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.
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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.