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UOB Group analysts predict that USD/CNH may fluctuate between 7.0620 and 7.0740, indicating a bearish outlook.

The US Dollar (USD) against the Chinese Yuan (CNH) is expected to trade between 7.0620 and 7.0740. This prediction comes from FX analysts at UOB Group, who foresee a negative trend for the USD in the long run, with the next important level being 7.0400. In the next 24 hours, momentum indicators show little change. The USD is likely to continue trading within the 7.0620 to 7.0740 range, having closed at 7.0715, with a tighter range of 7.0659 to 7.0726. For the next 1-3 weeks, the negative outlook for the USD stays the same as long as it doesn’t break above the resistance level of 7.0770. Although the dollar hasn’t declined recently, analysts believe it may still head towards 7.0400. Currently, the dollar’s movement is steady, and we expect it to remain within the 7.0620 to 7.0740 range. This indicates low volatility, making it a good time to explore strategies like selling straddles that benefit from stable conditions. Traders should closely monitor these levels for any potential breakouts. Even with the present calm, our view for the next one to three weeks is still negative for the US dollar, focusing on the 7.0400 support level. This view is supported by recent US inflation data from November 2025, which was lower than expected at 2.8%, reducing pressure on the Federal Reserve. On the other hand, China’s industrial output has shown unexpected strength, boosting the yuan. We will keep this negative outlook as long as the dollar remains below the strong resistance at 7.0770. If it breaks above this level, it may indicate that downward pressure is easing, which would require a reassessment of short positions. Derivative traders might use the 7.0770 level to manage their risk, such as setting call option strike prices to hedge against bearish bets. Looking back at similar quiet periods, like in the third quarter of 2024, low volatility typically precedes significant policy-driven movement. The market currently expects the Federal Reserve to maintain its course in the upcoming meeting, but any surprises could lead to a sharp movement away from the current range. Therefore, while range-trading strategies may seem appealing now, traders should be ready for a potential increase in volatility.

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USD/JPY rises as UST yields increase and earthquake concerns grow, with markets expecting a BoJ hike

USD/JPY has risen recently due to higher U.S. yields and an earthquake in northeast Japan. Markets see a 90% chance of a 25 basis point rate hike from the Bank of Japan next Friday. Currently, the pair is at 156.16, with trends pointing towards a stronger USD. Short-term movements in USD/JPY are influenced by worries about a tough Federal Reserve and a softer Bank of Japan. For the yen to recover significantly, the Bank of Japan needs to provide clearer guidance and demonstrate fiscal responsibility. A weaker USD and lower U.S. rates would also help. Right now, concerns about a hawkish Fed and a dovish BoJ support the USD/JPY.

Support And Resistance Levels

Daily indicators show a slightly bearish trend, although the RSI drop is mild. Important support levels are at 155.70, 154.40, and 151.60. Resistance levels are at 156.70, 157.90, and 158.87. This information was updated on December 9 to highlight that short-term USD/JPY trends are shaped by worries about a hawkish Fed and a dovish BoJ. With USD/JPY at 156.16, the short-term outlook suggests a stronger dollar. Last month’s U.S. Core PCE inflation came in at 3.1%, pushing the Federal Reserve to stay hawkish. This is a stark contrast to Japan, where a dovish outlook remains. The Bank of Japan is expected to raise rates by 25 basis points on December 19, a move that markets have largely priced in at 90%. However, we anticipate this hike to be “dovish,” as future tightening seems uncertain, particularly after the earthquake, which might lead to increased government spending and further weaken the yen.

Trading Strategies And Risks

For traders in derivatives, buying near-term USD/JPY call options might be a good strategy. Targeting strike prices around the resistance levels of 157.90 and the 2025 high of 158.87 could allow for benefit from the expected rise. Using a bull call spread can also reduce costs in this environment of rising yields. However, traders should be wary of a key risk: intervention from Japan’s Ministry of Finance, as we saw several times in 2024 when USD/JPY approached 160. To protect against a sudden drop due to intervention, holding out-of-the-money put options could be a wise move. This ensures a balanced position during potentially volatile weeks. Implied volatility for USD/JPY options has increased, with the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield exceeding 4.35% and the BoJ meeting only a week away. This heightened volatility makes selling options risky but could enhance payouts for directional bets. Traders should prepare for price fluctuations around major announcements. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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USD/JPY could consistently drop if it remains below 154.65, according to UOB Group

The US Dollar (USD) is facing challenges against the Japanese Yen (JPY), with a potential rise in sight but not enough momentum to easily break through 156.20. The USD closed at 155.92, climbing 0.37% after moving between 154.88 and 155.98. While upward momentum is slowly increasing, it still lacks the force needed to surpass the 156.20 mark, with support levels at 155.65 and 155.45. Looking at a longer timeframe, for the USD to continue declining, it needs to close below 154.65. The USD did fall briefly below this level but could not maintain that position. Although it reached 155.98, the rate of decline is slowing, which suggests that a drop below 154.65 is not likely unless the USD moves above 156.20, indicating a change in resistance.

