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Archive for Financial News – Page 2

It Looks Like Its a Good Time To Buy This Gold Stock

Source: Clive Maund (3/27/25)

Technical Analyst Clive Maund explains why he thinks Rupert Resources Ltd. (RUP:TSX; RUPRF:OTCQX) is an Immediate Strong Buy for all time horizons.

Rupert Resources Ltd. (RUP:TSX; RUPRF:OTCQX) is an established gold exploration and development company with a substantial defined resource in, of all places, northern Finland. You can check out the fundamentals in the company’s latest investor deck, which certainly looks promising, especially given the stellar outlook for gold.

Here, we are going to concentrate on assessing the outlook for the stock.

On the 10-year chart, we can see that the stock rocketed higher in 2020 on the news of a major discovery, but then, as usual, a top formed, leading to a bear market as interest waned during the long interim period of work to bring the discovery forward. The stock overreacted to the downside, again as usual, and bottomed below CA$3.00 late in 2023 before starting to trend higher again on renewed appreciation of the company’s resource coupled with a rising gold price.

On this chart, we can see that there is considerable resistance arising from prior trading,g mostly between the current price and the CA$6.00 level, which is why the stock has advanced in a measured manner from the late 2023 low through to the present but clearly, once the price succeeds in overcome this resistance, we are likely to see acceleration to the upside.

The 18-month chart shows us the entirety of the uptrend from the November 2023 low to the present. At first, it plodded higher as it waited for the 200-day moving average to completely fall, level off, and turn up, but now the uptrend appears to be starting to accelerate in the steeper channel shown.

The decidedly bullish alignment of the moving averages, the strong Accumulation line, and the improving momentum (MACD) all augur well for continued gains going forward.

The 8-month chart shows a steeper uptrend from where it began in August of last year, and with the price having reacted back in recent weeks to the lower rail of the channel, this clearly looks like a good point to buy with all of the bullish factors mentioned in the paragraph above pointing to an imminent resumption of the advance.

Rupert Resources is accordingly rated an Immediate Strong Buy for all time horizons.

Rupert Resources’ website.

Rupert Resources Ltd. (RUP:TSX; RUPRF:OTCQX) closed for trading at CA$4.25, US$2.99 on March 26, 2025.

 

 

Important Disclosures:

  1. Clive Maund: I determined which companies would be included in this article based on my research and understanding of the sector.
  2. Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not of Streetwise Reports, Street Smart, or their officers. The author is wholly responsible for the accuracy of the statements. Streetwise Reports was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this article. Streetwise Reports requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Any disclosures from the author can be found  below. Streetwise Reports relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Streetwise Reports has no means of verifying its accuracy.
  3.  This article does not constitute investment advice and is not a solicitation for any investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her personal financial adviser and perform their own comprehensive investment research. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports’ terms of use and full legal disclaimer. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company.

For additional disclosures, please click here.

Clivemaund.com Disclosures

The above represents the opinion and analysis of Mr. Maund, based on data available to him, at the time of writing. Mr. Maund’s opinions are his own, and are not a recommendation or an offer to buy or sell securities. As trading and investing in any financial markets may involve serious risk of loss, Mr. Maund recommends that you consult with a qualified investment advisor, one licensed by appropriate regulatory agencies in your legal jurisdiction, and do your own due diligence and research when making any kind of a transaction with financial ramifications. Although a qualified and experienced stock market analyst, Clive Maund is not a Registered Securities Advisor. Therefore Mr. Maund’s opinions on the market and stocks cannot be construed as a recommendation or solicitation to buy and sell securities.

Copper Co. Should Be Up Way Higher

Source: Michael Ballanger (3/28/25)

Michael Ballanger shares his view on the current state of the market and comments on the price of one of his favorite copper stocks.

The U.S. dollar index futures (+0.19%) are up to 104.14, with the 10-year yield down 0.96%) to 4.327% and the 30-year yield down 1.06% to 4.679%.

Gold (+0.70%) and silver (-0.82% ) are higher, but copper (-0.21%) and oil (-0.27%) are down.

Risk barometer Bitcoin is down 2.44% to $84,947, returning again to bear market territory, down 22.3% from the top.

Metals

Gold and silver are responding to a big hedge book blow-up by Aussie gold miner Belleview Gold, whose 150k-ounce hedge with Macquarie Bank has forced them to market with an offering priced at an 80% discount to recent market prices. Silver has once again done its best to confuse and confound by vaulting to new highs above that US$35.07/oz breakout level that faked me out a week ago with embarrassing acuity.

