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Gold Outlook: Bearish Below 3,676, Bulls Need 3,684 BreakGOLD – Overview Gold remains sensitive ahead of the Federal Reserve rate decision, with volatility also influenced by the potential U.S.–U.K. trade deal. A Fed rate cut typically supports gold, but A successful U.S.–U.K. trade deal would reduce safe-haven demand, adding bearish pressure. Technical Outlook 📉 Bearish scenario Price may first test 3,676, then drop toward 3,666 → 3,657. A sustained break below 3,657 would open deeper downside toward 3,640. 📈 Bullish scenario A confirmed 1H close above 3,684 would signal bullish continuation. Upside targets: 3,693 → 3,700 → 3,711. Key Levels Pivot: 3,676 Resistance: 3,684 – 3,699 – 3,711 Support: 3,666 – 3,657 – 3,640 📌 Market Context: Fed Decision: A dovish Fed or larger cut could lift gold toward 3,693+. U.S.–U.K. Trade Deal: Positive headlines would likely weigh on gold by reducing safe-haven flows.
OANDA:XAUUSD
by SroshMayi
1
Bank of England holds rates, British Pound slipsThe Bank of England stayed on the sidelines at today's meeting, maintaining interest rates at 4.0%. This followed a quarter-point cut in August. The decision was anticipated by the markets and the British pound is showing limited movement. The 7-2 vote saw two members vote for a quarter-point cut. Last month's decision to lower rates was decided by a 5-4 vote and took an unprecedented two rounds. The split votes reflect dissension within the BoE with regard to the Bank's future monetary policy. The BoE has been trying to balance rising inflation, which supports holding rates, with the slowdown in the jobs market, which is putting pressure on the central bank to lower rates and ease economic conditions. The BoE cannot ignore inflation, which rose to 3.8% in August, close to double the BoE's target of 2%. Unless inflation slows markedly, the BoE may have to wait until 2026 to lower rates. The Federal Reserve lowered rates by a quarter-point on Wednesday. The decision, which was widely expected, was the first rate cut since December 2024. The rate statement cited the cooling labor market as the main reason behind the rate cut. In his press conference, Fed Chair Powell reiterated his concern about the deteriorating job market and said that the risk of higher and more persistent inflation has eased. Perhaps the highlight of the meeting was the 'dot plot', which charts the expected rate path of members who participated at the meeting. The dot plot indicated that most members expect two more rate cuts before the end of the year, which means the Fed is in a very dovish mood.
by OANDA
The Big Fed Rate Cut Is Here. How Did Markets Do & What’s Next?“ Best we can do is 25bps ,” officials, probably, when they gathered to lower the federal funds rate. It wasn’t the 50 basis points some of you had expected. But you also didn’t expect to hear that two more trims are most likely coming by year end. Let’s talk about that and what it means for your trading. 🎤 Powell Delivers The Federal Reserve finally trimmed rates for the first time in nine months, cutting the federal-funds rate by 25 basis points to 4%–4.25%. This was hardly a surprise. Markets had already fully priced in a quarter-point move. But the real twist was the Fed boss hinting at two more cuts this year. With just two FOMC meetings on the calendar, it’s pretty clear: unless something changes dramatically, traders should expect a cut at both. The decision wasn’t unanimous. Newly minted, Trump-appointed Fed governor Stephen Miran wanted to go big or go home with a 50bps slash. Powell, though, balanced his message by saying risks to the labor market had grown while inflation was still running at 2.9% (way above target). What does this mean? The Fed’s dual mandate of price stability and full employment is officially leaning toward protecting jobs at the risk of flaring up inflation. 💵 Dollar Takes a Dive The immediate reaction was classic. A weaker dollar is the natural byproduct of lower rates, and the greenback obliged by sliding against major peers. The FX:EURUSD pushed toward $1.19, its highest in four years, while the FX:GBPUSD tested $1.37 and the FX:USDJPY sank below ¥146. For forex traders, this was textbook: lower yields make the dollar less attractive, especially compared to rivals with steadier or higher returns. But that was a reaction to the initial shock. By early Thursday the dollar bounced back, because markets love to overreact before correcting, but the broader trend is still tilted bearish . 