Sterling Struggles Amid Risk Aversion and US Tariff ThreatsGBP/USD extends its decline for the second consecutive session, hovering around 1.2940 during Friday's Asian trading hours. The currency pair faces difficulties as the Pound Sterling (GBP) weakens due to a negative risk sentiment, which has been further worsened by worries over global trade following US President Donald Trump's threat to impose a 200% tariff on European wines and champagne, creating market instability.
If GBP/USD breaks above 1.2980, the next resistance levels are 1.3050 and 1.3100. On the downside, support stands at 1.2860, with further levels at 1.2760 and 1.2660 if selling pressure increases.
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Euro Weakens Against USD Ahead of Key Economic DataThe EUR/USD pair declined to around 1.0835 during Friday’s Asian session, as the Euro (EUR) weakened against the US Dollar (USD) amid rising trade tensions between the U.S. and the European Union. Later in the day, market focus will shift to key economic releases, including Germany’s February Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) and the preliminary Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index for March.
Key resistance is at 1.0950, followed by 1.1000 and 1.1050. Support stands at 1.0800, with further levels at 1.0730 and 1.0650.
Yen Slips Against USD as Tariff Concerns Increase the DollarThe yen fell below 148 per dollar on Friday, reversing gains as trade tensions increased the dollar. Trump reaffirmed plans for reciprocal tariffs starting April 2. Despite this drop, the yen remains near a five-month high, backed by expectations of BOJ rate hikes. Japanese firms agreed to wage increases for a third year, aiming to offset inflation and labor shortages. Higher wages may spur spending and inflation, giving the BOJ room for future hikes. While rates are expected to remain unchanged next week, policymakers may pursue hikes later this year.
Key resistance is at 149.20, with further levels at 152.00 and 154.90. Support stands at 147.00, followed by 145.80 and 143.00.
Recession Fears Extend Silver RallySilver is trading around $33.30 per ounce during Thursday's Asian session, maintaining its upward momentum for the third consecutive session. The precious metal is benefiting from increased safe-haven demand, supported by rising trade tensions and concerns over a potential US recession.
If silver breaks above $32.75, the next resistance levels are $33.15 and $33.80. On the downside, support is at $31.00, with further levels at $30.20 and $29.75 if selling pressure increases.
EUR/USD Drops, Awaits US PPIEUR/USD fell to around 1.0880 in Thursday’s Asian session, pressured by rising US-EU trade tensions. Market focus is on key US data, including February’s PPI and weekly jobless claims.
Trump warned of retaliation against the EU’s response to his 25% steel and aluminum tariffs. The European Commission announced €26 billion ($28.4 billion) in counter-tariffs on US goods, effective April 1, with more expected mid-April.
Despite trade risks, EUR/USD’s downside may be limited as concerns over Trump’s policies fueling a US recession weigh on the dollar. Inflation data came in lower than expected, easing market fears but keeping sentiment fragile.
Key resistance is at 1.0950, followed by 1.1000 and 1.1050. Support stands at 1.0800, with further levels at 1.0730 and 1.0650.
Yen Supported by BOJ TighteningThe Japanese yen stabilized around 148 per dollar on Wednesday, recovering after two days of declines as a weaker US dollar offset trade conflict concerns. Trump vowed more tariffs after the EU and Canada retaliated against his steel and aluminum duties, escalating tensions.
The yen remained supported by expectations of further BOJ rate hikes, driven by strong wage growth and inflation. Japanese companies approved significant wage increases for the third year, boosting consumer spending and giving the BOJ more flexibility for future hikes.
Key resistance is at 149.20, with further levels at 152.00 and 154.90. Support stands at 147.00, followed by 145.80 and 143.00.
Fed Expectations Increase Silver PricesSilver surged to nearly $33 as the US Dollar fell sharply, with the DXY dropping to 103.35, its lowest in four months. Concerns over Trump’s tariff policies and their impact on the US economy fueled the dollar’s decline, supporting demand for silver.
Investors now await US CPI data for February, which could influence Fed rate expectations. A slower inflation rate may increase the likelihood of a May rate cut, with odds rising to 51% from 37% in a day, further supporting Silver’s appeal as a non-yielding asset.
If silver breaks above $32.75, the next resistance levels are $33.15 and $33.80. On the downside, support is at $31.00, with further levels at $30.20 and $29.75 if selling pressure increases.
Eurozone Spending Plans Boost EuroThe euro surged past $1.09, its highest in four months, gaining 5% since early March. This rally was driven by Eurozone plans to expand deficit spending, stimulating growth prospects. Germany pushed for a €500 billion infrastructure fund, while France and Italy supported joint EU funding for economic and military initiatives.
The ECB signaled a shift toward a less restrictive policy after last week’s rate cut, suggesting the easing cycle may be nearing its end. Meanwhile, US economic concerns pressured the dollar, further lifting the euro.
Key resistance is at 1.0950, followed by 1.1000 and 1.1050. Support stands at 1.0800, with further levels at 1.0730 and 1.0650.
