The NZDUSD has been climbing after sellers were unable to maintain a break below the 0.5825 swing area and the 200-bar moving average on the 4-hour chart. From the reversal of the dip yesterday, buyers have regained control, driving the pair above key technical levels.

The pair has surpassed several resistance points, including the 200-day moving average at 0.5883. Additional resistance levels include the 100-hour and 200-hour moving averages at 0.5907 and 0.5835, respectively. The current upward momentum is targeting the 100-bar moving average on the 4-hour chart around 0.5949.

Potential Reach to 06000 and Beyond

A move past 0.5949 could lead to a push towards the next major resistance area near 0.6000. Beyond that, the extremes for 2025 lie between 0.6018 and 0.6028.

Yesterday and earlier today, sellers attempted to take control, but the trend is currently favouring buyers. The key technical levels for resistance and support are 0.59494, 0.6000, 0.6018 to 0.6028, and 0.5935, 0.5907, 0.5883, and 0.58525, respectively. The market sentiment appears to be shifting back towards buyers after sellers were unable to capitalise.

What we’ve just observed in the NZDUSD is a short-term repricing after an earlier push lower failed to gather the required momentum to sustain further declines. The inability of sellers to remain below the 0.5825 level – which coincides with the 200-bar moving average on the 4-hour timeframe – served as a signal that downside conviction was weakening. When that level held, we started to see a rebound gather pace.

Since then, we’ve seen the move kick through layers of resistance, initially the 200-day moving average – a longer-term indication – at 0.5883, followed by swift gains that cleared both the 100-hour and 200-hour markers. These short-term averages tend to reflect more reactive sentiment and provide a solid gauge of intraday positioning. Going through those suggests that the short-term tone has turned favourable for bullish action.

Direction and Support Levels

Now the focus sits at around 0.5949, which aligns with the 100-bar average on the 4-hour chart. Reaching and holding above that level would indicate that recent buying isn’t just a corrective bounce but something with deeper traction. Assuming buying can sustain at or beyond that mark, we could see continued extension towards 0.6000. Once that’s cleared, there’s not much resistance until the range between 0.6018 to 0.6028 comes back into play – a structure previously tested and rejected, representing a proper battle line if reached again.

From a directional bias standpoint, it’s clear: buyers have taken the reins, and price action is rewarding those aligned with that short-term narrative. Reactions at around 0.5949 and then again towards the psychological 0.6000 zone may offer insight into how committed this move is.

Support levels aren’t just markers where price might pause; they are where behaviour shifts can occur if buyers step away. We’ve got these layered between 0.5935, 0.5907, and 0.5883, with more depth back down at 0.58525. Should any sharp moves lower appear, we’d expect some positioning reset within those bands in the near term.

Miller’s commentary, which formed part of the original analysis, highlighted the failed breakout of the downside and noted how that set off a mechanical unwind from short positions. That seems to be evident in the way price has moved quite cleanly through each resistance level. Meanwhile, Powell acknowledged the upward tilt in momentum and made it especially clear that we’re now dealing with a market that no longer sees value in selling rallies – at least for now.

In this sort of setup, what matters most is how the price responds at resistance markers, especially after such a directional impulse. If there’s a clear stall or hesitation around 0.5949 to 0.6000, that may hint at a near-term exhaustion, but unless price gives up the areas below 0.5883 and 0.58525, the broader setup still prefers strength.

From where we sit, price is respecting structure well. We should act with the chart in front of us, and given recent buying strength, attempts to counter that might need clearer breakdowns before becoming viable. It’s not about predicting turns, but rather responding to where commitment holds.

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US Treasury yields surged after a softer-than-expected US inflation report, with the 10-year note yield inching up over two basis points to 4.495%. This softness in April’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) defied expectations of a tariff-driven rise, hinting the May figures might better capture these effects.

The headline CPI rose 0.2% month-on-month, falling short of the anticipated 0.3%. Annually, it increased 2.3%, slightly down from March’s 2.4% and below forecasts.

Impact On Markets

Core CPI saw a 0.2% rise last month, consistent with March’s figures, maintaining a 2.8% year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, real yields climbed to 2.21%, impacting gold prices negatively.

A US-China trade pause led to a downturn in expected Fed rate cuts by reducing duties, affecting traders’ expectations. The market now predicts only 52 basis points of easing, down from the prior 76.

