FX option expiries for Aug 2 NY cut

EUR/USD holds steady at around 1.1700 on Thursday after posting modest daily losses on Wednesday. Improving market mood on easing EU-US trade densions helps the pair keep its footing as market focus shifts to mid-tier data releases from the US.

Following a two-day rally, GBP/USD lost its traction and closed in negative territory on Wednesday after mixed UK inflation data. The pair stays relatively quiet on Thursday and fluctuates in a tight channel above 1.3400 ahead of PCE inflation and Jobless Claims data from the US. 

Gold stabilizes above $4,800 early Thursday following a sharp decline seen during the Asian session. The global risk sentiment gets a strong boost in reaction to US President Donald Trump's U-turn on Greenland and easing geopolitical tensions, capping XAU/USD's upside.

Canton, MYX Finance, and Pump.fun are leading the recovery over the last 24 hours as the broader cryptocurrency market takes a breather after sharp losses. Technically, the recovering altcoins are closing toward key resistances as selling pressure eases. 

What began as a sharp escalation risk quickly turned into a de-escalation signal. Earlier this week, markets briefly priced in escalation risk after Donald J. Trump proposed a 10% tariff hike on eight NATO nations amid the Greenland dispute.

Axie Infinity (AXS) extends its gains by 8%, trading above $2.56 at the time of writing on Thursday, after rallying over 37% this week. The bullish price action is further strengthened by rising whale accumulation volume.