Nasdaq Hits Record Close Fueled by Tech Rally, Dollar Strengthens Amidst Economic Anticipation

On Thursday, the Nasdaq Composite achieved a record close at 16,091.92, its highest since November 2021, driven by a surge in tech stocks, particularly those involved in artificial intelligence. This uplift in the stock market saw the S&P 500 also reaching new heights, alongside modest gains for the Dow Jones, marking a continuation of Wall Street’s positive trend into its fourth consecutive month. The enthusiasm around AI and major tech companies has played a pivotal role in this rally, overshadowing concerns about inflation and economic slowdown. Meanwhile, in the currency market, the US Dollar Index saw an upward movement, influencing major currency pairs and setting the stage for watchful anticipation of upcoming economic data and central bank communications. This complex financial landscape, highlighted by tech stock surges and currency fluctuations, encapsulates the dynamic interplay between equity markets and global economic indicators.

Stock Market Updates

On Thursday, the Nasdaq Composite surged to a record close, marking its first since November 2021, by advancing 0.90% to finish at an all-time high of 16,091.92. This rise was significantly buoyed by a rally in tech stocks and chips. The S&P 500 also reached a new record, increasing by 0.52% to end at 5,096.27, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a modest gain of 0.12%, closing at 38,996.39. This upward movement in the stock market concluded February trading on a high note, extending Wall Street’s positive momentum into a fourth consecutive month, despite concerns over the durability of the AI-fueled rally. The Nasdaq led with a 6.12% gain for the month, followed by the S&P 500 with a 5.17% increase, and the Dow with a 2.22% rise, marking its first four-month winning streak since May 2021.

The resurgence of the Nasdaq has been particularly fueled by a wave of enthusiasm for artificial intelligence, significantly lifting major tech stocks, referred to as the “Magnificent 7” (Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla), and subsequently, the broader markets throughout 2023 and into this year. This rally comes after a challenging 2022 characterized by worries over rising interest rates and recession fears. In the specifics of the day’s trading, notable performers included Advanced Micro Devices, which saw a jump of more than 9%, and the VanEck Semiconductor ETF, which closed 2.2% higher. Despite the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure remaining above target in January, it did not exceed Wall Street forecasts, suggesting that consumer spending remains strong. Additionally, while there were setbacks, such as Snowflake’s share drop following the announcement of its CEO’s retirement and disappointing revenue guidance, Okta experienced a significant rise of nearly 23% after reporting strong results.

Data by Bloomberg

On Thursday, the stock market witnessed a positive overall performance with all sectors combined showing a gain of +0.52%. Leading the gains were Communication Services and Information Technology, up by +1.20% and +1.17% respectively, demonstrating strong investor confidence in these sectors. Other sectors such as Consumer Discretionary, Real Estate, and Materials also posted notable increases, ranging from +0.79% to +0.90%. However, not all sectors fared as well; Utilities showed minimal growth at +0.04%, while Financials slightly declined by -0.01%. The Consumer Staples and healthcare sectors faced downturns, decreasing by -0.29% and -0.73% respectively, indicating areas of investor concern or profit-taking.

Currency Market Updates

The currency market experienced notable movements, with the USD Index (DXY) advancing above the 104.00 barrier, marking its third consecutive session of gains. This strength in the US Dollar influenced various currency pairs, notably pushing the EUR/USD pair to challenge the key support level at 1.0800. The anticipation of economic data releases, including the final S&P Global Manufacturing PMI, Construction Spending, and the ISM Manufacturing PMI, alongside speeches from several Federal Reserve officials, seems to underpin the dollar’s momentum. Furthermore, the currency market is keenly awaiting inflation figures from the euro area, alongside unemployment and manufacturing data, which could influence the EUR/USD trajectory in the coming sessions.

On the other side of the spectrum, the GBP/USD pair faced downward pressure, hinting at a potential move towards the 1.2600 region, influenced by a stronger dollar and upcoming economic releases from the UK. Meanwhile, the USD/JPY pair saw a decline to the 149.20 area, reacting to market speculations about a potential policy shift by the Bank of Japan. The AUD/USD pair also succumbed to the dollar’s strength, breaking below the 0.6500 support level amid concerns over China and forthcoming economic data from Australia. Additionally, the market focus is shifting toward China with the upcoming Manufacturing PMIs, which could have significant implications for the global currency markets, highlighted by a slight drop in the USD/CNH pair to the 7.2100 zone. Amidst these currency shifts, commodities such as WTI oil and precious metals like gold and silver displayed varied performances, adding another layer of complexity to the global financial landscape.