📈 Stocks: Buy the Rumor, Sell the News Stocks were less enthusiastic. The S&P 500 SP:SPX hovered near flat, the Nasdaq Composite NASDAQ:IXIC slipped 0.3% for a second straight loss, and the Dow Jones TVC:DJI managed to buck the trend with a 260-point climb. The takeaway? Traders had already bought the rumor of rate cuts, jammed their cash into equities, so when Powell delivered the expected 25bps, it wasn’t enough to light another fire. The bigger hope lies in those promised future cuts, which could set the stage for another push higher – especially if Big Tech earnings hold up through the third quarter. (For the record, earnings season is almost here.) Thursday's futures contracts were showing a big jump ahead of the opening bell with Nasdaq futures up by more than 1%. 🟡 Gold Shines, Then Stumbles Gold OANDA:XAUUSD did what gold usually does when the Fed loosens policy: it powered up. Bullion was surfing on the high point of its all-time record of $3,700, before sliding back under $3,640. What’s the logic behind rising gold prices and a falling dollar? In a low-yield environment, non-yielding assets like gold look more attractive, and a weaker dollar only sweetens the deal for overseas buyers. Still, this week’s whipsaw reminded everyone that gold is no straight line up – momentum is there, but so are the bears guarding resistance. 🟠 Bitcoin Shrugs Crypto was more muted. Bitcoin BITSTAMP:BTCUSD slipped 1.2% after the cut, dipping toward $115,000, only to bounce back above $116,000 the next morning. For the orange coin, the Fed story is just background noise. Institutional inflows and ETF demand remain the key drivers, and traders are still gauging whether crypto wants to behave like a risk asset or play its “digital gold” role. Still, the OG coin remains off its $124,000 record from mid-August , the market seems caught between consolidation and correction. ⚖️ The Balancing Act The Fed’s challenge is clear: unemployment is rising, job gains are slowing , and payrolls have been revised lower for months. At the same time, inflation has crept back up, with core prices still well above target. Cutting too much risks reigniting price pressures; cutting too little risks a labor-market slide that could snowball into recession. Powell chose the middle ground – a modest 25bps – and teased with two more to calm investor nerves. 👀 What’s Next? Markets now have a new playbook: watch every jobs report ECONOMICS:USNFP , every CPI ECONOMICS:USCPI release, and every Powell presser between now and December. If job creation continues to cool, the Fed will likely follow through with the cuts. If inflation heats up, those cuts may get scaled back. And if both trends stall, expect chop – the dreaded sideways trade that tests everyone’s patience. What can you do in this situation? One message is to stay nimble. The dollar’s longer-term weakness is reshuffling the forex space, gold is on the cusp of a breakout, and stocks remain in record territory. And crypto is doing its usual unpredictable mood swinging. In a nutshell, Powell gave markets a gift in the form of liquidity, but as history reminds us, the Fed giveth and the Fed taketh away. 👉 Off to you : What’s your strategy in this market? Now that you have the cut (and two more likely on the way), are you bullish or bearish? Share your thoughts in the comments!
ECONOMICS:USINTR
by TradingView
14
Gold faces pressure with data-dependent stanceGold prices increased after the Fed cut the rate by 0.25%, bringing the Fed fund rate to 4.0 - 4.25%. The dot plot showed two more cuts in 2025 by 0.5% and only a 0.25% cut in 2026 and 2027 each. The Fed also indicated the inflation risk and forecast inflation to be up to 3.1% by the end of this year. It stressed that the labor market is weakening now amid an elevated unemployment rate that has remained low. However, the gold price fell after Fed Chair Powell's speech, which emphasized a data-dependent stance and raised expectations of more aggressive action from the Fed. Markets need to observe the next labor data to evaluate how bad the labor market is, which could affect concerns over the US economy's stagflation, which could support the gold price in the medium term. Technically, the XAUUSD broke down under the EMA21 but remains above the EMA78, indicating that the bullish momentum is weakening. If the XAUUSD closes under 3660, it may prompt a retest of the next support at 3600. By Van Ha Trinh, Financial Market Strategist at Exness
OANDA:XAUUSD
by WiseLeoTrading
