Markets Hold Their Breath for the FOMC Minutes [Video]


Global markets traded a bit lower on dampened risk tone, in the EU a  wave of risk appetite prevailed this morning with investors looking forward to the Federal Reserve today, with the U.S. central bank scheduled to publish its latest meeting minutes at 18:00 GMT. 

Chances are that the Fed will stick to its position which could elevate the USD further, especially given that almost every other central bank turned dovish already, and also given the economic struggle for example Europe is dealing with, to which now further political uncertainty was added with the dissolution of the Italian government which increased the risk for the  EUR.

 

Forex Preview: EUR Subdued After Strong Uptick

In the forex markets, we expect USD strength to prevail. The USD is currently the only currency with a strong outlook and could push even higher if the FOMC minutes do not disappoint tonight Meanwhile, the EUR remained rather subdued after noting an uptick yesterday when Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced he will resign, slamming Deputy PM Matteo Salvini for pushing for a no-confidence vote. The EUR remains troubled from multiple angles, such as economic struggle, and political risks in Italy and of course the Brexit.

 

Oil Prices Recover, Gold Dips

Oil prices tumbled this morning but later recovered on a less stock build than previously expected and is likely to follow suit with the risk tone in the markets. Meanwhile, spot gold held near its $1,500 level and continues to look good on a possible further ascent.

USOil

 

BTC Tumbles After Failing to Break Above 11K

Elsewhere, bitcoin was not able to sustain or break to the upside yesterday and was followed with a heavy sell-off his morning re-testing the 10k level which held at the first attempt. The immediate outlook seems rather fragile, however.

Recommended Content


Recommended Content

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD holds gains near 1.0650 amid risk reset

EUR/USD holds gains near 1.0650 amid risk reset

EUR/USD is holding onto its recovery mode near 1.0650 in European trading on Friday. A recovery in risk sentiment is helping the pair, as the safe-haven US Dollar pares gains. Earlier today, reports of an Israeli strike inside Iran spooked markets. 

EUR/USD News

GBP/USD recovers toward 1.2450 after UK Retail Sales data

GBP/USD recovers toward 1.2450 after UK Retail Sales data

GBP/USD is rebounding toward 1.2450 in early Europe on Friday, having tested 1.2400 after the UK Retail Sales volumes stagnated again in March, The pair recovers in tandem with risk sentiment, as traders take account of the likely Israel's missile strikes on Iran. 

GBP/USD News

Gold price defends gains below $2,400 as geopolitical risks linger

Gold price defends gains below $2,400 as geopolitical risks linger

Gold price is trading below $2,400 in European trading on Friday, holding its retreat from a fresh five-day high of $2,418. Despite the pullback, Gold price remains on track to book the fifth weekly gain in a row, supported by lingering Middle East geopolitical risks.

Gold News

Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC post-halving rally could be partially priced in Premium

Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC post-halving rally could be partially priced in

Bitcoin price shows no signs of directional bias while it holds above  $60,000. The fourth BTC halving is partially priced in, according to Deutsche Bank’s research. 

Read more

Geopolitics once again take centre stage, as UK Retail Sales wither

Geopolitics once again take centre stage, as UK Retail Sales wither

Nearly a week to the day when Iran sent drones and missiles into Israel, Israel has retaliated and sent a missile into Iran. The initial reports caused a large uptick in the oil price.

Read more

Majors

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures