Driven by weaker-than-expected nonfarm payrolls, renewed trade tensions, and shifts within the Fed’s leadership, gold’s safe-haven appeal has notably strengthened. However, in the short term, technical resistance near $3,370 remains a key hurdle. With the ISM Services PMI and a flurry of Fed speeches scheduled this week, volatility could increase further.
President Trump recently increased tariffs on Canadian imports from 25% to 35% for all goods not covered by the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), citing Canada’s failure to curb fentanyl smuggling and ongoing trade barriers. This escalation came despite over 90% of Canadian exports entering the U.S. duty-free, affecting key sectors like steel, aluminum, and automobiles.
Before we dive into the key event of the week, the downside surprise in the July US payrolls data deserves note. The release offered market participants a clear-cut opportunity to trade out of, which, let’s face it, has been few and far between of late, given global uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
The Swiss franc weakened Monday as a poor jobs report raised bets on Fed rate cuts, with prior nonfarm payrolls revised down.
Silver holds steady at $37 as markets await key data. USD shows mixed moves; Yen slips on BoJ policy divergence, while GBP softens ahead of BoE. NZD weakens on China trade concerns. USD/JPY rebounds, USD/CNY stays rangebound on PBoC signals. Traders remain cautious as macro data and central bank cues loom.
Vietnam's exports are booming, but traders face hidden risks from delays, red tape, and compliance hurdles. Know the signs before entering the trade.
US CPI rose to 2.7% in June, with tariffs fuelling inflation. The Fed may hold steady, but EBC sees the real shift just beginning.
Oil prices were steady on Friday after Trump signed an order modifying reciprocal tariffs on several countries, with duties ranging from 10% to 41%.
The US-EU trade deal has caused a pullback in European stocks. BlackRock expects the market to continue rising despite tariff risks.
The yen rebounded Thursday from its lowest level since April after the Fed held rates, with two Trump appointees supporting a 25 bps cut.
Major currencies swung as central banks signaled diverging paths. The BoJ held rates, weakening the Yen, while the BoC hinted at cuts, pressuring CAD. USD/CAD rose, and EUR/JPY and GBP/JPY slid. WTI rallied on U.S.-Russia sanctions. USD/CNY hovered near 7.15 after a firm PBoC fix. Traders now eye inflation data and central bank commentary for direction.
Gold moved sideways as Trump's confirmation of a US-China tariff pause extension is still pending after trade talks between top officials in Stockholm.
South Korea’s Q2 GDP rose 0.6%, but tariff risks ahead of the August 1 deadline keep markets cautious across FX, bonds, and key export sectors.
Markets tread cautiously as traders await key decisions from the Fed and BoJ. The Yen gains ground, gold stays rangebound, and the Kiwi weakens on risk aversion. A softer Aussie CPI pressures AUD/USD, while the US Dollar Index lingers below 99.00. All eyes are on central bank guidance to shape the next move across currencies and commodities.
The Australian dollar stayed flat on Tuesday after Trump warned of 15%-20% tariffs on partners without separate trade deals.
WTI dipped below $66.50 as traders remained cautious ahead of US-China trade talks and the FOMC decision. Silver held near $38 amid easing tensions but awaits Fed cues. USD/CAD, NZD/USD, and equity indices consolidated in tight ranges as markets adopt a wait-and-see stance. Volatility may rise with upcoming central bank and trade developments.
Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand respond to US tariffs with bold trade moves, policy support, and FX strategies as ASEAN navigates rising tensions.
Patrick Munnelly, Partner: Market Strategy, Tickmill Group
Munnelly’s Macro Minute…
Markets wrapped the week digesting a wave of macro signals. The ECB kept rates on hold and doubled down on its data-dependent stance, signaling no rush to pivot. That echoed across risk assets, with traders recalibrating bets in real time.
Markets rallied as the US and China are set to extend their tariff pause by 90 days, boosting risk sentiment and weakening the US Dollar. Gold slid below $3,350, while GBP and EUR gained. AUD held steady ahead of key CPI data. Investors now await the FOMC meeting and US job reports for further direction.
The euro gained on Monday after the US and EU announced a trade agreement, the latest in a series of moves to prevent a global trade war.
Asian markets dropped on Friday, with the Hang Seng down over 1%, as investors locked in profits ahead of Trump's tariff deadline next week.
Fueled by Trump's tariff remarks, stronger-than-expected earnings, and improving U.S. consumer sector sentiment, the S&P 500 nears record highs.
Oil prices rose Thursday, fueled by optimism over US trade talks and a bigger-than-expected drop in crude inventories, easing global growth pressure.
Markets rallied on trade optimism, weakening the USD and boosting the Pound, Kiwi, and Yen. Silver slipped to $39.00 as safe-haven demand faded. The PBOC’s firmer yuan fix signaled cautious confidence, while USD/JPY hit a two-week low. Traders now eye fresh trade headlines and key US data for further direction.
Once upon a time, investors rushed to gold only when the world looked like it might catch fire. War, recession, a market meltdown - cue the stampede to safety. But lately, something curious is happening. Gold is climbing, the dollar is wobbling, and safe-haven demand is on the rise… while the headlines are, well, not exactly screaming doom.
The dollar weakened against the yen after a trade deal, with Treasury Secretary Bessent emphasizing quality over timing in agreements.
On July 23, markets tilted risk-on as hopes for renewed US-China trade cooperation lifted sentiment across Asia-Pacific. The Australian Dollar gained broadly, with AUD/JPY nearing 96.50, while the Yen weakened sharply amid political instability in Japan. USD/JPY rebounded toward 158.00, fueled by higher U.S. yields. Meanwhile, WTI crude extended losses below $65.50 as Chinese demand concerns and rising U.S. inventories weighed. The PBOC’s firmer yuan fix signaled cautious support, keeping USD/CNY rangebound near 7.1490. Markets now eye U.S. and Chinese data for cues on growth and inflation.
