Dollar
The dollar has been on an impressive streak, gaining almost daily, particularly against emerging market currencies. This is the currency market’s reaction to Trump’s higher chances of winning the presidential race, fuelled by his promises of increased trade tariffs. Even the anticipation of these measures is driving up the US currency.
The Dollar Index has rallied almost 3.7% from the local lows of three weeks ago. While impressive, this is only a recovery from 13-month lows to the July heights. Technically, the Dollar Index has climbed to its 200-day moving average.
Perhaps it is beginning to test the strength of the downtrend set in motion by the weakness of US monetary policy. However, forex traders should bear in mind that the strength of the US currency is largely due to a sharp softening in the tone of monetary authorities in other developed countries. Therefore, there are highs in stock indices and gold.
Indices
The S&P500 index hit new all-time highs at the beginning and end of the week before a small correction on Tuesday. This is the most dangerous pattern for bears as it quickly recharges the bulls without accumulating overbought conditions. The stock market is rising again on the back of record earnings from companies listed on the stock exchange. They are easily beating analysts’ forecasts, which were very pessimistic before the reporting season started.
Gold
Gold returned to all-time highs at the end of the week, gaining 2% in the last five days. The spot price broke above $2,700 per troy ounce for the first time. This is an extension of the bullish momentum from October 10th after weak weekly US employment data.
Technically, this is a classic return to growth after a small shake-out of positions in the early days of the month. Further movement in the Fibonacci pattern suggests that the $2,820 area is the next target to the upside.
In general, the markets are now experiencing a very unusual combination of dollar and gold rallies. It is more common for them to move in opposite directions and for them to move together only during periods of heightened demand for defensive assets, for example, because of geopolitics.
Trade Responsibly. CFDs and Spread Betting are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 77.37% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs and Spread Betting with this provider. The Analysts' opinions are for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation or trading advice.
Recommended Content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD stays near 1.0400 in thin holiday trading
EUR/USD trades with mild losses near 1.0400 on Tuesday. The expectation that the US Federal Reserve will deliver fewer rate cuts in 2025 provides some support for the US Dollar. Trading volumes are likely to remain low heading into the Christmas break.
GBP/USD struggles to find direction, holds steady near 1.2550
GBP/USD consolidates in a range at around 1.2550 on Tuesday after closing in negative territory on Monday. The US Dollar preserves its strength and makes it difficult for the pair to gain traction as trading conditions thin out on Christmas Eve.
Gold holds above $2,600, bulls non-committed on hawkish Fed outlook
Gold trades in a narrow channel above $2,600 on Tuesday, albeit lacking strong follow-through buying. Geopolitical tensions and trade war fears lend support to the safe-haven XAU/USD, while the Fed’s hawkish shift acts as a tailwind for the USD and caps the precious metal.
IRS says crypto staking should be taxed in response to lawsuit
In a filing on Monday, the US International Revenue Service stated that the rewards gotten from staking cryptocurrencies should be taxed, responding to a lawsuit from couple Joshua and Jessica Jarrett.
2025 outlook: What is next for developed economies and currencies?
As the door closes in 2024, and while the year feels like it has passed in the blink of an eye, a lot has happened. If I had to summarise it all in four words, it would be: ‘a year of surprises’.
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads
VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.