EUR/JPY pair shows slight gains above 177.00 as the Yen weakens
GBP/USD rises for the second session in Asian trading, hovering near 1.3060 ahead of the BoE decision
Technical Floors and Price Movements
On Wednesday, GBP/USD found a weak support level and stabilized just above 1.3000 after weeks of decline. The pair is trading around 1.3050 on Thursday, down over 3% from its mid-October high of 1.3470 and has experienced losses in the majority of the last 13 trading days. After a 0.90% drop on Tuesday due to concerns over potential tax increases, GBP/USD is steady at 1.3028. Reeves’ comments have raised questions about future tax changes, and analysts believe tough budget decisions may not align with past promises. GBP/USD is holding above 1.3050, but the market is tense with the Bank of England’s rate decision approaching. While many expect the BoE to keep rates at 4% today, the attention is really on future moves. With the central bank meeting and the budget announcement on November 26th, we may see increased volatility. There are growing signs that the Pound could weaken in the future, suggesting traders might prepare for a downturn. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics showed UK inflation for October 2025 dropped to 3.8%, which puts pressure on the BoE to consider rate cuts next year. Interest rate swaps now indicate at least a quarter-point cut might happen by the second quarter of 2026, showing a significant change in market sentiment.Fiscal Jitters and Market Volatility
Chancellor Reeves’ discussion of tax increases to address a projected £110 billion fiscal deficit is creating concern in the markets. This situation reminds traders of the market turmoil after the “mini-budget” in 2022, leading them to hedge against similar instability. This financial uncertainty is a major challenge for the Pound, regardless of the BoE’s decision today. Given these two major risks, buying volatility appears to be a wise choice. One-month implied volatility for GBP/USD has jumped from 7% to 9.5% in recent weeks, indicating that the market is preparing for a significant price move. Traders could consider buying straddles or strangles to benefit from a swing in either direction after the budget is revealed. For those expecting a decline, buying put options is a straightforward way to bet on a drop in the Pound. December expiry puts with a strike price below the key 1.3000 level could offer both protection and profit opportunities. This approach limits risk while preparing for a possible downturn due to a tighter budget or a dovish BoE outlook. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.Pound Sterling supports GBP/USD, staying strong above 1.3050 ahead of BoE decision
Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Announcements
Traders are waiting for Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcement about stricter fiscal policies in the budget on November 26 to tackle borrowing issues. In her speech, she mentioned potential tax increases and emphasized the importance of managing debt. Market feelings improved as the US Dollar weakened, which lowered expectations for a Fed rate cut in December. The CME FedWatch Tool now shows a 62% chance of a cut, down from 68% the previous day. Recent US data revealed that ADP Employment Change rose by 42,000 in October, a rise from a revised September drop of 29,000. This exceeded the 25,000 forecast. Moreover, the US ISM Services PMI went up to 52.4 in October from 50.0 the month before, beating expectations of 50.8. The BoE’s interest rate decisions can impact the strength of the Pound Sterling. Generally, higher rates are seen as favorable for GBP. The next BoE decision is on November 6, 2025, with rates likely to stay at 4%.Bank of England’s Upcoming Rate Decision
As the Bank of England makes its rate decision today, the key focus will be on how the policy statement is communicated. A hold at 4% is widely expected, but any change in tone about future rate cuts could lead to market volatility. This creates a chance for trading short-term options since implied volatility for the pound has risen to over 11% for one-week contracts. Looking ahead, the economic scenarios for the UK and the US appear to be diverging. The UK’s recent inflation report showed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) easing to 3.5%, giving the BoE reason to think about cuts in early 2026. In contrast, the latest US Non-Farm Payrolls report revealed an increase of 250,000 jobs, supporting the view that the Federal Reserve can be patient. This divergence could lead to a downturn for GBP/USD in the coming weeks. A potential strategy might be to buy GBP/USD put options that expire in December or January. This will allow participation in a possible decline while capping the maximum risk in the trade. The UK budget announcement on November 26 is another important event that may pressure the pound. Suggestions of fiscal tightening, such as tax hikes, could hurt economic growth and add to bearish sentiments for the currency. This fiscal strain might make any pound rebounds brief. We remember how much market volatility occurred after fiscal plans were revealed in late 2022, leading to a sharp decline of the pound against the dollar. While the current conditions are different, they illustrate how sensitive the currency can be to fiscal announcements. Thus, holding positions through the budget announcement involves substantial risk. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.EUR/USD rises to around 1.1505 during Asian trading hours amid positive risk sentiment
Recent analysis shows AMD has peaked, with expected upward movement in its trend.