Bank of Canada lowers rates, Canadian dollar edges upwardsThe Canadian dollar has posted small gains on Wednesday. In the North American session, USD/CAD is trading at 1.3762, up 0.17% on the day. There were no surprises from the Bank of Canada, which lowered its policy rate by a quarter-point to 2.5%, its lowest level since July 2022. This was the first time the Bank of Canada lowered rates since March, as it was forced to respond to signs of weakness in the economy and lower inflation. The rate statement said that a rate cut was justified, given that the economy had weakened and there was less upside risk to inflation. The US tariffs were expected to have a further dampening effect on economic activity. The statement made three references to the uncertainty of the economic outlook, which has required the BoC to act cautiously. At a follow-up press conference, Governor Macklem defended the rate cut due to a weaker labor market and less upside pressure on underlying inflation. What was missing from the rate statement and press conference was any forward guidance about future rate cuts, as the central bank doesn't want to be pushed into any corners with regard to future decisions. If inflation risks continue to fade, the BoC could deliver one or even two rate cuts before the end of the year. The Federal Reserve is virtually certain to lower rates at today's meeting, barring a monumental surprise. The expected rate cut would be the Fed's first since December 2024. With the rate decision virtually a given, investors will be looking for some clues as to whether the Fed is looking at further rates cuts before the end of the year. USD/CAD is testing resistance at 1.3752. Above, there is resistance at 1.3770 There is support at 1.3721 and 1.3703
by OANDA
Compression Below Resistance: Prepare for Post-FOMC BTC Plays__________________________________________________________________________________ Market Overview __________________________________________________________________________________ Bitcoin is trapped in a volatility compression zone, trading just below key resistance and awaiting the high-stakes FOMC catalyst. The broader context shows contained flows and limited directional momentum: the market is on standby. Momentum: Short-term momentum is neutral to slightly bearish 📉, with price tightly range-bound and no strong buying impulse. All eyes on the macro trigger. Key levels: — Resistances (clustered):  • 116,800–116,814 (240 Pivot High, dominant multi-TF resistance)  • 124,277 (ATH/Daily Pivot High) — Supports :  • 114,800–114,809 (240 Pivot, primary short-term support)  • 113,421 (720 Pivot)  • 111,965 (Weekly Pivot High) Volumes: Volumes are normal across all timeframes, with only a small bump on short-term down moves (30m/15m) — no signs of extreme positioning. Multi-timeframe signals: Medium-term trend remains bullish (MTFTI "Strong Up" on daily/12H), but short-term timeframes (1H–4H–12H) show downward momentum and lack of a decisive volume trigger. Risk On / Risk Off Indicator context: Neutral to sell bias , confirming the absence of strong risk-on flows and supporting a cautious tactical approach. __________________________________________________________________________________ Trading Playbook __________________________________________________________________________________ The dominant tone is cautious sideways compression — only act on clear breakout or rejection signals at range extremes. Global bias: Short-term neutral to bearish ; invalidated by a clear reclaim and hold above 116,814. Opportunities:  • Buy “breakout” only if price clearly breaks and sustains >116,814 with strong volume (first target 117,300, then 118,400+); invalidate below 114,809.  • Sell on firm break and hold <114,809, adding size if volume rises, targeting 114,000–113,000; invalidate on swift rebound >115,700. Risk zones / invalidations:  • Reclaim and hold >116,814 (with volume) invalidates short bias.  • Breakdown and hold <114,809 across several TFs activates downside. Macro catalysts (Twitter, Perplexity, news):  • Imminent FOMC decision — options market, volatility compression, and max defensive positioning are the primary drivers.  • ETF flows cooling, Bitcoin dominance declining, risk rotations likely post-FOMC — no strong risk-on evidence yet.  • UK/EU inflation and dovish central banks are background noise, not immediate BTC movers. Action plan:  • on breakout or clean rejection of technical pivots (116,814/114,809).  • below indicated risk line.  • 117,300, 118,400+ in long; 114,000, 113,000 in short.  • R/R ~1.8–2; max initial exposure 12.5%, only scale in with confirmed multi-TF momentum. __________________________________________________________________________________ Multi-Timeframe Insights __________________________________________________________________________________ All timeframes show a tense coil: no timeframe provides a clear trend for now, reinforcing a "wait and see" approach. 