Please note that the dividends of the following products will be adjusted accordingly. Index dividends will be executed separately through a balance statement directly to your trading account, and the comment will be in the following format “Div & Product Name & Net Volume ”.
Please refer to the table below for more details:
The above data is for reference only, please refer to the MT4/MT5 software for specific data.
If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact info@vtmarkets.com.
Please note that the dividends of the following products will be adjusted accordingly. Index dividends will be executed separately through a balance statement directly to your trading account, and the comment will be in the following format “Div & Product Name & Net Volume ”.
Please refer to the table below for more details:
The above data is for reference only, please refer to the MT4/MT5 software for specific data.
If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact info@vtmarkets.com.
On Thursday, major stock indices experienced a subdued performance with the Nasdaq Composite settling at 14,970.19, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining 0.04%, and the S&P 500 dipping 0.07%. The release of December’s consumer price index (CPI) report, revealing a 0.3% increase in consumer prices, impacted market sentiment, influencing expectations for future interest rate cuts. Investors also remained cautious about the Federal Reserve’s rate cut timeline and upcoming fourth-quarter earnings reports. Meanwhile, the cryptocurrency market saw positive momentum, marked by the rise of bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) following recent SEC-approved rule changes. The currency market experienced volatility driven by higher-than-expected US inflation figures, with the USD Index surging initially but later losing momentum. The Euro, Pound, Yen, Aussie, and Canadian Dollar showed varied responses to the economic landscape, reflecting the uncertainties surrounding inflation dynamics and corporate earnings.
Stock Market Updates
Stocks experienced a relatively flat performance on Thursday, as reflected in the closing numbers of major indices. The Nasdaq Composite settled at 14,970.19, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained a modest 0.04%, closing at 37,711.02. The S&P 500 saw a slight dip of 0.07%, ending the session at 4,780.24, briefly surpassing its record closing high earlier in the day. The market was influenced by the release of December’s consumer price index (CPI) report, which showed a slightly higher-than-expected increase of 0.3% in consumer prices, pushing the annual rate to 3.4%. The data hinted at persistent but easing inflation pressures, impacting expectations for future interest rate cuts. Yields on the 10-year note initially rose in response to the CPI data, reaching a high of 4.068% before settling around 3.98%.
The market’s movements on Thursday were also shaped by cautious sentiments surrounding the Federal Reserve’s rate cut timeline and concerns about upcoming fourth-quarter earnings reports. Investors are closely monitoring earnings releases from major banks such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and JPMorgan Chase. Additionally, the cryptocurrency market saw positive momentum, with bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) rising on their first day of trading following recent rule changes approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Despite a winning session on Wednesday, uncertainties in the economic landscape, including inflation dynamics and corporate earnings, continue to influence market sentiment.
On Thursday, market performance across various sectors showed mixed results. The overall market experienced a marginal decline of 0.07%. The Information Technology sector outperformed others with a positive growth of 0.44%, while Energy and Consumer Staples also exhibited modest gains of 0.16% and 0.02%, respectively. On the downside, Utilities suffered the most significant setback with a substantial decrease of 2.35%. Real Estate also faced a notable decline of 0.96%. Other sectors, including Consumer Discretionary, Health Care, Industrials, Communication Services, Materials, and Financials, reported slight decreases ranging from 0.03% to 0.41%. The diverse performance across sectors reflects a nuanced market landscape on Thursday.
Currency Market Updates
The currency market experienced heightened volatility driven by the release of higher-than-expected US inflation figures in December. The USD Index (DXY) initially surged to new highs near 102.80 as investors reevaluated the possibility of the Federal Reserve reducing interest rates in the second quarter. However, the momentum waned as the session concluded.
EUR/USD briefly touched the 1.1000 mark before a US CPI-driven pullback dragged it down to the 1.0930 zone. Despite the initial setback, the pair managed to recover along with other risk-associated assets. GBP/USD continued its upward momentum, reaching the 1.2770/75 level, approaching the highs seen in 2024. USD/JPY, on the other hand, couldn’t sustain its early gains, retreating to the 145.60 region by the closing bell, influenced by a late corrective decline in the greenback and mixed US yields. In contrast, AUD/USD faced persistent selling pressure, leading to new weekly lows near 0.6650 amid a volatile session in the greenback and mixed activity in the commodity space. USD/CAD advanced to new four-week highs near 1.3440 despite tepid gains in the greenback.
Picks of the Day Analysis
EUR/USD (4 Hours)
EUR/USD Retreats Below 1.1000 Amidst Surging US Inflation and Fed’s Caution
In Thursday’s trading, the EUR/USD pair faced resistance in breaching the critical 1.1000 level, triggering a notable corrective move following a higher-than-expected rise in US inflation figures for December 2023. The robust US Consumer Price Index (CPI) bolstered the greenback, leading investors to adjust their expectations regarding the Federal Reserve’s potential interest rate cuts in the second quarter. The pair’s downward trend was also influenced by varied performances in US yields across different maturities, prompting investors to reevaluate their bets on potential rate adjustments. Federal Reserve’s L. Mester from Cleveland emphasized that the central bank is not yet considering rate cuts, underlining the necessity for additional evidence of economic progress. Mester highlighted the importance of the Fed fine-tuning its policy for a soft landing, contingent upon sustained declines in inflation. Despite the absence of notable domestic data releases, the US docket revealed a 3.4% year-on-year increase in headline CPI for December and a 3.9% rise in Core CPI. Additionally, weekly Initial Claims climbed by 202,000 in the week ending January 6.
On Thursday, the EUR/USD moved slightly lower, unable to reach the lower band then went back higher and reached the upper band of the Bollinger Bands. Currently, the price moving just around the upper band, suggesting another potential upward movement. Notably, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) maintains its position at 59, signaling a neutral but bullish outlook for this currency pair.
Resistance: 1.1000, 1.1068
Support: 1.0950, 1.0892
XAU/USD (4 Hours)
XAU/USD Faces Pressure as Stronger-than-Expected US Inflation Boosts Dollar
Stronger-than-anticipated US inflation figures led to a surge in the US Dollar, exerting mild pressure on Gold (XAU/USD) ahead of Wall Street’s opening. Despite hopes for positive figures, the Consumer Price Index rose to 3.4% YoY in December, surpassing both the previous 3.1% and the expected 3.2%. This unexpected inflation surge bolstered the US Dollar in a risk-averse environment, as investors anticipated the Federal Reserve maintaining higher rates for a longer period. The increased likelihood of prolonged rate hikes weighed on the prospects of a rate cut in March, causing stocks to dip and government bond yields to rise, impacting the gold market.
On Thursday, XAU/USD moved lower and was able to reach the lower band of the Bollinger Bands. Currently, the price moving higher above the middle band and trying to reach the upper band. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 50, signaling a neutral outlook for this pair.
Affected by international holidays, the trading hours of some VT Markets products will be adjusted. Please check the following link for the remaining affected products:
Please note that the dividends of the following products will be adjusted accordingly. Index dividends will be executed separately through a balance statement directly to your trading account, and the comment will be in the following format “Div & Product Name & Net Volume ”.
Please refer to the table below for more details:
The above data is for reference only, please refer to the MT4/MT5 software for specific data.
If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact info@vtmarkets.com.
In a bullish session, stocks closed higher with the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq posting gains fueled by positive earnings reports, particularly from Intuitive Surgical and Lennar. Investor attention is now focused on the eagerly awaited consumer price index (CPI) report and producer price index, with expectations influencing speculation about potential shifts in Federal Reserve interest rate policies. The dollar index declined slightly due to gains against the yen and losses versus the euro, influenced by yield spreads and economic indicators. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan maintains caution in unwinding monetary policies, while the eurozone faces economic concerns. Sterling rose, supported by higher gilts-Treasury yield spreads, despite BoE rate cuts pricing lower than the Fed’s.
