The US Dollar extends gains, with DXY near 98.00 ahead of key PCE data. EUR/USD drifts to 1.1650 on weak eurozone growth, while USD/JPY hovers below 147.00 after hotter Tokyo CPI. GBP/USD slips toward 1.3510 on UK fiscal concerns, and USD/CNY steadies around 7.10 as PBoC leans against yuan weakness. Traders brace for PCE to confirm—or challenge—the USD’s bullish momentum.
AUD/USD climbs toward 0.6510 on strong local data and USD weakness, while gold retreats from $3,400 on profit-taking despite Fed cut bets. EUR/JPY holds above 171.00 but French political risks cap gains. USD/INR steadies near 87.80 as tariffs offset dollar softness, while USD/CAD slips toward 1.3750 ahead of US GDP and PCE. Traders brace for key US data to set the tone.
WTI rallies above $63.50 as fading hopes for a Russia-Ukraine peace deal boost oil prices. Gold struggles near $3,330 despite Fed rate cut bets, while silver holds firm near $39.00. AUD/USD climbs toward 0.6550 on risk appetite and dovish Fed tone, while USD/CAD stays weak near 1.3500 as oil strength supports the loonie. Markets now eye U.S. jobs and inflation data for direction.
Market players spent much of last week positioning into Fed Chair Powell’s Jackson Hole speech, with risk trading poorly as traders cut back on core equity longs, lower-quality equity exposures, and reduced USD shorts and crypto positioning. Throughout much of last week, expectations had built that Chair Powell would align with the views expressed by Fed members Schmid, Bostic, and Hammock, who all voiced increased concern about inflation pulling away from the Fed’s 2% target, and along with the improved US PMI data, this was to be enough for traders to act.
Markets react to Powell’s dovish tone as gold dips near $3,365 and NZD/USD consolidates around 0.5860 despite upbeat retail sales. EUR/USD retreats toward 1.1700, while AUD/USD slips to 0.6480 on RBA easing bets. USD/CAD holds near 1.3820 after Friday’s sharp drop. Traders now eye U.S. GDP, PCE inflation, and Canada’s GDP for the next directional cues.
Stay ahead of the markets as Powell takes the stage at Jackson Hole. Get the latest on equities, commodities, FX, and geopolitical risks shaping trading this week.
Markets hold steady ahead of Powell’s Jackson Hole speech, with gold near $3,330 and silver slipping toward $38.00 as Fed cut bets fade. WTI rallies toward $63.50 on strong U.S. demand and supply concerns. AUD/USD stays under pressure near 0.6410 on dollar strength, while USD/CNY steadies around 7.1320 after a firmer PBoC fix. Traders brace for Powell’s policy signals.
FX markets tread cautiously ahead of Eurozone PMI and FOMC minutes. EUR/USD holds near 1.1650 under dollar pressure, while GBP/USD slips toward 1.3400 on sticky UK inflation. USD/JPY steadies in the mid-147s, EUR/JPY consolidates near 171.70, and USD/CAD hovers at 1.3880 with oil gains offering little relief. Traders eye PMI prints and Fed signals for direction.
AUD/NZD breaks above 1.1000 as the RBNZ’s dovish 25 bp cut highlights policy divergence with the RBA. NZD/USD slips near 0.5850, while AUD/USD softens on China’s steady rates. DXY climbs above 98.00 ahead of FOMC minutes, with Powell’s Jackson Hole speech eyed. WTI dips toward $62.00 on Ukraine peace hopes, keeping geopolitics and central banks in sharp focus.
Gold holds near $3,338 as traders eye Powell’s Jackson Hole remarks, while silver struggles below $38.00 amid fading safe-haven demand. GBP/USD steadies around 1.3500 ahead of UK CPI, with stronger GDP offering support. NZD/USD firms near 0.5925 as markets await the RBNZ decision, while USD/CNY stays anchored after a slightly weaker PBoC fix. Key central bank signals remain in focus.
Weekly market recap: Tech-driven stock surge, volatile commodities, and a weakening dollar as traders weigh potential Fed rate cuts and global risks.
