Tracking the forex market together / Part I

EUR/USD depreciates after registering modest gains in the previous session, trading around 1.1610 during the Asian hours on Thursday. The technical analysis of the daily chart suggests a persistent bearish bias as the EUR/USD pair remains within the descending channel pattern.

The Pound Sterling trades lower against its major currency peers, is down 0.22% around 1.3340 against the US Dollar, during the Asian trade on Thursday. The British currency faces selling pressures amid fears that the United Kingdom economy could face stagflation risks due to higher energy prices, a situation in which inflation accelerates with economic growth and employment conditions remaining stagnant.

Gold price extends its gains for the second successive session on Thursday as traders seek safety amid the ongoing war in the Middle East. US and Israeli strikes across Iranian territory and widespread Iranian missile and drone retaliation across the Middle East, including attacks on regional targets and military sites, prolong the crisis and its impact.

Bitcoin trades above $72,500 at press time on Thursday, holding its 6% gain from the previous day, contributing to a broader market recovery. The total cryptocurrency market capitalization stands at over $2.43 trillion as the broader market sentiment improves significantly.

At first glance, the latest escalation involving the United States with both Iran and Venezuela looks like another chapter in a long-running geopolitical story. But viewed through a broader strategic lens, something else may be unfolding: Energy.

The US Dollar (USD) eased on Wednesday after a two-day rally drove the US Dollar Index (DXY) near the 100.00 mark. The Greenback ignored the positive employment data and ISM Services PMI as the ongoing war between the US and Iran weights on sentiment.