If silver holds this level for the weekly close above the BO point, then I will be forced kicking hard and screaming bloody murder to take another run at silver calls. For now, because I am traveling, I will refrain from launching an open position, but subscribers can certainly consider it.

Copper is coming off an overbought condition so as long as it gold $4.95/lb. basis May futures, I will remain bullish. If the monthly close is above $5.00, it is yet another superb technical indication that $6-8 copper is on the immediate horizon.

Stocks

President Trump once again skewered the stock market recovery by imposing 25% tariffs on all foreign auto imports, sending the S&P into another dive yesterday.

These are the kind of absurd gyrations we are forced to accept with this constant barrage of Tweets and Executive Orders that are putting the market in a constant state of uncertainty. Traders are not in the habit of leveraging up in markets like these, so rallies are there “to be sold” with the SPY:US an outright short at the 50-dma around $570.66.

Fitzroy Minerals Inc.

I surfaced from a very long day of travel landing at Heathrow at 8:00 am followed by six hours of missed cutoffs and unbearably narrow “Roman roads” finally arriving in Cornwall about three hours after the markets opened. I was able to follow the trading in

Fitzroy Minerals Inc. (FTZ:TSX.V; FTZFF:OTCQB) after they reported 43m of 2.31% copper with a 1.4m share day but a late-day fade after these moronic traders elected to “sell the news” taking it down from CA$0.39 to CA$0.32 in the last two hours.

I have to shake my head in belief when I told everyone that would listen that those results on their first Caballos drill hole were in every sense of the words “spectacular” and as CEO Merlin Marr-Johnson said “This remarkable intercept from our very first hole at Caballos identifies the potential of a new and significant copper-molybdenum-gold-rhenium system.”

I had calls from literally everyone in my book of mining contacts with accolade after accolade as congratulations piled in through email and text messages. In fact, one former corporate client said that the release was one of the best he had ever read for junior and that he was delighted to be able to ADD TO HIS POSITION into the pullback.

What infuriated me was that I had tweeted out the results from Fitzroy Minerals Inc. (FTZ:TSX.V; FTZFF:OTCQB) from October 2023 where they reported 45m of 1.9% copper, and then watched their stock go from CA$0.15 to CA$1.62 in the next month peaking at a market cap of $416 million.

FTZ/FTZFF reported 42m of 2.31% copper and peaked yesterday at a CA$86m market cap. Even more maddening is that BIG.V is a “one-project wonder” whereas FTZ/FTZFF has three additional projects including Buen Retiro (expected to close next week) giving them three fully-funded projects providing copious news flow for the balance of 2025.

Needless to say, I am a buyer of more stock, and I am looking into any additional weakness. I urge all subscribers to follow me. I will cross my fingers and try to add in the CA$0.28-CA$0.32 range with the undeterrable conviction that FTZ/FTZFF will be gone within twelve months at levels far higher than yesterday’s CA$0.39 high.

Add to FTZ/FTZFF. More news is pending next week, with drilling to recommence at Caballos shortly.

 

Important Disclosures:

  1. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Fitzroy Minerals Inc.
  2. Michael Ballanger: I, or members of my immediate household or family, own securities of: Fitzroy Minerals Inc. My company has a financial relationship with Fitzroy Minerals Inc. I determined which companies would be included in this article based on my research and understanding of the sector.
  3. Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not of Streetwise Reports, Street Smart, or their officers. The author is wholly responsible for the accuracy of the statements. Streetwise Reports was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this article. Streetwise Reports requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Any disclosures from the author can be found  below. Streetwise Reports relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Streetwise Reports has no means of verifying its accuracy.
  4.  This article does not constitute investment advice and is not a solicitation for any investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her personal financial adviser and perform their own comprehensive investment research. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports’ terms of use and full legal disclaimer. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company.

For additional disclosures, please click here.

Michael Ballanger Disclosures

This letter makes no guarantee or warranty on the accuracy or completeness of the data provided. Nothing contained herein is intended or shall be deemed to be investment advice, implied or otherwise. This letter represents my views and replicates trades that I am making but nothing more than that. Always consult your registered advisor to assist you with your investments. I accept no liability for any loss arising from the use of the data contained on this letter. Options and junior mining stocks contain a high level of risk that may result in the loss of part or all invested capital and therefore are suitable for experienced and professional investors and traders only. One should be familiar with the risks involved in junior mining and options trading and we recommend consulting a financial adviser if you feel you do not understand the risks involved.

Banxico cut the rate by 0.5%. The global auto market is under pressure from the introduction of tariffs.

