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 tests nine-day EMA support near 1.1850

EUR/USD remains in the negative territory for the fourth successive session, trading around 1.1870 during the Asian hours on Friday. The 14-day Relative Strength Index momentum indicator at 56 stays above the midline, confirming steady momentum. RSI has eased but remains above 50, indicating momentum remains constructive for the bulls.

GBP/USD consolidates around 1.3600 vs. USD; looks to US CPI for fresh impetus

The GBP/USD pair remains on the defensive through the Asian session on Friday, though it lacks bearish conviction and holds above the 1.3600 mark as traders await the release of the US consumer inflation figures before placing directional bets.

Gold: Will US CPI data trigger a range breakout?

Gold retakes $5,000 early Friday amid a turnaround from weekly lows as US CPI data loom. The US Dollar consolidates weekly losses as AI concerns-driven risk-off mood stalls downside. Technically, Gold appears primed for a big range breakout, with risks skewed toward a bullish break.

Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple stay weak as bearish momentum persists

Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple remain under pressure, extending losses of over 5%, 6% and 4%, respectively, so far this week. BTC trades below $67,000 while ETH and XRP correct after facing rejection around key levels. With bearish momentum persisting and prices staying weak, the top three cryptocurrencies continue to show no clear signs of a sustained recovery.

A tale of two labour markets: Headline strength masks underlying weakness

Undoubtedly, yesterday’s delayed US January jobs report delivered a strong headline – one that surpassed most estimates. However, optimism quickly faded amid sobering benchmark revisions.

Aster Price Forecast: Demand sparks on Binance Wallet partnership for on-chain perpetuals

Aster is up roughly 9% so far on Thursday, hinting at the breakout of a crucial resistance level. Aster partners up with Binance wallet for the second season of the on-chain perpetuals challenge.