Picks of the Day Analysis
EUR/USD (4 Hours)

EUR/USD Dips Amidst USD Rebound and Rate Cut Speculations

The EUR/USD pair has seen a downturn for the third consecutive session, touching the 1.0800 level as the US Dollar gains strength, driven by renewed interest from investors. This movement is in sync with the rising US Dollar Index (DXY), surpassing the 104.00 mark, despite a drop in US yields. The Dollar’s resurgence, after a brief dip following US PCE data indicating disinflation, was bolstered by Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic’s remarks on the stubborn path to the 2% inflation target and the potential for a policy rate reduction in the summer. Concurrently, both US and German bond yields experienced a decline amid anticipations of a Federal Reserve rate cut, possibly in June, with a 52% probability as forecasted by the CME Group’s FedWatch Tool. This is paralleled by the ECB’s openness to initiating its easing cycle, hinted at for a June start by board member Peter Kazimir, amidst signs of waning inflation in Germany and ahead of crucial CPI data for the eurozone that could influence ECB rate cut timings.

Chart EUR/USD by TradingView

On Thursday, the EUR/USD moved lower and was able to reach the lower band of the Bollinger Bands. Currently, the price is moving below the middle band, suggesting a potential upward movement to reach above the middle band. Notably, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) maintains its position at 47, signaling a neutral outlook for this currency pair.

Resistance: 1.0832, 1.0858

Support: 1.0812, 1.0783

XAU/USD (4 Hours)

XAU/USD Surge Amid Disinflation Confirmation and Rate Cut Speculation

Following the release of the Core Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) Price Index, which met expectations and indicated ongoing disinflation, gold prices experienced a significant increase of over 0.50% during Thursday’s North American trading session. This data release led to a decrease in US Treasury bond yields, inversely benefiting the price of gold, propelling XAU/USD to $2,046. The anticipation of the Core PCE report, showing a year-on-year deceleration in inflation for January, alongside a sharp decline in headline inflation, fueled expectations of potential rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Market predictions, influenced by the CME FedWatch Tool, now foresee a higher likelihood of a rate cut by June, contributing to the bullish momentum in gold prices amidst a broader analysis of economic indicators such as Initial Jobless Claims and Pending Home Sales.

Chart XAU/USD by TradingView

On Thursday, XAU/USD moved higher to reach the upper band of the Bollinger Bands. Currently, the price is moving just below the upper band, suggesting a potential higher movement to reach above the upper band and reach the resistance level. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 63, signaling a bullish outlook for this pair.

Resistance: $2,056, $2,065

Support: $2,039, $2,030

Economic Data
CurrencyDataTime (GMT + 8)Forecast
USDISM Manufacturing PMI23:3049.5
USDRevised UoM Consumer Sentiment23:3079.6 

Notification of Server Upgrade – March 1, 2024

Dear Client,

As part of our commitment to provide the most reliable service to our clients, there will be server maintenance this weekend.

Maintenance Hours :
Saturday, 2nd March 2024, 02:00 (GMT+2) – Sunday, 3rd March 2024, 24:00 (GMT+2)

Please note that the following aspects might be affected during the maintenance:

1. The price quote and trading management will be temporarily disabled during the maintenance. You will not be able to open new positions, close open positions, or make any adjustments to the trades.

2. There might be a gap between the original price and the price after maintenance. The gaps between Pending Orders, Stop Loss and Take Profit will be filled at the market price once the maintenance is completed. If you don’t want to hold any open positions during the maintenance, it is suggested to close the position in advance.

3. Following the maintenance, it is important to note that the minimum supported version of MT5 will be 4047. Please ensure that your MT5 version is above 4047 to maintain smooth operation. The latest version of MT5 can be downloaded from our official website by navigating to “Trading” → “MetaTrader 5”.

4. The MT4 server remains unaffected by this maintenance and will continue to facilitate transactions without interruption. Please refer to MT5 for the latest update on the completion and market opening time. Our services will be back online once the maintenance is completed.

Thank you for your patience and understanding about this important initiative.

If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected]

March Futures Rollover Announcement – February 29, 2024

Dear Client,

New contracts will automatically be rolled over as follows:

Please note:

• The rollover will be automatic, and any existing open positions will remain open.