By JustMarkets

At the end of Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (US30) was down 0.37%. The S&P500 Index (US500) was down 0.33%. The Nasdaq Technology Index (US100) was down 0.53%. Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on imported cars, effective in April, has heightened fears of escalating trade tensions, especially with key trading partners such as the EU and Canada. Shares of automakers suffered, with General Motors down 7.3% and Ford down 3.9%, while Tesla rose 0.4%, benefiting from domestic production. Investors were also receptive to fresh economic data, with fourth-quarter GDP growth revised up slightly to 2.4% from 2.3%. Initial jobless claims matched expectations, but the trade deficit increased than expected, adding to market uncertainty.

Mexico’s central bank, Banxico, cut its key rate by 0.5% to 9.00% amid further declines in inflation and signs of continued economic weakness earlier this year. The release said several board representatives forecast a similar 50 bps rate cut at the May 9 meeting if disinflation persists, indicating a possible continuation of the easing cycle.

Equity markets in Europe were mostly down on Thursday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) fell by 0.70%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed down 0.51%, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) lost 0.07%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed 0.27% yesterday. Frankfurt’s DAX index closed Thursday below 22.664, its lowest level since mid-March, and underperformed its peers as traders reacted to President Trump’s announcement to impose 25% tariffs on imports of all cars. Shares of auto companies led the decline, with Mercedes-Benz AG, Porsche AG, and BMW all down 2.6% and Volkswagen down 1.5%. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed disappointment but emphasized that the EU is committed to finding a diplomatic solution and protecting its economy.

Norway’s central bank, Norges Bank, kept its key rate at 4.5% for the tenth consecutive meeting. Policymakers noted that inflation has risen sharply and remains much higher than expected. They warned that cutting the discount rate too quickly could increase prices. Norway’s annual inflation accelerated to 3.6% in February 2025 from 2.3% in January, the highest since April 2024. Despite this, officials noted that their current forecast suggests a rate cut is likely later in 2025.

WTI crude prices rose to $69.90 a barrel on Thursday, extending gains of about 1% from the previous day, as traders priced in tightening oil supplies amid concerns about the impact of new US tariffs on the global economy. Market participants were focused on the risks associated with escalating trade tensions, especially after US President Donald Trump unveiled plans to impose 25% tariffs on imported cars and light trucks, with tariffs on auto parts set to take effect in May. In addition, the market was further supported by data showing a significant decline in US crude oil inventories by 3.3 million barrels last week.

US natural gas (XNG/USD) prices remain below $3.9 per bbl, near a four-week low, as record production and mild weather weigh on prices. Forecasts point to above-normal temperatures in the lower 48 states through April 9, which will likely reduce heating demand and contribute to higher inventories. Analysts forecast that March could see the first net increase in inventories since 2012.

Asian markets traded flat yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) fell by 0.60%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) added 0.58%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) rose by 0.41%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) was negative 0.38%.

On Friday, the Australian dollar slipped below $0.63, reversing the previous session’s gains as new US tariffs come into effect next week, adding to global trade tensions. Markets also focused on next week’s Reserve Bank of Australia decision, where the central bank is expected to keep interest rates unchanged at 4.1%. Current expectations indicate that rates will not be cut until at least July. Meanwhile, the prime minister announced a national election on May 3, kicking off a five-week campaign centered on tax cuts and reduced living expenses.

S&P 500 (US500) 5,693.31 −18.89 (−0.33%)

Dow Jones (US30) 42,299.70 −155.09 (−0.37%)

DAX (DE40) 22,678.74 −160.29 (−0.70%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 8,666.12 −23.47 (−0.27%)

USD index 104.28 −0.27 (−0.26%)

News feed for: 2025.03.28

  •  Japan Tokyo Core CPI (m/m) at 01:30 (GMT+2);
  • Germany GfK Consumer Confidence (m/m) at 09:00 (GMT+2);
  • UK Retail Sales (m/m) at 09:00 (GMT+2);
  • UK GDP (q/q) at 09:00 (GMT+2);
  • Switzerland KOF Leading Indicators (m/m) at 10:00 (GMT+2);
  • Germany Unemployment Rate (m/m) at 10:55 (GMT+2);
  • Canada GDP (m/m) at 14:30 (GMT+2);
  • US Core PCE Price Index (m/m) at 14:30 (GMT+2);
  • US Michigan Consumer Sentiment (m/m) at 16:00 (GMT+2).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

The Pound Stands Strong Amid Global Trade Tensions

By RoboForex Analytical Department 

The GBP/USD pair is consolidating around 1.2941 this Friday as the British pound continues to outperform its peers. Unlike other major currencies, the pound has remained relatively insulated from escalating global trade tensions, giving it a distinct advantage.