1D/12H: Medium-term uptrend filter persists (MTFTI “Strong Up”), but near-term momentum repeatedly stalls below 116,814–116,800, with no volume breakthrough. 6H/4H/2H/1H: Tightly coiled range, anchored at 114,809; loss would open up liquidity tests down to 113,421–114,000. 30m/15m: Volume picks up on short-term declines; only a fleeting “risk-on” flash on 15m (no follow-through to higher TFs). Major divergences: Isolated 6H “Strong Buy” on equity isn’t confirmed at the market level, making any bounce fragile. 15m “risk-on” flashes lack multi-TF confirmation. Key invalidation/pivot levels are well aligned across TFs — critical for reactivity when the move comes. __________________________________________________________________________________ Macro & On-Chain Drivers __________________________________________________________________________________ Macro and on-chain forces both encourage patience, with the FOMC outcome set to trigger the next major move. Macro events:  • in focus, strong rate cut expectations and options market tension dominate — clear primary driver.  • BoC goes dovish, UK/EU inflation tensions, but no direct “risk-on” signals across global macro.  • ETF flows tepid, specific post-FOMC asset rotation will be key. Bitcoin analysis:  • Bitcoin consolidates ~6.8% below ATH, inside technical “cloud” — price activity is all about risk management (options, ETF).  • On-chain support ~110k–114k solid, resistance 115.8k–116.8k, tightly aligned with technical levels. On-chain data:  • ETF inflows dormant, derivatives lead price action, no clear sign of euphoria or capitulation; on-chain support >108k remains robust.  • Overall attitude is defensive, “wait for the catalyst” mode. Expected impact:  • The FOMC’s reaction will drive the technical breakout or breakdown; only a clear confirmation will unlock decisive follow-through beyond the current coil. __________________________________________________________________________________ Key Takeaways __________________________________________________________________________________ Bitcoin remains trapped in a compression phase under key resistance, on high alert going into the FOMC. The overall trend is short-term neutral to bearish, with all bullish setups hinged on a confirmed pivot breakout above 116,814. The highest-conviction play is to let the FOMC be the trigger: position with the move, not before. Macro dominance means no reason to anticipate a risk-on rotation until confirmation. Keep your edge: wait for multi-TF signals and volume confluence, and manage exposure tightly — false breakouts and volatility traps are the enemy heading into this macro event!
by Ox_kali
Bitcoin Trade of the Week: Liquidity Rules the MarketOne of the most decisive factors for markets right now is the expansion of liquidity. The growth of global M2 remains evident, particularly in China, where the economy faces a deflationary backdrop that forces authorities to maintain – and even expand – both monetary and fiscal stimulus. Ultimately, these flows permeate global financial markets and, as I’ve explained on several occasions, liquidity is the fuel that drives asset prices. A Parallel with 2024 What we are observing today shows remarkable similarities with what happened in 2024. Back then, the start of Federal Reserve rate cuts marked a turning point. Even a moderate 25-basis-point cut triggered a rebound that coincided with a technical consolidation phase in Bitcoin, shaped as a descending channel. Later, in November 2024, when the Fed accelerated the move with a 50-basis-point cut, the result was a much more aggressive bullish impulse. Today, we find ourselves in an environment with rising probabilities of further cuts in upcoming Fed meetings, which could once again act as a catalyst. Correlation Context with the Nasdaq 100 Meanwhile, the Nasdaq 100 is printing all-time highs, reflecting the strong risk appetite in tech assets. Bitcoin, in contrast, remains slightly behind its own highs. This divergence can be interpreted as a window of opportunity: if additional liquidity is confirmed through another rate cut, the momentum could spill over into Bitcoin and provide the strength needed to form a technical reversal structure—very similar to the inverted Head and Shoulders (H&S) pattern observed in 2024. Trading Strategy Entry Zone: 111,906.44 Stop Loss (SL): 108,607.83 Take Profit (TP): 130,383.16
COINBASE:BTCUSDLong
by juliansb32