The South African rand edged lower on Tuesday as investors awaited progress in trade talks for countries to reach trade deals.
Global markets opened cautiously as investors reacted to US-EU trade tensions, oil supply concerns, and New Zealand rate cut speculation. The US Dollar held steady near 98.00, while NZD slipped below 0.5950. EUR/USD stayed firm near 1.1700, and the PBOC set a stronger yuan fix at 7.1460. WTI crude dropped to $65.50 amid oversupply fears.
EBC donated USD10,000 to support recovery efforts in Taiwan after Typhoon Danas, reaffirming our commitment to real action and community impact.
Gold prices extended their climb Monday, holding near the $3,350 mark, as renewed global trade tensions and cautious risk sentiment spurred demand for safe-haven assets. The US Dollar traded mixed across major pairs, with investor hesitation reflecting growing uncertainty over potential tariffs and uneven economic data. While the euro and British pound struggled for momentum, commodity-linked currencies like the Canadian and New Zealand dollars held relatively firm despite external pressures. With central bank decisions and macro releases on the horizon, traders are preparing for further volatility.
The FTSE 100 edged up Friday after UK and US indices hit record highs, lifted by lower jobless claims and strong retail sales on Thursday.
Markets took a breather this week, moving mostly sideways as traders processed the latest economic data and waited for a stronger read on where global growth is headed. There’s still a mix of hope and caution out there—optimism about recovery, but inflation and sticky interest rates are keeping everyone on their toes.
Oil prices were stable on Friday, following a rise, as worries over reduced Iraqi supply clashed with fears of lower demand from US tariffs.
On July 17, dovish Fed commentary drove the US Dollar lower, lifting major currencies and risk sentiment globally. EUR/USD climbed above 1.1600, GBP/USD neared 1.3450, and AUD/USD gained traction above 0.6800. Markets welcomed signs of US-China trade stability, while attention now shifts to upcoming U.S. consumer sentiment data and Eurozone inflation. With the Fed turning more cautious, traders are recalibrating rate cut expectations, favoring higher-yielding and risk-sensitive currencies in the short term.
Invesco's survey shows global sovereign funds are boosting their allocation to Chinese assets, particularly in technology.
The yen fell Thursday as Trump moves to sack Fed Chair Powell. Opinion polls suggest PM Ishiba's coalition may lose its majority in the upper house.
On July 16, 2025, oil slipped below the $66 mark as geopolitical fears surrounding Russia eased after the White House softened its stance. Meanwhile, silver extended its rally toward $38.00 amid safe-haven demand, and the New Zealand Dollar held firm above 0.5950 in a risk-on environment. Traders eye the upcoming U.S. PPI and UK CPI releases for direction, with central banks still walking a fine line between inflation control and growth support. Market tone remains cautious but constructive, especially for commodities and risk-linked currencies.
The DAX 40 dropped for the fourth session, hit by financial and healthcare stocks. The EU made progress in securing trade deals with new partners.
On July 16, 2025, oil slipped below the $66 mark as geopolitical fears surrounding Russia eased after the White House softened its stance. Meanwhile, silver extended its rally toward $38.00 amid safe-haven demand, and the New Zealand Dollar held firm above 0.5950 in a risk-on environment. Traders eye the upcoming U.S. PPI and UK CPI releases for direction, with central banks still walking a fine line between inflation control and growth support. Market tone remains cautious but constructive, especially for commodities and risk-linked currencies.
Trump’s first 6 months bring tariffs, tax cuts, Fed tension, and crypto moves, driving uncertainty and reshaping global markets, says EBC.
China’s Q2 GDP surprise at 5.2% YoY sparked a positive reaction across global markets on July 15, 2025. Commodity currencies like AUD and NZD advanced modestly, while Gold hovered near $3,350 ahead of key U.S. CPI data. The Japanese Yen weakened despite safe-haven flows, as 10-year JGB yields hit their highest since 2008, highlighting BoJ-Fed policy divergence. Market sentiment improved across Asia-Pacific, with attention now shifting to U.S. inflation prints and central bank signals to guide risk appetite in the sessions ahead.
Silver was little changed on Tuesday after Trump escalated trade tensions with Mexico, the top producer. It has gained about 32% this year.
EBC brings supplies and meals to 55 children at Klong Toey’s Foundation for Slum Child Care, supporting early childhood care in Bangkok’s largest slum.
Another week, another round of mixed signals. Inflation is still hanging around, but economic data hints at a slowdown. The result? Markets are stuck in a holding pattern—again.
In addition to ongoing US trade tariff developments, the key macroeconomic print to watch this week will be the June US CPI inflation data (Consumer Price Index). This follows the better-than-expected June US jobs report, which saw unemployment fall to 4.1% – albeit influenced by a drop in the labour force – and job growth rise to 147,000.
The euro hit a 3-week low Monday, and the Mexican peso weakened as Trump threatened 30% tariffs on EU and Mexico imports starting in August.
On July 14, global markets turned risk-off after President Trump revived tariff threats targeting the EU and Canada. Gold surged past $3,350 on safe-haven bids, while USD/CAD spiked near 1.3700. EUR/USD rebounded toward 1.1700, and NZD/USD slid below 0.6000 ahead of key Chinese trade data. GBP/USD remained pressured around 1.3500 amid Brexit silence. With U.S. retail sales and China’s external sector in focus, traders brace for a volatile week shaped by data and trade rhetoric.