Why the pound is outperforming

The UK’s distance from ongoing trade wars has shielded sterling from the worst volatility triggered by US tariff policies. While other economies brace for the impact of trade restrictions, the UK, at least in theory, faces fewer immediate risks from President Trump’s protectionist measures.

Adding to sterling’s resilience is the fiscal plan of UK Treasury Chief Rachel Reeves, which outlines spending reductions totalling 14 billion GBP. This move could significantly boost the economy’s fiscal potential, creating a 10 billion GBP reserve for future spending needs. As a result, the government may reduce bond issuance, easing pressure on public finances.

Mid-week, the pound dipped slightly following the release of UK inflation figures. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.4% month-on-month in February, rebounding from a -0.1% decline in January. On an annual basis, inflation eased to 2.8% (down from 3.0%), likely due to seasonal energy demand during the colder months. However, the market reaction was short-lived, suggesting sustained confidence in the pound’s strength.

Technical analysis of GBP/USD

H4 Chart: The pair is consolidating near 1.2934, with a potential upward extension towards 1.2998. A subsequent downward wave towards 1.2784 remains possible, supported by the MACD indicator, where the signal line remains below zero but is trending upward.

H1 Chart: After hitting a local high at 1.2970, a pullback towards 1.2934 (testing support from above) is likely. A rebound towards 1.2998 could follow before a potential decline to 1.2888. The Stochastic oscillator supports this outlook, with its signal line below 50 and pointing downward towards 20.

 

Conclusion

While short-term fluctuations persist, the pound’s resilience, supported by favourable fiscal policies and its detachment from global trade conflicts, positions it as a standout performer. Traders should monitor key technical levels for potential breakouts or reversals in the coming sessions.

 

Disclaimer

Any forecasts contained herein are based on the author’s particular opinion. This analysis may not be treated as trading advice. RoboForex bears no responsibility for trading results based on trading recommendations and reviews contained herein.

Uncertainty over the scope and impact of tariffs increased market volatility

By JustMarkets

The Dow Jones index (US30) was down 0.31% at Wednesday’s close. The S&P500 Index (US500) decreased by 1.12%. The Nasdaq Technology Index (US100) was down 2.04%. The US stocks fell sharply on Wednesday as technology shares led a broad sell-off amid growing concerns over looming US tariffs. Shares of Nvidia and Tesla fell more than -5.5%, while major tech companies such as Meta, Amazon, and Alphabet were down more than 2%. Shares of automakers also weakened after reports that President Trump will impose new 25% tariffs on auto imports. Uncertainty over the scope and impact of these tariffs has added to market volatility, raising fears of retaliation and broader economic repercussions.

The Canadian dollar strengthened to 1.43 per US dollar, hitting a one-month high, as investors welcomed reports that not all the trade tariffs scheduled for April 2 will take effect, with some countries likely to receive exemptions. Reports that President Trump may impose a three-tiered tariff system with selective exemptions indicate that Canada could face the lowest level of upcoming tariffs, which would spare its exports and ease external pressure on the loonie. This optimism is supported by favorable oil price developments – rising crude oil prices amid supply concerns boosts the currency, given Canada’s status as a major oil exporter.

Equity markets in Europe were mostly down on Wednesday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) fell by 1.17%, France’s CAC 40 (FR 40) closed down 0.96%, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) dropped 0.39%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed 0.30% yesterday. The spring statement from the Chancellor of the United Kingdom, Rachel Reeves, did not bring optimism to investors. Many key announcements, such as changes to social security and the NHS, were already well-known and had minimal impact on the market. The biggest disappointment was the OBR’s revised growth forecast for the UK economy, which was cut from 2% to just 1% for 2024. This dampened sentiment, especially in the housing sector, where shares of major housebuilders turned negative

WTI crude oil prices rose to $69.9 a barrel on Wednesday, the highest in nearly four weeks, driven by concerns about tightening global supply. The US has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on countries buying Venezuelan oil, disrupting trade flows, especially to China, Venezuela’s biggest buyer. This follows recent US sanctions aimed at Iranian oil sales, although Saudi Arabia may increase production to offset the loss of Iranian exports. In addition, US crude inventories fell by 3.34 million barrels last week, more than double the expected decline, indicating strong demand.