• Positions that are open on the expiration date will be adjusted via a rollover charge or credit to reflect the price difference between the expiring and new contracts.

• To avoid CFD rollovers, clients can choose to close any open CFD positions prior to the expiration date.

• Please ensure that all take-profit and stop-loss settings are adjusted before the rollover occurs.

• All internal transfers for accounts under the same name will be prohibited during the first and last 30 minutes of the trading hours on the rollover dates.

If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected].

Notification of Trading Adjustment in Holiday – February 29, 2024

Dear Client,

Affected by international holidays, the trading hours of some VT Markets products will be adjusted. Please check the following link for the remaining affected products:

Notification of Trading Adjustment in Holiday

Note: The dash sign (-) indicates normal trading hours.

Friendly Reminder:
1. The above data is for reference only, please refer to the MT4/MT5 software for specific data.
2. VT Markets’ MT4/MT5 server time is scheduled to be adjusted from GMT+2 to GMT+3 on 10th March, in alignment with the upcoming daylight saving time. We kindly advise all clients to be aware of the forthcoming announcements for further details regarding specific adjustments.

If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected].

Dividend Adjustment Notice – February 29, 2024

Dear Client,

Please note that the dividends of the following products will be adjusted accordingly. Index dividends will be executed separately through a balance statement directly to your trading account, and the comment will be in the following format “Div & Product Name & Net Volume ”.

Please refer to the table below for more details:

The above data is for reference only, please refer to the MT4/MT5 software for specific data.

If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected].

Stock Market Dips Ahead of Key Inflation Report, Tech Shares and Dollar Movements in Focus

On Wednesday, stocks saw a decline as investors awaited an important inflation report due later in the week, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow Jones Industrial Average all experiencing losses. Notable decliners included UnitedHealth, Intel, Alphabet, and Urban Outfitters, the latter due to disappointing quarterly results. The market’s attention is now on January’s forthcoming personal consumption expenditure (PCE) data, a crucial inflation indicator for the Federal Reserve. This anticipation comes amid mixed movements in the currency market, where the dollar index made slight gains while investors closely monitor upcoming inflation reports from the U.S. and the eurozone. These reports are pivotal for future monetary policy and interest rate expectations, especially with predictions leaning towards rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank (ECB) within the year, amidst contrasting inflationary trends in the U.S. and eurozone.

Stock Market Updates

Stocks experienced a decline on Wednesday as the market anticipated an important inflation report set to be released later in the week. The S&P 500 dropped slightly by 0.17%, closing at 5,069.76, while the Nasdaq Composite experienced a more significant fall of 0.55%, ending at 15,947.74. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also saw a minor decrease, losing 23.39 points, or 0.06%, to close at 38,949.02, marking its third consecutive day of losses. Among the notable decliners were UnitedHealth, which fell nearly 3%, and tech giants Intel and Alphabet, which dropped 1.7% and 1.8%, respectively. Additionally, Urban Outfitters saw a significant decrease of 12.8% following its announcement of weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter results.

The market’s focus is now on the upcoming personal consumption expenditure reading for January, a critical inflation measure closely watched by the Federal Reserve. This report is highly anticipated as investors and analysts gauge the potential for continued economic growth and the impact of inflation on monetary policy. The market’s recent performance has been less robust, with the major indexes on track for their second negative week in the last three, despite having reached record highs recently. The downturn, especially in the tech sector, has sparked debates about the durability of the market rally, which has been partly driven by enthusiasm over advancements in artificial intelligence.

Data by Bloomberg

On Wednesday, the overall market experienced a slight downturn, with all sectors combined seeing a decrease of 0.17%. Despite this general downtrend, several sectors managed to post gains, led by Real Estate, which saw a notable increase of 1.28%. Other sectors that experienced growth included Financials, Consumer Discretionary, Utilities, Industrials, Materials, and Consumer Staples, with increases ranging from 0.09% to 0.35%. On the flip side, some sectors faced declines, with Energy, Health Care, Information Technology, and Communication Services witnessing drops between -0.20% and -0.92%, indicating a mixed performance across different areas of the market.

