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Currencies GBP/USD

GBP/USD Stays Strong Above 1.2650 on Soft US Jobless Claims and UK Economic Volatility

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  • February 21, 2025
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GBP/USD stays strong at above 1.2650, hitting a two-month peak of 1.2674 as the US Dollar falters on weak jobless claims figures. US Initial Jobless Claims increased to 219,000, topping forecasts, and mixed messages from Federal Reserve policymakers contributed to uncertainty in the market. Optimism in the wake of possible US-China trade developments supported the pair further. Nevertheless, fears over UK economic prospects remain, with Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey issuing warnings regarding sluggish growth and a deteriorating labor market. A better-than-expected UK CPI release did little to quash Bailey’s description of the inflation surge as transient, leaving traders wary of impending policy action. KEY LOOKOUTS • The increase in US Initial Jobless Claims to 219,000 led to a weakening US Dollar, supporting GBP/USD but also creating doubts regarding labor market stability. • Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey issued a warning of slow growth and easing labor market, casting further doubts on the long-term Pound Sterling strength. • Uncertainty regarding inflation and interest rate cuts by Fed officials sends mixed signals to traders, affecting market sentiment and GBPCAD price action. • Relief from potential gains in US-China trade negotiations alleviated market concerns, and it added further to support for GBP/USD in the short run. GBP/USD continues to stay above 1.2650, supported by a softer US Dollar on the back of increasing jobless claims and conflicting signals from the Federal Reserve. The rising US Initial Jobless Claims to 219,000 indicated potential labor market weakness, weighed on the USD and helped the Pound Sterling. In the meantime, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey’s caution regarding the slow UK economic growth and weakening labor market kept investors wary of the strength of the GBP. On the other hand, optimism over possible US-China trade negotiations progress gave risk assets some bullish push. But the uncertainty lies in the fact that the Federal Reserve is considering inflation risks and possible rate reductions, making the future direction of GBP/USD reliant on future economic releases and policy actions. GBP/USD continues to stay above 1.2650, helped by a weaker US Dollar on rising jobless claims and conflicting Fed cues. UK economic worries still exist, as BoE Governor Andrew Bailey warned of slow growth. In contrast, hopes regarding US-China trade negotiations provide some bullish push, though market volatility still exists. • The pair continues to remain above 1.2650, hitting a two-month peak of 1.2674 as the US Dollar weakens. • First-Time Jobless Claims rose to 219,000, beating forecasts and hinting at potential weakness in the labor market. • Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey cautioned of weak UK growth and a declining labor market. • A more-than-forecasted UK CPI report temporarily pushed the Pound higher, but Bailey dismissed its longer-term relevance. • Fed officials are still skeptical of inflation and upcoming rate reductions, leaving traders on their guard. • Encouraging trade negotiation news between the US and China supported market sentiment somewhat. • Future direction of GBP/USD will be based on future economic indicators, central bank actions, and international trade dynamics. GBP/USD continues to be in the spotlight as the global economic landscape influences market mood. Recent economic data indicate the concern over US labor market stability, with an increase in jobless claims pointing towards possible economic difficulties. In the meantime, in the UK, economic growth and inflation remain among the topics of debate, with policymakers weighing external influences, including global trade patterns and monetary policy, that could affect stability over the longer term. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey has sounded a note of caution on the UK’s muted growth and changing labor market dynamics, indicating the importance of prudent policy decisions over the next few months. GBP/USD Daily Price Chart TradingView Prepared by ELLYANA Globally, there has been some relief for investors from optimism surrounding US-China trade talks, which has alleviated concerns over higher tariffs and possible supply chain disruption. Also, Federal Reserve officials have given conflicting opinions on inflation trends and future interest rate actions, further confusing financial markets. With both the US and UK economies going through tough times, market players are paying close attention to economic events and central bank actions that may determine financial conditions in the near term. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS GBP/USD still trades above important support levels, with its bullish trend close to recent highs. The pair recently reached a two-month high of 1.2674, reflecting strong buying interest. The price stays over the 50-day and 200-day moving averages, indicating an upward trend. Yet, resistance in the vicinity of 1.2700 can be a test, while short-term support is seen around 1.2600. Momentum indicators like the RSI indicate that the pair is heading towards overbought levels, so it can result in short-term consolidation prior to the next big move. Traders will be looking for confirmation cues to see if the pair is capable of maintaining its upward move or experience a pullback. FORECAST GBP/USD might continue to climb if sentiment remains bullish in the markets and economic indicators support the Pound. An extended breakout over the major resistance of 1.2700 might create opportunities for additional upward momentum, and the next critical resistance levels might be found near 1.2750 and 1.2800. Any weakness in upcoming US economic data, particularly in employment or inflation figures, could pressure the US Dollar further, allowing GBP/USD to climb higher. Additionally, if the Federal Reserve signals a dovish stance or hints at potential rate cuts sooner than expected, the Pound may find additional support. Positive developments in global trade, particularly between the US and China, could also boost risk appetite and drive demand for GBP. To the negative, GBP/USD can be pressured if economic issues in the UK become more severe or if risk appetite declines. Failure to stay above 1.2600 support could result in weakening towards 1.2550 and 1.2500. Any indication of UK economic data worsening, particularly in growth and employment, would cause market sentiment to turn against the Pound. Also, if the Federal Reserve becomes more hawkish, shoving back rate cut expectations, the US Dollar