Wave 4 Elliott Wave Structure
Wave 4 has a double three Elliott Wave structure: wave ((w)) fell to $252.31, wave ((x)) rose to $262.13, and wave ((y)) ended at $235.50. If the stock holds above $224.85, it is expected to increase in wave 5, aiming for a range between $280.50 and $294.40, which aligns with the 123.6%–161.8% inverse retracement level of wave 4. This information is not personalized advice. The author and FXStreet are not responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions and cannot be held liable for any losses or damages. We believe that AMD’s rise from its April 2025 low is not finished, suggesting we should consider taking bullish positions. The recent price action indicates another upward move may occur after the stock hit a low at $235.50. This outlook is backed by AMD’s strong third-quarter earnings report from last week, which exceeded expectations, particularly in data center growth, and offered positive guidance for the holiday season.Immediate Target for Wave 5
The target for wave 5 is expected to be between $280.50 and $294.40. To take advantage of this, we can buy call options with expiration dates in December 2025 and strike prices around $285 or $290. After the earnings release, implied volatility cooled down, making entry costs for these bullish options more affordable than they were a few weeks ago. Our risk is clearly defined: if AMD drops below the $224.85 level, the bullish outlook is no longer valid. To manage this risk, we can use bull call spreads to limit our upfront costs or sell cash-secured puts with strikes below the recent low of $235.50. This strategy allows us to earn premium while waiting for the anticipated upward movement. The broader market also supports this bullish outlook for AMD, as the semiconductor index (SOX) has risen over 8% since mid-October 2025. We have seen similar situations before, especially during the 2021 market rally, where strong patterns in leading stocks led to broader market gains. Excitement is also building for the upcoming Supercomputing Conference, which we expect will provide new information on AMD’s enterprise AI chips. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.WTI oil trading at $59.60 may decline due to rising oversupply concerns after inventory increase
Global Oil Dynamics
Worldwide oil demand has gone up by 850,000 barrels per day this year, which is less than the earlier forecast of 900,000 barrels per day. In light of a well-supplied market, Saudi Arabia has lowered crude prices for buyers in Asia, setting December’s price at $1 above the Oman/Dubai average. WTI Oil is a major benchmark known for its low gravity and sulfur content, mainly traded in US dollars. Inventory numbers from the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Energy Information Agency (EIA) affect WTI prices, signaling shifts in supply and demand. OPEC, a major player, adjusts production quotas that also influence global oil prices. Currently, WTI crude oil is around $59.50, and it seems to be trending downward. The latest report from the US EIA showed a significant inventory increase of 5.202 million barrels, which exceeded expectations and indicates a considerable supply surplus. This increase in US crude inventories has occurred in four out of the last five weeks, adding over 12 million barrels to storage since early October 2025. On the supply side, production from OPEC+ and other producers is on the rise, raising fears about oversupply. In October 2025, OPEC+ compliance with production targets fell to 95%, which suggests that member countries are beginning to compete for market share. This ties in with predictions of a possible 2 million barrel per day surplus next year.Bearish Market Sentiment
Demand is also showing signs of weakness, as J.P. Morgan has lowered its forecast for global demand growth. Real-time data shows that US gasoline demand has dropped to a four-week moving average of 8.6 million barrels per day. This is a level we don’t usually see until the post-holiday season in January. Major oil producers are confirming this bearish perspective. Saudi Arabia’s sharp cuts to its official selling prices for Asian buyers signal that they are trying to attract customers in a saturated market. This price drop directly responds to increasing production from other OPEC+ countries and a decline in demand. Traders might find this situation better for strategies that profit from falling prices. For example, buying put options on WTI futures around the low $50s can limit risk while preparing for further declines. With current pressures, prices could move down to earlier support levels. A more cautious strategy could involve bear put spreads. This means buying a put option while selling a lower-strike put, which can lower initial costs. This method is good if we expect a gradual drop in prices rather than a sharp fall. While the outlook is downbeat, we should remain alert for sudden changes due to unexpected geopolitical events, a lesson learned from 2023’s volatility. Using options instead of shorting futures helps manage this risk. Key factors to monitor in the upcoming weeks are the weekly EIA inventory reports and any updates from OPEC+ about production plans for early 2026. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.XAG/USD shows weakness below key resistance, trading around $47.75 after a short rise
USD/CAD settles around 1.4100 after reaching seven-month highs, impacted by US dollar weakness
Fed Policy and Market Reactions