Currency Market Updates

The currency market is currently experiencing nuanced movements as investors anxiously await inflation reports from the U.S. and eurozone, which could significantly influence the trajectory of risk-sensitive currencies. The dollar index saw a slight increase of 0.1%, though it retreated from its early Wednesday highs, indicating a cautious stance among traders. The EUR/USD pair dipped marginally by 0.05%, recovering after testing key support levels amid a broad-based rise in the dollar earlier in the day. The focus now shifts to Thursday’s release of the U.S. core PCE and eurozone CPI reports, which are expected to play a critical role in determining whether the recent reduction in anticipated Fed rate cuts for 2024—and the consequent support this has lent to the dollar—will continue or come to a halt.

Market expectations are leaning towards the Federal Reserve beginning to cut rates by June, with a total of 81 basis points of easing anticipated by the end of the year. Similarly, a June rate cut by the ECB is fully priced in, with expectations of 90 basis points of cuts throughout the year. These developments come as core PCE in the U.S. is forecasted to rise, contrasting with December’s figures, and with the euro zone’s overall and core CPI also set for release, offering further insights into inflationary trends. Amidst this backdrop, the USD/JPY pair has seen a slight increase, attempting to continue its upward trend as markets digest varying signals from Fed speakers and global economic indicators, highlighting the interconnectedness of global financial markets and the significant impact of central bank policies and economic data on currency valuations.

Picks of the Day Analysis
EUR/USD (4 Hours)

EUR/USD Faces Downward Pressure Amid Economic Indicator Discrepancies

The EUR/USD pair experienced a decline early Friday, pressured by disappointing sentiment indicators from Europe and a significant disparity in US GDP figures that maintained the currency pair’s position within a familiar range midweek. With a packed schedule, Thursday’s focus shifts to German Retail Sales and CPI data, alongside the US Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) Price Index inflation figures. The week will conclude with Friday’s release of the pan-European Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) inflation data and the US ISM Manufacturing PMI for February, providing critical insights into economic health and potential currency movement directions.

Chart EUR/USD by TradingView

On Wednesday, the EUR/USD moved slightly lower and was able to reach the lower band of the Bollinger Bands. Currently, the price is moving just below the middle band, suggesting a potential upward movement to reach above the middle band. Notably, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) maintains its position at 51, signaling a neutral outlook for this currency pair.

Resistance: 1.0858, 1.0896

Support: 1.0823, 1.0783

XAU/USD (4 Hours)

XAU/USD Steady Amid Economic Expansion and Fed Remarks

Gold prices remained stable near $2,030 on Wednesday, achieving a modest increase of 0.17% as the US economy showed signs of expansion according to the latest BEA report. Despite the US GDP for the last quarter of 2023 slightly missing expectations and mixed retail and wholesale inventory data, a fall in US Treasury bond yields has supported gold prices, keeping them near monthly and weekly highs, just below the 50-day SMA. Meanwhile, comments from Federal Reserve Regional Presidents, Susan Collins and John Williams, about potentially easing policy later in the year while still not meeting the core inflation goal of 2%, have influenced market sentiment, alongside a cautious Wall Street trading mostly in the red.

Chart XAU/USD by TradingView

On Wednesday, XAU/USD moved slightly higher to reach the upper band of the Bollinger Bands. Currently, the price is moving just below the upper band, suggesting a potential higher movement to reach above the upper band and reach the resistance level. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 57, signaling a neutral but bullish outlook for this pair.

Resistance: $2,042, $2,056

Support: $2,030, $2,017

Economic Data
CurrencyDataTime (GMT+8)Forecast
EURGerman Prelim CPI m/mAll day0.5%
CADGDP m/m09:300.2%
USDCore PCE Price Index m/m09:300.4%
USDUnemployment Claims09:30209K 

Dividend Adjustment Notice – February 28, 2024

Dear Client,

Please note that the dividends of the following products will be adjusted accordingly. Index dividends will be executed separately through a balance statement directly to your trading account, and the comment will be in the following format “Div & Product Name & Net Volume ”.

Please refer to the table below for more details:

The above data is for reference only, please refer to the MT4/MT5 software for specific data.

If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected].

Mixed Stock Market Results as Investors Await Inflation Data; Currency Market Sees Nuanced Movements

On Tuesday, the stock market displayed mixed outcomes with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite experiencing slight gains, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average faced a minor decline amidst anticipation for upcoming inflation data. Corporate earnings, particularly from Macy’s and Lowe’s, alongside economic indicators, played significant roles in market dynamics. Meanwhile, the currency market witnessed subtle shifts, with the Japanese yen strengthening against the dollar following Japan’s higher-than-expected core CPI report. Investor focus remains on key economic releases, including the personal consumption expenditure price index, with global monetary policy expectations influencing market sentiment.