Interest rates, charged by financial institutions on loans, influence currency strength and gold prices. Higher rates make a currency more attractive, but weigh on gold due to increased opportunity costs. The Fed funds rate, a crucial measure in financial markets, shapes monetary policy expectations.

The data released has thrown traders a bit of a curveball. Despite inflation coming in a touch lighter than previously forecasted, Treasury yields unexpectedly edged higher. Typically, we’d expect yields to drift lower when inflation shows signs of cooling. But that didn’t happen here.

Short Term Market Predictions

What this suggests is that while April’s Consumer Price Index may have undershot expectations, markets aren’t confident this will be a long-term trend. There’s a reasonable chance investors are already looking beyond April, wondering whether May or June data will reveal more of the expected pressure from tariffs or supply disruptions—factors that usually take a bit of time to filter through. April’s dip in the headline rate also doesn’t fully erase the broader concern that inflation might be sticky in certain categories, especially at the core level, which refuses to budge below 2.8%.

Real yields—those adjusted for inflation—pushed higher as well, edging closer to multi-year highs. When this happens, it tends to pull liquidity out of some non-yielding assets, especially gold, which saw lower demand as the cost of holding it increased. Given our focus, we’ve seen this feed into option premiums and forward curves in commodity-linked products, particularly those tied to precious metals.

The reduction in expected rate cuts is not a subtle one either. Markets having retraced more than 20 basis points in their Fed easing expectations tells us participants are factoring in a possible delay, or even scaling back, of policy adjustments. The earlier assumption that the Fed might feel comfortable moving soon is no longer in play. Though the Fed hasn’t directly tightened the screws any further, the market is doing some of the heavy lifting for them.

From our view, the market has turned towards a more cautious stance, especially in terms of short-dated rates pricing. Forward curves are flatter, particularly in the 6-to-18-month horizon. Those positioned for steep easing in the latter half of the year are now facing headwinds, with volatility likely to pick up into the FOMC’s next projections update.

Currency desks will be watching incoming data with sharper attention. A stronger dollar, stemming from rising yields and narrower policy differentials, affects carry trades and hedging costs. This movement also underscores a general uptick in risk aversion. In options strategies, skew has begun tilting again as more participants seek downside protection against sudden rate repricing.

This adjustment across the fixed income strip means we need to reassess short gamma positions, particularly in the belly of the curve. While vol remains within familiar bounds, positioning dynamics are shifting. Hedging demand may increase and with US data still the fulcrum for short-term moves, it’s likely we’ll see a further re-adjustment in open interest through the end of the month.

Now that easing bets have been pulled back, attention will return to corporate credit spreads, funding costs, and demand for liquidity across short-term instruments. If real yields continue upward without strong growth data to justify them, stress may show up in risk assets. When evaluating where to allocate or hedge, one can’t ignore the signals now flashing in fixed income pricing.

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Crude oil futures have risen to $63.67, marking an increase of $1.72 or 2.78%. This price hike follows an upward trend over five of the last six trading days, increasing by 11.38% since May 5 when it was $57.15.

Today’s closing price is the highest since April 17, which closed at $63.68. The next important price level is the 50% midpoint of the range since April 2020, at $64.71, with recent highs approaching but not surpassing this mark.

Price Rally Driven By Multiple Factors

The price rally is driven by easing trade tensions, a new U.S.–UK deal, and anticipated stronger demand with the U.S. driving season approaching. Yet, rising global supply limits these gains, as OPEC+ adds back 2.2 million barrels per day, and the EIA predicts inventory builds throughout the year.

We’ve seen a rather sharp ascent in crude futures lately, pushing through previous resistance levels with some conviction. Prices have added over $6.50 per barrel in just over a fortnight, a move that stands out not only for its magnitude but also its persistence. Five of the past six sessions closed higher – the sort of stretch that tends to draw attention from short-term traders and forces a reassessment of risk-reward across positions.

The fact that this latest close came one cent shy of the April 17 peak matters more than it might initially appear. When prices flirt with previous highs without yet clearing them, we’re often at one of those stages where technical positioning becomes more heated. Any decisive push beyond that April level would bring into play the 50% retracement of the post-pandemic move — a figure around $64.71 — not because it holds any magical power, but because markets tend to cluster orders near such points. We’ve seen it often enough to understand it lends gravity to price action.

