can present trading opportunities. Keep an eye on ECB communications and any unexpected developments in global tensions.
4. Risk Management : A 120-point SL (around 2% account risk) below the key support could help protect against false breaks. Targets include the top of the cloud or previous swing highs.
5. 8-Day Cycle : Day 2 in your cycle analysis suggests a potential upswing—confirmation will come if price holds above this confluence zone.
Stay vigilant, monitor news flow, and maintain discipline in your trading plan. This is not financial advice—always do your own due diligence.
USD/CAD: Rebound Above 1.4265 or Imminent Drop?📊 Market Context
The USD/CAD exchange rate has shown recent volatility with a significant surge followed by a retracement phase. The market is reacting to expectations regarding decisions from the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Canada (BoC), as well as fluctuations in oil prices, a key factor for the Canadian dollar.
🔍 Technical Analysis
The chart analysis highlights the following key levels:
Main Resistance: 1.4521 → Located in the upper zone of the chart, this level could act as a barrier to further bullish movements.
Key Supports: 1.4333 - 1.4265 - 1.4239 → These levels have previously acted as bounce points and could provide a base for price recovery.
Market Structure: The price reacted with a strong green candle after testing the lower support area, followed by a correction phase.
Bullish Momentum: If the price holds above 1.4265, it could attempt another push towards 1.4521.
📌 Potential Bullish Scenario: If the price remains above 1.4265, we could see another push towards 1.45 and beyond.
📌 Bearish Scenario: A break below 1.4239 could trigger a sharper decline towards the 1.41 - 1.40 range.
🌍 Fundamental Analysis
Federal Reserve: The Fed is assessing the impact of its monetary policies, with markets speculating on a potential rate cut by mid-year.
Bank of Canada: The BoC maintains a cautious approach, monitoring inflation and the labor market.
Oil Prices: The CAD is correlated with oil prices, so an increase in crude oil could strengthen the Canadian dollar and push USD/CAD lower.
🎯 Conclusion
Main Bias: Bullish above 1.4265, targeting 1.45.
Trend Invalidation: Below 1.4239, a potential downward correction could occur.
Ultimate summary of Powell’s comments today As expected, Powell reiterated that the Fed is in no rush to adjust rates, and the labour market is stable.
He also reaffirmed the Fed’s reliance on hard data over sentiment and the approach of slowing balance sheet reduction.
What’s different this time:
Inflation & tariffs: Powell acknowledged that recent inflation upticks may be tariff-driven, delaying progress toward price stability. The Fed’s base case assumes tariff inflation is temporary.
Economic sentiment: Consumer sentiment has weakened, partly due to Trump policy changes, and concerns over inflation are growing.
Recession risk: Forecasts now lean toward weaker growth and higher inflation, with recession risks slightly elevated but still not high.
USD/JPY Direction 151 After the BoJ📊 Market Context
As of March 18, 2025, the USD/JPY exchange rate stands around 149.38, reaching its highest level since March 5. This movement is driven by expectations regarding upcoming monetary policy decisions from both the Bank of Japan (BoJ) and the U.S. Federal Reserve.
🔍 Technical Analysis
The technical analysis of USD/JPY highlights the following key points:
Current Trend: USD/JPY shows a moderate recovery, with a 0.49% increase on March 17.
Key Resistance: The area between 150.00 and 151.00 represents a significant resistance level. A decisive breakout above this zone could pave the way for further gains.
Important Supports: Support levels are found at 148.00 and 146.50. A drop below these levels could indicate a deeper correction.
Technical Indicators: Moving averages and key oscillators suggest a short-term bullish trend.
🌍 Fundamental Analysis
Several fundamental factors are influencing the USD/JPY exchange rate:
BoJ Decision: The Bank of Japan recently raised its key interest rate from 0.25% to 0.5%, citing higher wages and rising inflation. However, for today's meeting, the BoJ is expected to keep rates unchanged while assessing the impact of global trade tensions on the Japanese economy.
U.S. Monetary Policy: The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates stable in the upcoming meeting, with the Fed Funds rate projected to remain between 4.25% and 4.5%.
Trade Tensions: U.S. trade policies under the Trump administration are creating economic uncertainties, influencing central bank decisions and currency markets.
🎯 Conclusion
USD/JPY is currently in a consolidation phase near recent highs. If the BoJ maintains an accommodative monetary policy and the Fed keeps rates stable, the dollar could continue strengthening against the yen, targeting the key resistance level of 151.00. However, uncertainties related to trade tensions and future central bank actions require close monitoring by investors.