Fed Chair Jerome Powell has shown caution, highlighting uncertainties due to the US government shutdown. On the other hand, Fed Governor Stephen Miran suggested that a rate cut could be warranted. Meanwhile, the Canadian Dollar is gaining support as Canada’s government boosts capital spending while keeping deficits low, helping the Bank of Canada maintain a stable policy rate. Fiscal spending in Canada is on the rise, with estimates predicting a budget deficit of -2.5% of GDP for 2025/26. The CAD’s value is influenced by factors such as the BoC’s interest rates, oil prices, economic conditions, inflation, and trade balance. Higher oil prices have a direct positive effect, strengthening the CAD and improving the trade balance. Generally, inflation leads to higher interest rates, which increases demand for the CAD, while disappointing data can weaken it. Right now, the USD/CAD is around 1.4100, down from recent highs. Although US job numbers and service sector growth are solid, the US Dollar isn’t showing lasting strength. This may indicate that the market focuses more on upcoming Fed policy than on previous data.Market Responses and Strategy
The Federal Reserve’s December meeting is a major event to watch, with futures markets showing a 62% chance of a rate cut. This expectation has eased a bit due to mixed signals from Fed officials and the complexities introduced by the government shutdown. We’ve seen similar market fluctuations in response to Fed changes in 2023, and the current environment feels equally uncertain. Last week’s Core PCE Price Index, the Fed’s favored inflation measure, revealed an annualized rate of 2.7%, slightly below what was expected. This softer inflation report is fueling speculation about a rate cut, even as the latest ADP report indicates strong labor market performance. This gap between inflation and employment data is creating a notable tension for the Dollar’s trajectory. From Canada’s perspective, the government’s plan to increase capital spending supports the Loonie. This boost gives the Bank of Canada flexibility to keep its policy rate at 2.25%, enhancing the interest rate gap if the Fed cuts rates. This is a clear positive factor for the Canadian Dollar in the medium term. We should also keep an eye on oil prices. WTI crude is currently trading over $85 a barrel thanks to OPEC+’s supply discipline. Since petroleum is Canada’s top export, sustained high energy prices will directly benefit the country’s trade terms. This further supports CAD strength against the US Dollar. For traders, this uncertainty suggests that options strategies might be more favorable than straightforward spot positions in the coming weeks. Buying volatility through straddles on USD/CAD ahead of the December Fed announcement could capture significant movement either way. The implied volatility on one-month options has already risen to 7.8%, reflecting the market’s nervousness. Alternatively, for those anticipating CAD strength, selling out-of-the-money USD/CAD call options with strike prices above 1.4200 could be a way to earn premium. This strategy could be profitable if the pair remains steady or declines, leveraging the supportive Canadian fundamentals. However, given the strong US data, we should remain cautious about any sudden rebound of the US Dollar. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.During the longest government shutdown, the US Dollar Index remains around 100.05 in Asian trading hours.
Economic Impact on DXY The shutdown started on October 1st when Congress couldn’t agree on funding. Over a month later, there’s still no solution in sight, negatively impacting the DXY. Although the Senate hasn’t made progress toward a resolution, the private sector added 42,000 jobs in October, according to ADP Research, exceeding expectations of 25,000. Last week, the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates. Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted only a slight cooling in the job market. Even with the positive job data from October, Fed Governor Stephen Miran suggested that another rate cut might be necessary in December. Traders are watching for speeches from Fed officials on Thursday for more insights. The US Dollar is the most traded currency worldwide, making up over 88% of all global foreign exchange transactions. The Federal Reserve (Fed) affects its value through monetary policy by changing interest rates to manage inflation and employment targets. Quantitative easing (QE) generally weakens the dollar, while quantitative tightening (QT) strengthens it. Due to the extended government shutdown, the US Dollar Index tested the key 100.00 level in October 2025. This political uncertainty has weakened the dollar, leading to a clear bearish sentiment. Traders might see any temporary strength in the dollar as a chance to bet on further declines.
Consequences of the Shutdown The economic impact of the shutdown is becoming evident in the data. The private payroll growth of 42,000 for October was surprisingly weak, indicating a rapid slowdown in the job market. We’ve seen similar situations in the past; the 35-day shutdown from 2018-2019 was estimated by the CBO to have cut GDP by $11 billion, and this shutdown is longer. The Federal Reserve is responding and has already lowered rates twice during this unstable period. With Fed Governor Miran saying policy is still “too restrictive,” the market is anticipating more cuts. Currently, the CME FedWatch Tool indicates an over 85% chance of another rate cut at the December 2025 meeting. In this climate, derivative traders should consider strategies that benefit from a falling dollar and rising volatility. This may include buying put options on the US Dollar Index or call options on currencies like the Euro and Japanese Yen. These options allow traders to gain from dollar weakness while managing potential losses. Looking ahead, it’s important to keep an eye on upcoming speeches from Fed officials and inflation data. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for October, released just yesterday, showed a rate of 2.1%, slightly below the forecast of 2.2%. This gives more leverage to those favoring a dovish approach. However, any unexpectedly hawkish comments from Fed officials could trigger a quick, temporary rally in the dollar. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.