We should not, however, assume this burst upward is unshakable. While factors such as improving trade relations and an upcoming spike in driving season usage have buoyed sentiment, the reality of steady increases in supply clouds the medium-term picture. The OPEC+ producer group is gradually restoring cuts and the U.S. government’s energy body, the EIA, forecasts ongoing inventory accumulation. That’s a poor backdrop for sustaining higher pricing unless demand can overcome those bulges consistently.

Market Sentiment And Trade Strategy

Brennan, who covers global energy flows, has hinted that the broader product market still looks heavy – so even though headline crude is supported, refined products aren’t rallying in lockstep. This narrows refinery margins and may eventually dampen throughput if it continues, especially as summer wears on.

From our corner, reading between the lines, this environment offers a classic setup for traders to lean into shorter-term volatility rather than long directional bets. Bring stops in tighter. Options with near-term expiries, particularly straddles and strangles, could deliver value while markets continue their tug-of-war between softening supply cuts and revived consumption optimism. Delta positioning needs reviewing regularly given headline risk.

As always during phases like this – where price is hugging major inflection points but hasn’t broken clear of them – chart levels gain importance not just for entries, but for exits. We need to stay prepared to unwind swiftly if this lift in futures begins to lose steam — especially once we get clearer inventories data later in the month. If that incoming data confirms the inventories narrative, retracements to lower support bands aren’t just possible; they would likely find limited resistance.

So while the market mood has turned decisively positive in recent days, we remain mindful of the supply-side creep and the execution risk surrounding upcoming macro releases. A careful pair of hands is far better suited than bold conviction at this stage.

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USD/CHF retreated to the support level of 0.8400 after the US Consumer Price Index data for April indicated slower inflation than anticipated. The headline CPI reported a 2.3% year-on-year rise, down from March’s 2.4%, while the core CPI held steady at 2.8%.

The US Dollar Index fell to 101.30 from a recent high of 102.00, amid cooling inflation and ongoing trade concerns. The CME FedWatch tool showed a 61.4% chance of interest rates holding steady at 4.25%-4.50% for July, amidst broader economic worries.

Swiss Franc’s Safe Haven Status

The Swiss Franc strengthened against most major currencies, maintaining a safe-haven status during economic uncertainties. USD/CHF found support near 0.8375, a former key resistance point, as the pair sought stability.

Technical analysis shows USD/CHF nearing critical support of 0.8400, with potential for a bullish trend above the 20-day EMA at 0.8326. Key resistance levels are at 0.8500, while support levels lie at 0.8375, 0.8186, 0.8100, and 0.8040, depending on market dynamics.

The downward move in USD/CHF following the latest CPI release was a reflection of reduced inflation expectations and a tempered outlook on further US Federal Reserve tightening. CPI numbers, particularly the headline figure slipping to 2.3% year-on-year, sharpened the tone for future rate policy. Meanwhile, the core CPI’s steadiness at 2.8% signals stubborn underlying price pressures, potentially complicating the rate path over the summer months. That slight divergence is what caused a softening in the dollar’s positioning.

Movement in the US Dollar Index — easing toward 101.30 — added downward pressure on dollar pairs across the board, including USD/CHF. This drop came shortly after a brief peak at 102.00, which now appears to have been a short-lived reaction to earlier economic surprises. The latest CME FedWatch projections anchored near 61% for a July hold suggest a consensus forming around policy patience.

Market Dynamics And Future Projections

Market participants ought to maintain close attention to rate probabilities, especially those derived from instruments like Fed Funds futures. When futures lean toward a policy pause, dollar strength usually wanes, particularly against currencies that are perceived as stable or low-risk. That dynamic reasserted itself here, with the Franc gaining across several crosses — not solely against the dollar.

Taking the technicals into account, support at 0.8375 has shown resilience — previously acting as resistance — and now marks an area where dip-buying may begin to emerge. For the time being, if we do not see a sustained drop below this level, the broader trading community might look for any catalyst — economic or geopolitical — to rotate flows back into the dollar. The 0.8326 level, which lines up with the 20-day EMA, is a technical zone we are watching closely; a decisive move through it, up or down, would likely invite larger-volume positioning.

Above, the resistance at 0.8500 remains a pivotal short-term ceiling, and it’s unlikely to be taken out without a change in the macro narrative — either through unexpectedly strong US data or a shift in global risk sentiment. That said, movement toward 0.8400 and above should not be assumed unless buyers regain control with conviction.

