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In this video, HFM’s market analyst, Michalis, will be using technical analysis to explain why the Australian and New Zealand Dollars are the best performing in 2026 and what it means for traders. 🔍
What is driving these currencies significantly higher?
Let’s find out! 👀 https://youtube.com/watch?v=mTbNNaN9Yww
The week ahead is packed with potential market movers. 📊
Key economic data and announcements could set the tone for the markets ahead.
📅 Check out the full weekly calendar here.
💬 Which events are on your radar this week?
Two live sessions you don’t want to miss! ⚡️
On Tuesday, discover a simple 5-minute scalping strategy, learn to spot institutional trades and use supply and demand zones for high-accuracy setups. On Wednesday, join a live Gold trading session as we break down price action in real time and identify emerging trends.
Reserve your spot for Tuesday and Wednesday !
📊 In this video, we break down the markets using live charts to analyse Gold and the NASDAQ, while exploring how Trump’s latest comments and geopolitical developments are influencing price action.
We look at key technical levels, market sentiment, and how political risk is shaping volatility across these assets. ⚠️
Full video here!
💰 Gold has hit record highs, rising nearly 6% this week and over 12% year-to-date. Geopolitical tensions around Greenland, NATO, and Trump’s Davos speech are driving safe-haven demand.
🕒 Trump’s Speech at Davos was originally scheduled for 18:00 GMT, but is likely to be delayed to 20:00 GMT due to air traffic. Analysts expect the speech to determine the market’s next move.
🇪🇺 The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, looks to tone down recent escalations, advising Europe to prefer dialogue and will look for a solution, but is willing to react if needed.
📈 Bond yields continue to remain extremely high, not yet indicating a bond crisis but showing clear signs of stress. This development continues to support Gold, particularly yesterday's dip.
🎬 Netflix's revenue growth rate accelerated in Q4 and paid subscriber count recently crossed 325M. However, management forecasts slower growth in 2026, causing the stock to fall 5%.
🌐 The global stock market attempting to rebound after falling for three consecutive days. However, European stocks quickly declined again as the European market opened.
📊 The NIKKEI225 is currently the only index successfully attempting a rebound. The NIKKEI225 has risen 1.40% and so far has held on to recent gains.
🇬🇧 The UK’s Claimant Count Change came in slightly higher than expected as did the Average Salary Growth Rate.
📈 The UK inflation rate has risen from 3.2% to 3.4% adding more pressure on the UK economy and the BOE to keep rates unchanged. Analysts were originally expecting the rate to rise to 3.3%.
💵 The best-performing currencies of the day are the New Zealand Dollar and Australian Dollar. The worst-performing so far are the Swiss Franc and the US Dollar.
🛢️ The oil market faces mixed pressures as potential US-EU trade tensions threaten global demand, while optimism over China’s recovery, highlighted by 5% GDP growth and 1.5% higher oil consumption, supports prices.
Full Article 👉 https://www.hfm.com/int/en/analysis/trump-davos-speech-determine-markets-next-move
📉 Stocks fall as fears of a US-EU trade war over Greenland spike, with European stocks hit hardest. The US Dollar is also weakening.
⚡ Trump threatens tariffs on the UK and EU from Feb 1st (10%, rising to 25% by June). Trump advises tariffs will be removed once they agree to a full US purchase of Greenland.
🛡️ Europe and NATO reject the proposal, emphasising sovereignty, unity, and international law, and preparing countermeasures including possible tariffs.
💥 French President Macron has urged the EU to use its ‘trade bazooka’ to limit US market access or impose export restrictions. Other leaders have suggested $108 billion in US tariffs.
✊ Greenland and Denmark both held demonstrations over the weekend in their capital cities. As we can see, the US, NATO and the EU are gearing up for what looks to be high tensions for the whole of 2026.
📊 Stock indices show bearish signals: the DAX and NASDAQ are at multi-week lows. The VIX rose 9%, signaling increased market fear and lower risk appetite.
💵 The US Dollar is the day’s worst-performing currency, currently trading 0.20% lower. However, the currency moves within a sideways range awaiting further price drivers.
💹 The Swiss Franc is the day’s best-performing currency as investors turn to the safe haven asset while also looking to take advantage of its recent lower purchasing price.
🥇 Global metals trade higher due to the recent trade tariff tensions. Investors look to boost their exposure to safe-haven assets and stock up on metals before tariffs start. Silver and Gold are currently the day’s best performing metals.
🎬 Netflix stocks continue to trade lower in 2026, but investors are eagerly awaiting Tuesday’s earnings report. Netflix stock trade 0.50% higher this morning while most stocks fall.
🚗 Tesla and Volvo are set to be the first winners of the China-Canada EV deal. However, Tesla stock remains more or less unchanged due to global tensions.
🍱 Japan may cut food taxes to ease the cost of living and support households amid rising prices. However, the move currently pressures the Japanese Yen and bonds.
Full Article 👉 https://www.hfm.com/int/en/analysis/trumps-greenland-tariffs-shake-markets-europe-nato
Two powerful sessions for active traders! ⚡️
Discover 7 volume trading strategies used by institutional traders to spot opportunities in markets like Gold and Nasdaq, then dive into how to trade Gold with more confidence using key drivers, analysis methods and practical strategies.
