Sentiment mixed as US trade war extends into services [Video]

Ipek Ozkardeskaya Swissquote Bank Ltd

Markets kicked off the week on a mixed note. Last week’s Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cut gave equities a boost, but news that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) may begin reducing its ETF holdings added some caution. But Wall Street shrugged it off, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hitting fresh record highs, while the Nikkei and European indices saw modest pressure. Nikkei is up this morning, but equities in China are down on no major clarity on US-China trade war, while massive rise in H-1B visa costs are weighing on Indian tech stocks this morning.

The US dollar is better bid, while gold and oil continue to attract inflows amid tensions in the Middle East, while uranium surged on Trump’s nuclear expansion orders on Friday. Energy, tech and AI-related stocks remain in focus as investors weigh policy, earnings and geopolitical signals.

This week brings US GDP and inflation updates, global PMIs and the Swiss National Bank’s (SNB) policy decision — all closely watched for cues on the next market moves.

Author

Ipek Ozkardeskaya

Swissquote Bank Ltd

Ipek Ozkardeskaya began her financial career in 2010 in the structured products desk of the Swiss Banque Cantonale Vaudoise. She worked in HSBC Private Bank in Geneva in relation to high and ultra-high-net-worth clients.

EUR/USD: US Dollar to remain pressured until uncertainty fog dissipates

Unimpressive European Central Bank left monetary policy unchanged for the fifth consecutive meeting. The United States first-tier employment and inflation data is scheduled for the second week of February. EUR/USD battles to remain afloat above 1.1800, sellers moving to the sidelines.

GBP/USD reclaims 1.3600 and above

GBP/USD reverses two straight days of losses, surpassing the key 1.3600 yardstick on Friday. Cable’s rebound comes as the Greenback slips away from two-week highs in response to some profit-taking mood and speculation of Fed rate cuts. In addition, hawkish comments from the BoE’s Pill are also collaborating with the quid’s improvement.

Gold: Volatility persists in commodity space

After losing more than 8% to end the previous week, Gold remained under heavy selling pressure on Monday and dropped toward $4,400. Although XAU/USD staged a decisive rebound afterward, it failed to stabilize above $5,000. The US economic calendar will feature Nonfarm Payrolls and Consumer Price Index data for January, which could influence the market pricing of the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook and impact Gold’s performance.

Week ahead: US NFP and CPI data to shake Fed cut bets, Japan election looms

US NFP and CPI data awaited after Warsh’s nomination as Fed chief. Yen traders lock gaze on Sunday’s snap election. UK and Eurozone Q4 GDP data also on the agenda. China CPI and PPI could reveal more weakness in domestic demand.

Three scenarios for Japanese Yen ahead of snap election

The latest polls point to a dominant win for the ruling bloc at the upcoming Japanese snap election. The larger Sanae Takaichi’s mandate, the more investors fear faster implementation of tax cuts and spending plans.

XRP rally extends as modest ETF inflows support recovery

Ripple is accelerating its recovery, trading above $1.36 at the time of writing on Friday, as investors adjust their positions following a turbulent week in the broader crypto market. The remittance token is up over 21% from its intraday low of $1.12.