Stock Market Updates
Stocks closed higher on Wednesday, driven by anticipation surrounding the upcoming release of fresh U.S. inflation data and corporate earnings reports. The S&P 500 rose by 0.57% to close at 4,783.45, the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 170.57 points (0.45%) to reach 37,695.73, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.75% to settle at 14,969.65. Intuitive Surgical and Lennar played pivotal roles in lifting the market, with both companies experiencing notable stock increases of 10.3% and 3.5%, respectively. Intuitive Surgical raised its procedure growth outlook for fiscal year 2024, while Lennar announced an increase in its annual dividend.
Investor focus is now shifting towards the awaited consumer price index (CPI) report scheduled for release on Thursday, with expectations of a 3.2% year-over-year increase in December. Additionally, the producer price index is set for release on Friday. Investors are closely monitoring these reports for insights into potential shifts in the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policies, with current expectations hovering around a 64% likelihood of rate cuts, according to the CME Group FedWatch tool. The upcoming earnings season adds to the market’s dynamics, with major financial heavyweights like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, UnitedHealth, and Delta Air Lines set to reveal their results on Friday. Despite a mixed session on Tuesday, stocks exhibited positive momentum on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, the overall market exhibited a positive trend with a gain of 0.57%. Notable sector performances include Communication Services and Information Technology, both experiencing substantial increases at +1.17% and +1.00%, respectively. Consumer Discretionary and Industrials also contributed to the positive momentum with gains of +0.98% and +0.48%. Health Care and Financials showed more modest increases at +0.42% and +0.21%. On the flip side, Energy suffered a notable decline of -1.01%, dragging down the overall performance. Utilities and Consumer Staples experienced marginal losses at -0.06% and -0.13%, while Real Estate and Materials also showed slight decreases at +0.13% and -0.17%.
Currency Market Updates
The dollar index experienced a 0.1% decline, driven by notable gains against the vulnerable yen and losses versus the euro. This shift was influenced by the widening 2-year bund-Treasury yield spreads, reaching their highest point since July. The euro’s strength was partly attributed to comments made by ECB hawk Isabel Schnabel. Meanwhile, the Japanese yen faced broad selling pressure as Japanese data revealed a mere 1.2% rise in regular wages and a 3.0% year-on-year decline in real wages for November. This decline underscores persistent inflation concerns and a lack of domestic demand-driven wage growth, aligning with the Bank of Japan’s reluctance to end negative rates.
As the Japanese household spending continued to plummet, acting as a drag on growth and reinforcing disinflation in the December Tokyo CPI report, the BoJ governor expressed a cautious approach towards unwinding ultra-loose monetary policies. In contrast, the U.S. market anticipates the CPI report, assessing the likelihood of a soft landing and potential cuts to the Fed’s 5.5% policy rate compared to the BoJ’s -0.1% rate. The accommodative BoJ policies contributed to the Nikkei 225 reaching its highest point since the 1990s bubble, fostering risk-on sentiment and positively correlating with the rise of USD/JPY towards the key resistance. Meanwhile, EUR/USD showed a 0.34% increase, approaching the 10-day moving average but staying within the range set by Friday’s U.S. jobs data. ECB policymakers highlighted a tepid economic recovery outlook in the eurozone, anticipating a recession in late 2023, driven by concerns about the German property market and supply chain risks. Sterling saw a 0.24% rise, supported by higher gilts-Treasury yield spreads, despite remaining below the November and December highs, as the BoE’s 2024 rate cuts priced roughly 30bp less than those for the Fed.
Picks of the Day Analysis
EUR/USD (4 Hours)
EUR/USD Gains Ground Amidst Greenback’s Downside Pressure and Market Optimism
In response to a renewed downside bias in the greenback, EUR/USD rebounded, reaching two-day highs in the 1.0965/70 range. The firm optimism in the risk space on Wednesday contributed to the climb, as the USD Index (DXY) faced pressure, retreating to the 102.30 region. Factors such as the absence of clear direction in US yields, an uptick in Germany’s 10-year bund yields, and prevailing risk-on sentiment influenced the pair’s daily movement. Despite a lack of clarity in US yields and rising 10-year bund yields, the focus now shifts to the upcoming US inflation readings, set to be a crucial driver for the dollar’s price action, considering the Federal Reserve’s potential interest rate reductions in the second quarter. Conversely, comments from ECB’s De Guindos and Schnabel regarding a soft landing in the Eurozone’s economy and a reachable inflation target in 2025 had limited impact on the pair. Suggestions of premature interest rate cuts by the ECB, despite speculations of potential reductions, did not significantly sway the market.
