The VIX is above the 200-EMA, after tech stocks crash

The closely watched stock market volatility expectations index surged Thursday, as the sell-off spearheaded by technology shares dragged the main gauge sharply lower. The Volatility Index, known by its ticker symbol "VIX", rose to 33.07 after trading at a more than seven-week high of 32.77. The increase brought the VIX above its 200-day moving average. The VIX is an options-based measure of expected volatility over the next 30 days for the S&P 500 which typically spikes during major stock market selloffs, also tends to fall during long, gradual rallies, but remains high above the long-term average, as stocks push back into record territory in recent weeks.

Stocks were under heavy pressure on Thursday, the technology-led selloff saw USA100 down nearly 5%, while USA500 was down 3.5% and USA30 2.7%.

EUR/USD struggles near 1.1850, with all eyes on US CPI data

EUR/USD holds losses while keeping its range near 1.1850 in European trading on Friday. A broadly cautious market environment paired with a steady US Dollar undermines the pair ahead of the critical US CPI data. Meanwhile, the Eurozone Q4 GDP second estimate has little to no impact on the Euro.

GBP/USD recovers above 1.3600, awaits US CPI for fresh impetus

GBP/USD recovers some ground above 1.3600 in the European session on Friday, though it lacks bullish conviction. The US Dollar remains supported amid a softer risk tone and ahead of the US consumer inflation figures due later in the NA session on Friday.

Gold remains below $5,000 as US inflation report looms

Gold retreats from the vicinity of the $5,000 psychological mark, though sticks to its modest intraday gains in the European session. Traders now look forward to the release of the US consumer inflation figures for more cues about the Fed policy path. The outlook will play a key role in influencing the near-term US Dollar price dynamics and provide some meaningful impetus to the non-yielding bullion.

US CPI data set to show modest inflation cooling as markets price in a more hawkish Fed

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics will publish January’s Consumer Price Index data on Friday, delayed by the brief and partial United States government shutdown. The report is expected to show that inflationary pressures eased modestly but also remained above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.

The weekender: When software turns the blade on itself

Autonomous AI does not just threaten trucking companies and call centers. It challenges the cognitive toll booths that legacy software has charged for decades. This is not a forecast. No one truly knows the end state of AI.

Solana Price Forecast: Mixed market sentiment caps recovery

Solana (SOL) is trading at $79 as of Friday, following a correction of over 9% so far this week. On-chain and derivatives data indicates mixed sentiment among traders, further limiting the chances of a price recovery.