Stock Market Updates

On Tuesday, the stock market saw mixed results as investors awaited crucial inflation data expected later in the week. The S&P 500 edged up by 0.17% to 5,078.18, while the Nasdaq Composite saw a modest increase of 0.37%, closing at 16,035.30. Contrarily, the Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a slight downturn, dropping by 96.82 points, or 0.25%, to end at 38,972.41. Notable movements included Macy’s, which surged 3.4% after announcing plans to close approximately 150 underperforming stores due to a previous revenue shortfall. Additionally, Lowe’s shares increased by 1.7% following an earnings beat, with Zoom Video and Hims & Hers Health also making significant gains after surpassing Wall Street’s earnings expectations.

A mix of corporate earnings reports and economic indicators influenced the market’s dynamics. The utilities sector led the market with a 1.9% increase, while the communications services and technology sectors also saw gains. This activity followed a decline from record highs the previous week, spurred by Nvidia’s impressive earnings. Moreover, investor sentiment was affected by a drop in consumer confidence amid concerns over a potential labor market slowdown and a divisive political climate, as reported by the Conference Board. Additionally, a decrease in orders for long-lasting goods in January, particularly in transportation, underscored these economic uncertainties. As investors look ahead, the forthcoming release of the personal consumption expenditure price index and personal income data will be closely scrutinized for insights into economic health and monetary policy direction.

Data by Bloomberg

On Tuesdayday, the overall market saw modest gains, with all sectors collectively up by 0.17%. Utilities led the performance with a significant increase of 1.89%, followed by Communication Services and Materials, which rose by 1.03% and 0.35%, respectively. Financials, Consumer Discretionary, and Industrials also experienced gains, though more modest, ranging from 0.12% to 0.27%. Information Technology and Real Estate sectors saw minimal increases, whereas Consumer Staples, Health Care, and Energy sectors faced declines, with Energy recording the largest drop at -0.43%.

Currency Market Updates

The currency market saw nuanced movements with the dollar index slightly declining by 0.09%, influenced by a mix of supportive corporate month-end flows and weaker-than-expected U.S. economic data concerning durable goods and consumer confidence. The Japanese yen emerged as a notable performer, appreciating following a report that showed Japan’s core CPI rising above forecasts. This development came amidst static policy pricing from major central banks such as the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and the Bank of Japan, with the market participants keenly awaiting further key data releases scheduled for later in the week and the next.

The FX landscape was further characterized by the lingering weakness of the USD against the JPY, spurred by Japan’s inflation data, while the EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and other major currency pairs saw marginal gains. Despite some reasons to overlook the disappointing U.S. durable goods data, attributed partly to Boeing’s challenges, the misses in economic reports have heightened the anticipation for upcoming releases on core PCE, income, spending, and employment data. Market speculation regarding the Federal Reserve’s interest rate path remains a focal point, especially after Kansas City Fed President Jeffrey Schmid’s hawkish remarks, contrasting with the market’s reduced expectations for Fed rate cuts. The evolving monetary policy expectations for the ECB, BoE, and BoJ also play a critical role in shaping the currency market dynamics, with all eyes on the upcoming eurozone CPI and U.S. core PCE data to gauge potential shifts in monetary policy and currency valuations.

Picks of the Day Analysis
EUR/USD (4 Hours)

EUR/USD Stabilizes Amid Anticipation of Key Economic Data

The EUR/USD pair has been hovering around the 1.0850 mark, showing little movement as traders await impactful economic releases. Following a more significant than expected decline in US Durable Goods Orders for January, market focus now shifts to upcoming US GDP figures, German Retail Sales, CPI data, and the US PCE inflation report. These forthcoming data points are crucial for gauging the economic health of both regions and could potentially influence the currency pair’s direction.

Chart EUR/USD by TradingView

On Tuesday, the EUR/USD moved slightly lower and was able to reach the middle band of the Bollinger Bands. Currently, the price is moving around the middle band, suggesting a potential downward movement to reach below the middle band. Notably, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) maintains its position at 53, signaling a neutral outlook for this currency pair.