We have quite a busy slate of event risk to get our teeth into this week. In addition to the Jackson Hole Symposium, an update from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) and the minutes from the previous US Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting claim some of the limelight, as well as inflation data, and manufacturing and services S&P Global PMIs (Purchasing Managers’ Indexes).
Gold steadies near $3,330 as strong US PPI caps safe-haven flows, while silver consolidates around $38.25 with bulls eyeing $38.75. GBP/USD holds near 1.3555 ahead of UK CPI, as dollar strength limits upside. NZD/USD stays around 0.5930 with RBNZ risks looming, while USD/CNY eases after a firmer PBoC fix. Markets await Trump–Zelenskiy talks and key data for direction.
Markets trade mixed ahead of US Retail Sales, with GBP/USD near 1.3550 on UK GDP strength and softer USD. Silver holds at $38.00, AUD/USD steady near 0.6530 despite weak China data, while AUD/JPY slips to 95.60 on strong Japan GDP. USD/CHF hovers at 0.8070 as hot US PPI supports the dollar. Traders eye Retail Sales for the next catalyst.
Gold climbs above $3,365 on Fed rate-cut bets, while oil slides toward $62.00 on oversupply fears. USD/JPY dips near 146.50 on BoJ–Fed policy divergence, and the PBoC’s firmer yuan fix keeps USD/CNY under pressure. AUD/USD rises to 0.6560 after strong jobs data. Traders eye US PPI and geopolitical cues for the next market move.
Bitcoin has pulled back to around 118,800 after briefly breaking above 122,000 earlier this week. While some traders see this as a sign of short-term exhaustion, key valuation metrics suggest the market may be underpricing the asset’s long-term potential.
The latest U.S. inflation data came in unchanged from the previous period but below market expectations, reinforcing the outlook for Federal Reserve rate cuts. Following the release, the U.S. dollar weakened, although the move lacked the momentum seen after the Non-Farm Payrolls earlier this month.
- The Yen extends gains for the second consecutive day, favoured by USD weakness.
- Moderate US inflation data boosted hopes of immediate cuts by the Fed, and sent the US Dollar tumbling
- USD/JPY might activate a Bearish Flag formation below 147.00
The Euro (EUR) is entering Wednesday’s NA session with an impressive 0.5% gain against the US Dollar (USD), rising in tandem with most of its G10 peers in an environment of broadbased USD weakness.
Gold nears $3,350 and silver tests $38.20 as soft US CPI boosts Fed rate-cut bets. USD/CAD climbs to 1.3780 on weaker oil and CAD, while NZD/USD slips below 0.5950 on China deflation fears. AUD/USD steadies near 0.6500 amid RBA cut expectations. Markets eye Fed signals and geopolitical risks for next moves.
Markets tread cautiously ahead of US CPI, with gold near $3,355 and oil rebounding above $63.00. AUD/USD holds near 0.6500 on trade truce optimism but RBA cut bets persist, while EUR/USD hovers above 1.1600 on geopolitical hopes. DXY steadies at 98.50 as traders weigh inflation’s impact on Fed policy. CPI results seen as key catalyst for near-term volatility.
Patrick Munnelly, Partner: Market Strategy, Tickmill Group
Munnelly’s Macro Minute…
Stay ahead with this week’s financial recap: strong tech earnings, rising U.S. tariffs, volatile commodities, and shifting currency markets. Get the latest insights for savvy traders.
WTI slides below $63.50 on US-Russia talks, while silver holds firm above $38 on safe-haven demand and Fed rate-cut bets. AUD/USD softens on rising RBA cut expectations; USD/JPY edges lower amid trade tensions. DXY steadies above 98.00 as Fed leadership speculation swirls. Markets remain cautious as central bank and geopolitical signals guide direction.
Gold rallies to $3,380 on renewed trade tensions and safe-haven demand, while the Yen weakens as fresh US tariff threats emerge. AUD trims gains on mixed Chinese data; GBP/USD and EUR/USD remain steady ahead of key policy decisions. Markets stay cautious as traders eye the BoE, German data, and potential Fed rate cuts.