EUR/USD: Bullish Breakout to 1.20 Amid Fed Rate Cut Hype EUR/USD: Bullish Breakout to 1.20 Amid Fed Rate Cut Hype and #Fed Trends Buzz? 1.1920 Target in Sight? EUR/USD is trading at 1.1878 today, up 0.3% amid surging to a fresh four-year high as markets brace for the Fed's interest rate decision later, with expectations of a 50bps cut to 4.00-4.25% fueling dollar weakness. This comes as South Africa's Treasury eyes new Eurobonds post-$2B redemption, potentially bolstering Euro demand amid broader EM inflows. Just as #Fed racks up 12K mentions on X with rate cut speculation exploding, and #business trends highlight global bond stability (e.g., SA's move), EUR/USD's rally ties into ECB hawkishness versus Fed easing—positioning it as a high-conviction pair for September volatility. But with RSI overbought, is EUR/USD poised for a breakout to 1.20, or will a hawkish Fed surprise trigger a pullback? Let's break down the fundamentals, SWOT, charts, and setups for September 17, 2025. Fundamental Analysis EUR/USD's strength stems from diverging monetary policies, with the ECB holding rates steady at 3.50% while Fed cut bets hit 65% for 50bps today, pressuring the dollar index to 98.50 lows. Analysts forecast a potential climb to 1.1920 if cuts confirm, with 2025 averages eyed at 1.15 amid Eurozone recovery data like 0.3% Q2 GDP growth. With #Fed trends going viral on X, the pair's sensitivity to dot plot signals undervalues its upside if projections show three more cuts by year-end; however, sticky US inflation (core PCE at 2.6%) could cap gains if the Fed pauses. - **Positive:** - Fed easing expectations weaken USD, amplified by #Fed hype and SA Eurobond plans signaling global Euro appetite. - Eurozone resilience with PMI at 51.2 supports hawkish ECB, projecting 1.5% 2025 GDP growth versus US slowdown risks. - Broader trends in #business (e.g., EM bond inflows) position EUR/USD for 2%+ monthly gains if cuts deliver. - **Negative:** - Overbought conditions risk correction to 1.1762 if Fed signals fewer cuts, clashing with #Fed optimism. - Geopolitical tensions and US election uncertainty could strengthen USD as safe-haven if volatility spikes. SWOT Analysis **Strengths:** Policy divergence favors Euro with ECB's steady rates versus Fed cuts, amplified by #Fed relevance in weakening USD sentiment. **Weaknesses:** High sensitivity to US data; overbought momentum vulnerable in a #business-shifting market post-Fed. **Opportunities:** SA Eurobond tap boosts Euro liquidity; #Fed cut confirmation could narrow discount, with undervalued upside at current levels amid 1.5% projected 2025 appreciation. **Threats:** Hawkish Fed pivot eroding gains; competition from yen or pound if global easing synchronizes amid viral #Fed discussions. Technical Analysis On the daily chart, EUR/USD shows a bullish ascending channel breakout to four-year highs at 1.1878, with volume surging on Fed anticipation and mirroring #Fed volatility. The weekly confirms an inverse head-and-shoulders from summer lows, now extending higher. Current price: 1.1878, with VWAP at 1.1850 as intraday pivot. Key indicators: - **RSI (14-day):** At 72, overbought but holding bullish—potential bounce signal amid #Fed surge. 📈 - **MACD:** Positive histogram expanding, crossover intact for upside momentum. - **Moving Averages:** Price above 21-day EMA (1.1750) and 50-day SMA (1.1650), golden cross supporting bull trend. Support/Resistance: Key support at 1.1810 (recent low), resistance at 1.1920 (Fib target) and 1.2000 (psychological). Patterns/Momentum: Channel extension targets 1.1920; fueled by #Fed momentum. 🟢 Bullish signals: Higher highs on volume. 🔴 Bearish risks: RSI divergence could prompt drop to 1.1690. Scenarios and Risk Management - **Bullish Scenario:** Break above 1.1920 on dovish Fed targets 1.2000; go long on pullbacks to 1.1810, especially if #Fed goes mainstream with cuts. - **Bearish Scenario:** Drop below 1.1810 eyes 1.1762; watch for death cross amid #Fed fade if hikes signal. - **Neutral/Goldilocks:** Range-bound 1.1810–1.1920 if dot plot mixed and #Fed cools. Risk Tips: Use stops at 1.1790. Risk 1-2% per trade. Diversify to avoid correlation traps with #Fed-linked pairs like USD/JPY. Conclusion/Outlook Overall, a bullish bias if EUR/USD holds 1.1810, supercharged by today's #Fed and #business trends, with 1%+ upside to 1.20 on rate cut confirmation. But watch the Fed decision for confirmation—this fits September's policy divergence theme, but SA Eurobonds add supportive Euro tailwinds. What’s your take? Bullish on EUR/USD amid #Fed cuts or hedging the dip? Share in the comments!