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Bitcoin Crypto

Bitcoin Price Forecast: BTC Grapples with Multi-Month Low Volatility in the Face of FTX Repayments and Market Volatility

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  • February 20, 2025
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Bitcoin price has been ranging between $94,000 and $100,000 over the last two weeks, with volatility reaching multi-month lows, raising the specter of potential liquidation cascades. The recent slide to $93,388 was precipitated by FTX repayments, as the bankrupt exchange started reimbursing clients with account balances below $50,000. A K33 Research report points out that trading volumes, yields, options premiums, and ETF flows have fallen to levels last witnessed prior to the US Presidential election, indicating a risk-averse market sentiment. As Bitcoin grapples with breaking out of its range, analysts caution that a clear move below $94,000 has the potential to drive prices to the psychological $90,000 level, while a breakout above $100,000 could propel a retest of its January highs. Traders are still undecided, with technical indicators reflecting consolidation and indecision in BTC’s direction. KEY LOOKOUTS • A strong break below $94,000 may lead to a fall to $90,000, while a break above $100,000 might propel a bullish run. • Ongoing customer refunds, amounting to as much as $16.5 billion, may impact Bitcoin’s liquidity and sentiment in the weeks ahead. • Low volatility of BTC is a cause for concern of resultant cascades of liquidations, with speculators waiting for a trigger to a large price shift. • RSI at 42 and MACD convergence indicate consolidation, with speculators looking for a decisive directional breakout in the trend of Bitcoin’s prices. The price of Bitcoin is still in narrow consolidation at $94,000 to $100,000 levels, with volatility at multi-month lows, keeping speculators in the dark. The recent fall to $93,388 was prompted by FTX repayments as the exchange started to reimburse clients, impacting market liquidity. A report by K33 Research points to decreasing trading volumes, yields, and ETF flows as indicative of a risk-averse market sentiment. If Bitcoin drops below $94,000, it may test the psychological $90,000 support level, while a break above $100,000 can result in a retest of January highs. With technical signals indicating indecisiveness, traders are waiting for a catalyst for a clear price direction. Bitcoin is range-trading between $94,000 and $100,000 with volatility at multi-month lows, sparking fears of liquidation risks. FTX repayments have affected market liquidity, with traders waiting for a breakout. A fall below $94,000 may drive BTC to $90,000, while breaking above $100,000 might give rise to a bullish rally. • BTC has been range-bound between $94,000 and $100,000 over the last two weeks, failing to break its range. • The recent price drop was spurred by FTX starting repayments, affecting market liquidity and sentiment among traders. • BTC’s volatility has come down to multi-month lows, which is of concern regarding the possibility of liquidation cascades in case a significant move takes place. • The RSI at 42 and MACD convergence suggest there is no distinct momentum, representing uncertainty in the market. • A breakdown below $94,000 can send BTC towards $90,000, and a breakout above $100,000 can induce a rally. • Slumping trading volumes, ETF flows, and yields mean the traders are holding out for a clear directional move. • There is no immediate bullish catalyst in the offing, so BTC’s next big move will rely on external market events. Bitcoin’s market activity has tempered noticeably, with volatility falling to multi-month lows, reflecting a risk-averse trading climate. One of the influencing factors in the market is recent FTX repayments, wherein the exchange has initiated repayment of customers who had claims worth less than $50,000, and higher repayment amounts are to be initiated shortly. This has brought liquidity changes, which have resulted in shifting trader sentiment. Furthermore, a K33 Research report suggests that volumes of trading, ETF flows, and yields have fallen to their lowest level since prior to the previous U.S. Presidential election, an indication of less market participation and skepticism regarding Bitcoin’s next big move. BITCOIN Daily Price Chart TradingView Prepared by ELLYANA The current market stage is marked by indecisiveness, as investors wait for clear indications before making big moves. With moderate leverage in the market, the possibility of instant large-scale liquidations is still low, but the absence of strong momentum indicates that traders are following a wait-and-watch strategy. Market sentiment is still guarded, and there are no imminent drivers for significant price action. The medium- to long-term direction of Bitcoin is still subject to macroeconomic conditions, regulatory changes, and institutional investment, all of which will have their say in the next wave of market action. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Technical charts show that Bitcoin is in consolidation, with no obvious momentum to break out. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is around 42, indicating neutral to weakly bearish sentiment since it cannot break above the 50 level. The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) lines are still tightly entwined, indicating uncertainty among traders. The price has been ranging within a tight band, with support and resistance levels controlling short-term actions. Also, CME futures premiums have fallen below 5%, a historically important level that tends to precede changes in market trends. With the current configuration, traders are watching closely for any breakout above or below the consolidation range, which may determine the next major move for Bitcoin. FORECAST If Bitcoin is able to break above the $100,000 resistance level, it may initiate a new bullish momentum, drawing fresh buying interest. A break above this range could lead to a retest of its January high at $106,012, possibly marking the beginning of a more sustained uptrend. Optimism in the market, institutional inflows, and other general economic drivers like regulatory clarity or ETF-based demand might propel this rally further. Historically, Bitcoin has fared well in more robust basis regimes, so an improvement in trading volume and investor sentiment could keep the momentum on the upside. On the negative side, if Bitcoin cannot sustain the $94,000 support level, it may drop further towards the psychologically important $90,000 level. A breakdown below this level could cause stop-loss selling and intensify selling pressure, resulting in further downward movement. Moreover, low volatility and diminishing trading activity mean that a precipitous

