Portugal’s trade balance has improved, with its deficit shrinking from €8.458 billion in October to €7.543 billion in November. This indicates a rise in exports and a possible decline in imports, suggesting stabilization or enhancement in trade dynamics. Here’s some additional financial news: – Venezuelan oil output is down due to U.S. sanctions. – The GBP/JPY currency pair has bounced back amid tensions between Japan and China. – The U.S. is buying Venezuelan crude oil, while the USD/CNH exchange rate remains below 7.0000. – The EUR/USD is at monthly lows while traders await news about tariffs and U.S. nonfarm payroll data.

Editor’s Picks Overview

In the editor’s picks section, we focus on predictions and market trends. Nonfarm payrolls are expected to indicate a weak U.S. labor market in December. Projections for 2026 are cautiously optimistic and stable. Currency and investment analyses offer forecasts for both gold and the Pepe cryptocurrency. Broker evaluations provide insights into various international trading options for currencies, CFDs, gold, and unique accounts like Islamic and swap-free, highlighting their pros and cons. With everyone awaiting the significant U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls report, we expect a surge in market volatility. General expectations are that the U.S. labor market remained weak in December, meaning any unexpected data could lead to sharp price movements. Traders might consider buying options, such as straddles on major currency pairs, to take advantage of the upcoming volatility, whatever direction it takes. The EUR/USD stands at a monthly low near 1.1650, making it sensitive to the upcoming U.S. data. Despite its weak stance, the positive news from Portugal, where the trade deficit decreased to €-7.543 billion, shows some resilience in the Eurozone economy. A disappointing U.S. jobs report could spark a quick rally from these levels, making Euro call options attractive.

Gold and Oil Market Dynamics

Gold is tightly coiled just below the $4,500 mark, waiting for the NFP report to guide its movement. A weak dollar typically boosts gold prices, a trend we saw during times of uncertainty in 2025. Given the current stakes, utilizing bull call spreads on gold could be a wise strategy to prepare for a potential breakout, clearly defining the associated risks. The U.S. plans to buy Venezuelan oil, which is a bearish sign for crude prices and is negatively impacting the Canadian dollar. The USD/CAD is reaching one-month highs due to changes in the oil market’s supply dynamics. We expect continued pressure on the Canadian dollar, especially if oil prices lower further in the upcoming weeks. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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