Brent Crude Struggles at $69 as Global Demand Risks MountBrent crude hovered around $69 per barrel on Tuesday as concerns grew that U.S. tariffs could slow economic growth and weaken oil demand. Tariffs imposed by President Trump on major suppliers like Canada and Mexico, along with China’s retaliatory measures, heightened fears of a global slowdown.
China’s deepening deflationary pressures further weighed on crude prices despite stimulus efforts. On the supply side, Russia’s Deputy PM Alexander Novak confirmed OPEC+ plans to boost production in April but noted the decision could be reassessed if market conditions shift.
Technically, the first support is at $68.1, with subsequent levels at $65 and $63.6. On the upside, the initial resistance is at $70.2, followed by $73.3 and $75.80.
Bitcoin Drops 27% from Record High Amid Market SelloffBitcoin fell to $78,000 on Monday, down 27% from its all-time high, as crypto and stock markets lost a combined $6 trillion. Crypto market capitalization dropped 4% to $2.67 trillion, its lowest since November 9, shedding $1.2 trillion since December 17. Bitcoin hit a multi-month low, falling from its January peak of $107,000. Stocks mirrored the decline, with the S&P 500 losing $1.4 trillion—its worst single-day drop since 2022. The sharp selloff reflects a shift from risk assets, with the Fear and Greed Index plunging to 14, a two-year low, signaling extreme risk aversion. This contrasts with last year’s post-Trump election rally, where the index peaked at 92.
Technically, the first support for BTC is at $78k, with subsequent levels at FWB:73K and $65k. On the upside, the initial resistance is at GETTEX:89K , followed by $95k and $100k.
Gold Strengthens on Trade Tensions and Safe-Haven DemandGold prices climbed toward $2,900 per ounce on Tuesday, supported by a weaker U.S. dollar and rising safe-haven demand amid economic uncertainty and escalating trade tensions. President Trump acknowledged recession risks after the U.S. delayed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, while China imposed new tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods. Meanwhile, Fed Chair Jerome Powell cited economic concerns but ruled out immediate rate cuts. Investors are now awaiting U.S. inflation data for further guidance on the Fed’s policy outlook.
Key resistance stands at $2,923, with further levels at $2,955 and $3,000. Support is at $2,860, followed by $2,830 and $2,790.
Dollar Decline Propels Silver Above $32Silver extended its rally beyond $32 per ounce in early March, supported by a weaker U.S. dollar. The U.S. imposed new tariffs on Canadian, Mexican, and Chinese imports, prompting Canada’s 25% counter-tariffs and China’s additional levies of 10%-15%, along with export restrictions on select U.S. entities.
Investors now focus on Friday’s U.S. nonfarm payrolls report for clues on the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy outlook.
If silver breaks above $32.75, the next resistance levels are $33.15 and $33.80. On the downside, support is at $31.00, with further levels at $30.20 and $29.75 if selling pressure increases.
Policy Volatility Keeps Gold at $2,900Gold hovered around $2,900 per ounce, set for a weekly gain. While Trump temporarily paused 25% tariffs on most Canadian and Mexican goods, Canada’s retaliatory tariffs remain, and China’s countermeasures take effect next week.
U.S. labor data showed mixed signals as layoffs hit a 2020 high per the Challenger report, while jobless claims fell more than expected. Investors now await the non-farm payrolls report for further labor market insights and potential Fed policy impact.
Key resistance stands at $2,923, with further levels at $2,955 and $3,000. Support is at $2,860, followed by $2,830 and $2,790.
GBP/USD at 1.2880, Awaits NFP ReportGBP/USD holds modest gains around 1.2880 in Friday’s Asian session, recovering from the previous decline as investors await the US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report. Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index (DXY) extends its five-day decline, pressured by falling Treasury yields, with the 2-year at 3.94% and the 10-year at 4.24%. Markets increasingly expect the Federal Reserve to adopt a more aggressive rate-cutting stance due to economic growth concerns.
Analysts at MUFG Bank suggest the Fed may shift focus from inflation control to economic growth, especially amid tariff uncertainties. Consumer confidence has weakened, reflecting rising household concerns.
In the UK, expectations for BoE rate cuts in 2025 have dropped below 50 basis points. BoE’s Catherine Mann stated that gradual rate changes are ineffective in volatile markets, advocating for larger cuts to provide clearer policy signals.
If GBP/USD breaks above 1.2920, the next resistance levels are 1.2980 and 1.3050. On the downside, support stands at 1.2860, with further levels at 1.2760 and 1.2660 if selling pressure increases.
Euro Surges Above $1.08 on ECB Rate CutThe euro rose above $1.08, hitting a four-month high after the ECB’s expected 25bps rate cut. The central bank signaled a less restrictive stance but hinted at a pause in further cuts, shifting its rhetoric away from "restrictive policy." Markets now anticipate one or two more 25bps cuts this year.
The euro also gained support from expectations of increased government spending. EU leaders are meeting for a special defense session, where Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed an €800 billion plan, including €150 billion in loans, to strengthen defense capabilities despite budget constraints.
Key resistance is at 1.0840, followed by 1.0900 and 1.0950. Support stands at 1.0730, with further levels at 1.0700 and 1.0650.