Gold remains steady after a small drop from its recent high, fueled by demand amid global economic uncertainties. Interest in gold as a safe haven continues due to geopolitical risks and the possibility of a US government shutdown. Gold hit a record high of around $5,111 before settling at about $5,088 following a brief dip below $5,000. This movement shows cautiousness in the market ahead of the Federal Reserve’s upcoming rate decision. Ongoing trade tensions in the US and an approaching funding deadline for the government keep the demand for gold strong.

Economic Indicators and Confidence

Recent economic data indicates the ADP Employment Change averaged 7,750 jobs added, which is slightly lower than in previous months. The Housing Price Index rose by 0.6% in November, but Consumer Confidence fell to 84.5, marking its lowest point since 2014. The US Dollar Index is trading near its lowest level in four months, with markets expecting the Fed to keep interest rates steady. Meanwhile, increased tariffs from President Trump and rising tensions between the US and Iran are influencing market dynamics. On a technical level, gold finds support at $5,004 but struggles to break above the $5,100 level. Indicators suggest that bullish momentum is slowing, so careful observation of market trends is necessary. Central banks are the biggest buyers of gold, purchasing 1,136 tonnes in 2022. Gold prices typically rise when the US Dollar and riskier assets fall, especially during times of economic instability or when the dollar depreciates. Thus, the price of gold is closely tied to movements in the US Dollar.

Historical Perspective and Market Trends

A year ago, gold was hovering around $5,100 as the market awaited a decision from the Federal Reserve. Now, with prices approaching $5,400, that time of uncertainty in January 2025 appears to have established a solid foundation. The same factors of geopolitical risk and a weaker dollar are still relevant today. The hesitance to make bold bets before last year’s Federal Reserve decisions emphasizes the usefulness of options to manage risks. Implied volatility in gold options surged nearly 15% within 48 hours before major central bank announcements in 2025. Traders should think about buying straddles or strangles to capitalize on upcoming price changes, regardless of direction. Market expectations correctly predicted the two Fed rate cuts later in 2025, which helped weaken the dollar and boosted gold prices. The US Dollar Index (DXY) was near 96.43 at that time but has since dropped below 94, greatly benefiting dollar-denominated assets like gold. This opposite relationship persists, as a weaker dollar makes gold more affordable for foreign buyers. A key factor supporting gold’s price is the aggressive buying by central banks, which intensified through 2025. After a record 1,136 tonnes acquisition in 2022 and another 1,037 tonnes in 2023, the pace continued at a similar rate last year, absorbing market supply. This long-term trend suggests that large institutions may see any significant price dips as good buying opportunities. From a derivatives perspective, last year’s technical patterns provide essential insights into support levels. The previous peak near $5,100 now acts as a major psychological support. Traders might consider using bull call spreads to take advantage of potential upside while managing risk, or selling cash-secured puts at levels close to these support zones to earn premium. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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The EUR/JPY is trying to recover from recent lows as worries about Japan’s finances weigh on the JPY. Right now, the pair is trading around 183.20, showing a slight gain of 0.06%. However, the recovery from the 182.00 level is slowing down. This rebound comes as fears of currency market intervention decrease, partly due to speculation about a possible cooperation between the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan. Despite this, concerns about Japan’s finances persist. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s announcements about increased public spending and tax cuts keep downside risks for the JPY in check.

Challenges from Japanese Government Bond Yields

Japanese government bond yields are unpredictable due to these fiscal concerns, which adds pressure to the currency. A small drop in producer-side inflation aligns with the Bank of Japan’s decision to keep interest rates steady and its improved economic forecasts. The Euro (EUR) is getting limited support from recent Eurozone data, like the German business sentiment figures. Investors are now looking for insights from ECB President Christine Lagarde, who is expected to take a cautious stance without changing monetary policy. Given these factors, EUR/JPY remains stuck in a consolidation phase below recent highs, showing sensitivity to Japan’s political risks and central bank signals. The Euro is performing variably against major currencies, notably holding strong against the US Dollar.