Asian markets traded mostly up yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) rose by 0.65%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) added 0.44%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) gained 0.60%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) was positive 0.71%. Hong Kong stocks were up 1.4% in Thursday morning trading, strengthening for a second day amid broad-based gains. Sentiment strengthened after Wall Street banks turned bullish on Chinese equities. Morgan Stanley raised its 2025 target for mainland Chinese equities for the second time this year, while Goldman Sachs forecast further gains thanks to positive earnings revisions.

China significantly increased debt issuance in the first quarter of 2025 to boost growth and stabilize the bond market. The Ministry of Finance raised 1.45 trillion yuan through sovereign bonds, three times more than last year and a record. The surge indicates Beijing seeks to boost fiscal spending amid real estate concerns, deflation, and ongoing trade tensions.

S&P Global Ratings recently predicted that New Zealand and other regional economies will be less affected by US trade measures, which has provided some support for the Kiwi dollar. Domestically, however, expectations of further monetary easing by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand continue to weigh on the currency. Economists believe the RBNZ remains poised for additional rate cuts in April and May despite last week’s unexpectedly positive GDP data.

S&P 500 (US500) 5,712.20 −64.45 (−1.12%)

Dow Jones (US30) 42,454.79 −132.71 (−0.31%)

DAX (DE40) 22,839.03 −270.76 (−1.17%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 8,689.59 +25.79 (+0.30%)

USD index 104.67 +0.48 (+0.46%)

News feed for: 2025.03.27

  • Australia Retail Sales (m/m) at 02:30 (GMT+2);
  • Norway Norges Bank Interest Rate Decision at 11:00 (GMT+2);
  • US GDP (q/q) at 14:30 (GMT+2);
  • US Initial Jobless Claims (w/w) at 14:30 (GMT+2);
  • US Pending Home Sales (m/m) at 16:00 (GMT+2);
  • US Natural Gas Storage (w/w) at 16:30 (GMT+2);
  • Mexico Interest Rate Decision (m/m) at 21:00 (GMT+2).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

EUR/USD Faces Further Decline Amid Market Jitters and Trump’s Tariff Threat

By RoboForex Analytical Department 

The EUR/USD pair dropped to 1.0778 on Thursday, staging a modest correction but remaining under pressure amid deteriorating market sentiment.

Key drivers weighing on EUR/USD

The latest sell-off is driven by heightened trade war fears. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on all imported cars and light trucks, set to take effect on 2 April. The move, seen as retaliation against foreign tariffs on US goods, escalates trade tensions. Markets view this as a major risk, with potential consequences including slower US economic growth and higher inflation.

Adding to the bearish sentiment, fresh economic data revealed:

  • US consumer confidence plunged to a four-year low
  • Core capital goods orders (excluding defence and aircraft) declined, breaking a three-month growth streak – a worrying sign for business investment

Investors now await Friday’s Core PCE Price Index – the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge – and the revised US Q4 2024 GDP estimate, which could set near-term market direction.

Technical analysis of EUR/USD

On the H4 chart of EUR/USD, the market completed a downward move to 1.0733. A correction towards 1.0855 is likely today. Once this correction ends, a new decline towards 1.0707 may begin. Technically, this scenario is confirmed by the MACD indicator: its signal line is below zero and pointing downward to new lows.

On the H1 EUR/USD chart, the market has formed a consolidation range around the level of 1.0826 before breaking lower to 1.0733. This move has nearly met its local downside target. Today, a corrective pullback towards 1.0826 (testing from below) is possible. Once this correction ends, a renewed decline towards 1.0700 could unfold. This move is viewed as the first wave of a broader downtrend. If this level is reached, another bounce towards 1.0826 cannot be ruled out. Technically, this scenario is confirmed by the Stochastic oscillator: its signal line is above 80 and preparing to drop towards 20.

 

Conclusion

With trade war risks weighing on sentiment and technical indicators pointing to continued downside, EUR/USD could test 1.0700 in the coming sessions. Traders should monitor US inflation data and GDP revisions for confirmation of the next major move.

 

Disclaimer

Any forecasts contained herein are based on the author’s particular opinion. This analysis may not be treated as trading advice. RoboForex bears no responsibility for trading results based on trading recommendations and reviews contained herein.

Australia’s inflation rate is at a 3-month low. Oil prices are approaching $70 again

By JustMarkets

At the end of Tuesday, the Dow Jones Index (US30) rose by 0.01%, the S&P500 Index (US500) gained 0.16%, and the Nasdaq Technology Index (US100) was up 0.46%. Stocks extended gains on hopes that the US’s upcoming retaliatory tariffs next week will be narrower than originally planned.