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Currencies USD/JPY

Japanese Yen Reaches More Than Two-Month High Versus USD on BoJ Rate Hike Speculation and Global Risk Aversion

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  • February 20, 2025
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The Japanese Yen (JPY) has reached a more than two-month high versus the US Dollar (USD) as escalating speculation of further Bank of Japan (BoJ) rate hikes pushes Japanese government bond (JGB) yields to record-high levels. This narrowing differential rate enhances the Yen’s attractiveness, again fueled by worldwide risk aversion after US President Donald Trump threatened tariffs. Even with the Federal Reserve (Fed) hawkish bias, the USD cannot find footing, with investors watching for key support levels around the 150.00 psychological level for USD/JPY. If the bearish pressure persists, the pair may dip further, with resistance around 151.00-152.65 potentially capping any attempts at an upside. Market players now look to US economic data and Fed rhetoric for guidance. KEY LOOKOUTS • Higher bets on more BoJ rate hikes drive Japanese government bond yields up, bolstering the Yen and reducing the rate spread. • Investor morale deteriorates as US President Donald Trump hints at fresh tariffs, triggering global risk aversion and increasing demand for the safe-haven Japanese Yen. • The pair approaches the pivotal 150.00 psychological level, with a possible downside extension to 149.00 should bearish momentum continue. • Even with a hawkish Fed, the US Dollar fails to make headway, with future economic data and FOMC speeches likely to guide market direction. The Japanese Yen maintains its bullish run on increasing hopes of further Bank of Japan (BoJ) rate hikes and spiking Japanese government bond (JGB) yields. The narrowing rate gap bolsters the Yen, and the global risk aversion, which is fueled by US President Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs, adds to safe-haven demand. The US Dollar is still unable to attract buyers, despite the hawkish tone set by the Federal Reserve, and keeps USD/JPY trading below the 150.00 psychological level. Traders now look for major support levels, Fed policy indications, and future US economic data to drive the pair. The Japanese Yen rises as increased BoJ rate hike hopes and jumping JGB yields lift demand. Risk aversion is driven by Trump’s tariff threats, also helping the Yen. The US Dollar, however, lags in spite of the Fed’s hawkishness, leaving USD/JPY close to the pivotal 150.00 mark.  • Increasing hopes of further Bank of Japan (BoJ) rate hikes drive Japanese government bond (JGB) yields to their highest level in more than a decade. • The Japanese Yen jumps to a two-month high versus the US Dollar as the declining rate differential enhances its attractiveness. • US President Donald Trump’s proposals for fresh tariffs induce global risk aversion, and demand for the safe-haven Yen rises. • The pair approaches the pivotal 150.00 level, with additional downside potential towards 149.00 if bearish momentum persists. • In spite of the Federal Reserve’s conservative sentiment and inflationary worries, the US Dollar has a hard time gaining momentum versus the rising Yen. • Japan’s Trade Minister is set to discuss tariff exclusions with the US, something that may have implications on trade and currency trends. • Market participants look for significant US economic