|

Forex Today: Focus remains on US data and geopolitics

The US Dollar (USD) has navigated an inconclusive range, struggling to reverse the weekly correction, while market participants continued to assess developments from the geopolitical landscape, all amid a steady pre-Fed lull.

The US Dollar Index (DXY) has traded in a tight range, alternating gains with losses in the 101.80-101.60 band. The usual weekly Initial Jobless Claims are due alongside the CB Leading Index.

EUR/USD has receded a tad, coming close to the 1.1200 contention zone amid a generalised lack of direction in the FX galaxy. Next of note on the domestic docket will be the flash Consumer Confidence in the euro area along with the speech by the ECB’s Panetta.

GBP/USD has managed to build on Tuesday’s gains, briefly surpassing the 1.3400 barrier, up modestly for the day. The CBI Business Optimism Index and CBI Industrial Trends Orders will be released across the Channel.

USD/JPY has come under further downside pressure, returning to the sub-158.00 region and adding to the previous day’s decline. The weekly Foreign Bond Investment figures are due In Japan.

AUD/USD has advanced for the fourth day in a row, further extending its recent break above the 0.7000 yardstick. Next on the Australian docket will be the advanced S&P Global Manufacturing and Services PMIs on October 23.

Front-month WTI futures have come under extra selling pressure, trading at shouting distance from the $96.00 mark per barrel, always amid steady hopes of a diplomatic end to the US-Iran confrontation.

Gold has managed to regain some composure and clinch acceptable gains, putting the $4,150 mark per troy ounce to the test once again. The yellow metal’s bounce has followed marginal losses in US Dollar and mixed US Treasury yields across the curve.

Author

Pablo Piovano

Born and bred in Argentina, Pablo has been carrying on with his passion for FX markets and trading since his first college years.

More from Pablo Piovano
Share:

Editor's Picks

AUD/USD sits at three-week highs above 0.7000 on hawkish RBA-speak

AUD/USD holds a positive bias for the fourth straight day, trading above 0.7000 in the Asian session on Wednesday and at three-week highs. RBA Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser's hawkish remarks and inflation concerns underpin the pair. However, the upside appears capped as the US Dollar attracts some buyers amid looming US-Iran uncertainty.

USD/JPY remains confined in a familiar range below 158.50

USD/JPY sees some dip-buying in the Asian session on Wednesday, though it remains confined within a multi-week range near 158.50 as the uncertainty over the timing of the next BoJ rate hike keeps Japanese Yen bulls on the defensive. Meanwhile, hawkish Fed expectations, bolstered by inflation risks stemming from volatile oil prices, underpin the US Dollar. However, looming intervention fears could limit JPY losses and cap the currency pair.

Gold advances modestly; targets $4,150

Gold prices manage to reverse three consecutive daily declines, trading just below the $4,150 mark per troy ounce on Wednesday. The precious metal’s recovery comes amid a slight drop in the US Dollar, mixed US Treasury yields across the board and a widespread cautious tone from the US-Iran front.

Bitcoin eyes a break above $85,000 as institutional demand returns

Bitcoin edges higher above $83,000, extending its rebound from the 50-day EMA near $80,786. US-listed BTC spot ETFs recorded over $23 million in net inflows on Tuesday, following Monday's $526 million, signaling a return of institutional demand.

What November 3 means for the Fed's rate path and the US Dollar

The USD faces a decisive period ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. While markets anticipate another interest rate increase from the Fed in December, the battle for control of Congress could reshape fiscal policy expectations and, indirectly, the path of US monetary policy in 2027.

The US Dollar fell. Gold didn't rally. That tells you everything
Gold (XAU/USD) is struggling to capitalize on a weaker US Dollar (USD), after repeatedly failing to establish itself above the $4,200 level. The precious metal remains confined to a relatively narrow trading range despite a combination of developments that would normally support higher prices.