Effects of Japan’s Loose Fiscal Policy

The key issue is the clash between Japan’s lax fiscal policy and the Bank of Japan’s slow approach to monetary tightening. With a snap election set for February 8, we anticipate increased volatility in the Japanese yen. This uncertainty makes long volatility strategies, like buying straddles on EUR/JPY, appealing for those looking to profit from a potential breakout without choosing a direction. We are closely monitoring Japan’s fiscal concerns because the country’s public debt is extremely high, currently over 260% of GDP. Prime Minister Takaichi’s plans for increased spending could drive Japanese government bond yields higher, which have already been fluctuating. This structural challenge for the yen suggests that any strength from central bank policies might be short-lived, favoring a slow rise in EUR/JPY in the medium term. However, we must also consider the Bank of Japan’s commitment to policy normalization, which has been in progress since they began unwinding stimulus measures in 2024. Traders remember last year’s sharp, intervention-driven rallies in the yen, making them cautious about aggressively shorting the currency. This situation may help support the yen and limit the immediate upside for EUR/JPY below its recent highs. On the Euro side, it lacks independent strength, with recent sentiment data, like the German IFO Business Climate index, showing a soft reading around 85.5. As the ECB is expected to hold steady, the EUR/JPY cross will likely respond mainly to yen-specific developments. Therefore, selling out-of-the-money call options to gather premium might be a good strategy, given that the pair may struggle to rise before the Japanese election. Considering these competing factors, one-month implied volatility for EUR/JPY is high, currently around 10.5%. This indicates that the market is preparing for a significant move, so we should focus on strategies that will benefit from either a sharp post-election breakout or the decay of options premium if the pair stays within a range. Watching the spread between German and Japanese 10-year bond yields will be crucial for predicting the pair’s next major movement. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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The KRW is struggling right now because of higher tariffs introduced by US President Trump. These tariffs on South Korean imports, including cars, timber, and pharmaceuticals, will jump from 15% to 25%. Even with the tariffs rising, reduced capital outflows are helping to stabilize the KRW. While the economy is feeling the impact of these tariffs, this financial cushion is keeping the currency somewhat steady.

Australian Consumer Price Index Projections

Australia’s Consumer Price Index is expected to increase by 3.6% over the year, up from 3.4% in the last report. The anticipated monthly CPI is 0.7%, after showing no change in November. The US Dollar Index has fallen to its lowest point since 2022. This drop is due to a mix of factors like economic slowdown concerns, diversification, and rumors of foreign exchange interventions. XRP is having a tough time staying above $2.00, despite steady demand from ETFs. It’s currently trading around $1.88 and facing pressure in a weak market. The new US tariffs targeting key South Korean products, like cars and pharmaceuticals, are a clear challenge for the Korean won. This presents a chance to bet on the KRW weakening against the US dollar. Traders might want to think about buying call options on the USD/KRW pair to profit from its expected increase.

US Tariffs And The Korean Won

This tariff situation is important because the US is a vital market for South Korea. Automotive exports alone have exceeded $30 billion a year in recent times. During the trade disputes of 2018-2019, similar tariffs led to significant currency declines and market uncertainty. This historical context suggests the won might drop to weaker levels similar to what we saw during the economic slowdown of 2025. The negative effects of these tariffs will likely reach beyond currency markets and impact South Korean stocks, especially in the KOSPI index. Major exporters like Hyundai and Samsung Electronics are vulnerable to trade disruptions with the US. Therefore, buying put options on the KOSPI 200 index could be a wise move to protect against or gain from a potential market drop. While the outlook is bleak, we should recognize the stabilizing effect of reduced capital outflows, which has kept the won from falling more dramatically. The Bank of Korea has also kept a steady policy, providing some support for the currency. It’s crucial to watch the implied volatility in KRW options; a sharp increase might indicate that this support is starting to weaken. Additionally, it’s worth considering the larger trend of a declining US dollar against other major currencies. This makes the KRW situation unique, suggesting a potential strategy of going long on USD/KRW while shorting the US dollar against a stronger currency, like the euro. The risks posed by these tariffs also heighten the appeal of safe-haven assets, which may explain the recent strength we’ve seen in gold. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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The GBP/USD exchange rate has hit a four-year high of 1.3791. This increase comes as tensions rise after Trump threatened tariffs on South Korea, which has weakened the US Dollar. The US Dollar Index (DXY) dropped by 0.77%, moving toward multi-year lows due to rumors of Yen intervention and disappointing consumer confidence data. During the North American trading session, the British Pound rose to 1.3776, an increase of 0.76%. Ongoing trade tensions and intervention rumors have made the US Dollar less appealing, especially after Trump announced he would raise tariffs on South Korea from 15% to 25%.

