Asian stocks appear set for a mixed open amid a data-light Friday, overlooking Wall Street’s higher finish overnight following strong U.S. economic data.
Australia’s benchmark S&P ASX 200 index rose 0.2 percent at the open, recovering from Thursday’s four-week low which saw the bourse giving up this year’s gains to trade 0.7 percent lower year-to-date.
Profit-taking could continue to weigh on Japan’s Nikkei 225. Stock futures in Chicago traded at 17,290, while those in Osaka dropped 0.4 percent to 17,260; both marginally below the index’s previous close of 17,300. Japanese shares saw limited gains on Thursday as investors took profits on recent performers such as Softbank.
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EUR/USD edges lower toward 1.0700 post-US PCE
EUR/USD stays under modest bearish pressure but manages to hold above 1.0700 in the American session on Friday. The US Dollar (USD) gathers strength against its rivals after the stronger-than-forecast PCE inflation data, not allowing the pair to gain traction.
GBP/USD retreats to 1.2500 on renewed USD strength
GBP/USD lost its traction and turned negative on the day near 1.2500. Following the stronger-than-expected PCE inflation readings from the US, the USD stays resilient and makes it difficult for the pair to gather recovery momentum.
Gold struggles to hold above $2,350 following US inflation
Gold turned south and declined toward $2,340, erasing a large portion of its daily gains, as the USD benefited from PCE inflation data. The benchmark 10-year US yield, however, stays in negative territory and helps XAU/USD limit its losses.
Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC’s next breakout could propel it to $80,000 Premium
Bitcoin’s recent price consolidation could be nearing its end as technical indicators and on-chain metrics suggest a potential upward breakout. However, this move would not be straightforward and could punish impatient investors.
Week ahead – Hawkish risk as Fed and NFP on tap, Eurozone data eyed too
Fed meets on Wednesday as US inflation stays elevated. Will Friday’s jobs report bring relief or more angst for the markets? Eurozone flash GDP and CPI numbers in focus for the Euro.