Gold prices in the Philippines fell on Monday, based on FXStreet data. Gold was priced at PHP 9,659.41 per gram, down from PHP 9,670.11 on Friday. Gold also dropped to PHP 112,665.50 per tola from PHP 112,790.30 on Friday. Other listed prices were PHP 96,594.10 for 10 grams and PHP 300,441.50 per troy ounce.

How FXStreet Calculates Local Gold Prices

FXStreet converts international gold prices into Philippine pesos using the USD/PHP rate and local units. The figures are updated daily using market rates at the time of publication, and local prices may differ slightly. Central banks are the largest holders of gold, and added 1,136 tonnes worth about $70 billion in 2022, according to the World Gold Council. This was the highest annual total since records began, with rising reserves reported in emerging economies including China, India, and Turkey. Gold often moves in the opposite direction to the US Dollar and US Treasuries, and can also differ from stock market trends. Prices can react to geopolitical events, recession fears, interest rates, and changes in the US Dollar, as gold is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). We see this minor dip in local gold prices as a reflection of daily international market fluctuations. For traders, this short-term noise is less important than the broader trends shaping the precious metal’s value. Gold’s price remains sensitive to shifts in the US Dollar, which has been trading in a narrow range for the past month.

Key Market Forces Affecting Gold

The global economic picture supports gold’s role as a hedge. The latest US inflation data for February 2026 came in at a stubborn 3.2%, slightly above forecasts, making the Federal Reserve’s path on interest rates uncertain. We remember the high inflation of the early 2020s, and this persistence makes non-yielding assets like gold more attractive for capital preservation. Central bank buying continues to provide a strong price floor, a trend we have watched since the record-breaking purchases in 2022. World Gold Council data showed this behavior continued through 2024 and 2025, with net purchases remaining historically high. This steady demand should give traders confidence that a major price collapse is unlikely. Geopolitical tensions are also a key factor, with recent diplomatic friction in Eastern Europe adding to market uncertainty. We’ve seen risk assets like the S&P 500 pull back by about 2.5% over the last two weeks from its highs. If this risk-off sentiment grows, capital will likely flow into safe-haven assets like gold. Given this backdrop, elevated price volatility seems probable in the coming weeks. Traders could consider strategies that benefit from price swings, such as long straddles, while the strong underlying support from central banks might make longer-dated call options appealing. The inverse correlation with equities also presents opportunities for pair trades, such as buying gold futures while selling stock index futures. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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Gold (XAU/USD) traded near $5,000 in Asia on Monday. It came under selling pressure as attention shifted to central bank policy decisions due this week. Markets are watching the US–Israel conflict with Iran, which can raise demand for safe-haven assets. The Trump administration said it expects the conflict to end within weeks or “sooner”, while Israel’s military plans for its campaign to last at least three more weeks.

Geopolitical Risks And Safe Haven Demand

Over the weekend, US forces targeted military sites on Iran’s Kharg Island, an oil export hub. Iran said it would retaliate against any US-linked oil facilities in the region. Rising tensions have pushed oil prices higher, adding to inflation worries. This has increased expectations that the Federal Reserve may delay interest rate cuts, which can weigh on non-yielding assets such as Gold. Central bank decisions are due this week from the Fed, RBA, BoJ, ECB and BoE. Rates are expected to stay unchanged, except for the RBA, which is expected to raise rates again. Gold is currently caught in a tug-of-war, making directional bets risky. The conflict should be driving prices up, but fears that high oil prices will delay Fed rate cuts are pushing it down. We see this as an opportunity to trade volatility, possibly through straddles on gold futures or ETFs, which profit from a large price move in either direction.