Resistance: 1.0858, 1.0896

Support: 1.0823, 1.0783

XAU/USD (4 Hours)

XAU/USD See Modest Gains Amid Weakening Dollar and Anticipation for Key Economic Reports

Gold (XAU/USD) experienced a slight increase in its price during Tuesday’s mid-North American session, trading at $2,034.88, a 0.18% gain, amid a backdrop of falling US Treasury bond yields and a weakening US Dollar, as indicated by a 0.05% drop in the US Dollar Index (DXY). This modest uptick occurs as the precious metal hovers around the 50-day Simple Moving Average, with investors keenly awaiting the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) report and latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data, which are anticipated to be significant factors that could drive Gold out of its current $2,020-$2,050 trading range. The outlook is further clouded by the recent report on Durable Goods Orders for January, which fell more sharply than expected, and mixed Home Prices data, suggesting a potentially volatile period ahead for Gold prices.

Chart XAU/USD by TradingView

On Tuesday, XAU/USD moved lower to reach the middle band of the Bollinger Bands. Currently, the price is moving just above the middle band, suggesting a potential consolidation movement. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 53, signaling a neutral outlook for this pair.

Resistance: $2,042, $2,056

Support: $2,030, $2,017

Economic Data
CurrencyDataTime (GMT + 8)Forecast
AUDCPI y/y08:303.4% (Actual)
NZDOfficial Cash Rate09:005.50% (Actual)
NZDRBNZ Monetary Policy Statement09:00 
NZDRBNZ Rate Statement09:00 
USDPrelim GDP q/q21:303.3%

Dividend Adjustment Notice – February 27, 2024

Dear Client,

Please note that the dividends of the following products will be adjusted accordingly. Index dividends will be executed separately through a balance statement directly to your trading account, and the comment will be in the following format “Div & Product Name & Net Volume ”.

Please refer to the table below for more details:

The above data is for reference only, please refer to the MT4/MT5 software for specific data.

If you’d like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact [email protected].

Stocks Dip Amid Inflation Data Anticipation, Amazon Joins Dow

On Monday, the stock market experienced a downturn, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow Jones Industrial Average all closing lower, moving away from recent record highs. This shift comes as investors brace for a slew of economic data, including a crucial inflation measure and updates on consumer spending, which could impact Federal Reserve policy decisions. The market’s focus is particularly on the upcoming personal consumption expenditures price index, a preferred inflation indicator by the Fed. Additionally, Amazon’s inclusion in the Dow signifies a shift toward tech and consumer retail sectors, despite a slight dip in its shares. With Treasury yields rising and various economic indicators on the horizon, investors remain cautious amid an uncertain longer-term outlook, even as currency markets react to potential monetary policy adjustments in the U.S. and Europe.

Stock Market Updates

On Monday, the S&P 500 saw a decline, moving away from the record high it reached the previous Friday, as the market anticipated upcoming inflation data. The index fell by 0.38% to 5,069.53, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped by 0.13%, ending the day at 15,976.25. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also experienced a downturn, losing 62.30 points, or 0.16%, to close at 39,069.23. Notably, Amazon was added to the Dow, replacing Walgreens Boots Alliance, which is expected to heighten the index’s focus on the tech and consumer retail sectors, even as Amazon’s shares dipped slightly by 0.15%. Additionally, Treasury yields rose, exerting further pressure on the stock market.

The market’s recent performance has been bolstered by strong earnings from companies like Nvidia, propelling the S&P 500 and the Dow to record highs at the end of the previous week. However, investors remain cautious, looking ahead to several economic indicators due to be released, including the personal consumption expenditures price index, a key measure of inflation favored by the Federal Reserve. Meanwhile, new home sales for January fell short of expectations amid high mortgage rates, underscoring the ongoing economic challenges. This week will also see the release of data on durable orders, wholesale inventories, consumer spending, and PCE numbers, all of which could significantly influence market sentiment.

Data by Bloomberg

On Monday, the market showed a mixed performance across various sectors. While the overall sectors declined by 0.38%, Energy (+0.32%), Consumer Discretionary (+0.23%), and Information Technology (+0.03%) sectors experienced gains, indicating some areas of strength in the market. However, most sectors saw declines, with Utilities (-2.10%) and Communication Services (-2.09%) facing the steepest drops, followed by significant downturns in Real Estate (-1.14%), Materials (-0.59%), Health Care (-0.50%), and Financials (-0.46%). Industrials and Consumer Staples also saw modest declines, underscoring a generally bearish sentiment across the broader market.