AUD rallies to a 3-week high as risk appetite improves and commodities rebound. Silver holds near $38 amid safe-haven demand, while WTI rises on a U.S. inventory draw. USD/JPY and USD/CNY stay range-bound, reflecting central bank caution. With the Dollar softening, markets eye US CPI and Fed cues to confirm risk-on momentum.
The US Dollar slips below 99.00 ahead of key ISM Services PMI data, keeping markets cautious. NZD and EUR edge lower, while GBP holds firm. Oil dips below $66 on oversupply concerns and Russian uncertainty. Risk sentiment remains fragile as traders await PMI data from the US and Eurozone to guide the next move.
Driven by weaker-than-expected nonfarm payrolls, renewed trade tensions, and shifts within the Fed’s leadership, gold’s safe-haven appeal has notably strengthened. However, in the short term, technical resistance near $3,370 remains a key hurdle. With the ISM Services PMI and a flurry of Fed speeches scheduled this week, volatility could increase further.
President Trump recently increased tariffs on Canadian imports from 25% to 35% for all goods not covered by the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), citing Canada’s failure to curb fentanyl smuggling and ongoing trade barriers. This escalation came despite over 90% of Canadian exports entering the U.S. duty-free, affecting key sectors like steel, aluminum, and automobiles.
Before we dive into the key event of the week, the downside surprise in the July US payrolls data deserves note. The release offered market participants a clear-cut opportunity to trade out of, which, let’s face it, has been few and far between of late, given global uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Silver holds steady at $37 as markets await key data. USD shows mixed moves; Yen slips on BoJ policy divergence, while GBP softens ahead of BoE. NZD weakens on China trade concerns. USD/JPY rebounds, USD/CNY stays rangebound on PBoC signals. Traders remain cautious as macro data and central bank cues loom.
Major currencies swung as central banks signaled diverging paths. The BoJ held rates, weakening the Yen, while the BoC hinted at cuts, pressuring CAD. USD/CAD rose, and EUR/JPY and GBP/JPY slid. WTI rallied on U.S.-Russia sanctions. USD/CNY hovered near 7.15 after a firm PBoC fix. Traders now eye inflation data and central bank commentary for direction.
Markets tread cautiously as traders await key decisions from the Fed and BoJ. The Yen gains ground, gold stays rangebound, and the Kiwi weakens on risk aversion. A softer Aussie CPI pressures AUD/USD, while the US Dollar Index lingers below 99.00. All eyes are on central bank guidance to shape the next move across currencies and commodities.
WTI dipped below $66.50 as traders remained cautious ahead of US-China trade talks and the FOMC decision. Silver held near $38 amid easing tensions but awaits Fed cues. USD/CAD, NZD/USD, and equity indices consolidated in tight ranges as markets adopt a wait-and-see stance. Volatility may rise with upcoming central bank and trade developments.
Patrick Munnelly, Partner: Market Strategy, Tickmill Group
Munnelly’s Macro Minute…
Markets wrapped the week digesting a wave of macro signals. The ECB kept rates on hold and doubled down on its data-dependent stance, signaling no rush to pivot. That echoed across risk assets, with traders recalibrating bets in real time.
Markets rallied as the US and China are set to extend their tariff pause by 90 days, boosting risk sentiment and weakening the US Dollar. Gold slid below $3,350, while GBP and EUR gained. AUD held steady ahead of key CPI data. Investors now await the FOMC meeting and US job reports for further direction.
Markets rallied on trade optimism, weakening the USD and boosting the Pound, Kiwi, and Yen. Silver slipped to $39.00 as safe-haven demand faded. The PBOC’s firmer yuan fix signaled cautious confidence, while USD/JPY hit a two-week low. Traders now eye fresh trade headlines and key US data for further direction.