Policy Divergence And Cross Asset Trades

The attack on Iran’s Kharg Island is a clear bullish signal for oil prices. Historically, supply disruptions in the Middle East have led to sharp price spikes, and we expect this time to be no different. WTI crude futures have already jumped over 8% to $115 a barrel, so we believe buying near-term call options is the most direct way to trade the expected continuation of this trend over the next few weeks. The spike in oil will likely keep inflation sticky, supporting the market’s view that the Federal Reserve will not cut rates soon. With the last CPI reading for February 2026 coming in hotter than expected at 3.5%, the US dollar should remain strong. We would consider long positions in the US Dollar Index (DXY) through futures contracts. This mix of geopolitical tension and central bank uncertainty is a classic recipe for broad market fear. We remember the spike in the VIX during the Taiwan Strait tensions in late 2025, and a similar environment is brewing now. Buying call options on the VIX could serve as an effective hedge against a potential downturn in major equity indices like the S&P 500. While most central banks are on hold, the Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to hike rates, creating a clear policy divergence. This comes after Australian inflation remained stubbornly above 4% in the final quarter of 2025. This makes long Australian dollar positions attractive, particularly against currencies with dovish central banks like the Japanese Yen (AUD/JPY). Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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Friday’s premarket rebound carried on after the PCE reading, but the VIX tried to retest European morning highs and markets then fell for about two hours. This move ended an oversold bounce that would have matched a daily defence level tied to the share of stocks trading above their 20-day moving averages. Markets did not pause after the oil strategic reserve announcement or earlier comments about the war ending soon. Risk was reduced ahead of the weekend, while the USDX moved above 100 resistance.

Weekly And Cross Asset Signals

The week included a new development on the S&P 500 weekly chart, as well as further signals from credit markets. Gold failed to hold gains even as oil and the VIX continued to rise. The Nasdaq held up better at first, including early hourly strength in SMH and IGV, but it later reversed as well. A possible near-term stabiliser was raised in relation to Iranian comments about shipping through the Strait staying open, while the dollar’s move was presented as reflecting market positioning. The failed rally after last week’s Core PCE data came in hot at 3.1% shows that sellers are firmly in control and buying the dip is a losing strategy right now. We are seeing significant de-risking, so buying puts on the SPX or NDX offers a direct way to position for more downside. Any short-term bounces should be viewed with extreme suspicion until this underlying weakness changes. With the VIX closing the week above 22, a level of fear we haven’t seen for several months, hedging is no longer optional but a necessity for any long positions. The US Dollar Index breaking out to close at 100.85, its highest level since the fourth quarter of 2025, is a major headwind for stocks. We believe VIX call options are a prudent hedge against a more significant volatility event in the near future.

Credit Spreads And Hedging

We are also watching credit markets closely, as high-yield credit spreads have widened by 35 basis points this month to over 450 bps, signaling real concern from bond traders. This type of price action feels very similar to the sharp sell-off we experienced in the third quarter of 2025, which also began with stubborn inflation fears. The bond market is telling us to reduce risk in equities. Gold’s inability to rally during this flight to safety is a warning sign, so we would avoid calls on the metal or miners like GDX for now. Instead, geopolitical tensions are showing up directly in energy markets, with Brent crude futures now trading above $95 a barrel on concerns over the Strait of Hormuz. This environment could benefit traders who are holding long positions in energy derivatives. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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Gold prices in the United Arab Emirates were mostly unchanged on Monday, based on FXStreet data. Gold was priced at AED 592.25 per gram, compared with AED 592.73 on Friday. Gold stood at AED 6,907.90 per tola, down from AED 6,913.48 on Friday. Listed prices were AED 5,922.50 for 10 grams and AED 18,421.07 per troy ounce.

How UAE Gold Prices Are Calculated

FXStreet calculates UAE gold prices by converting international prices using the USD/AED rate and local units. Prices are updated daily from market rates at the time of publication, and local prices may differ slightly. Central banks are the largest holders of gold. According to the World Gold Council, central banks added 1,136 tonnes of gold worth about $70 billion in 2022, the highest annual total since records began. Gold often moves in the opposite direction to the US Dollar and US Treasuries. Price changes can be influenced by geopolitical risks, recession concerns, interest rates, and shifts in the US Dollar because gold is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). Gold’s current stability around 592 AED per gram is deceptive, masking significant underlying tension in the market. The recent US inflation report for February 2026 came in slightly hotter than anticipated, raising questions about the Federal Reserve’s next move. This uncertainty is creating a coiled spring environment for the precious metal.