EUR/USD Direction 1.10 - Technical and Fundamental Analysis📊 Market Context
As of March 18, 2025, EUR/USD is in a strong bullish expansion phase, with the price testing significant resistance levels. The US dollar remains solid, but market attention is focused on the Federal Reserve and the ECB, with expectations of more accommodative monetary policies in the coming months.
🔍 Technical Analysis
The chart analysis reveals a bullish trend with the following key points:
Main Resistance: 1.0912 - 1.10 area (potential reversal zone highlighted in red on the chart).
Key Supports: 1.0822 (former resistance now acting as support), 1.0360, and 1.0283 (deeper support levels highlighted in yellow).
Market Structure: The price has tested the monthly resistance around 1.0912 and entered a potential reversal zone where significant price reactions are expected.
Bullish Momentum: The trend shows strong bullish candles, indicating a possible continuation toward 1.10.
📌 Possible Scenario: If EUR/USD decisively breaks 1.0912 and closes above 1.10, there could be room for a further rally toward 1.12.
📌 Alternative Scenario: A rejection at resistance and a close below 1.0822 could trigger a bearish correction toward 1.0360.
🌍 Fundamental Analysis
US Data: Consumer confidence in the United States has dropped to its lowest level since November 2022, increasing the likelihood of a Fed rate cut by June.
Monetary Policy: The ECB is maintaining a more neutral stance, while the Fed may be forced to cut rates faster to support the economy.
Capital Flow: The market is anticipating US dollar weakness due to the outlook for rate cuts, supporting a possible euro appreciation.
🎯 Conclusion
Main Bias: Bullish above 1.0822, targeting 1.10 and beyond.
Trend Invalidation: Below 1.0360, the bullish trend would weaken.
EUR/USD could consolidate in this area before breaking above 1.10. The future direction will depend on upcoming central bank statements and macroeconomic data.
Nasdaq 100 (NQ1!) - Key Levels and Market Outlook 📌 Market Structure
🔹 Key Support Zone (~19,170 USD)
The price recently bounced off this level, which has acted as a significant support area.
The highlighted gray-blue zone represents a demand area where buyers stepped in.
🔹 Intermediate Resistance (~19,800 - 20,200 USD)
The price is currently testing this zone, which was previously a key breakdown area.
A strong rejection here could push the index back towards the 19,170 USD support.
🔹 Major Supply Zone (~21,500 - 22,400 USD)
The previous peak around 22,400 USD saw strong selling pressure, leading to a sharp drop.
The red-shaded area represents a heavy supply zone where sellers were dominant.
📉 Bearish Scenario
A rejection at 19,800 - 20,200 USD could lead to another retest of 19,170 USD.
A break below 19,170 USD would expose the index to further downside, possibly towards 18,500 - 18,200 USD.
📈 Bullish Scenario
A break and close above 19,800 - 20,200 USD could trigger a move towards 21,000 - 21,500 USD.
A sustained breakout above 22,400 USD would invalidate the bearish structure and signal a continuation of the uptrend.
🔎 Conclusion:
The Nasdaq is at a pivotal moment, hovering around key resistance at 19,800 - 20,200 USD.
A breakout or rejection from this zone will determine the short-term direction.
Key factors to watch include economic data, Fed policy, and overall market sentiment.
NAS100 - Stock Market Enters Downtrend?!The index is trading below the EMA200 and EMA50 on the four-hour timeframe and is trading in its descending channel. If the index moves down towards the specified demand zone, we can look for further buying opportunities in Nasdaq. A break of the channel ceiling will also continue the short-term upward trend in Nasdaq.
According to EPFR data reported by Bank of America, investors withdrew $2.8 billion from equity funds last week, marking the largest outflow of the year so far. Meanwhile, U.S. government bonds saw an inflow of $6.4 billion, the biggest weekly increase since August.
Scott Basnett, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, stated in an interview that there are no guarantees to prevent an economic recession. He welcomed the decline in stock markets, viewing it as a sign of a healthy market. Analysts believe this shift in tone—unusual for a Treasury Secretary who typically reassures economic strength—suggests an effort to prepare the public for a possible recession.
According to data from the Polymarket betting platform, the probability of a U.S. recession in 2025 is currently estimated at 41%. Reuters reports that American households are increasingly pessimistic about the economic outlook. However, the Federal Reserve may be reluctant to respond aggressively to a weakening economy, given growing concerns that the Trump administration’s trade policies could further fuel inflation.