US Dollar Influence

The drop in the US Dollar is due to potential intervention to support the Japanese Yen. Additionally, the ADP Employment Change 4-week average decreased from 8K to 7.75K. Furthermore, the US Conference Board Consumer Confidence fell to 84.5, below the expected 90.9. In the UK, retail prices have risen at their fastest pace in almost two years. The Bank of England is expected to keep interest rates steady, even as the UK faces political issues with the Labour Party. Traders are now focused on the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee meeting and guidance from Fed Chair Jerome Powell. With the ‘Sell America’ trade gaining momentum, there are opportunities to benefit from the strong upward trend in GBP/USD. A straightforward strategy is to buy call options with strike prices targeting the 1.3983 and 1.4000 resistance levels. The one-month implied volatility for GBP/USD has surged above 11%, a level we haven’t seen since mid-2025. This suggests traders are preparing for significant price changes. However, caution is warranted as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicates overbought conditions, which can lead to a consolidation or pullback. The Federal Reserve meeting poses a major risk; if Jerome Powell adopts a surprisingly hawkish stance, it could reverse the dollar’s decline and negatively impact bullish positions on the pound. Therefore, using bull put spreads or buying protective puts can help manage potential losses from a sudden price reversal.

Market Sentiment and Strategies

For now, the fundamentals support the sterling, as US economic data weakens while UK inflation signals strengthen. The recent consumer confidence figure of 84.5 in the US shows a concerning decline from the stronger figures of 2025. This difference suggests that the Fed may need to take a more dovish approach compared to the Bank of England, which is now facing renewed inflation pressures. Before the FOMC decision, the market seems to be stabilizing below the 1.3800 level. If you anticipate that the Fed’s announcement will disrupt this stability, consider setting up a long straddle by purchasing both a call and a put option at the same strike price. This volatility play will be profitable if GBP/USD makes a clear move in either direction after Powell’s press conference. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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The EUR/GBP pair remains steady due to limited economic data and cautious comments from the ECB. Trading is around 0.8684, showing little volatility. ECB officials offer modest support for the Euro, noting that they are comfortable as inflation variations are minor. However, they acknowledge some downside risks and emphasize the need for flexibility in policy adjustments.

Cautious Outlook

Gediminas Šimkus shared a careful perspective, indicating that interest rates will likely stay the same in February, even though future decisions remain unclear. He highlighted that inflation is expected to hover around 2%, with no immediate action planned for short-term data shifts. Markets expect the ECB to adopt a wait-and-see strategy, maintaining steady rates for an extended period. Meanwhile, the Bank of England suggests it may gradually lower rates, possibly stabilizing the Euro against the Pound. Recent UK data indicates that the BoE has some room to maneuver before making further rate changes, which supports the Pound. A January survey revealed that most analysts believe the BoE will hold rates during its February meeting, with some predicting cuts by the end of March. Key upcoming events include Eurozone sentiment surveys and Q4 GDP figures later this week, while UK events remain limited.

Comparing Central Bank Policies

Reflecting back to January 2025, cautious comments from central banks kept the EUR/GBP pair in a narrow range. The ECB’s uncertainty at that time led to low volatility, benefiting strategies that thrived in sideways markets. Currently, the situation has changed, with clearer policy diverging paths. The ECB has lowered its main deposit rate to 3.75% to support a slow economy, whereas the Bank of England has just initiated its easing cycle, with its Bank Rate at 5.0%. This significant interest rate gap continues to put pressure on the Euro compared to the Pound. This divergence is visible in market performance and economic data. Eurozone Q4 2025 GDP figures reflect nearly stagnant growth at 0.1%, while the UK achieved a slightly better growth rate of 0.3%. Implied volatility in EUR/GBP options has risen compared to early 2025, as traders prepare for upcoming moves from both central banks. This suggests that directional strategies are now more viable than they were a year ago. Traders might consider strategies that could capitalize on a potential decline in EUR/GBP, possibly towards the 0.8500 psychological level. Buying put options or setting up bearish put spreads could be smart ways to position for further weakness due to the interest rate gap. However, it’s crucial to monitor upcoming inflation data, as any unexpected strength in Eurozone price pressures may lead to a swift reversal. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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A report from MUFG highlights how uncertainty over US tariff policies and possible joint foreign exchange actions by the US and Japan are affecting the Dollar’s value. This uncertainty has led to a weaker Dollar, pushing investors toward real assets like Gold, while local elements influence Asian currencies differently. The report also mentions that tariff increases might be postponed due to the upcoming US mid-term elections. The confusion around tariffs on countries such as South Korea, Canada, and the EU is leading to Dollar selling. Though coordinated intervention isn’t expected right now, history shows that Japanese authorities have successfully intervened in the past during significant shifts or alongside other authorities.