by DCAChampion
BTC – Between Structure and Supply!BTC has been trading inside a clean ascending channel 📈, respecting both support and resistance. After breaking above the $113,000 structure zone, price pushed higher but is now approaching a potential retest area. 🟠 Structure zone ($113K – $114K): Could act as support on a pullback. 🟢 Channel support: Aligns perfectly with structure for confluence. 🔵 Supply zone ($122K – $124K): Next major resistance where sellers may step in. As long as BTC holds above structure, bulls 🐂 remain in control, with the next upside target sitting around the supply zone. Patience ⏳ is key — waiting for a clean retest could set up the next continuation trade. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. Always do your own research and manage risk properly. 📚 Stick to your trading plan regarding entry, risk, and management. Good luck! All Strategies Are Good; If Managed Properly! ~Richard Nasr
Long
by TheSignalyst
6
USDJPY Deat Cat Bounce at play after Jackson Hole remarks?In this video, we analyse the sharp move in the USDJPY following crucial speeches from Fed Chair Jerome Powell and BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda at the Jackson Hole Symposium. Powell signalled the possibility of a September rate hike, highlighting ongoing weakness in the US labour market. Meanwhile, Ueda emphasised Japan's strong job market, supported by immigrant labour, which is driving wage growth and sustaining inflationary pressures. Ueda’s Hawkish Stance: Ueda maintained a hawkish tone, noting that wage hikes in larger Japanese companies are now spreading to smaller firms, strengthening expectations for continued inflation. This commentary increased the likelihood of a BOJ rate hike, giving the yen additional support. Market Reaction: Prior to the Symposium, traders were positioned for a potential rate cut by year-end. However, after Ueda’s remarks, futures market pricing suggests the odds of an October rate cut are now evenly split at 50-50. Technicals: Open triangle completion may trigger further downside after the post-JHS drop. Current rally to the upside could be a relief rally, part of a potential Dead Cat Bounce (DCB). This content is not directed to residents of the EU or UK. Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices or other information contained on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. ThinkMarkets will not accept liability for any loss or damage including, without limitation, to any loss of profit which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information.
Short
by ThinkMarkets
1
EUR/USD Could Skyrocket if They Cut 50bps!The market is certain that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates during tomorrow's meeting, with a small chance of a 50 bps reduction priced in. Two Fed policymakers, Chris Waller and Michelle Bowman , may be thinking of this FOMC meeting as an audition to take over the Fed Chair from Jerome Powell, which means they might push for a 50 bps cut tomorrow to impress President Trump (who thinks interest rates are 300 basis points too high at the moment). Additionally, Trump stooge Stephen Mirin was added to the voting Fed board yesterday, just in time to push for an outsized interest rate cut. This speculation is likely contributing to the recent rise in EUR/USD. Today’s movement has taken the pair above the prior yearly high at 1.1829, which was set in late July. This breakout signals the potential continuation of the bullish trend, with the next possible resistance coming into focus at the double swing highs from August 2021, around 1.1900.
by BlackBull Markets
1
Euro hits four-year high on strong German investor confidence, UThe euro has posted sharp gains on Thursday. In the North American session, EUR/USD is trading at 1.1867, up 0.90% on the day. The euro has not been at these levels since September 2021. German ZEW Economic Sentiment rose modestly in September to 37.3, up from 34.7 in August. This blew past the market estimate of 26.3 and the euro has responded with sharp gains. The survey of financial experts indicates cautious optimism, with the outlook for the export sector showing promise after a prolonged decline. At the same time, the index monitoring the current economic situation worsened, declining to -76.4 from 68.6, below the market estimate of -75.0. It has been a bumpy road for Germany, which is the only G7 economy that has not posted growth in the past two years. Once the locomotive that drove the eurozone economy, Germany finds itself the laggard of the bloc. US retail sales for August were stronger than expected at 0.6% m/m. This was unchanged from an upwardly revised 0.6% in July and easily beat the market estimate of 0.2%. Retail sales increased across most sub-categories, as consumers showed they were in a spending mood despite a weaker job market and higher prices due to President Trump's tariffs. Annualized, retail sales jumped 5.0%, up from an upwardly revised 4.1% in August and above the forecast of 3.2%. At the same time, consumer sentiment has been softening, with consumers concerned about the impact of the tariffs. All eyes are on the Federal Reserve, which is widely expected to lower interest rates on Wednesday for the first time since December 2024. The money markets have fully priced in a rate cut, with a quarter-point reduction practically a given. Investors will be looking for clues about the possiblity of additional rate cuts before the end of the year.