Support structures further below at 0.8186, 0.8100, and even down to 0.8040 should be considered not merely as technical levels, but triggers for risk recalibration. If the pair drifts below those marks — particularly into the high 0.8100s — longer-term dollar longs could begin unwinding more aggressively, increasing volatility across G10 pairings.

In the near term, a focus remains on whether the current range around 0.8400 holds firm. If it does, price may oscillate in tight steps higher, barring any unexpected data shocks. Alternatively, a slice below it could see a retest of March lows, particularly if Swiss National Bank rhetoric turns more assertive or if upcoming US macro data disappoints further.

We are keeping an eye on bond yields, oil prices, and risk appetite indicators for additional clues. All three feed into how capital moves across pairs like USD/CHF — often indirectly — but with effects that are hard to ignore. How institutional flows manage strike volatility around these levels will also shape intraday momentum, particularly for shorter time-frame traders.

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Bank of America has adjusted its forecast for the USD/CAD year-end rate, reducing it from 1.40 to 1.38. The bank predicts a medium-term decline to 1.35 and suggests a 1-year reverse knock-out put to capture this expectation.

Factors contributing to Canadian dollar strength in April included a Bank of Canada rate cut pause and expectations for fiscal expansion and investment inflows. However, the bank posits these influences led to a temporary overvaluation of the Canadian dollar.

Forecast and Strategy Overview

In the near term, the USD/CAD rate is expected to remain around 1.40 over the next two quarters before a gradual decline. A cost-effective strategy using a one-year options approach is recommended to benefit from an anticipated decrease in the USD.

A potential risk to this outlook is a recession in North America by 2025, which could strengthen the USD and negate the trade strategy. Overall, the bank projects a modest bearish trend for the USD/CAD exchange rate, with a focus on risk-managed options.

What the initial text lays out is a recalibration of foreign exchange expectations. Bank of America now sees the USD/CAD pair dipping slightly further than previously anticipated, trimming its year-end forecast from 1.40 to 1.38 and eyeing more downside towards 1.35 over the medium term. This comes with a specific recommendation: structuring exposure using a one-year reverse knock-out put option, aimed at capturing more favourable pricing, should the Canadian dollar indeed gain in the way the bank expects.

April presented a mix of support for the loonie — the Bank of Canada withheld further rate cuts at a time when other central banks leaned dovish, and fiscal policy chatter turned more expansionary. Investment flows followed, pushing demand for CAD. For a time, the CAD found buyers too enthusiastic; the bank now sees that moment as one of exaggeration, and not reflective of deeper fundamentals.

Risk Adjusted Strategy and Market Conditions

Despite that episode, price action hasn’t spiralled. The USD/CAD rate looks likely to hover at elevated levels (around 1.40) for at least two quarters. The descent towards 1.35, as they’ve outlined, is expected to unfold at a measured pace, well beyond the next few months. This helps explain why they’ve leaned on a longer-dated strategy with options—timing a directional view out to a full year while containing upfront costs.

We think it’s time to pay attention to risk-adjusted returns quite carefully. Volatility in options markets has pulled back enough to make alternative structures like knock-outs more attractive. But containment of delta risk matters as well—especially with global macro risks hovering. Hartnett, who has often pointed to the influence of cyclical downturns, raises the spectre of a North American recession pushing USD higher again if fear takes over. That could invalidate short-dollar views, at least temporarily. Position sizing, and potential rollovers, then become not just technical details but key execution steps.

A few things must be observed in the weeks ahead. First, rate differentials: Macklem and his team at the BoC could raise expectations for further easing, even if reluctant to pull the trigger just yet. That would weigh on CAD somewhat. Second, U.S. economic releases—especially job data—must not breach to the upside too severely, or else Powell could regain the aggressive narrative that supports USD near-term.

As for how we frame it, the one-year hedge retains value if spot softens over time, but even more if the initial stagnation higher allows for better pricing in rolling the structure. Timing trades ahead of this trajectory will mean watching legs such as lower volatilities on shorter tenors and movements in skew.

It’s not about bold directional views just now. We need to proceed with strategies where low carry and time decay work in favour, rather than becoming costs. If growth surprises lean worse into Q3 and Q4, that may accelerate the expected decline, opening exits before maturity.

So, while central banks hold the reins more lightly these months, positioning should be more cautious but not defensive. The target is clear. The path, slightly foggy. But with defined premiums and optionality in hand, we can take that walk.