On Wednesday, the EUR/USD moved slightly higher and reached the upper band of the Bollinger Bands. Currently, the price moving just around the upper band, suggesting another potential upward movement. Notably, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) maintains its position at 59, signaling a neutral but bullish outlook for this currency pair.
Resistance: 1.1000, 1.1068
Support: 1.0950, 1.0892
XAU/USD (4 Hours)
XAU/USD Hovers as Investors Await Key CPI Data Amidst Lethargic Trading
Gold (XAU/USD) continues to tread familiar levels, showing limited movement amid a cautious market environment marked by a sparse macroeconomic calendar. The precious metal recently touched a weekly low at $2,016.61 and faces support at various levels. As Wall Street maintains a positive but uneventful stance, anticipation builds for the upcoming release of the December Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the United States. Analysts predict a 3.2% annualized increase, with a potential impact on the US Federal Reserve’s rate-cutting decisions. The gold market remains on edge, awaiting CPI readings that could influence sentiment and guide the trajectory of the US Dollar in the coming days.
On Wednesday, XAU/USD moved lower and was able to reach the lower band of the Bollinger Bands. Currently, the price moving higher and trying to reach the middle band. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 45, signaling a neutral outlook for this pair.
Are you considering trading gold, one of the most sought-after commodities in the financial world? Gold trading can be a lucrative venture, but it’s not without its challenges.
To help you navigate the gold market successfully, we’ve put together a practical guide that highlights the common gold market pitfalls and provides smart strategies for safeguarding your gold investments. Let’s dive in!
Gold Market Pitfalls: What to Watch Out For
Before we delve into the smart strategies, it’s essential to understand the potential pitfalls that can trip up gold traders. Avoiding these mistakes can save you both money and frustration. Let’s explore a few key gold market pitfalls:
#1. Lack of Research:
One of the most significant pitfalls is entering the gold market without proper research. Trading gold isn’t a guessing game; it’s a well-informed decision. Failing to research can lead to hasty decisions and substantial losses.
For instance, imagine you hear a rumor that gold prices are about to skyrocket due to a geopolitical event. Without researching and verifying this information, you invest heavily in gold, only to find out that the rumor was false, leading to losses.
#2. Ignoring Diversification
Putting all your resources into gold can be risky. While gold can be a safe haven, it’s crucial not to ignore diversification. Overcommitting to a single asset class can leave your portfolio vulnerable.
Let’s say that you invest all your savings in physical gold, expecting it to outperform other assets. However, if gold prices stagnate or decline while other investments thrive, your overall wealth suffers.
#3. Overlooking Volatility
Gold prices can be highly volatile. Failing to anticipate and prepare for this volatility can lead to panic selling or buying at the wrong time.
Here’s another scenario. You invest in gold without considering its price swings. When gold experiences a sudden drop in value, you panic and sell your holdings, locking in losses that could have been avoided with a clear strategy.
Smart Strategies for Safeguarding Gold
Now that you’re aware of the potential pitfalls, let’s explore some smart strategies to help you navigate the gold market successfully.
Educate Yourself:
The first step is to invest time in learning about gold and the factors that influence its price. Understand the global economic landscape, geopolitical events, and how they impact gold.
By studying historical trends and global economic conditions, you can make informed decisions. If you see that gold tends to rise during times of economic uncertainty, you may choose to allocate more funds to it when such conditions arise.
Diversify Your Portfolio:
To safeguard your investments, consider diversifying your portfolio. This means spreading your funds across various asset classes, not just gold.
In addition to gold, you may invest in stocks, bonds, and real estate. Diversification can help reduce risk because different asset classes often move independently of each other.