Currency Market Updates

In recent currency market updates, the dollar index experienced a slight decline of 0.1%, influenced primarily by gains in the EUR/USD pair, as investors awaited crucial inflation data from both the U.S. and the eurozone. This upcoming data is expected to provide insights into the future of the narrowing gap between bund and Treasury yields observed since mid-February. The anticipation around this data release stems from its potential to either confirm or alter the current expectations regarding monetary policy adjustments by the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank (ECB), especially in light of recent economic indicators. The dollar, meanwhile, saw an uptick against traditionally lower-yielding currencies like the yen, as well as risk-sensitive currencies such as the Australian dollar and the yuan, amidst speculations on the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions following a strong U.S. jobs report and inflation figures that surpassed forecasts.

Investor focus is particularly honed in on the upcoming core PCE reading, February ISMs, and the March 8 employment report, with the outcomes likely to influence Federal Reserve policy discussions significantly. Despite the current market pricing, which reflects a cautious stance on the pace and extent of Fed rate cuts, the longer-term economic outlook remains uncertain. This uncertainty is exacerbated by persistent high-interest rates and a stock market buoyed by a limited number of companies, raising concerns over potential underperformance in U.S. economic data relative to expectations. Meanwhile, in Europe, inflation data releases are poised to further clarify the ECB’s stance on interest rates, amidst statements from President Christine Lagarde indicating sustained wage growth. Additionally, Japan’s inflation figures and the potential implications for the Bank of Japan’s policy direction add another layer to the global currency market dynamics, with significant attention also being paid to the British pound’s movements against the backdrop of the Bank of England’s anticipated policy decisions.

Picks of the Day Analysis
EUR/USD (4 Hours)

EUR/USD Gains Amid Speculation of US Interest Rate Cuts and ECB’s Prudent Stance

The EUR/USD pair experienced a rebound, touching the 1.0860 mark as the new trading week began, fueled by a weakening US dollar and speculation about potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, possibly starting in June. This speculation has been supported by recent US inflation data and a tight labor market, increasing the odds of monetary easing. Meanwhile, European Central Bank (ECB) official Yannis Stournaras emphasized the need for cautious monetary policy adjustments, aiming for a gradual approach to rate cuts to ensure inflation targets are met. The interplay between anticipated US monetary policy adjustments and the ECB’s prudent stance is likely to continue driving EUR/USD price actions in the near term.

Chart EUR/USD by TradingView

On Monday, the EUR/USD moved higher and was able to reach the upper band of the Bollinger Bands. Currently, the price is moving just below the upper band, suggesting a potential downward movement to reach the middle band. Notably, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) maintains its position at 60, signaling a slightly bullish outlook for this currency pair.

Resistance: 1.0858, 1.0896

Support: 1.0823, 1.0783

XAU/USD (4 Hours)

XAU/USD Retreats Below $2,030 Amid Rising US Treasury Yields and Technical Pressure

Gold experienced a slight downturn, falling below the $2,030 mark during the American trading session on Monday, as it faced technical and fundamental pressures. The recovery of the 10-year US Treasury bond yields toward 4.3% contributed to the decline in the XAU/USD pair, reflecting a dampened appeal for the non-yielding asset. Technical analysis reveals a decrease in buying interest, with a potential for a bearish extension highlighted by the metal’s performance around critical simple moving averages (SMAs) and technical indicators. Meanwhile, the broader market’s cautious stance ahead of significant US economic data releases, including the closely watched US Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, adds to the bearish sentiment surrounding gold.

Chart XAU/USD by TradingView

On Monday, XAU/USD moved lower to reach the middle band of the Bollinger Bands. Currently, the price is moving just above the middle band, suggesting a potential consolidation movement. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 55, signaling a neutral outlook for this pair.

Resistance: $2,042, $2,056

Support: $2,030, $2,017

Economic Data
CurrencyDataTime (GMT + 8)Forecast
USDDurable Goods Orders m/m21:30-4.9%
USDCB Consumer Confidence23:00114.8
Back To Top
server

Hai 👋

Bagaimana saya boleh membantu?

Segera berbual dengan pasukan kami

Chat Langsung

Mulakan perbualan secara langsung melalui...

  • Telegram
    hold Ditangguh
  • Akan datang...

Hai 👋

Bagaimana saya boleh membantu?

telegram

Imbas kod QR dengan telefon pintar anda untuk mula berbual dengan kami, atau klik di sini.

Tidak ada aplikasi Telegram atau versi Desktop terpasang? Gunakan Web Telegram sebaliknya.

QR code