by OANDA
1
Dovish Spells or Hawkish Surprises? FOMC Prep for ES, NQ, GCLet’s start with the biggest event this week. Unless, of course, some unexpected headline swoops in and steals the spotlight — because markets love a good plot twist. Emotions are running high, and volatility is flying around like confetti at a surprise party nobody asked for. But don’t worry, Chair Powell might just play the role of the calm voice in the chaos. Markets are pricing in a 25 bps rate cut by the Fed this week. Interestingly, the future path of rate cut expectations has been in the doldrums. Is it a bird or a plane? No, it’s Superman. Likewise here, is it 1 cut or 2 cuts? No, it’s 3 cuts priced at this moment until the end of 2025. Excuse the humor, but what fun is it if you cannot entertain yourself while analyzing the complexities of markets day in and day out. Execution is boring; risk management is much like dementors sucking out life force when risk is not respected. And analyzing and preparation is where the creativity and fun is. And as Kurt Angle would say, it is “ True ”. Index futures including ES futures and NQ futures have all climbed steadily higher since September 2 low. Markets are turning higher in anticipation of a new bull run. Gold futures are rallying, currently trading above $3700. Since the Jackson Hole dovish pivot, gold has not looked back and has rocketed higher above major resistance. Our focus is on the Fed meeting. All eyes will be on the forward guidance; risks to inflation, risks for the labor market and FED’s SEP (Summary of Economic Projections). This also includes GDP forecasts and the most anticipated Dot Plot. Which of the two mandates will the Fed prioritize, labor market weakness or sticky inflation? The interesting thing to note is that despite sticky inflation, markets are anticipating 3 cuts of 25 bps for each of the meetings this year. Thus far, as we have previously mentioned, the Fed will likely be moving away from their 2% inflation target to an average inflation target in the range of 2% to 3%. This also implies that real rates i.e., nominal less inflation are going to fall sharply lower. Given this, we anticipate gold to continue higher as the US Dollar's purchasing power erodes away, with mounting debt, higher inflation and falling real yields. The real question we should be asking is: What if the meeting outcome is hawkish with the Fed delivering just 1 cut in the September meeting and staying on hold for the remainder of the year? What other risks are there that could pull stocks and indexes lower? And bonds higher? Tariffs at this point seem like an old talk unless something reinvigorates and puts them on the front and center of market worries. Based on these thoughts, here are our scenarios: Base Case: 25 bps cuts and dovish guidance but iterates meeting by meeting approach. ES & NQ: Data dependent Fed, that is likely behind the curve and markets may translate this as Fed too slow to react to emerging risks, risks of recession goes higher. In this case, although stocks may push higher with rates coming down initially, in our view, much of this is priced in and this may be ‘sell the fact moment’. Portfolio adjustment: Sell index futures, Buy Gold and Bonds. Ultra-Dovish: Fed’s dot plot confirms 2 additional rate cuts of 25 bps for Oct and Dec meeting and further 4 cuts till end of 2026 to bring terminal rate lower to 250-275. USD weakens further, real rates sink, reinforcing gold bid. Portfolio adjustment: Buy everything. Buy the dip. Hawkish Surprise Only 25 bps in September, then pause ES & NQ: • Sharp pullback as equities reprice for tighter liquidity. • ES could retrace recent gains, downside risk toward 4,900–5,000 zone. • NQ likely hit harder due to tech sensitivity to discount rate. GC: • Short-term correction as USD firms and yields spike. • However, downside may be limited if market shifts focus back to debt & long-term inflation risks. Risk-Off External Shock- Geopolitical event, tariffs ES & NQ: • Drop as risk sentiment sours; defensives outperform growth. • Bonds rally, yields fall, curve steepens if Fed cut expectations accelerate. GC: • Strong safe-haven bid, spikes higher regardless of Fed stance. Comment with your thoughts and let us know how you see the markets shaping up this week
CME_MINI:NQ1!