Set Clear Goals and Stop-Loss Orders:
Establish specific investment goals and set stop-loss orders to limit potential losses. Stop-loss orders automatically sell your gold holdings if prices drop to a predetermined level.
You decide that you’ll only tolerate a 10% loss on your gold investment. You set a stop-loss order at 10% below your purchase price. If gold prices decline and hit that threshold, your holdings are sold, protecting you from further losses.
Stay Informed and Be Patient:
Continuously monitor the gold market and stay updated on relevant news and events. Patience is a virtue in gold trading. Don’t let short-term fluctuations dictate your actions.
Instead of panicking during a sudden drop in gold prices, you stay informed about the underlying causes. If the drop is due to temporary factors and you believe in the long-term potential of gold, you may choose to hold your positions.
Mastering Gold Trading: Key Takeaways and Next Steps
All in all, trading gold can be a rewarding endeavor, but it’s essential to be aware of the potential pitfalls and implement smart strategies to safeguard your investments.
Remember to research thoroughly, diversify your portfolio, set clear goals and stop-loss orders, and stay informed while maintaining patience.
If you’re new to gold trading or want to practice your strategies, we recommend opening a demo account with a reputable trading platform. A demo account allows you to trade with virtual money, providing a risk-free environment to hone your skills.
So, why wait? Start your journey to becoming a savvy gold trader today, and remember, knowledge is your best ally in the world of gold trading.
Embark on Your Gold Trading Adventure with VT Markets
Ready to step into the fascinating world of gold trading? With VT Markets, you’re not just starting an investment journey; you’re unlocking a gateway to advanced trading technologies and expert insights. VT Markets offers a robust platform, tailored to both beginners and seasoned traders, ensuring a comprehensive gold trading experience.
Get started with VT Markets today and leverage the power of intuitive tools and resources to refine your gold trading strategies. Open your account now and join the ranks of savvy gold traders who choose VT Markets for their trading needs. Your gold trading success story begins here!
Please note that the dividends of the following products will be adjusted accordingly. Index dividends will be executed separately through a balance statement directly to your trading account, and the comment will be in the following format “Div & Product Name & Net Volume ”.
Please refer to the table below for more details:
The above data is for reference only, please refer to the MT4/MT5 software for specific data.
If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact info@vtmarkets.com.
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Tuesday witnessed a rollercoaster ride in the stock market as the S&P 500 and Dow Jones ended with declines while the Nasdaq managed a slight gain, primarily propelled by tech stocks’ resurgence. Despite the market’s recovery, with notable companies like Nvidia and Amazon showing gains, uncertainties loom as investors brace for crucial inflation data and upcoming earnings reports from major corporations. Simultaneously, the currency market saw the US Dollar Index surge, impacting major pairs such as EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, AUD/USD, and USD/CAD, while precious metals faced headwinds amidst dollar demand and market uncertainties.
Stock Market Updates
The stock market on Tuesday experienced a fluctuating day, with the S&P 500 initially dropping but later recuperating slightly thanks to a surge in tech stocks. Despite this rebound, the S&P 500 closed with a 0.15% decrease at 4,756.50, following a volatile day where it had plunged by 0.7% at its lowest point. Similarly, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ended down by 0.42%, recovering from a 310-point deficit earlier in the session. Conversely, the Nasdaq Composite managed to reverse a 0.9% decline, finishing with a marginal gain of 0.09% at 14,857.71. Notably, Nvidia and Amazon both saw gains of over 1.5%, with Juniper Networks surging by almost 22% due to potential acquisition news by Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
Tech stocks, which had been performing strongly in 2023, faced challenges at the beginning of 2024, impacting the broader market. Despite this setback, healthcare emerged as one of the day’s winners, marking a 3% increase for the year and ranking as the top-performing sector. The recent market movements followed a positive session on Monday, where both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite rebounded, particularly driven by the recovery of mega-cap tech stocks after previous declines. Looking ahead, investors await crucial inflation data later in the week, expecting insight into potential Federal Reserve rate adjustments. Additionally, significant companies like Infosys, JPMorgan Chase, UnitedHealth, Bank of America, and Delta Air Lines are scheduled to report earnings, contributing to market sentiment and direction.