Options traders scaled back expectations for US rate cuts this year. With tariffs expected to weigh on economic growth — and force the Fed to step in to support the economy — any easing of tariffs should ease pressure on the Fed to cut rates over the next year.

Equity markets in Europe were mostly up on Tuesday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) rose by 0.13%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed 1.08% higher, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) added 1.21%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed 0.30% yesterday. The latest Confederation of British Industry Distributive Trades survey showed that UK retail sales fell in March, marking the sixth consecutive decline. Ukraine and Russia agreed on a ceasefire in the Black Sea after separate talks with US officials in Saudi Arabia.

WTI crude prices rose above $69 a barrel on Wednesday amid supply concerns and a sharper-than-expected decline in the US crude inventories. On Monday, Trump signed an executive order imposing 25% tariffs on imports from countries that buy Venezuelan crude, which could disrupt supplies to key refineries, especially in China, India, and Spain. The Trump administration also extended the deadline for Chevron’s exit from Venezuela to May 27. Analysts estimate that the company’s exit could reduce production by 200,000 bpd. Meanwhile, API data showed that US crude inventories fell by 4.6 million barrels last week, beating market expectations for a 2.5 million barrel decline.

Asian markets traded flat yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) rose by 0.46%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) jumped 0.61%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) fell by 2.35%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) was positive 0.07%.

Australia’s Consumer Price Index fell to a three-month low of 2.4% in February, defying expectations of no change from January’s 2.5% reading. Meanwhile, the Australian government announced two additional personal income tax cuts, scheduled for 2026 and 2027, totaling A$17.1 billion above forecast. On the monetary policy front, the Reserve Bank of Australia will meet next week, where interest rates are expected to remain unchanged.

Japan’s Index of Economic Indicators, which tracks output, employment, and retail sales, came in at 116.1 in January 2025, slightly below the initial forecast of 116.2 but up from a marginally revised 106.0 in the previous month. The figure was the highest since September 2019, helped by a moderate economic recovery amid improving employment and income and broader growth in private consumption.

S&P 500 (US500) 5,776.65 +9.08 (0.16%)

Dow Jones (US30) 42,587.50 +4.18 (+0.01%)

DAX (DE40) 23,109.79 +257.13 (+1.13%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 8,663.80 +25.79 (+0.30%)

USD index 104.21 -0.05 (-0.05%)

News feed for: 2025.03.26

  • Australia Consumer Price Index (m/m) at 02:30 (GMT+2);
  • UK Consumer Price Index (m/m) at 09:00 (GMT+2);
  • UK Annual Budget Release at 12:00 (GMT+2);
  • US Durable Goods Orders (m/m) at 14:30 (GMT+2);
  • US Crude Oil Reserves (w/w) at 16:30 (GMT+2).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

USD/JPY Rises Again: Yen Lacks Support as Bulls Take Control

By RoboForex Analytical Department

The USD/JPY pair climbed to 150.37 on Wednesday, indicating a fading correction from the previous session as trading volumes declined.

Key drivers behind the USD/JPY surge

Investors are shunning risk ahead of potential US retaliatory tariffs, which could weigh on Japanese exports – a key pillar of the economy. Meanwhile, demand for risk assets, including equities and commodities, has further eroded support for the safe-haven yen.

The Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) January meeting minutes, released earlier, revealed policymakers’ willingness to consider further rate hikes, contingent on wage growth and inflation trends. One member even suggested rates could reach 1% in the second half of fiscal 2025.

However, the BoJ’s decision in March to hold rates at 0.5% reinforced its cautious stance, with officials wary of global economic risks, particularly potential US trade measures. Given the central bank’s reluctance to tighten policy soon, the yen lacks a key bullish catalyst.

Technical analysis of USD/JPY

On the H4 USD/JPY chart, the market has formed a growth wave structure up to 150.93. After reaching this target, a pullback to 148.73 is possible, effectively marking the consolidation range at the wave’s peak. A breakout to the upside would indicate a continuation of the trend towards 153.60. This is a local target, after which a correction to 151.20 cannot be ruled out. Technically, this scenario is supported by the MACD indicator: its signal line remains above zero and has exited the histogram zone. A decline towards the zero line is expected.

On the H1 USD/JPY chart, the market is forming a correction up to 149.30. Once this pullback is complete, a new growth wave towards 150.97 may begin. This is also a local target. Technically, the Stochastic oscillator confirms this scenario, as its signal line is above 80 and preparing to decline towards 20.