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The Mexican Peso (MXN) has shown an increase against the US Dollar (USD), backed by a recovery in global risk appetite and expectations of a more dovish stance from the Federal Reserve. Currently, USD/MXN is near 19.470, down 1.00%, as traders look ahead to remarks from Fed officials and the Bank of Mexico’s (Banxico) policy decision on Thursday.

The US CPI report for April displayed a moderation in inflation pressures, with headline CPI rising 0.2% monthly, falling short of the 0.3% consensus. Year-over-year, headline inflation slowed to 2.3%, underperforming expectations of 2.4%, while core CPI maintained stability at 2.8%.

Fed Policy Expectations

The softer inflation data raises the likelihood of Fed policy easing later this year, with markets pricing in a 25 basis points rate cut by September. Ahead of Banxico’s meeting, economists expect a 50 basis points rate cut, potentially marking the third consecutive reduction of this size.

Mexico’s economy remains pressured, with GDP growth at 0.2% in Q1 and a 1.9% increase in industrial output in March. The Peso’s recent strength indicates that some monetary policy divergence may already be factored in, yet ongoing trade tensions and capital flows still pose challenges.

We’ve been watching USD/MXN edge lower, largely driven by two major developments: a renewed appetite for risk globally and a softening inflation picture in the United States. The April CPI figures came in a touch lighter than traders had anticipated—0.2% month-on-month for headline inflation versus the expected 0.3%, and a year-over-year reading of 2.3%. That’s below the 2.4% that was forecast. Importantly, the core number—stripping out food and energy—held steady at 2.8%. That steadiness matters, as the Fed leans heavily on the core metrics when thinking about its next steps.

Markets have reacted quickly—now more uniformly leaning toward the Fed trimming rates by September, pricing in a 25 basis points cut. That expectation lends to dollar softness, weakening the USD and, in this case, providing support for the Peso. It’s not just about the Fed, though.

Mexico Versus The Global Policy Tone

At the same time, we’re following developments in Mexico where Banxico is poised to move in the opposite direction. Economists are pencilling in a 50 basis points cut on Thursday—what would be the third time running they’ve taken a knife to borrowing costs at that scale. That would put rates further in divergence and explain some of the selling pressure we’ve seen on USD/MXN. But we shouldn’t assume the pair is purely reacting to interest rates.

Mexico’s broader economic backdrop isn’t particularly robust. GDP expanded just 0.2% in the first quarter, and while industrial production rose 1.9% in March, those aren’t flashy numbers. That level of output doesn’t suggest an economy firing on all cylinders. In that sense, Banxico’s willingness to continue cutting shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Yet, the Peso hasn’t backed off too sharply—at least not just yet.

That resilience hints at an expectation that the bulk of the policy mismatch has already been absorbed. When we look at positioning and option flows, there’s evidence that traders have already priced in a spread between monetary policies. That reduces the likelihood of a sharp reaction unless Banxico does something unexpected—either more aggressive or more cautious than forecast. We’re not seeing much concern, at least not from plain-vanilla FX flows.

But there’s another layer here—capital flows and trade pressure. These are lurking variables. With precise rate decisions more or less anticipated, the next leg for USD/MXN might come from external risks. That includes trade tensions, especially any rhetoric or policy from US officials that could cloud North American commercial ties. Shifts in sentiment around foreign direct investment or shifts in manufacturing data from either side of the border could catch markets leaning the wrong way.

For derivatives traders, the near-term view now revolves less around outright directional plays and more on volatility setups. With the pair having moved swiftly toward the 19.470 level, it’s poised for consolidation unless incoming data—or policy shifts—push it outside this range. Calendar spreads and short-dated straddles look relatively underpriced given the week ahead includes both Banxico and Fed commentary. Vega exposure could be attractive here if implied vol stays compressed.

Positioning in the options market should remain light on directional conviction but reactive to risk skew shifts, particularly if rates or capital flows deviate sharply from consensus. We would avoid loading up ahead of Thursday’s Banxico decision but monitor front-end implied volatility for any mispricing. Short-term gamma could still deliver value, especially around the 19.30–19.50 belt.

Given Mexico’s economic readouts and the current global policy tone, there’s little in the way of new surprises unless one of the central banks breaks ranks. Until then, there’s room for quiet reassessment but little room for error around exposure sizing.

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Former President Trump expressed his desire for the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates, suggesting the move could boost the American economy. He pointed to decreasing prices in gasoline, energy, and groceries as a rationale for such a decision.