What Traders Are Watching Now

We are seeing a continuation of the aggressive central bank buying that defined the market in previous years. Following the record purchases seen back in 2022 and the over 1,000 tonnes added in 2023, central banks continued to build their reserves throughout 2025. This consistent demand provides a strong floor under the market, limiting downside potential. After the monetary easing cycle we saw through late 2024 and 2025, the market is now pricing out further aggressive rate cuts for this year. This has caused the US Dollar to strengthen intermittently, creating headwinds for gold prices priced in dollars. Consequently, any sign of economic weakness that could push the Fed to be more dovish would be highly bullish for gold. For derivative traders, this environment suggests focusing on implied volatility, which has been creeping higher. The CBOE Gold Volatility Index (GVZ) is trading well above the lows we witnessed last year, reflecting the market’s nervousness about geopolitical events and central bank policy. This makes strategies like straddles or strangles, which profit from a large price move in either direction, particularly interesting in the coming weeks. Given the strong fundamental support from central bank buying, we see the risk-reward as skewed to the upside. Traders might consider buying call options or implementing bull call spreads to gain upside exposure while defining their risk. A decisive break above recent resistance could see a swift retest of the all-time highs established back in 2024. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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Key Points

• The U.S. dollar remains near a nine-month high as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East keep oil prices elevated.
• Brent crude trading above $105 per barrel is reinforcing safe-haven demand for the dollar amid rising global uncertainty.

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The U.S. dollar held steady in early European trading, remaining close to its strongest level in more than nine months as escalating tensions in the Middle East continued to support demand for the world’s primary reserve currency.

The U.S. Dollar Index (USDX) traded broadly flat at 100.342, after reaching a recent high of 100.54 on Friday, reflecting persistent safe-haven demand amid heightened geopolitical risks and elevated energy prices.

Oil Prices Fuel Safe-Haven Flows

The latest strength in the dollar comes as oil markets remain highly volatile. Brent crude is trading above $105 per barrel, with supply concerns intensifying following escalating military actions involving key energy infrastructure in the region.

Recent developments include a U.S. strike on Iran’s Kharg Island, a critical hub for Iran’s oil exports, while Iran reportedly targeted the oil port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, adding further pressure to already strained global energy supply routes.

The key port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates was hit again on Monday, the latest in a series of strikes on the site https://t.co/GdurpwKSWD

— Bloomberg (@business) March 16, 2026

The situation has also affected maritime flows through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping lanes, which is currently considered effectively closed amid the ongoing conflict.

Against this backdrop, traders have continued to favour the dollar as a safe-haven asset. Analysts note that during periods of geopolitical stress and financial market uncertainty, global liquidity tends to gravitate toward U.S. assets.

Technical Outlook for the Dollar

The US Dollar Index (USDX) is trading near 100.10, slightly higher on the session, as the dollar edges above the key 100 psychological level for the first time in several weeks. The recent advance marks a continuation of the recovery from the 95.34 low seen earlier in the year, signalling strengthening demand for the dollar in the near term.

Technically, the index is trading above all major short-term moving averages. The 5-day moving average (99.43) and 10-day (99.14) are both trending upward and positioned below the current price, while the 20-day (98.41) and 30-day (97.97) sit further beneath the market.

This alignment indicates firm bullish momentum and suggests that the dollar’s recent breakout may have further room to extend.

Immediate resistance is located near 100.30–100.70, where the index previously encountered selling pressure. A decisive move above this region could open the path toward the 101.00–101.50 range. On the downside, initial support appears around 99.20–99.40, followed by stronger support near 98.40, which corresponds with the rising 20-day moving average.

Overall, the dollar’s technical outlook remains constructive, with the index consolidating just above the 100 handle. Holding above this level would reinforce the bullish structure, while a sustained break above 100.70 could signal the continuation of the broader upward move.

Markets Watching Energy and Geopolitics

With oil prices remaining elevated and geopolitical tensions showing little sign of easing, markets are likely to continue favouring defensive positioning in the near term.

Financial stocks are off to their worst start to a year since the Covid pandemic, with investors expecting more pain ahead as worries over everything from private credit to the Iran war roil the troubled sector https://t.co/UeDCSIc7Aw

— Bloomberg (@business) March 14, 2026

If energy prices remain elevated and global uncertainty persists, the U.S. dollar may continue to benefit from its role as the world’s dominant reserve currency, particularly as traders seek liquidity and stability during periods of heightened market stress.