These concerns were reflected in financial markets on Friday, as the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment survey showed a decline in consumer confidence for March. Additionally, consumers now expect inflation to reach 3.9% over the next five years, the highest level in more than 30 years.
In an interview with Breitbart, Basnett emphasized the need to remain vigilant against persistent Biden-era inflation and expressed support for deregulation to lower costs. He also stressed that while tackling inflation, the government must also address affordability concerns. Additionally, he backed interest rate cuts to help reduce housing costs and auto loan payments.
This week will be packed with major economic events, creating a high-risk environment for precious metals traders amid ongoing geopolitical developments during Trump’s second term.
Central banks are back in the spotlight, as several key monetary institutions are set to announce their policy decisions in the coming days:
• Tuesday: Bank of Japan
• Wednesday: Federal Reserve
• Thursday: Swiss National Bank & Bank of England
Furthermore, a series of macroeconomic data releases could influence market sentiment, including:
• Monday: Retail sales & Empire State Manufacturing Index
• Tuesday: Housing starts & building permits
• Thursday: Weekly jobless claims, existing home sales & Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index
The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged in its upcoming meeting. Market participants will closely watch the Fed’s updated economic projections and Jerome Powell’s press conference for insights into future monetary policy.
According to a Bloomberg survey, economists anticipate two rate cuts by the Fed this year, likely starting in September. However, despite declining stock indices and rising recession concerns, Powell is expected to maintain a cautious stance, avoiding any rushed rate cuts.
While consumer and business confidence has weakened, the Federal Reserve has limited flexibility to lower rates due to persistently high inflation indicators.
USOIL Market Outlook – Key Levels and Scenarios📌 Market Structure
🔹 Key Support Zone (~64.50 - 65.30 USD)
The price has tested this area multiple times, highlighted by the red dashed line at the bottom.
A pronounced lower wick suggests a possible exhaustion of bearish pressure.
🔹 Intermediate Resistance (~68.20 - 70.00 USD)
The price has reacted to this zone, which appears to be a former support turned resistance.
Caution is needed for potential rejections in this range.
🔹 Liquidity and Wider Supply Zone (~75.00 - 80.00 USD)
This area, marked with red/purple gradients, represents a selling zone with a high concentration of orders.
The price could be drawn to this level if the bullish phase continues.
📉 Bearish Scenario
Failure to break above 68.20 - 70.00 USD could lead to a retest of 64.50 - 65.30 USD.
A breakdown below this level could open the way toward 62.40 - 60.00 USD.
📈 Bullish Scenario
A weekly close above 68.20 - 70.00 USD could trigger a recovery toward 75.00 - 77.00 USD.
A breakout above 80.00 USD would invalidate the long-term bearish structure.
🔎 Conclusion:
The price is currently at a critical stage around 68 USD, with potential for a pullback.
Monitoring the reaction between 65.30 - 68.20 USD will be key in determining the next direction.
Volume and macroeconomic factors (OPEC, oil inventories, Fed policies) will be crucial in confirming the trend.
GBP/USD shrugs as UK GDP unexpectedly declineshe British pound has edged lower against the US dollar on Friday. GBP/USD is trading at 1.2928 in the European session, down 0.13% on the day.
The UK economy barely registered any growth in the second half of 2024, rising 0.1% in the third quarter and flatlining in the third quarter. The New Year hasn't seen any improvement, as GDP contracted 0.1% m/m in January, after a 0.4% gain in December and missing the market estimate of 0.1%. The surprise contraction was driven by declines in the production and manufacturing sectors. The economy expanded 0.2% in the three months to January, up from 0.1% in the three months to December but shy of the market estimate of 0.3%.
The weak GDP report won't make things any easier for Finance Minister Rachel Reeves, who will announce the Treasury's "Spring Statement" on March 26. Reeves is expected to outline plans for higher taxes and spending cuts. The tax hikes on British businesses are expected to weigh on investment, hiring and growth.
The Bank of England meets on March 20 and is widely expected to maintain rates at 4.5%. The BoE trimmed rates by a quarter-point in February. Inflation rose sharply in January to 3.0% y/y, up from 2.5% in December. The rise in inflation and weak GDP has raised concerns about stagflation, which is characterized by persistent inflation and weak growth.
Another headache for BoE policymakers is US President Donald Trump's tariff policy. The UK had hoped to avoid the tariffs, but this week the US slapped 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, including on UK products. That could hurt UK growth and boost inflation.
GBP/USD tested resistance at 1.2949 earlier. Above, there is resistance at 1.2978
1.2923 and 1.2894 are the next support levels