 

Conclusion

With the BoJ maintaining a dovish stance and risk sentiment weighing on the yen, USD/JPY bulls remain in control. Traders should watch for a breakout above 150.93 to confirm further upside, while corrections could offer short-term pullback opportunities.

 

Disclaimer

Any forecasts contained herein are based on the author’s particular opinion. This analysis may not be treated as trading advice. RoboForex bears no responsibility for trading results based on trading recommendations and reviews contained herein.

Oil prices rise amid a new OPEC+ plan to cut production. Inflation in Singapore continues to weaken.

By JustMarkets

On Friday, the Dow Jones (US30) rose by 0.08% (week-to-date +1.27%). The S&P 500 Index (US500) gained 0.08% (week-to-date +0.57%). The Nasdaq Technology Index (US100) gained 0.39% (week-to-date +0.42%). The major US indices bounced off their lows in the afternoon session after President Trump showed some “flexibility” on tariffs. While President Trump mentioned “flexibility,” he emphasized that tariffs imposed before April 2 would be reciprocal, and countries imposing tariffs against the US would face similar charges in return. Among individual stocks, FedEx (FDX) fell more than 10% after cutting its full-year expectation, citing “continued weakness and uncertainty” in the economy. Nike (NKE) shares fell nearly 9% after warning of lower sales for the quarter. Meanwhile, Boeing shares are up more than 4% after winning a contract to design and build a next-generation fighter jet for the US military.

Equity markets in Europe were mostly down on Friday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) was down 0.47% (week-to-date -0.46%), France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed down 0.63% (week-to-date +0.11%), Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) added 0.33% (week-to-date +2.62%), and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed down 0.63% (week-to-date +0.17%). European equity markets opened lower on Friday, extending losses from the previous session, as global economic and trade uncertainty continued to weigh on sentiment. German lawmakers approved a government borrowing reform aimed at boosting defense spending. Deutsche Bank economists then revised their projections, predicting German GDP growth of 1.5% in 2026 and 2.0% in 2027.

WTI crude oil prices added 0.3% on Friday to reach $68.3 per barrel for a second consecutive weekly gain of 1.64%, helped by new US sanctions against Iran and a new OPEC+ plan to cut production among the organization’s seven members. The US Treasury Department imposed new sanctions against Chinese refineries and ships involved in importing Iranian oil, intensifying Washington’s “maximum pressure” campaign to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero. Analysts expect Iranian exports to fall by 1 million barrels a day due to the tightened sanctions.

Silver (XNG/USD) fell more than 1% to $33 an ounce on Friday, hitting a one-week low amid a rising US dollar. The dollar’s strength came after Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell reiterated that the Central Bank is in no hurry to cut interest rates further, despite announcing two possible rate cuts this year. Powell pointed to weakening economic growth and labor market concerns but maintained a cautious stance due to uncertainty over US President Donald Trump’s tariff policy and its impact on inflation. Additional pressure on silver came from continued economic concerns in China, which lowered the outlook for industrial demand as Beijing announced new stimulus measures without providing specific details.

Asian markets were mostly down last week. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) was down 0.20%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) lost 2.10%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) decreased by 2.21%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) was positive +1.78%.

Singapore’s annualized inflation rate eased to 0.9% in February 2025 from 1.2% in the previous month, slightly below market expectations of 0.95%. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose to 0.8% in February 2025, recovering from a 0.7% drop in the previous month. Meanwhile, the annualized core inflation rate fell to 0.6% from 0.8% in January 2025, the lowest since June 2021.

The New Zealand dollar hit a one-week low on Monday as concerns over the looming April 2 deadline for retaliatory US tariffs put pressure on the export-dependent currency. However, President Trump has said the tariff plans could be “flexible” and recent reports suggest their scope may be narrower than expected, which could exempt some industries from the full impact.

S&P 500 (US500) 5,667.56 +4.67 (+0.08%)

Dow Jones (US30) 41,985.35 +32.03 (+0.08%)

DAX (DE40) 22,891.68 −107.47 (−0.47%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 8,646.79 −55.20 (−0.63%)

USD Index 104.15 +0.30 (+0.29%)