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FAQs

1. What is Driving US Dollar Strength Right Now?

The US dollar remains firm because investors are seeking liquidity and safety as Middle East tensions escalate and oil prices stay elevated.

2. Why Does Higher Oil Support the Dollar?

Higher oil prices can lift inflation risks and weaken growth in energy-importing economies. That tends to support the dollar, especially as the United States is seen as more resilient during energy shocks.

3. What is the USDX?

The USDX, or US Dollar Index, measures the value of the US dollar against a basket of major foreign currencies.

4. Why is Brent Crude Important for Currency Markets?

Brent crude acts as a key global oil benchmark. When Brent trades above $105 per barrel, markets often react to the inflation and growth impact, which can influence currencies and central bank expectations.

5. How Does the Strait of Hormuz Affect the Dollar?

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. If it remains effectively closed, supply risks rise, oil prices stay elevated, and investors often move into the dollar.

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EUR/JPY rose after two days of losses, trading near 182.60 in Asian hours on Monday. It moved above 182.50 as the Euro strengthened after a report that the US-Israel conflict with Iran could end within “the next few weeks”. The report said this could allow oil supplies to recover and energy prices to ease. Despite this, the Euro remains under pressure from higher oil prices, which can worsen Europe’s trade balance.

Central Bank Rate Expectations

Money markets now price in two European Central Bank rate hikes this year. Last month, no policy moves were expected. On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron said freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz must be restored as soon as possible. He also urged Iran’s president to halt attacks against countries in the region, including Lebanon and Iraq. Attention is turning to the ECB’s next policy meeting. President Christine Lagarde is expected to explain how the bank plans to respond to conflict-related inflation pressures. The pair may also face resistance as the Japanese Yen finds support from expectations of possible currency intervention. Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said the government is monitoring moves closely and is ready to take strong action if needed.

Lessons From The 2025 2026 Volatility

We recall the brief optimism in late 2025 when EUR/JPY crossed 182.50, driven by hopes that the conflict with Iran would end quickly. This sentiment was based on the idea that easing energy prices would bolster the Euro. In retrospect, with WTI crude having since spiked to over $110 per barrel that winter, this proved to be a false dawn as the pair fell below 175.00 by January 2026. The market’s pricing of two European Central Bank rate hikes in late 2025 was correct, but traders who bought call options on this news were caught offside. The hikes were a reaction to persistent energy inflation, which ultimately damaged the economy more than the higher rates supported the currency. Recent Eurostat data confirmed the Eurozone entered a technical recession in the second half of 2025, showing the negative impact of those high energy costs. The warnings from Japanese authorities about intervention were not hollow, creating a significant risk for anyone holding long EUR/JPY positions back then. We saw decisive action from the Ministry of Finance in November 2025, which drove the yen sharply higher and caused daily swings of over 300 pips. This highlights why long-dated options, such as straddles that profit from this kind of volatility, would have been a more prudent strategy than a simple directional bet. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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EUR/USD clawed back some losses to about 1.1450 in Asian trading on Monday. Gains may be capped as the Middle East conflict supports safe-haven demand for the US Dollar. US President Donald Trump said “many countries” would send warships to the region and later urged countries to do so. He also warned NATO faces a “very bad” future if US allies do not help to open the Strait of Hormuz.

Central Bank Decisions In Focus

Markets are focused on US Federal Reserve and European Central Bank rate decisions due later this week. The Fed is expected to leave rates at 3.50%–3.75% on Wednesday, while higher energy prices raise inflation risks and reduce expectations for future cuts. Rates markets now price faster ECB tightening than before. LSEG data shows the ECB is seen raising rates as soon as June. On the daily chart, EUR/USD remains bearish, trading below a flattening 100-day exponential moving average and below the lower Bollinger Band. The RSI is in oversold territory, pointing to continued downside momentum. Resistance is seen at 1.1510 and then 1.1620, where the 20-day Bollinger midpoint meets the 100-day EMA. Support sits at 1.1415, with 1.1360 as the next level if 1.1415 breaks.