indicators, such as jobless claims and Fed speeches, to provide additional guidance on the USD/JPY currency pair. The Japanese Yen is still firming as hopes rise that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) will continue to raise interest rates. Increased Japanese government bond (JGB) yields are a sign of the central bank moving away from its extremely loose monetary stance, and this makes the Yen more appealing to investors. Further, the latest economic news, such as Japan’s better-than-expected Q4 GDP, back up the argument that the Japanese economy is healthy enough to digest a rise in interest rates. Such a move in monetary policy is regarded as being a pivotal decision for Japan while it faces the challenges of economic recovery and taming inflation. USD/JPY Daily Price Chart TradingView Prepared by ELLYANA Meanwhile, geopolitics and trade tensions contribute to the attractiveness of the Yen as a safe-haven currency. US President Donald Trump’s recent comments regarding new tariffs have disturbed world markets, and investors have turned to more secure assets such as the Yen for stability. Japan’s Trade Minister is also scheduled to discuss possible exemptions from the tariffs, underlining the current trade tensions. In contrast, while taking into consideration the Federal Reserve’s conservative stance with regards to next rate decisions, the US Dollar has not significantly appreciated, as market players still await forthcoming economic data and policy updates from the two nations. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS The USD/JPY pair flirts with key 150.00 psychological benchmark, with speculative traders closely looking at key supports and resistances. A clean break below 150.00 would further boost bearish momentum, driving the pair to the 149.60-149.55 area and then down to 149.00. Oscillators on the daily chart are still in negative ground, reflecting persistent selling pressure without yet showing signs of being oversold. On the upside, the 150.90-151.00 area now serves as a first resistance level, with any break above likely to initiate a short-covering rally to 151.40. Additional gains may encounter selling interest near the 152.00 level, and the 200-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) at 152.65 is an important pivot point for short-term traders. FORECAST If the USD/JPY pair can hold above the 150.90-151.00 resistance area, it may cause a short-term rebound. Breaking above the level could prompt buyers to take the pair towards the next important barrier at 151.40. Above this, additional upside may be challenged in the vicinity of the 152.00 psychological level, where selling pressure would be expected. But if bullish momentum persists, the level of 152.65, coinciding with the 200-day Simple Moving Average (SMA), will be an important level to monitor. A firm break above this would potentially set the stage for additional gains, drawing buyers into higher resistance areas. On the negative side, persistent bear momentum would lead USD/JPY to break below the pivotal 150.00 psychological support. A clean break below this level might boost the selling pressure, pushing the pair toward the subsequent support area of 149.60-149.55. If this level is also breached, the downtrend might continue towards the 149.00 level, followed

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Currencies

USD/CHF Weakened Due to Trade Tensions and Minor USD Decline: Major Market Developments

