ECI: Firmer Q2, but labor costs continue to ease on trend

EUR/USD loses ground for the fourth consecutive session, trading around 1.1760 during the Asian hours on Monday. On the daily chart, technical analysis indicates a weakening bullish bias, as the pair tests to break below the lower boundary of the ascending channel pattern.

The GBP/USD pair loses momentum near 1.3485 during the early European session on Monday, pressured by renewed US Dollar demand. The potential downside for a major pair might be limited, as the Bank of England guided that monetary policy will remain on a gradual downward path.

Gold price retreats from a record high near $4,550 during the early European trading hours on Monday as traders book some profits ahead of holidays. A renewed US Dollar could also weigh on the precious metal, as it makes Gold more expensive for non-US buyers, pressuring prices.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple record roughly 3% gains on Monday, regaining strength mid-holiday season. Despite thin liquidity in the holiday season, BTC and major altcoins are regaining strength as US President Donald Trump pushes peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The technical outlook for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple gradually shifts bullish as selling pressure wanes.

After a year marked by global economic resilience and ending on a note of optimism, 2026 looks promising and could be a year of solid economic performance. In our baseline scenario, we expect most of the supportive factors at work in 2025 to continue to play a role in 2026.

Avalanche trades close to $12 by press time on Wednesday, extending the nearly 2% drop from the previous day. Grayscale filed an updated form to convert its Avalanche-focused Trust into an ETF with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.