|

US inflation and jobless claims in focus as UK data looms

Global markets remain driven by softer US inflation data, which has weighed on the US dollar amid rising expectations for a potential Fed rate cut in September. Adding to the dollar’s pressure, optimistic headlines around a US-China trade agreement have lifted global risk sentiment.

United States – Dollar falls on weak inflation

The US Dollar Index (DXY) broke below the key 99.00 support level, hitting its lowest point in several days as Treasury yields declined.

Today’s spotlight:

  • Producer Price Index (PPI).
  • Weekly Jobless Claims.

These data points will be critical in confirming the inflation and labor market trajectory.

Continued softness = stronger case for a Fed rate cut in September = more downside for the dollar.

Outlook:

A weaker-than-expected reading could push DXY below 98.70, targeting 98.30 next.

EUR/USD – Gains extend toward key resistance

The euro continued to gain against the dollar, approaching the psychological 1.1500 barrier, buoyed by ongoing USD weakness.

Focus shifts to upcoming ECB speakers:

  • Isabel Schnabel
  • Luis de Guindos
  • Frank Elderson

Outlook:

A decisive break above 1.1500 could open the door toward 1.1560.

GBP/USD – All eyes on UK macro data

Sterling remained resilient above 1.3500 following a rebound from Tuesday’s dip, with a heavy UK data docket ahead:

Key releases include:

  • Monthly GDP
  • Industrial & Manufacturing Production
  • Trade Balance
  • NIESR GDP Estimate
  • RICS House Price Index

Outlook:

  • Positive data → push toward 1.3580–1.3620
  • Weak data → downside risk toward 1.3450

USD/JPY – Struggling to sustain gains

The pair reversed Tuesday’s gains, dropping back toward 144.30.

Markets await:

  • BSI Manufacturing Index
  • Foreign bond investment data

Outlook:

Unless demand for USD recovers, bearish momentum could drag the pair toward 143.80.

AUD/USD – Yearly highs amid volatility

The Aussie climbed to a new 2025 high near 0.6550 before pulling back toward the 0.6500 mark.

Key drivers ahead:

  • Melbourne Institute Inflation Expectations.
  • Speech from RBA Governor Jacobs.

Outlook:

Bullish momentum remains intact unless 0.6480 is broken.

Oil (WTI) – Sharp rise on trade optimism

West Texas Intermediate crude surged above $68.00, reaching a two-month high.

Supportive catalysts:

  • Progress in US-China trade talks.
  • Drop in US inventories per latest reports.

Outlook:

Stability above $68.00 could pave the way for a move toward $69.20–70.00.

Gold – Rally continues on Dollar weakness

Gold climbed steadily to hit a multi-day high near $3360/oz, supported by:

  • Safe-haven flows.
  • USD softness.
  • Inflation concerns.

Outlook:

A confirmed break above $3365 could trigger a move toward $3385–3400.

Silver – Testing key support level

Silver pulled back sharply toward the $36.00 mark, now testing a significant technical support zone.

Outlook:

  • A break below $36.00 opens downside toward $35.20.
  • A bounce may send prices back to $37.00.

Client trade ideas for today

Asset

Trade Idea

Rationale

EUR/USD

Buy on break above 1.1500

Ongoing USD weakness, ECB optimism

GBP/USD

Conditional buy on positive data

Busy UK data day, upside potential

USD/JPY

Sell from 144.80 (SL: 145.30)

Dollar weakness, safe-haven yen demand

XAU/USD

Buy above 3365

Weak USD, inflation concerns

WTI Crude

Buy from 67.80

Trade optimism, bullish momentum

AUD/USD

Buy from 0.6480

Inflation outlook, positive sentiment

(This article was written by the author with assistance from language generation tools to support structure and clarity. All insights and opinions are entirely the author’s own.)

Author

Ahmed Alsajadi

Ahmed Alsajadi

Independent Analyst

Ahmed Al-Sajjady is a professional economic and market analyst with over five years of experience in macroeconomic forecasting and institutional trading methods (SMC/ICT).

More from Ahmed Alsajadi
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD holds above 1.1750 due to cautious trade before FOMC Minutes

EUR/USD holds ground after four days of little losses, trading around 1.1770 during the Asian hours on Tuesday. The pair remains steady as US Dollar moves little amid market caution ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee December Meeting Minutes due later in the day, which could offer insights into the Federal Reserve’s 2026 outlook.

GBP/USD finds key support near 1.35 despite year-end grind

GBP/USD remains bolstered on the high end as markets grind through the last trading week of the year. Cable caught a bullish tilt to keep price action on the high side of the 1.3500 handle, though year-end holiday volumes are unlikely to see significant progress in either direction as 2025 draws to a close.

Gold gains on Fed rate cut bets, safe-haven demand

Gold price edges higher above $4,350 during the Asian trading hours on Tuesday. The precious metal recovers some lost ground after falling 4.5% in the previous session, which was gold's largest single-day loss since October. Increased margin requirements on gold and silver futures by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Group, one of the world’s largest trading floors for commodities, prompted widespread profit-taking and portfolio rebalancing.

Crypto market outlook for 2026

Year 2025 was volatile, as crypto often is.  Among positive catalysts were favourable regulatory changes in the U.S., rise of Digital Asset Treasuries, adoption of AI and tokenization of Real-World-Assets.

Economic outlook 2026-2027 in advanced countries: Solidity test

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.

Crypto market outlook for 2026

Year 2025 was volatile, as crypto often is.  Among positive catalysts were favourable regulatory changes in the U.S., rise of Digital Asset Treasuries (DAT), adoption of AI and tokenization of Real-World-Assets (RWA).