Looking Back At Prior Market Context

Looking back at analysis from 2025, we can see the EUR/USD was trading near 1.1450, a level that seems distant from today’s rate of approximately 1.0720. The bearish technical outlook from that time has clearly materialized over the past year. Now, the key drivers have shifted from anticipated rate hikes to the current pace of monetary easing. The theme of geopolitical conflict boosting the US Dollar as a safe haven remains highly relevant. Ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, which disrupted 15% of global shipping trade last year, continue to snarl supply chains and add a risk-premium to the dollar. We should therefore consider that any escalation could trigger further downside pressure on the EUR/USD pair. Central bank policy has diverged from last year’s expectations. The US Federal Reserve’s key rate now stands at 3.00%-3.25%, while the ECB’s main refinancing rate is higher at 3.50%, creating a rate differential that favors the Euro. However, CME Group’s FedWatch Tool indicates markets are pricing in a pause from the Fed, while sentiment grows for a potential ECB rate cut by mid-year. Inflationary pressures, while significantly cooler than the peaks of 2023, remain a concern for both central banks. The latest February 2026 US Consumer Price Index reading of 2.5% is still above the Fed’s target, justifying its cautious stance on further cuts. This stubborn inflation suggests that high energy costs, a risk highlighted in 2025, are still filtering through the economy. Given these conflicting factors, derivative traders should consider strategies that benefit from range-bound price action and elevated volatility. The technical levels from last year around 1.1500 are no longer relevant; we now see significant resistance at 1.0800 and support near 1.0650. Selling short-dated EUR/USD strangles with strikes outside this range could be an effective way to collect premium while the market digests geopolitical risks against shifting central bank policy. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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Key Points

• U.S. Treasury yields declined in Asian trading as markets shifted focus to the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy meeting.
• Oil remains elevated near the $100 level amid ongoing Middle East tensions, reinforcing inflation concerns and reducing expectations for rate cuts.

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Global markets opened the week cautiously as U.S. Treasury yields retreated in Asian trading, reversing part of last week’s sharp rise while investors reassessed the inflation impact of escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

'We will remember': Trump warns countries to help secure Strait of Hormuz as shipping stalls https://t.co/MCxPNFBlHN

— CNBC (@CNBC) March 16, 2026

The shift comes ahead of a closely watched Federal Reserve meeting, where policymakers are expected to hold interest rates steady while evaluating the broader economic consequences of rising energy prices and heightened geopolitical risk.

According to LSEG data, money markets now price in just one interest rate cut for the year, reflecting a sharp change in expectations since the conflict began. Before the surge in oil prices, traders had been anticipating a more accommodative policy path.

Oil Rally Reshapes Inflation Expectations

The catalyst for this repricing has been the dramatic rise in oil prices following disruptions and uncertainty tied to the Middle East conflict. Elevated crude prices have raised concerns that energy-driven inflation could delay central bank easing cycles globally.

Higher oil prices tend to feed directly into consumer inflation through transportation and production costs. As a result, markets have scaled back expectations for aggressive monetary easing in the near term.

Treasury Yields Ease Ahead of Fed Guidance

Despite persistent inflation worries, U.S. Treasury yields edged lower in early trading as investors positioned ahead of the Fed decision.

The US Treasury market has erased all its gains for the year as the war-driven surge in oil prices sets investors panicking about both inflation and growth risks https://t.co/0WciMP5xFA

— Bloomberg (@business) March 15, 2026

The 2-year Treasury yield, which is particularly sensitive to interest-rate expectations, fell 2.5 basis points to 3.706%. Meanwhile, the 10-year yield slipped 2.4 basis points to 4.259%, while the 30-year yield declined 1.8 basis points to 4.889%, according to Tradeweb data.

The pullback in yields suggests that markets are taking a more cautious stance while waiting for clarity on how the Fed plans to navigate the conflicting pressures of geopolitical risk and persistent inflation.

Technical Analysis

WTI crude oil (CL-OIL) is trading near $97.41, up modestly on the session as the market continues to consolidate after the dramatic spike that pushed prices to a high near $119.43. Following that surge, price action has stabilised in the mid-$90s, suggesting the market is attempting to establish a new equilibrium after the extreme volatility seen earlier in the month.