Market anticipations indicate an expected easing of 51 basis points within the year, commencing in September. Trump compared the situation to European and Chinese economic strategies, asking why the U.S. was lagging behind.

Trump’s Monetary Policy Commentary

This article so far highlights commentary from Trump regarding monetary policy actions he believes would reinforce economic conditions. He’s drawing attention to declining consumer costs—petrol, utility bills, and food—as signs that easing interest rates should now be in play. His argument revolves around the idea that inflation no longer acts as a barrier, implying the Federal Reserve has room to cut borrowing costs. He further underlines that policy stances in Europe and China have been more accommodative, framing the Fed’s caution as a drag on growth.

Looking at the data, the market appears to align marginally with this mentality. Pricing in just over half a percentage point in cuts by year-end, traders currently place the first move around September. That timing suggests a degree of patience rather than urgency, likely factoring in both domestic metrics and U.S. exceptionalism compared to global peers. Judging by bond market behaviour, longer-dated yields imply confidence in medium-term disinflation.

From a trading perspective, these expectations aim to sniff out where monetary accommodation starts to influence risk pricing more broadly. It’s not just about timing a rate move—it’s about anticipating changes in credit conditions, discount rates, and liquidity preferences. In past cycles, the moment traders moved from bracing for higher rates to pricing in consistent cuts often proved to be an inflection point for volatility-sensitive positions.

Powell’s Observation And Market Reactions

Powell’s team has not ruled anything out but has been consistent in stating they want more data, particularly on services inflation and wage growth. That means we may get sharper moves off slight surprises in economic releases—non-farm payrolls, CPI prints, and producer costs are likely to move implied volatility more than usual for the next few prints. If cuts firm in implied curves, short-dated rate structures may steepen. That wouldn’t just affect front-end swaps or Eurodollar contracts but bleed into options strategies that hinge on curve shape and realised daily swings.

We’re watching how correlation behaves—there are moments where duration trades soften while equity volatility persists longer than models suggest. When rate paths diverge from equity forward multiples, you tend to find opportunities in cross-asset relative value. It’s also worth noting that hedging flows around Fed meetings become less directional and more about gamma stability, which incentivises short-term selling if implieds rise sharply ahead of key prints.

In practice, exposure to front-end and belly sensitivity requires closer monitoring. Regime shifts—like the one we might be entering if the easing narrative firms—often impact liquidity and risk appetite unevenly across tenors. When macro direction aligns with supply calendar dynamics, as it might soon, desks with exposure to primary issuance could find carry trades less predictable.

As we move through the next month, it becomes less about directional view and more about identifying when the timing consensus becomes too concentrated. That’s when we see windows for short-term mispricings. Fiscal effects and geopolitical noise only compound those windows. Prepare to shift positioning ahead of consensus alignment rather than lag it.

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The EUR/USD pair is trading near the 1.1200 level after showing gains. Momentum indicators are varied, but the overall trend is still positive with long-term support levels intact.

In technical terms, the relative strength index indicates balanced momentum. However, the MACD suggests some short-term resistance, while other indicators like Stochastic %K point to potential further gains. The EUR/USD is supported by key moving averages, though the 20-day Simple Moving Average might present some resistance to upward movement.

Important Support and Resistance Levels

Important support levels are noted at 1.1132, 1.1084, and 1.1083, while resistance levels are at 1.1197, 1.1230, and 1.1242. A breakthrough above resistance could suggest further growth, although a fall below support might lead to a short-term decline.

Other market news includes positive movements in AUD/USD surpassing its 200-day SMA, the EUR/USD climbing with Greenback weakening, and gold prices stabilising around $3,250. Robinhood plans to acquire the Canadian crypto platform WonderFi for $178 million, expanding its asset base. Additionally, a US-China trade pause has led to increased optimism and market activity.

From what we’ve observed, the EUR/USD pair has managed to edge closer to 1.1200, a level that hasn’t seen this kind of attention in months. The price action has been driven largely by dollar softness, but there’s more at play here than mere currency divergence. While long-term supports are clearly holding steady—particularly around the 1.1080 handle—the ability of the pair to maintain momentum depends heavily on how the pair moves through the clustering resistance levels ahead.