Market Observations

This article shares insights about the market and reminds readers to conduct their own research before making investment choices. It discusses various topics, including crude oil imports and the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) effect on the USD. The editorial guidelines focus on impartiality, and FXStreet warns that it is not responsible for investment results. As of December 9th, 2025, the USD/JPY pair is trading in a narrow range. Current upward momentum is weak, making it hard to break the strong resistance at 156.20 in the near future. A key level to monitor for a continued downward movement is a daily close below 154.65. Recent economic data explains this caution. The November Non-Farm Payrolls report indicated slower wage growth, and the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showed US inflation easing slightly to 3.0%. These numbers lessen the urgency for the Federal Reserve to take aggressive measures, which limits the dollar’s strength. Conversely, Japan’s inflation rate has stayed stubbornly above the Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) 2% target for over a year, currently at 2.8%. This situation puts pressure on the BoJ to tighten its policy eventually, which would boost the yen. Traders are carefully watching for any policy changes, making the 154.65 support level particularly important.

Trading Strategies

For traders in derivatives, this scenario suggests approaches that could profit from either a breakout or continued range trading. One option is to buy a short-term strangle with a call option above 156.20 and a put option below 154.65. This strategy could be effective leading up to next week’s FOMC announcement, as it takes advantage of increases in volatility, regardless of direction. We also recall that the Ministry of Finance intervened to buy yen in 2024 when the pair was in a similar position, reinforcing the resistance around the 156 mark. Therefore, for those who are bearish, a patient strategy would be to wait for a confirmed daily close below 154.65 before opening new short positions or buying puts. Such a breakdown would signal a genuine shift in momentum. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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In November, Greece’s year-on-year Harmonised Consumer Price Index rose from 1.6% to 2.8%

Greece’s Harmonised Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose from 1.6% to 2.8% in November. This change points to a noticeable shift in consumer prices compared to the previous month.

Impact on Financial Markets

Changes in the CPI can affect various financial markets. Economic data, like job changes and new job openings, offer insights into future economic trends. Investors are carefully watching global economic activities. Indicators in currency, commodities, and job markets can influence trading strategies. This information is meant as general advice. It’s important for individuals to do their own research before making financial decisions. Note: This summary does not provide personalized financial advice. Thorough research is crucial for financial planning.

Differences in Eurozone Inflation

Greece’s inflation jump to 2.8% from 1.6% is significant. This sharp rise questions the idea that price pressures are easing across the Eurozone. We should be cautious, as this might indicate more persistent inflation in peripheral countries that the market hasn’t factored in yet. This new data from Greece diverges from the overall trend. The latest Eurostat estimate from late November 2025 showed that inflation in the Euro area had dropped to 2.4%. This discrepancy complicates the European Central Bank’s (ECB) plans as they prepare for their upcoming meeting. A single monetary policy for economies operating at different speeds creates uncertainty, which can be traded. With the ECB meeting approaching, this inflation surprise may lead to a more hawkish tone in their statements. We might consider buying options on the Euro Stoxx 50 index to capitalize on increased volatility. Any rise in uncertainty, regardless of market direction, would benefit these positions. This situation also presents an opportunity for the Euro, especially against the US dollar. Markets have been pricing in rate cuts from the Federal Reserve for early 2026, but this new data from Europe may push the ECB to maintain steady rates for longer. This policy divergence makes long positions on EUR/USD futures or buying EUR/USD call options appealing strategies in the upcoming weeks. We should remember how quickly the inflation narrative changed in 2022, forcing central banks to adjust rapidly. Although today’s figures are lower, they could still make ECB officials uneasy about declaring victory too soon. Therefore, using interest rate derivatives to protect against the risk that the ECB won’t signal rate cuts might be a smart defensive strategy. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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Greece’s Consumer Price Index increased to 2.4% year-on-year, up from 2%