Dollar Weakness and Investment Opportunities

Growing uncertainty about US tariff policies is driving Dollar weakness as we enter February. The Dollar Index (DXY) has dropped from over 105 in late 2025 to around 102.50 this month. Traders might want to use put options on Dollar-tracking ETFs to take advantage of this downward trend in the short term. This situation is creating a rush for real assets like gold. Gold prices have soared in recent weeks, rising more than 7% since November and surpassing $2,400 an ounce as investors seek safe options. Buying call options on gold futures or related ETFs could provide leveraged exposure to this ongoing trend. The possibility of coordinated foreign exchange intervention by the US and Japanese authorities is also significant, especially for the yen. In 2024 and 2025, Japan intervened in the market several times when the dollar-yen rate was too high, and current levels are again under scrutiny. Holding long USD/JPY positions is risky, so it’s wise to protect them with out-of-the-money puts.

Market Anxiety and Strategic Considerations

While tariff discussions create market anxiety, we expect significant policy changes to take time before the US mid-term elections this November. The administration will likely avoid major economic disruptions, meaning market volatility will stem more from talk than from actions. This presents an opportunity for traders to use volatility-based strategies, like straddles on the Mexican Peso or Canadian Dollar, which react strongly to US trade news. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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The AUD/USD pair hit 0.6960 on Tuesday, rising 0.60%. This is the highest level since February 2023. The increase is supported by strong Australian economic data and a weak US Dollar. Australia’s 3-year bond yield rose to 4.27%, the highest since November 2023. Indicators such as employment rates and PMI data suggest that the Reserve Bank of Australia may keep a strict policy despite trends toward lower inflation.

Upcoming Australian Inflation Data

The upcoming Australian inflation data is expected to impact future monetary policy. Although inflation is easing, it is still above the central target of 2%-3%. This could delay any easing in monetary policy. The US Dollar is facing challenges from political and institutional uncertainties, which are affecting investor confidence. Concerns about a possible US government shutdown and discussions at the Federal Reserve are adding to this pressure. US labor market indicators show a slowdown in hiring, which could lead the Federal Reserve to adopt a more cautious tone. This situation could prompt a shift from the US Dollar to other currencies, like the Australian Dollar, which benefits from higher yields. As Australian yields remain high and the US Dollar stays under pressure, the AUD/USD pair is likely to trade at or near its peaks. The heat map shows other currencies’ trends, highlighting the Australian Dollar’s strength against the USD.

AUD/USD Prospects and Strategies

With the AUD/USD moving past 0.6950 to its highest level since early 2023, the upward trend looks strong. We believe the easiest direction is upward, so derivative strategies should focus on further AUD strength compared to the USD. This is due to the clear difference in monetary policy—Australia’s fundamentals remain robust while the US outlook weakens. Strong yields support the Australian economy, and we expect this to continue. After the last quarter’s inflation data in 2025 showed a stubborn 3.9%, well above the target range, the Reserve Bank of Australia is unlikely to lower its 4.35% cash rate. Thus, buying call options on AUD/USD seems like a smart way to benefit from potential upside in the coming weeks. On the other hand, uncertainty is pressuring the US Dollar, making it a good candidate for shorting. The threat of a partial government shutdown, which was narrowly avoided in late 2025, creates political risk that investors are wary of. Combined with a slowing US job market—where forecasts for the next report predict a modest 160,000 jobs added—this supports expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts later this year. The upcoming Australian inflation data will be a key driver, likely increasing volatility. A strong report would likely push the pair higher, making current long positions more profitable. We recommend that traders monitor the implied volatility on options contracts, as it is likely to rise before this important data release. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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The Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index for January in the United States was reported at -6, which is better than the expected -8. This suggests a slight improvement in manufacturing conditions. In Australia, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is expected to rise by 3.6% year over year for December, up from 3.4% previously. The monthly CPI is projected to increase by 0.7% after remaining steady at 0% in November.