Technically, everything is not aligned in one direction. The RSI shows no strong overbought or oversold condition, which generally means neither side has full control, at least not yet. But we’re seeing split signals from other tools. The MACD, which tends to tell us how fast momentum is building, hints at some short-term resistance creeping in. For now, any buying pressure needs to reckon with the 20-day Simple Moving Average, which could act as a brake if the impulse isn’t strong enough. There’s enough evidence that buyers want to press on, but they may be pausing briefly to reassess.

Moving Forward in the Forex Market

Should prices manage to close cleanly above the 1.1230 level, it could open the door toward 1.1242 and beyond—but not without effort. That 1.1230 zone, in particular, acts as a psychological and technical bar. A decisive move above this could tilt sentiment further in favour of upside positions, providing room for setups with tighter stops below 1.1197.

On the downside, any breach beneath 1.1132 needs to be treated seriously. A return to levels like 1.1084 isn’t off the table, and such a move would force long positions to exit or reduce risk in the short term. This range from 1.1080 to 1.1190 might persist in holding price unless more decisive fundamentals shift the tone.

Elsewhere, we’ve seen the Australian dollar making a more decisive push above its 200-day average—this doesn’t often happen in isolation. The broader tone suggests investors are cautiously shedding exposure to the dollar, likely responding to the recent pause in rate pressures and some quiet on the geopolitical front.

Then there’s gold, which has now found a new area of price anchoring near the $3,250 mark. That’s a good deal higher than many expected going into this quarter. This may reflect not just inflation concerns but also a desire for higher-quality collateral amid equity rotation.

The Robinhood-WonderFi development adds another layer: more capital flowing into digital assets, even as regulatory oversight expands. Whether or not this affects broader FX trends remains to be seen, but increasing diversity of investment vehicles usually attracts a more speculative appetite, which can carry over into currency positioning.

In the background, the easing of tensions between Washington and Beijing has quietly fed back into risk-on sentiment. With fewer headlines dedicated to tariffs and tech bans, equity and commodity markets are finding more breathing room. We’re keeping an eye on bond yields as well, because lower yields typically spell reduced demand for the dollar, and that filters directly into how traders perceive FX opportunities.

Given all this, price movements in the coming sessions are less likely to follow a straight path. Variability will remain high, especially around key data releases or policy commentary.

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Hesitation Phase

On Friday, the 200-hour moving average was tested but did not hold above it, as sellers emerged. If the pair successfully moves above this average, the next target would be the high price from Friday’s trade at 1.3223.

What we’re currently observing in the GBPUSD reflects a typical hesitation phase often seen at key technical points. The pair has edged higher, climbing above its 100-hour moving average, as well as breaching a notable short-term swing level near 1.3257. This kind of movement typically draws attention, especially when it leads directly into a test of a longer-term reference line like the 200-hour moving average, now positioned near 1.32837.

At the end of last week, the price made a determined attempt to push through that 200-hour line. It managed to touch the region but couldn’t close above it or build enough buying pressure to remain elevated. Sellers appeared, possibly looking to defend that level, and their presence caused price activity to stall. That kind of reaction often suggests caution among larger volume participants, who may be assessing order flow before committing further capital.

Price Compression and Trade Management

Now that we’re back looking at the same level again—after reclaiming shorter-term averages—the market is faced with a fairly clear risk-reward equation. The cluster of resistance just above Friday’s high (slightly above 1.3280) gives us a well-defined ceiling. For those involved in leveraged contracts or options pricing models dependent on direction and timing, what matters now is whether buyers can overcome this pressure zone with stronger momentum than they managed previously.

Should that happen, we could expect volatility to increase quickly. That’s because a clear break and consolidation above the 200-hour average could flush out remaining short-side positioning and shift risk sentiment toward the upside with greater conviction. If it fails again, however, and begins to dip beneath the 100-hour average, we’d then be back in a more neutral or possibly negative short-term setup.

We’re approaching this by looking at price velocity on smaller intervals. Momentum indicators are beginning to slope upward, though not dramatically, and volume around recent highs has not surged. Bailey’s recent commentary did not spark a sharp move, which suggests inflation expectations priced into the pound remain relatively stable for now. Without fresh data or an unexpected policy signal, range-bound behaviour could persist.

For those of us watching intraday action closely, this period calls for strict trade management. If testing of the moving average continues without follow-through, fake-outs are possible. Those can trigger unwanted stop-losses or lead to poor entry points. Any directional bias now should rely not on whether the level is reached, but whether the pair can firmly establish support above or below it.