Once upon a time, investors rushed to gold only when the world looked like it might catch fire. War, recession, a market meltdown - cue the stampede to safety. But lately, something curious is happening. Gold is climbing, the dollar is wobbling, and safe-haven demand is on the rise… while the headlines are, well, not exactly screaming doom.
On July 23, markets tilted risk-on as hopes for renewed US-China trade cooperation lifted sentiment across Asia-Pacific. The Australian Dollar gained broadly, with AUD/JPY nearing 96.50, while the Yen weakened sharply amid political instability in Japan. USD/JPY rebounded toward 158.00, fueled by higher U.S. yields. Meanwhile, WTI crude extended losses below $65.50 as Chinese demand concerns and rising U.S. inventories weighed. The PBOC’s firmer yuan fix signaled cautious support, keeping USD/CNY rangebound near 7.1490. Markets now eye U.S. and Chinese data for cues on growth and inflation.
Global markets opened cautiously as investors reacted to US-EU trade tensions, oil supply concerns, and New Zealand rate cut speculation. The US Dollar held steady near 98.00, while NZD slipped below 0.5950. EUR/USD stayed firm near 1.1700, and the PBOC set a stronger yuan fix at 7.1460. WTI crude dropped to $65.50 amid oversupply fears.
Gold prices extended their climb Monday, holding near the $3,350 mark, as renewed global trade tensions and cautious risk sentiment spurred demand for safe-haven assets. The US Dollar traded mixed across major pairs, with investor hesitation reflecting growing uncertainty over potential tariffs and uneven economic data. While the euro and British pound struggled for momentum, commodity-linked currencies like the Canadian and New Zealand dollars held relatively firm despite external pressures. With central bank decisions and macro releases on the horizon, traders are preparing for further volatility.
Markets took a breather this week, moving mostly sideways as traders processed the latest economic data and waited for a stronger read on where global growth is headed. There’s still a mix of hope and caution out there—optimism about recovery, but inflation and sticky interest rates are keeping everyone on their toes.
On July 17, dovish Fed commentary drove the US Dollar lower, lifting major currencies and risk sentiment globally. EUR/USD climbed above 1.1600, GBP/USD neared 1.3450, and AUD/USD gained traction above 0.6800. Markets welcomed signs of US-China trade stability, while attention now shifts to upcoming U.S. consumer sentiment data and Eurozone inflation. With the Fed turning more cautious, traders are recalibrating rate cut expectations, favoring higher-yielding and risk-sensitive currencies in the short term.
On July 16, 2025, oil slipped below the $66 mark as geopolitical fears surrounding Russia eased after the White House softened its stance. Meanwhile, silver extended its rally toward $38.00 amid safe-haven demand, and the New Zealand Dollar held firm above 0.5950 in a risk-on environment. Traders eye the upcoming U.S. PPI and UK CPI releases for direction, with central banks still walking a fine line between inflation control and growth support. Market tone remains cautious but constructive, especially for commodities and risk-linked currencies.
On July 16, 2025, oil slipped below the $66 mark as geopolitical fears surrounding Russia eased after the White House softened its stance. Meanwhile, silver extended its rally toward $38.00 amid safe-haven demand, and the New Zealand Dollar held firm above 0.5950 in a risk-on environment. Traders eye the upcoming U.S. PPI and UK CPI releases for direction, with central banks still walking a fine line between inflation control and growth support. Market tone remains cautious but constructive, especially for commodities and risk-linked currencies.
China’s Q2 GDP surprise at 5.2% YoY sparked a positive reaction across global markets on July 15, 2025. Commodity currencies like AUD and NZD advanced modestly, while Gold hovered near $3,350 ahead of key U.S. CPI data. The Japanese Yen weakened despite safe-haven flows, as 10-year JGB yields hit their highest since 2008, highlighting BoJ-Fed policy divergence. Market sentiment improved across Asia-Pacific, with attention now shifting to U.S. inflation prints and central bank signals to guide risk appetite in the sessions ahead.
Another week, another round of mixed signals. Inflation is still hanging around, but economic data hints at a slowdown. The result? Markets are stuck in a holding pattern—again.