On Tuesday, the overall market experienced a slight decrease of 0.15%. However, there were sectoral variations, with Information Technology (+0.25%), Consumer Staples (+0.24%), and Communication Services (+0.13%) showing modest gains. Health Care (+0.04%) also saw a marginal increase. Conversely, Consumer Discretionary (-0.14%), Industrials (-0.24%), Financials (-0.69%), Real Estate (-0.74%), Utilities (-0.76%), Materials (-1.10%), and Energy (-1.63%) sectors faced declines, with Energy and Materials exhibiting the most significant decreases among the sectors.
Currency Market Updates
In the currency market, the US Dollar Index (DXY) surged to two-day highs, hitting the 102.70 zone, buoyed by increased demand for the greenback despite the lack of clear direction in US yields. This propelled EUR/USD downwards, nearly touching the critical support level of 1.0900 as the dollar gained traction alongside safe-haven assets. GBP/USD also faced downward pressure, slipping below 1.2700 and reversing gains from earlier in the week. Conversely, USD/JPY saw a notable recovery, surpassing the key barrier at 144.00 after consecutive sessions of losses, driven by inconclusive movements in US yields and a dip in JGB 10-year yields. Meanwhile, AUD/USD experienced a sharp decline to the 0.6680/75 region following two days of slight gains, ahead of the release of pivotal inflation data in Australia.
Additionally, the robust performance of the greenback pushed USD/CAD to fresh four-week highs beyond 1.3400 amid weak results in Canadian trade balance and building permits, sustaining selling pressure on the Canadian dollar. Precious metals faced headwinds as gold closed around $2030 per troy ounce due to heightened demand for the dollar and uncertain sentiments in US money markets. Silver prices echoed this trend, grappling with the significant $23.00 mark as they continued a negative trend from the beginning of the week. The currency market witnessed a shift in dynamics driven by the dollar’s resurgence, impacting major pairs and commodities alike as traders closely monitored key economic data releases and fluctuations in yields.
Picks of the Day Analysis
EUR/USD (4 Hours)
EUR/USD Reversal and Dollar Strength Amidst Economic Indicators
The EUR/USD pair retreated from early-week gains, hovering near 1.0900 amidst a stronger USD Index reaching 102.70. Market caution ahead of US inflation data and consumer sentiment reports contributed to the dollar’s uptick. The pair’s movement was influenced by mixed US yield trends and divergent central bank policies, with the ECB possibly eyeing rate cuts while the Fed leans toward reductions. Germany’s disappointing industrial production and an unexpected jobless rate improvement in the broader Eurozone added to the euro’s bearish sentiment, shaping the currency pair’s recent downturn.
On Tuesday, the EUR/USD moved slightly lower and reached the lower band of the Bollinger Bands. Currently, the price moving just below the middle band, suggesting a potential upward movement. Notably, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) maintains its position at 44, signaling a neutral outlook for this currency pair.
Resistance: 1.0980, 1.1068
Support: 1.0892, 1.0814
XAU/USD (4 Hours)
XAU/USD Treads Cautiously Amidst Economic Uncertainty and Fed Rate Expectations
Spot gold, reflected by XAU/USD, remains within familiar ranges, lingering at the lower end of Monday’s spectrum. The US Dollar gains momentum amid a gloomy market sentiment as stocks dip, while anticipation builds for key macroeconomic indicators. Market optimism regarding a potential Fed interest rate trim awaits validation from forthcoming Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures. Recent employment data signaling a tight labor market raises concerns about potential inflationary pressures, posing a dilemma for the Fed’s tightening policy. With rates at multi-year highs, there’s a looming risk of an economic setback, prompting speculation on potential rate cuts as early as March. Amidst this backdrop, the surge in US Treasury yields further bolsters the USD, creating a cautious atmosphere for gold traders.
On Tuesday, XAU/USD moved lower and moving between the middle and lower bands of the Bollinger Bands. Currently, the price moving higher and trying to reach the middle band. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 42, signaling a neutral outlook for this pair.
