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Market sentiment was a mixed bag this past week. On Wall Street , the Dow Jones climbed 0.2 percent over the past 5 trading sessions. But, the tech-heavy nasdaq Composite fared worse, shrinking 1.08%. Things were slightly rosier in Europe and within the Asia-Pacific region, where the FTSE 100 and NIKKEI 225 climbed 0.52% and 1.69% respectively.
Taking a look at foreign exchange markets, the sentiment-linked Australian Dollar and New Zealand Dollar were some of the best-performing G10 currencies. The anti-risk Japanese Yen weakened broadly. However, the similarly-behaving US Dollar fared better, seeing a mixed performance against its major counterparts.
Looking at commodities, crude oil prices were a notable standout. Initially, WTI climbed as much as 4.25% before turning lower, ending the week 1.14% lower. As the state of Texas gradually saw power recover following extreme cold climate, oil wells opened back up, restoring much-needed supply back into the market, pressuring energy prices.
In the week ahead, investors will likely continue watching developments in longer-term Treasury yields. Rising expectations of a gradual economic recovery from Covid-19 have been pushing those higher, alongside inflation estimates. As returns in fixed-income assets increase, it may draw investors slowly away from riskier and non-yielding ones. The latter include stocks and gold .
Key economic event risk ahead include testimony and speak from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, who may receive questions on developments in bond markets. The New Zealand Dollar is eyeing the RBNZ interest rate announcement and press conference. German consumer confidence may inspire Euro volatility. What else is in store for markets in the week ahead?
Fundamental Forecasts:
Euro Forecast: EUR/USD Week Ahead Outlook Poor, EUR/GBP Tumbling
EUR/USD has broken lower and will likely slip further in the coming week while EUR/GBP shows no sign of stabilizing as its slump continues.
Nasdaq 100 Forecast: Minor Correction Ahead Amid an Ascending Channel?
The Nasdaq 100 index likely entered a technical correction after hitting the 161.8% Fibonacci extension resistance. The overall trend remains bullish-biased however, with prices remaining within an 'Ascending Channel.
GBP/USD Weekly Forecast: How Much Higher Can GBP/USD Go?
GBP/USD breaking out to near 3 year highs at 1.40, but how much further can this GBP rally go?
Mexican Peso Forecast: Contingent on Energy Shortages and US Yields
USD/MXN breaks its downtrend as energy shortages from the US cause concern for the Mexican economy.
Gold Versus Real Yields: Are Inflation Bets Fully Priced Into XAU/USD?
Rising real yields are pressuring the yellow metal and the inflation-adjusted price of gold is already near historical highs. Where next for XAU/USD ?
Corporations Embrace Crypto, Boosting Bitcoin Price - Stock Market Forecast
Equity markets stumbled slightly last week but there are signs risk appetite lurks beneath the surface as corporations begin embracing cryptocurrency which has provided a boost to Bitcoin .
Australian Dollar Outlook: Uptrend Resuming as Global Recovery Bets Follow?
The Australian Dollar resumed its uptrend as traders betted on a gradual economic recovery from the coronavirus. Will Fed Chair Jerome Powell be asked about rising Treasury yields?
Technical Forecasts:
Gold Price Outlook A Support Break Sets Up More Selling
Gold is weak right now and could continue to be in the near-term; watch support for further cues.
US Dollar Technical Forecast: AUD/USD, DXY, EUR/USD, GBP/USD
The US Dollar looks set to continue losing ground against the Australian Dollar, British Pound and Euro in the coming weeks. Key levels for AUD/USD , DXY, EUR/USD, GBP/USD.
Oil Price Outlook: Crude Breakout Vulnerable at Multi-year Resistance
Oil prices surged more than 85% off the November low with the rally now testing resistance at yearly highs. Here are the levels that matter on the WTI technical chart.
EUR/USD Forecast: Euro Reversal Takes Shape Ahead of February Low
EUR/USD appears to have reversed course ahead of the February low (1.1952) as it breaks out of the descending channel from earlier this year.
British Pound (GBP) Outlook: GBP/USD and EUR/GBP Weekly Forecasts
Sterling is finishing the week in strong fashion, breaking above 1.4000 against the US dollar and hitting a fresh near one-year low against the Euro.
Australian Dollar Technical Forecast: AUD/USD, AUD/JPY, EUR/AUD
It was a week of strength for the Aussie, as AUD set fresh highs against all of the US Dollar, the Japanese Yen and the Euro.
US DOLLAR WEEKLY PERFORMANCE AGAINST CURRENCIES AND GOLD
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