Forex Market Trends and Analysis

The EUR/USD pair is nearing the 1.2000 level, its highest since June 2021, as the US dollar faces continued selling pressure. The GBP/USD pair is also climbing, approaching 1.3800, largely due to the weakness of the US dollar ahead of an upcoming FOMC event. Gold is trading steadily around $5,100 per troy ounce, showing an upward trend due to a weak US dollar and uncertainties in trade policy. Ripple (XRP) is valued at about $1.88 but is under pressure from technical weaknesses, even though demand for ETFs remains steady. The primary trend is a weak US dollar, fueled by threats of tariffs from the White House. This has led to a “sell America” flow, pushing investments into foreign currencies and hard assets. We should consider options trading on major currency pairs to take advantage of continued dollar weakness. While the Richmond Fed’s manufacturing index exceeded expectations slightly at -6, it still indicates a contraction in activity. Looking back, negative readings have persisted throughout 2024 and 2025. Therefore, this small improvement is not likely to change the negative outlook for US assets.

Opportunities in Precious Metals and Currency Options

The Euro is benefiting, pushing towards the 1.2000 level not seen since mid-2021. Call options on the EUR/USD pair with strike prices at or above 1.2000 could be a leveraged way to capitalize on this momentum. Additionally, GBP/USD is showing strength as it nears 1.3800, making it another target for bullish strategies against the dollar. Gold’s climb to $5,100 an ounce is a clear sign of safe-haven buying amid trade uncertainties. Given that US inflation surged over 9% back in 2022, the current conditions indicate similar pressures are returning. Holding long positions in gold futures appears to be a wise choice. This week’s Federal Reserve meeting is not expected to cause major market changes, as its policy seems set by the current political landscape. Thus, we anticipate that implied volatility in short-term options on equity indices may be overestimated, presenting potential selling opportunities for those looking to collect premiums. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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The Canadian Dollar (CAD) is currently the weakest currency in the G10. This is due to challenges from US risks and intervention. A report from Commerzbank by Michael Pfister suggests these challenges will continue this year, with only a gradual decrease in the USD/CAD exchange rate. The CAD will likely keep feeling the impact of US developments, requiring a higher risk premium. Recovery for the CAD is expected to be slow unless a comprehensive deal with the US or a finalized revision of the USMCA agreement occurs.

Fxstreet Insights Team

The FXStreet Insights Team consists of journalists who gather observations from market experts. The content is reviewed by an editor and includes insights from both commercial analysts and others. The article also includes updates like the AUD/JPY stabilizing around 106.00 and Australia’s CPI predicted to rise by 3.6% year over year. Other trends mentioned include EUR/USD reaching multi-month highs and silver price forecasts. Additionally, there’s information on the top brokers in various regions for 2026. Readers should conduct their own research before making investment decisions since FXStreet and its authors do not guarantee the accuracy of the information and are not registered investment advisors. The Canadian dollar is encountering challenges due to renewed US trade risks, and this instability is likely to continue. This situation justifies a risk premium on the currency, which is already the weakest in the G10 this month. Traders should expect this trend to influence market actions in the upcoming weeks.