In particular, if the price action starts respecting the 200-hour level with clear higher lows forming intraday, the decision-making process shifts towards trend-continuation setups. If it does the opposite and begins printing lower highs while failing to breach resistance, that often precedes a return to the mean or a breakdown toward prior swing support near the mid-1.32s.

For now, price compression between these levels offers well-contained opportunity for volatility scalps with defined risk. Direction will depend on whether cumulative delta shifts noticeably as new orders come into the order book. Short-term models have moved slightly bullish, but not with confirmation. Let’s see whether liquidity pools above the recent highs trigger stops or if we’re still in balance.

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GBP/USD rose by over 0.35% following a softer-than-expected US inflation report, which sustained expectations for further Federal Reserve rate cuts. The exchange rate reached 1.3226 after rebounding from a daily low of 1.3165.

US Consumer Price Index for April slightly missed forecasts, with a 0.2% increase against an expected 0.3%, slightly higher than March’s -0.1%. Core CPI at 0.2% was below the forecast of 0.3%, with annual inflation at 2.3%, slightly below estimates.

Uk Employment Figures

In the UK, employment figures indicated a cooling job market, lessening pressure on the Bank of England. Wage growth slowed to 5.6%, its lowest since November 2024, with the number of employees decreasing by nearly 33,000.

Market expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts shifted from three to two based on recent data. For the BoE, 48.6 basis points of easing is projected by year-end, with no policy changes expected at the June meeting.

GBP/USD remains in a bullish trend despite falling below the 20-day Simple Moving Average at 1.3301. The first resistance levels are the 20-day SMA, followed by 1.3350 and 1.3400, while support lies at the week’s low of 1.3194.

The earlier part of this analysis outlines two essential data points that have affected the currency pair recently: lower-than-anticipated inflation in the United States and declining employment strength in the United Kingdom. The inflation figures coming from the US missed forecasts slightly across both headline and core measures. What this means is that prices aren’t increasing as fast as expected, which often leads policymakers to consider loosening monetary policy, or at least not tightening it further. Traders responded quickly, pushing the pound higher against the dollar due to a growing belief that the Federal Reserve might not need to maintain higher interest rates for as long.

Fed Rate Path Expectations

From our view, expectations around the Fed’s rate path have softened. Initially, three rate cuts were anticipated, but the market has now priced in just two. These shifts are not trivial—they speak directly to sentiment in fixed income and swap markets that ripple through to the dollar. A gentler trajectory in interest rate policy tends to weigh on the currency, and that’s what we saw here.

On the UK side, fresh jobs numbers released this week hinted at easing labour market pressure. Fewer people were on payrolls and growth in average pay cooled again. These two signals imply that the Bank of England has more space to consider easing policy down the road. There’s now roughly 48.6 basis points of rate reductions priced in through to year-end. Practically, this amounts to two quarter-point cuts being viewed as likely, although we aren’t expecting a move in June based on current data.

The pound-dollar pair, while still trading within an upward channel on wider timeframes, has drifted below its 20-day moving average. That said, it hasn’t broken through support seen earlier in the week. For us, that confluence creates a pivotal chart area right around 1.3194 to 1.3226. If that zone holds, then price action could find traction to push back toward key resistance zones—namely, the 20-day moving average and the clusters just above at 1.3350 and 1.3400.

So, from a trading stance, what we’re watching over the next few sessions is how the dollar reacts to further data releases. If upcoming US figures continue to underwhelm, then we may see momentum further tilt in favour of sterling, especially if UK inflation surprises higher or the BoE tone shifts at all. We’re not positioning for quick reversals unless the next figures from the States flip this benign inflation outlook on its head.

It also helps to treat these SMA levels not as fixed targets but rather as zones where dealer flow and short-term options strike levels sit. Intraday traders might be tempted to fade moves at those resistance levels, while longer-term positioning would likely favour building gradually into swings that lean toward 1.3400, should support remain intact.

In practical terms, we think it pays to keep a close eye on volatility gauges around this pair in the coming week. If you start seeing implied volatility firm despite no fresh headlines, that’s usually your signal that positioning is beginning to become one-sided. Use that as a cue.

And finally, with both central banks unlikely to announce dramatic shifts before the next round of inflation and growth data, this opens the door for technicals to temporarily gain more influence. That context offers opportunity for traders who are disciplined with their entries and keep tight risk parameters.

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