In November, Greece’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 2.4% compared to last year, up from a 2% increase in the previous period. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) on Tuesday. Predictions suggest job openings might have reached 7.2 million in October. Although a slight global slowdown is expected in 2025, both the global and European economies have shown strength in recent years. Still, the risks of recovery are growing, which could negatively affect the global economy and credit outlook in the medium term. Chainlink (LINK) held steady at the start of the week, priced around $13.70 on Tuesday. This is above a key support level, indicating stability. Keep in mind that neither the author nor FXStreet are financial advisors. This article does not offer investment advice. Higher-than-expected inflation in Greece shows that price pressures in the Eurozone may be lingering longer than anticipated. The latest Eurostat estimate for November placed headline inflation at 2.7%. This could make the European Central Bank cautious about future interest rate cuts. It may also create chances in derivatives that bet on European interest rates remaining high longer. All eyes will be on the upcoming US JOLTS report this Tuesday. Job openings have been declining from peaks above 9 million in 2023. If the number comes in significantly higher than the 7.2 million forecast, it could indicate that the labor market isn’t cooling enough for the Federal Reserve. A surprisingly strong report could put pressure on equity markets, making protective put options on indices like the S&P 500 a smart short-term strategy. The mixed data from Europe and the US creates uncertainty, which usually leads to market ups and downs. With the VIX index currently at a calm 16, option premiums are not too high. This situation could make buying straddles or strangles on major indices a cost-effective way to prepare for a big market movement following the data releases. Overall, the economic outlook suggests rising risks despite the stability we’ve seen amidst the small slowdown expected in 2025. We remember how sharply the market pulled back in 2024, affecting unhedged portfolios. This highlights the importance of risk management. Keeping some longer-term protective puts on broad market ETFs could be a wise strategy to guard against a downturn in the medium term. In the cryptocurrency world, Chainlink’s stability around $13.70 indicates a possible support level, though this may be fragile due to macroeconomic challenges. Recently, implied volatility on near-term LINK options has decreased, suggesting traders don’t foresee a big price change. This could be a chance to buy puts below this key level as a hedge or to prepare for a decline if overall market sentiment worsens.

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Traders reevaluate expectations for further Fed rate cuts after ECB remarks

Isabel Schnabel from the European Central Bank has impacted global interest rate markets. Traders are reevaluating expectations for future Fed easing, leading to a 4-5 tick drop in Fed Funds futures for late 2026. The Fed’s terminal rate for next year has increased by 20 basis points to 3.13% in the past two weeks.

US Growth Stocks Impact

The rise in US rates has affected growth stocks, as their discounted cash flows are recalibrated. Even with Schnabel’s remarks, some doubts about their true hawkishness persist. The news has also influenced the EUR/USD exchange rate, where the Fed’s easing cycle plays a crucial role. Expectations for a ‘hawkish cut’ at the upcoming FOMC meeting are noteworthy. Before the FOMC meeting, market attention will shift to US JOLTS data, which is anticipated to show a slowdown. The ongoing market expectation for Fed easing seems fragile, indicating limited risks for the dollar. If today’s data surpasses expectations, the DXY might reach 99.30. Recent comments from the European Central Bank have prompted shifts in global interest rate markets. This has led us to rethink why the market is anticipating a significant Fed easing of 90 basis points. Consequently, the expected Fed terminal rate for next year has jumped by 20 basis points to 3.13% in just two weeks. This reevaluation follows strong economic data, which provides the Federal Reserve less incentive to signal aggressive future cuts. For instance, the jobs report from December 5, 2025, revealed the economy added 190,000 jobs in November, exceeding expectations. Additionally, the latest Consumer Price Index data shows persistent inflation at 3.2%, arguing for a more cautious approach from the Fed. With the Federal Open Market Committee meeting tomorrow, the market is now predicting a ‘hawkish cut.’ This implies a possible rate reduction, but the accompanying messaging will likely indicate fewer future cuts than previously thought, limiting potential downside for the U.S. dollar leading up to the decision.