The Impact Of USMCA Review

The upcoming review of the USMCA trade agreement in 2026 is the main source of uncertainty, especially since bilateral trade is expected to exceed $850 billion in 2025. Political comments from the White House led to sharp changes in the loonie last year. This highlights the potential benefits of holding some protection, such as longer-dated USD/CAD call options, to guard against sudden political changes. The options market is already reflecting this tension, with the implied volatility on three-month USD/CAD options rising to 8.2% from last month’s lows. This increased volatility makes selling premium through strategies like iron condors appealing for those who predict the pair will remain unstable but within a range. However, a serious breakdown in trade talks could lead to a significant breakout. The key takeaway is not just about USD/CAD but about the overall weakness of the Canadian dollar. The Bank of Canada’s cautious approach to interest rates, especially after the stronger signals from the European Central Bank last week, suggests that pairs like EUR/CAD may have more room to rise. Using futures or call option spreads on these cross-currency pairs could be an effective way to trade this divergence. Since the forecast indicates a slow decline rather than a sudden drop in USD/CAD, buying outright put options may be expensive due to high volatility. A bear put spread may be a better strategy to express a slightly bearish outlook while managing risk and reducing initial costs. This aligns with expectations of a slow movement, rather than a rapid collapse in the pair. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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This week is very busy for the US earnings season, especially for the S&P 500, which just ended a two-week losing streak. Important tech companies like Meta, Microsoft, Tesla, and Apple will report their earnings, drawing a lot of attention because of their big role in the index’s growth. Last year, the top seven tech companies, including Nvidia and Alphabet, contributed over 40% to the total return of the S&P 500. They are projected to show earnings growth of more than 20% for the last quarter, compared to just 4.1% for the rest of the index. However, this year they have underperformed, with stocks like Meta and Microsoft facing increased scrutiny.

Commodity Surge Amidst Geopolitical Tensions

Commodities like gold and silver have done well due to geopolitical tensions and changes in the US economy. The iShares Silver Trust had a trading volume of $40 billion in one day, highlighting a shift toward commodities over big tech companies. Traders expect significant reactions to the upcoming earnings reports, especially for Nvidia. The KBW banking index is struggling as the largest US banks see their share prices drop after earnings reports. If the Magnificent 7 make any mistakes, it could further hurt their performance, making it more difficult for tech leaders like Microsoft, Meta, Tesla, and Apple to regain their earlier strength. The S&P 500 is coming off its first two-week losing streak since June of last year, dropping 3.5% from its recent highs. With the market feeling nervous, this week’s earnings reports from the Magnificent 7 are especially important for setting short-term direction. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is currently around 18.5, reflecting high anticipated movement in options pricing. There has been a clear shift from big tech to hard assets at the start of the year, a trend that increased after last year’s concerns about dollar debasement. Gold futures are up 8% in January, while the Magnificent 7 stocks have underperformed, dropping an average of 4% year-to-date. This shift suggests traders are hedging against geopolitical risks and are doubtful about tech’s ongoing dominance.

Earnings Anticipation for Tech Leaders

Current options pricing indicates that traders expect significant price swings after this week’s results, especially for Meta and Microsoft on Wednesday. The market anticipates an approximate 8% change for Meta and a 6% move for Microsoft after earnings, showing higher expected volatility than the upcoming FOMC meeting. This makes strategies like straddles or strangles appealing for those without a clear market direction. Earlier this month, disappointing earnings from major banks, where strong revenue from JP Morgan was overlooked due to a weak outlook, set a negative tone. This means that even a small misstep in guidance from any of the Magnificent 7 could lead to a large negative reaction in their stock prices. We should be prepared for the market to “sell the news,” even if earnings reports are strong, if guidance isn’t perfect. For Microsoft, the emphasis is on showing that last year’s investments in AI can bring in revenue, especially in its Azure cloud division. After rival Amazon reported a slowdown in AWS growth, any positive news about Azure could lead to a strong rally. With Microsoft’s stock down 8% over the last six months, the expectations are relatively low if management can project confidence. We are closely watching Meta’s spending plans, as the market lost patience with them last year. With the stock’s forward P/E ratio now at 19, below the S&P 500 average, there’s room for an upward correction if the company demonstrates a clear strategy for monetizing its AI models. However, any signs of excessive spending without solid returns could result in severe penalties. For Tesla, the focus will not be on the expected weak earnings but on updates about full self-driving technology and the Optimus robot. If competitors like BYD report record sales, traders may react negatively to any perceived lack of progress on Musk’s ambitious promises. Apple is anticipated to report significant revenues, but traders will be keenly focused on the company’s future guidance regarding profit margins. Memory chip prices have risen over 30% since midway through last year, creating a challenge for 2026. Combined with recent data showing a decline in iPhone sales in China, any cautious remarks could overshadow strong fourth-quarter results. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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