by EdgeClear
2
AUDUSD Gains Momentum Ahead of Fed DecisionDollar has been weakening, in particular since August 22nd when Powell spoke at Jackson Hole, acknowledged rising inflation risks, and more importantly, weakening labor data. Back then he signaled that the Fed could adjust rates with a 25 or possibly even a 50 basis point cut this Wednesday. Looking at FX pairs, what stands out to me is that we are clearly in risk-on mode, with commodity currencies doing very well since late August. Aussie is up almost 4% from the August 22nd lows, while other majors are lagging behind that performance. So it may not be a bad idea to focus on Aussie for potential longs versus the US dollar, especially considering inflation in Australia increased on a yearly basis from 1.9% in June to 2.8% in July, as reported on August 27th. This shows inflation is still a problem in Australia, so the RBA may not be looking to cut rates, which makes AUDUSD attractive on the upside. From an Elliott Wave perspective, I also like the impulsive characteristics on Aussie from the August 22nd close. In my view, we are still in an incomplete five-wave cycle, with the recent push beyond the July highs being wave three. After the next pullback in wave four, there could be a strong rebound, with the 0.6625 level standing out as attractive support on dips. I’ll certainly keep a close eye on this zone if a retracement occurs. It’s also worth noting that Aussie is now trying to break the trendline from the 2021 highs, which could be an interesting breakout point and support the recovery, at least until the five-wave cycle completes on the 8-hour chart. Grega
Long
by ew-forecast
2
Gold hit another record highGold hit another record high due to concerns over the Fed's independence and the recent weak US labor market. Yesterday evening, the US Senate officially confirmed Stephen Miran as President Trump's new nominee to the Federal Reserve Board in an incredibly tight 48-47 vote, raising concern that he will follow the US President and draw down the Fed's independence. Meanwhile, the US labor market has recently raised concerns about the stagflation situation, which is the best environment for gold as a safe-haven asset. Although the Sahm Rule is not triggering, weak immigration could understate the unemployment number and the break event number. Elsewhere, the expectation of an accelerated Fed rate cut could dampen the US dollar, reducing the opportunity cost of holding gold. Technically, XAUUSD surpassed the Fibonacci Extension of 2.168 and tends to test the 3.800 level. Expanding EMAs (21,78) indicate strong bullish momentum.
OANDA:XAUUSDLong
by WiseLeoTrading
Will BoE's Plan to Rundown QT Impact Cable (GBP/USD)Direct Impact: The QT slowdown itself is a small, modestly GBP-positive factor. It may provide a slight underpinning of support. If the BoE delivers the QT slowdown as expected and it's framed as a technical move, its impact will likely be overshadowed by the simultaneous interest rate decisions and guidance from both the BoE and the Fed. If you are looking to trade this, don't trade the QT headline in isolation. Trade the broader package of BoE communication and the Fed's decision. A "hawkish hold" from the BoE (holding rates but signaling they stay high for longer) combined with a "dovish" Fed could send GBP/USD meaningfully higher. The QT slowdown would be a minor supporting actor in that drama. (Unless of course the FED holds rates) In short: Expect a potential small, brief pop for GBP on the QT news, but the real moves will be dictated by the interest rate decisions and forward guidance from both sides of the Atlantic. If BoE and FED hold, it could be a great asymmetric short end to the week!
by PointBreak42
British pound hits two-month high, UK job dataThe British pound has started the new trading week in positive territory. In the European session, GBP/USD is trading at 1.3591, up 0.26% on the day. Earlier, the pound hit a daily high of 1.3620, its highest level since July 10. The UK releases employment data on Tuesday. Claimant counts is expected to jump to 20.3 thousand in August, after a rare decline in July which saw claimant counts decline by 6.2 thousand. The unemployment rate is expected to remain at 4.7% for a third straight time, its highest level in four years. Wage growth including bonuses is expected to rise to 4.7%, up from 4.6% in the previous release, which was the lowest pace in nine months. It's a busy week in the UK, with the inflation report on Wednesday and the Bank of England rate decision on Thursday. The BoE is expected to maintain rates at 4.0% after last month's narrow 5-4 decision to lower rates. Governor Bailey has said rates would move "downwards gradually over time" but hasn't provided any details as to the timing or extent of cuts. The UK may have already entered stagflation, which is a toxic mix of persistently high inflation, weak growth and rising unemployment. This presents a major headache for the BoE, as weak growth supports a rate cut while high inflation could get worse if the BoE reduces rates. The central bank is hesitant to lower rates with inflation close to 4%, but may have to cut before the end of the year if the labor market continues to deteriorate. Tuesday's job report is unlikely to change minds at the BoE, which is expected to hold rates. Still, it could be a factor in the November rate decision. GBPUSD has pushed above resistance at 1.3564 and is testing 1.3589 Above, there is resistance at 1.3605 There is support at 1.3548
by OANDA