Derivative Traders Strategies

For derivatives traders, this outlook suggests it may be wise to buy short-dated call options on the Dollar Index (DXY). Any unexpected positive data from today’s JOLTS job openings could push the DXY, currently around 98.80, up to 99.30. This could make call options profitable while mitigating risks if the data comes in weaker than expected. We’ve already witnessed a sell-off in Fed Funds futures contracts for late 2026, which may continue. This trend suggests that positions betting on a slower rate cut pace, like selling SOFR or Fed Funds futures, might perform strongly. These trades reflect the view that the market has been overly optimistic about the level of Fed easing in 2026. Reflecting back, the market’s demand for rate cuts stemmed from the aggressive rate hikes we experienced throughout 2023. That tightening phase was expected to lead to a more pronounced economic downturn than what has materialized. Now, the unexpected resilience of the U.S. economy is compelling the market to adjust its expectations. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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Spain’s 9-month Letras auction yield rises from 1.965% to 1.999%

The yield on Spain’s 9-month letras auction increased from 1.965% to 1.999%. This change reflects current market conditions and demand in Spain’s financial management. Investors are paying close attention to this updated yield to assess the health of the national economy. Auction results are important for understanding the value of Spain’s treasury securities. These results can also impact the broader debt market in the Eurozone. As new economic data comes in, traders and market participants may adjust their strategies accordingly.

Market Trends and Economic Indicators

The small rise in Spain’s 9-month letras yield to 1.999% fits the larger trend in the market. November 2025’s Eurozone core inflation is steady at 2.8%, which is above the target, and the European Central Bank is not likely to lower its main rate of 2.25% anytime soon. This means short-term borrowing costs will likely continue to rise across the region. For those of us in the derivatives market, this reinforces our strategy to prepare for a prolonged period of higher interest rates. We are considering options on EURIBOR futures that would gain from the market delaying any rate cuts until late 2026. This small auction result further indicates that monetary easing isn’t expected in the near future. We’re also observing the widening gap between Spanish and German government bond yields, which has increased by about 5 basis points over the last month. This risk, alongside Spain’s Q3 2025 GDP growth slowing to just 0.2%, suggests that buying options on the VSTOXX index could be a smart move. This provides protection against rising volatility in European markets if economic data fails to meet expectations.

Historical Context and Current Risks

Looking back at the sharp changes in rate policy from 2022 and 2023, we can see how quickly market sentiment can shift. Today’s auction result reminds us that stability in the fixed-income market isn’t assured. Consequently, any positions anticipating lower interest rates carry substantial risk right now. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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During a meeting, Premier Li Qiang assured IMF and World Bank leaders that China will meet its economic goals.

Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey

The Bureau of Labor Statistics will soon publish the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, expecting to see 7.2 million job openings in October. Recent years have shown that both global and European economies are holding up well, though a slight slowdown is anticipated in 2025, raising some concerns about the economy in the medium term. Chainlink (LINK) started the week at about $13.70, staying steady above an important support level. The network is doing well due to decreasing exchange reserves and several new partnerships. The market seems to be overlooking assurances from Beijing, highlighting a lack of trust in China’s ability to meet its economic goals. The muted response of the Australian dollar, which often reflects China’s economy, indicates that traders are skeptical of official statements. Data from the third quarter of 2025 revealed that China’s manufacturing PMI is struggling to stay above the 50-point threshold, which signals growth, making traders cautious about overly optimistic predictions. Today, the strength of the Australian dollar against the Japanese Yen and US dollar appears disconnected from news about China. Instead, it likely reflects hopes for stable commodity prices and differences in interest rates. Notably, iron ore prices have remained above $120 per tonne for most of the fourth quarter of 2025, providing strong support for the AUD despite worries about demand from China.

Market Strategy and Volatility

This week, the upcoming US JOLTS job openings data is the key event for the market. The expected 7.2 million job openings for October would continue the trend of cooling down from the 8.5 million in early 2025, strengthening the argument for the Federal Reserve to consider lowering rates in the first half of 2026. This possibility of a weaker dollar presents a chance for those trading currency pairs against it. As we navigate the gap between short-term strength and a negative medium-term outlook, we should brace for more volatility. While the global slowdown in 2025 has been mild, increasing credit risks make it important to use options to protect long positions. Buying puts on major indices or using volatility tools like VIX futures could provide an affordable way to guard against an unexpected downturn as the new year approaches. In our immediate strategy, we should focus on trades that reflect a weakening US labor market instead of a strong China. This might involve buying call options on the AUD/USD to benefit from a possible dovish shift from the Fed, while staying cautious about the long-term potential of the pair due to risks associated with China. The stability of assets like Chainlink indicates that investors are seeking growth in alternative ecosystems, a trend we should keep in mind. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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The price of silver rises to $58.82 per troy ounce, up by 1.18%

