GBP/JPY: Uncertainty and Bearish PressuresGBP/JPY has shown a volatile trend in recent sessions, with a combination of ups and downs highlighting a phase of uncertainty. The last closing on February 15, 2025, at 191.618 marks the beginning of a bearish trend after the doji on February 14. This movement reflects a complex dynamic, where macroeconomic and technical factors play a decisive role in price direction. The recent rebound was supported by positive UK GDP data, which helped the pound recover from bearish pressures over the past months. Notably, on February 12, a reversal of the bearish trend occurred, with GBP/JPY starting to regain ground due to an improvement in market sentiment. Additionally, the strengthening of US inflation negatively impacted the Japanese yen, pushing GBP/JPY up by 1.22% around February 12, driven by a weaker yen following the increased strength of the US dollar. However, despite these positive elements, the Bank of England’s monetary policy has introduced uncertainty, with a dovish stance fueling pressure on the pound. The interest rate cut has raised concerns about further depreciation, negatively affecting GBP/JPY. Added to this is the earlier decline in early February, triggered by disappointing UK economic data and expectations of further BoE interventions, which contributed to a widespread bearish sentiment. From a technical perspective, the price is currently in a consolidation phase between 187.610 and 193.120, with a structure suggesting a possible expansion of volatility in the coming weeks. The key resistance at 193.120 represents a critical obstacle for a potential continuation of the bullish trend, while support at 187.610 remains the main level to watch in case of renewed bearish pressure. A breakout above the 193.50 threshold could confirm further pound strengthening, while a break below 188.00 could reopen scenarios of weakness. With a combination of technical and macroeconomic factors in play, GBP/JPY’s trend remains subject to upcoming BoE decisions and the evolution of global economic conditions, making it crucial to monitor upcoming economic releases to determine the market’s direction.
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Gold: Under Attack, Key Support in DangerThe gold market is experiencing significant volatility, with prices undergoing a correction after approaching multi-month highs. Currently, XAU/USD is trading around $2,740, below the key resistance at $2,790, as recent declines reflect a mix of profit-taking, technical pressures, and macroeconomic factors. Recent selling has triggered a natural correction after prices neared significant resistance levels, while expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts have been scaled back, strengthening the US Dollar and putting further pressure on gold prices. Algorithmic trading has also amplified the declines. Market sentiment has been impacted by comments from the US President regarding tariffs, which have boosted the dollar and reduced demand for gold as a safe haven. Additionally, weak PMI data from China in January has indicated economic contraction, fueling global risk sentiment and further weighing on gold.
Despite the recent drop, gold previously benefited from a weaker dollar and geopolitical tensions, which pushed prices near record highs. However, trade concerns and the recent strengthening of the dollar have reversed this trend. Technically, gold finds provisional support around $2,730, although further bearish pressure could push it toward $2,700 or lower. The key resistance at $2,790 remains challenging to breach without positive macroeconomic momentum or a weaker dollar, while $2,730 acts as the first defensive level, followed by $2,700, which could serve as a stronger base.
Traders should focus on upcoming events, including the Federal Reserve's rate decision on January 29, which will directly influence the dollar and, consequently, gold prices. A more hawkish stance could intensify pressure on gold. The European Central Bank’s decision on January 30 could also shift global sentiment, while US Q4 GDP data may play a role, as strong growth figures could further support the dollar and limit gold’s upside potential. Gold is currently in a correction phase, and while key resistance stands at $2,790, support near $2,730 remains crucial. If this support level breaks, gold could face additional downside pressure, though signs of a global economic slowdown or dovish signals from central banks could spark a recovery.