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  • February 20, 2025
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The USD/CHF currency pair has weakened to the 0.9025 level, ending a three-day winning streak due to fresh US Dollar (USD) selling and increasing global trade tensions. New tariff threats from the previous US President Donald Trump have created fear of a trade war, driving demand for safe-haven currencies such as the Swiss Franc (CHF). In addition, a drop in US Treasury bond yields and a risk-averse market sentiment have added to the pressure on the USD. Expectations of a hawkish Federal Reserve (Fed) outlook may, however, offer some relief to the USD, potentially capping further losses in the pair. Market participants now look forward to future US economic releases such as Weekly Initial Jobless Claims and the Philly Fed Manufacturing Index, as well as speeches of Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) members, for new trading hints.  KEY LOOKOUTS • New trade war fears induced by fresh threats from Donald Trump support demand for safe-haven currencies such as the Swiss Franc (CHF) and clobber USD/CHF. • Rebounding selling in the US Dollar, combined with falling Treasury yields, bears on USD/CHF even as a hawkish Federal Reserve tone lends some support. • Market participants look to important US economic data releases, such as Weekly Jobless Claims and the Philly Fed Manufacturing Index, which have the potential to impact USD/CHF price action. • Federal Reserve commentary could shed light on future monetary policy, potentially influencing market sentiment and fueling USD/CHF volatility. USD/CHF is under pressure as increased US Dollar (USD) weakness and rising trade tensions cool investor appetite. Fresh tariff threats from former US President Donald Trump have fueled fears of an impending trade war, propelling demand for safe-haven currencies such as the Swiss Franc (CHF). Further, a drop in US Treasury bond yields has eclipsed the hawkish tone of the Federal Reserve (Fed), capping USD’s revival. But the next releases of US economic data, such as Weekly Jobless Claims and the Philly Fed Manufacturing Index, and speeches by influential FOMC members may bring new information about monetary policy and drive USD/CHF price action in the next sessions. The USD/CHF currency pair loses ground as increased USD selling and growing trade tensions spur demand for safe-haven assets such as the Swiss Franc. Falling US Treasury yields dominate the Fed’s hawkish tone, while future US economic releases and FOMC speeches could direct additional price action. • The pair falls to the 0.9025 region, ending a three-day winning streak in the wake of increased USD selling and escalating trade tensions. • New tariff news drives international trade war fears, which support demand for safe-haven currencies such as the Swiss Franc (CHF). • Weakening US Treasury bond yields and overall risk aversion hold down the US Dollar, which restricts its rally. • In spite of dovish FOMC minutes, hopes of a prolonged rate pause can lend some support to the USD. • Watch US Weekly Jobless Claims and the Philly Fed Manufacturing Index for indications of economic health and potential market effect. • Remarks by Federal Reserve officials may influence expectations of monetary policy and guide USD price action. • A drop below 0.9025 can expose the pair to more weakness, with the next important support in the 0.8970-0.8965 zone. The USD/CHF currency pair continues to be affected by the developments in world trade and investors’ mood, especially following recent tariff threats from former US President Donald Trump. The threat of new tariffs created fears of an impending trade war, leading to investors’ appetite for safe assets such as the Swiss Franc (CHF). This change of market sentiment reflects wider economic uncertainty, as the policies of trade continue to weigh on global financial stability. Furthermore, the conservative tone in equity markets suggests investors are taking prudent stock of risks, with a special emphasis on safe-haven currencies in light of geopolitical and economic uncertainty. USD/CHF Daily Price Chart TradingView Prepared by ELLYANA Meanwhile, the movement of the US Dollar is influenced by a combination of economic signals and policy expectations. Although the Federal Reserve has been hawkish, recent market developments indicate that investors are keenly interested in future releases of economic data. Important reports such as the Weekly Initial Jobless Claims and the Philly Fed Manufacturing Index are likely to reveal more about the health of the US economy. Moreover, Federal Reserve officials’ speeches can provide greater insight into monetary policy in the future, shaping market expectations and impacting overall investor sentiment. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS USD/CHF currency pair has been resisted at the 0.9055 level, where selling pressure was witnessed, resulting in a pullback towards the 0.9025 region. The pair’s failure to hold gains indicates a possible change in momentum, with traders closely monitoring major support levels around 0.8970-0.8965. A breakdown of this level could set the stage for additional decline, while a rebound from here might signal consolidation or fresh buying interest. To the upside, continued action over 0.9055 could enhance bullish pressure, driving the pair to the next resistance around 0.9100. Momentum oscillators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and Moving Averages will play a key role in establishing the next directional impulse. FORECAST If the USD strengthens on hawkish Federal Reserve cues or better-than-anticipated US economic news, the USD/CHF currency pair may try to bounce back. A breakout above the 0.9055 resistance level may encourage more buying interest, and the pair may head towards the 0.9100 psychological level. Any relief in global risk appetite or relaxation in trade tensions also may take away demand for the safe-haven Swiss Franc, supporting the USD. Investors will also be monitoring future FOMC speeches for interest rate direction clues, which would support the dollar and push the pair higher. To the downside, ongoing global trade tensions and risk aversion may keep the Swiss Franc underpinned, capping any USD/CHF recovery. If the pair cannot hold above the 0.9025 area, it may see losses extend to the 0.8970-0.8965 support area. A clean breakdown below this level could initiate further selling pressure, leaving the pair vulnerable to deeper losses. Weaker

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