News feed for: 2025.03.24

  • Australia Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 00:00 (GMT+2);
  • Australia Services PMI (m/m) at 00:00 (GMT+2);
  • Japan Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 02:30 (GMT+2);
  • Japan Services PMI (m/m) at 02:30 (GMT+2);
  • Singapore Inflation Rate (m/m) at 07:00 (GMT+2);
  • Germany Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 10:30 (GMT+2);
  • Germany Services PMI (m/m) at 10:30 (GMT+2);
  • Eurozone Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 11:00 (GMT+2);
  • Eurozone Services PMI (m/m) at 11:00 (GMT+2);
  • UK Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 11:30 (GMT+2);
  • UK Services PMI (m/m) at 11:30 (GMT+2);
  • Mexico Inflation Rate (m/m) at 14:00 (GMT+2);
  • US Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 15:45 (GMT+2);
  • US Services PMI (m/m) at 15:45 (GMT+2);
  • US BoE Gov Bailey Speech at 20:00 (GMT+2).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

SNB cut the interest rate to 0.25%. Inflationary pressures are easing in Hong Kong and Malaysia

By JustMarkets

On Thursday, the Dow Jones (US30) Index was down 0.03%. The S&P 500 Index (US500) decreased by 0.22%. The Nasdaq Technology Index (US100) fell by 0.33%. The US stocks closed lower on Thursday, ceding some of the previous session’s gains as investors reassessed economic risks and the Federal Reserve’s response to potential inflation and slowing growth. Market sentiment remained cautious after the US Federal Reserve left rates unchanged but raised its inflation expectations while cutting its economic growth outlook.

The Mexican peso (MXN) weakened to more than 20.2 per US dollar, down from a four-month high reached on March 18, amid a rebound in the US dollar and the threat of tariffs that cast a shadow over Mexico’s growth prospects. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development warned that sustained US tariffs on Mexican products could trigger a recession, predicting the economy would shrink 1.3% in 2025 and 0.6% in 2026 if the duties remain unchanged.

Equity markets in Europe were mostly down yesterday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) was down 1.24%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed 0.95% lower, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) Index was 0.76% cheaper, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed down 0.05%. The FTSE 100 index fell on Thursday as investors reacted to the Bank of England’s decision to keep interest rates at 4.5% and its cautious approach to future rate cuts. The Central Bank signaled it will continue to pursue a “gradual and cautious” strategy, maintaining its stance until further evidence of economic progress emerges.

The Swiss franc weakened to 0.88 per dollar after the Swiss National Bank (SNB) cut its key rate to 0.25%, the lowest level since September 2022. While the move was largely expected and the Central Bank refrained from committing to a specific policy path, the Central Bank noted that lower borrowing costs are appropriate to ensure that monetary conditions are consistent with low inflationary pressures. The move also prevents excessive appreciation of the franc as geopolitical risks, stable inflation in Switzerland, and uncertain economic policy in the US increase demand for the currency.

Sweden’s Riksbank kept the rate at 2.25% in March 2025, in line with expectations, citing virtually unchanged projections for inflation and economic growth. Policymakers said inflation is expected to remain above target through the end of the year but should stabilize around 2% in 2026.

The Reserve Bank of South Africa left the repo rate unchanged at 7.5% at its March 2025 meeting as risks to economic stability warrant caution. Inflation, although contained, has still risen, with goods inflation remaining low and services inflation rising. Inflation was steady at 3.2% in February, the highest in four months. The Central Bank expects core inflation to be 3.6% this year and 4.5% next year.

OPEC+ announced production cut plans for seven members, which will reduce output by 189,000-435,000 bpd monthly through June 2026. Production cuts by Kazakhstan, Iraq, and Russia are expected to offset the renewed production plans through next year.

Asian markets were predominantly down yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) was not trading yesterday, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) fell by 0.98%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) lost 2.23%, while Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) was positive 1.16%.

Hong Kong’s annual inflation rate eased to 1.4% in February 2025 from January’s four-month high of 2%. On a month-on-month basis, consumer prices fell by 0.1% in February, reversing a 0.4% rise in the previous month.

Malaysia’s annualized inflation rate eased to 1.5% in February 2025 from 1.7% in the previous two months, the lowest since January 2024 and in line with market estimates. Core Consumer Prices, excluding volatile fresh food and administrative costs, rose to 1.9% y/y, the highest in six months, after rising 1.8% in January. On a month-on-month basis, consumer prices rose by 0.5%, the sharpest pace in a year.

S&P 500 (US500) 5,662.89 −12.40 (−0.22%)

Dow Jones (US30) 41,953.32 −11.31 (−0.03%)

DAX (DE40) 22,999.15 −288.91 (−1.24%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 8,701.99 −4.67 (−0.054%)

USD Index 103.80 +0.37 (+0.36%)

News feed for: 2025.03.21

  • Japan National Core CPI (m/m) at 01:30 (GMT+2);
  • Canada Retail Sales (m/m) at 14:30 (GMT+2).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.