UK PM Johnson spokesman: Government to provide updated guidance to businesses

Eren Sengezer FXStreet

The UK government will provide updated guidance to businesses in coming days on the phase-two of easing coronavirus-related restrictions, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman told reporters on Friday.

"We will set out more details on schools reopening as soon as we can," the spokesman added. "The government is looking at what steps can be taken to make sure we have diverse and resilient supply chains in event of future crises."

Market reaction

The UK's FTSE 100 Index edged slightly higher after these comments and was last seen at 5,997 points, where it was still down 0.3% on the day.

Author

Eren Sengezer

FXStreet

As an economist at heart, Eren Sengezer specializes in the assessment of the short-term and long-term impacts of macroeconomic data, central bank policies and political developments on financial assets.

EUR/USD looks to stabilize near 1.1600 as focus shifts to US data

EUR/USD is looking to stabilize near 1.1600 in the European session on Wednesday as traders breathe a sigh of relief before the top-tier US ADP jobs and ISM Services PMI data. A pause in the US Dollar uptrend helps the pair's recovery, but surging energy prices due to the Iran war will likely remain a drag.

GBP/USD stays weak near 1.3350 as USD preserves gains

GBP/USD stays in the red below 1.3350 in the European session on Wednesday. Escalating conflict in the Middle East keeps the "flight to safety" theme intact, supporting the US Dollar against the Pound Sterling. Traders will take more cues from the US ADP Employment and ISM Services Purchasing Managers Index reports, which are due later on Wednesday.

Gold retains positive bias amid sustained safe-haven flows and modest USD pullback

Gold maintains its offered tone through the first half of the European session, though it lacks follow-through and remains below the $5,200 mark. Investors remain concerned about a prolonged conflict in the Middle East and its impact on the global economy amid an already uncertain environment.

ADP Employment Report set to signal stronger February jobs growth, little effect on Fed outlook

The Automatic Data Processing (ADP) Research Institute will release its monthly report on private-sector job creation for February on Wednesday. The so-called ADP Employment Change report is expected to show that the United States private sector added 50K new positions in the month, following the 22K gained in January.

Asian stocks fall as South Korea’s KOSPI slumps over 10%

Asian equities drop on Middle East tensions; the MSCI Asia Pacific Index falls up to 4%. South Korea’s KOSPI fell 10.71% near 5,170, with the Korean Won weakened past 1,500 per dollar.

Solana Price Forecast: SOL consolidation near resistance as ETF inflows offer mild support

Solana price is facing slight rejection as it approaches the upper boundary of the consolidation range at around $88 on Wednesday. Institutional demand is strengthening as spot Exchange Traded Funds recorded two consecutive inflows so far this week.