Technically, oil remains well above its key moving averages, reinforcing the broader bullish structure. The 5-day moving average (93.12) and 10-day (87.16) are trending sharply higher and sit below the current price, while the 20-day (76.66) and 30-day (72.35) remain significantly lower.

This wide separation reflects the strength of the recent breakout and highlights the persistence of upward momentum in the energy market.

Immediate resistance is located near $100–$105, which has acted as the upper boundary of the recent consolidation range following the spike. A sustained break above this zone could bring prices back toward $110, with the $119 high remaining the key upside level.

On the downside, initial support is seen around $93–$95, followed by stronger structural support near $90, which aligns with the recent breakout zone and rising short-term averages.

Overall, oil remains structurally bullish but highly volatile, with the market consolidating below the $100 level as traders digest the recent surge. Holding above the $90–$95 region keeps the broader upward trend intact, while a move above $100 would likely signal renewed bullish momentum.

Fed Meeting in Focus

With oil prices remaining volatile and geopolitical risks still unfolding, markets are now looking to the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting this week for guidance on the next phase of monetary policy.

While the central bank is widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged, investors will be closely analysing the Fed’s commentary for signals on whether policymakers believe the latest energy shock could reignite inflation pressures.

Central banks from Washington to London to Jakarta are about to make their first assessment of the economic damage wrought by the conflict between the US and Iran https://t.co/ntIIDK0YDe

— Bloomberg (@business) March 14, 2026

For now, markets appear to be bracing for a prolonged period of uncertainty, where energy volatility, inflation dynamics, and central bank policy remain tightly intertwined.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why Are U.S. Treasury Yields Falling In Asian Trade?
   Treasury yields eased as investors shifted focus toward the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting and reassessed the economic impact of the Middle East conflict. Markets are increasingly cautious about how rising energy prices could influence inflation and monetary policy.
2. What Are Current Treasury Yield Levels?
   The 2-year Treasury yield fell 2.5 basis points to 3.706%, the 10-year yield declined 2.4 bps to 4.259%, and the 30-year yield dropped 1.8 bps to 4.889%, according to Tradeweb data.
3. Why Are Oil Prices Important For Interest Rate Expectations?
   Higher oil prices can increase inflation by raising energy and transportation costs across the global economy. As a result, markets have reduced expectations for rate cuts because central banks may keep policy tighter for longer to control inflation.
4. What Are Markets Expecting From The Federal Reserve?
   Money markets currently expect the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates unchanged at the upcoming meeting, with only one rate cut priced in for the year, according to LSEG data.
5. How Did The Middle East Conflict Affect Rate Expectations?
   The surge in oil prices following the outbreak of conflict increased inflation concerns, prompting traders to scale back expectations for aggressive monetary easing earlier this year.

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South Korea’s trade balance recorded a surplus of $15.3bn in February. This was down from $15.5bn in the previous period. The February trade surplus coming in at $15.3 billion, down slightly from the previous month, signals a potential loss of momentum for the Korean economy. This slight miss warrants a closer look at the Korean Won, as any continued weakness in exports could put downward pressure on the currency. We should consider positioning for higher volatility in the KRW/USD pair through options in the coming weeks.

Trade Surplus Signals

This dip comes after a strong run-up in exports during 2025, which was largely fueled by the recovery in the semiconductor sector. Recent data shows semiconductor exports, which make up nearly 20% of the total, are still growing but at a decelerating pace, hinting that the post-recovery boom might be plateauing. Derivative plays on major chipmakers like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix could be used to hedge against a potential cooling in global tech demand. For the broader market, we see potential headwinds for the KOSPI index, which is heavily weighted with export-oriented companies. The market has been pricing in a strong export recovery, and this data introduces the first hint of doubt. Traders might look at buying out-of-the-money put options on the KOSPI 200 as a cost-effective way to protect portfolios over the next few weeks. While the focus is on chips, we’re also noting that automobile exports have remained relatively robust, preventing a steeper decline in the trade surplus. However, the automotive sector alone may not be enough to carry the positive momentum if semiconductors continue to soften. All eyes will now be on the preliminary trade data for the first 20 days of March to confirm if this is a blip or the start of a new trend. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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