Silver prices rose on Tuesday, reaching $58.82 per troy ounce, up 1.18% from Monday’s $58.13. Since the beginning of the year, silver prices have skyrocketed by 103.57%. The Gold/Silver ratio decreased to 71.55 on Tuesday from 72.11 the previous day. Silver is seen as a safe-haven asset, trading similarly to gold but on a smaller scale. It serves as a store of value and can protect against high inflation. Buyers can choose between physical silver or investing through platforms like Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Various factors can cause silver prices to change, including geopolitical events and economic trends. As a non-yielding asset, silver benefits from lower interest rates. The strength of the US Dollar also affects its price, as silver is priced in dollars (XAG/USD). Industrial demand is crucial for silver’s value, especially in the electronics and solar energy sectors. Major countries like the US, China, and India influence demand significantly due to their industrial needs and consumer behaviors. Silver prices often follow gold’s trends, with the Gold/Silver ratio providing insights into their relative values. Silver’s price has more than doubled in 2025, now sitting at $58.82, leading to high implied volatility in the options market. This makes buying straightforward call or put options very costly. Traders might want to use vertical or calendar spreads to manage risk and handle expensive premiums. This price surge has accelerated due to the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cuts, which began in late 2024 and included three cuts in 2025. This dovish approach has weakened the US Dollar Index from a high of 106 in 2024 to about 98 now, making silver cheaper for foreign buyers. It’s important to keep an eye on central bank communications for any changes in this supportive policy. Supporting this rally is a jump in industrial demand, now accounting for over 50% of total silver use. The International Energy Agency noted that global solar panel capacity increased by 75% in 2024, a trend that has continued into 2025. This strong demand gives a solid foundation for silver prices, making it more than just a speculative surge. The Gold/Silver ratio has now dropped to 71.55, down from over 85 in early 2024. This indicates silver is outperforming gold, driven by its industrial use and its monetary role. The ratio could continue to fall towards its historical average of about 60, suggesting silver may have more potential to rise compared to gold.

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USD/JPY pulls back slightly after reaching 156.40; BoJ’s Ueda confirms interest rate intentions

The USD/JPY pair dropped from its earlier intraday high of 156.40, ending around 156.10, but still showed a 0.12% gain. The market changed after BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda reaffirmed the bank’s intention to normalize policy due to rising inflation. The Japanese Yen received support from the BoJ’s interest rate policy, even though Japan’s Q3 GDP data revealed a contraction of 0.6%, worse than the expected 0.4%. This economic downturn aligns with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s plans for significant fiscal spending, which could influence future monetary policy decisions.

Economic and Natural Pressures

The region faced a 7.6-magnitude earthquake, leading the government to issue evacuation orders and tsunami warnings, putting additional strain on the Yen. Meanwhile, there’s growing anticipation for the Federal Reserve’s next meeting, where it may lower interest rates by 25 basis points to a range of 3.50% to 3.75% due to weaker labor demand and ongoing price pressures. The Federal Reserve reviews interest rates eight times a year, balancing inflation and employment. Rate hikes usually strengthen the US Dollar by attracting foreign investment, while cuts often weaken it as investors seek higher returns elsewhere. The next update is set for December 10, 2025, with a consensus rate of 3.75%. We see a clear divergence in policies for the coming weeks, particularly around the Federal Reserve’s decision. The market has fully anticipated a 25 basis point rate cut by the Fed, which is generally negative for the US Dollar. In contrast, at the Bank of Japan, Governor Ueda is indicating a possible move toward higher interest rates, which should bolster the Yen.

Market Volatility and Strategic Positioning

Despite this, we need to be careful about the Yen’s strength since Japan’s economy is showing weakness. The recent Q3 GDP revision confirmed a 0.6% contraction, and the recent earthquake will add to economic challenges. These issues may hinder the Bank of Japan from following through on its hawkish intentions anytime soon. This uncertainty has increased market volatility, evident in the recent rise of the CBOE Japanese Yen Volatility Index (JYVIX), which has surged over 15% this past week to reach a 14-month high—unlike anything we’ve seen since the currency intervention concerns of October 2024. This indicates that the market is preparing for a large price movement, making options strategies crucial. The upcoming Fed meeting will focus more on economic forecasts and statements than the rate cut itself. With US Core PCE inflation remaining stubbornly around 3.4% this past quarter, the Fed’s guidance may be less accommodating than anticipated. Any indication that this could be a “one-and-done” cut could lead to a sharp reversal and cause the Dollar to rise. Given this situation, we should think about strategies that take advantage of this expected volatility. We are considering purchasing USD/JPY put options to prepare for a potential drop if the Fed indicates further cuts and the BoJ stays firm. However, we must also note that the exchange rate is nearing levels that triggered verbal intervention from Japanese authorities back in 2024, potentially creating a ceiling around the 157.00 mark. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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