Strengthen your skills and sharpen your edge.
Reserve your spot for Tuesday and Wednesday
Silver is flashing strong technical signals while metals heat up.
Is this the moment it outshines gold?
🔍 Dive into the analysis and trade with confidence.
Watch our video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bKzmZahxXg
🟢 US inflation came in slightly better than expected for stocks, but not low enough to shift Federal Reserve rate-cut expectations. CPI remains at 2.7% and Core CPI at 2.7%.
📈 Stocks initially rose after the CPI release but closed lower as investors priced in a prolonged Fed pause.
🛢️ Rising oil prices and a stronger US Dollar added further pressure to equity markets.
🏠 Trump’s proposals targeting housing investors and credit card rates weighed on financial and payment stocks.
📊 Market direction now hinges on upcoming PPI data and Federal Reserve speeches, with volatility increasing.
⚡ Oil prices are drawing attention as geopolitical tensions in Venezuela and Iran push Brent crude higher, raising the risk of an oil price shock, which could pressure inflation if the trend continues.
💳 President Trump announces measures to cap credit card interest rates and curb institutional investors from buying family homes. In response to both developments, certain stocks fell in value. For example, American Express stocks have fallen 7% and Visa 8%.
🗣️ Trump hits back at critics over the investigation into the Fed Chairman Jerome Powell advising ‘no one is above the law’.
💻 US approves sale of Nvidia's advanced AI chips to China, but NVIDIA stocks do not react to the news.
🌏 China reports a record trade surplus despite tariffs and restrictions imposed by the US over the past ten months.
🏦 JPMorgan reported solid earnings driven by trading, interest income, and asset management, but Apple Card reserves and weaker investment banking tempered results. The CEO remains cautiously optimistic about the US economy. JP Morgan stocks fall more than 4%.
🥈 Silver, Platinum, and Gold continue to be one of the best-performing assets in 2026. Silver rises more than 4% during this morning’s Asian session.
💵 The best-performing currencies of the day so far are the Australian Dollar and New Zealand Dollar. The Japanese Yen also looks to rebound.
Full Article 👉 https://www.hfm.com/int/en/analysis/inflation-fails-boost-stock-markets
🇯🇵 The Japanese Yen declines to concerning levels due to a possible snap election and comments from government officials over the one-sidedness of the Yen’s decline.
🗳️ The market is closely watching media reports suggesting that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi may soon call a snap general election to capitalise on her strong approval ratings.
💱 Japanese Finance Minister Katayama said he and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent share concerns over the Yen’s rapid, one-sided decline. Analysts expect a currency intervention above 160.000.
📊 Analysts expect US inflation to remain at 2.7%. If figures read higher or lower, all assets are likely to experience extreme volatility. However, only 5% believe the Fed will cut this month regardless of today’s inflation rate.
🤖 BlackRock said it remains bullish on AI but expects investors to favour energy and infrastructure over big tech in 2026. US indices rose during Monday’s session.
🏦 Earnings season starts with JP Morgan releasing its quarterly earnings report. JP Morgan stocks fell 1.43% on Monday.
📱 Meta has blocked 550,000 accounts in Australia under the new law banning under-16-year olds from social media platforms. Meta announced its plans to cut around 10% of Reality Labs Jobs. The stock has fallen more than 3% in 2026 so far.
🇬🇧 According to reports, Japanese institutions and funds have sold nearly all UK bonds due to fiscal concerns.
💹 The best-performing currencies of the day so far are the US Dollar and New Zealand Dollar. The worst-performing are the Japanese Yen and Australian Dollar.
🏛️ Members of the Republican Party pressure the US administration regarding the move to investigate the Fed Chairman, citing concerns over Fed independence.
🛢️ Oil prices increased for a fourth consecutive day approaching the $60 per barrel level, which is a key psychological level for traders.
⚠️ Experts warn renewed tensions between the US and Iran could rise if Trump pressures Iran militarily, risking the Strait of Hormuz disruption and higher oil prices. Iran is the fifth largest exporter.
Full article 👉 https://www.hfm.com/int/en/analysis/yen-slide-accelerates-japanese-government-signals-concern
Another week, another set of market-moving events! ⚡️
Stay alert as data releases could influence direction and sentiment.
📅 Full weekly calendar available here.
💬 What’s your game plan for the week ahead?
Join our Market Analyst, Michalis, for real-time analysis of today’s NFP report as he breaks down the market impact on Gold, the US Dollar, and Stocks.
Through technical and fundamental analysis, you will learn how NFP numbers can move assets, and what traders should watch for in terms of volatility, trends, and price action.
Watch the full analysis today at 13:20 GMT.
Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfUyzC9wKyU
🟢 US Stocks
US equity futures edged lower as Wall Street paused after ending multi-day rallies. Nasdaq held up better thanks to selective tech strength, but risk appetite is cooling.
🛢 Oil & Geopolitics
Oil prices retreated after reports that the US is considering long-term control over Venezuelan crude output. The move could cap prices but adds geopolitical volatility.
⚖️ Tariffs & Policy Risk
Markets are watching closely for a US Supreme Court ruling on Trump-era tariffs, a decision that could reshape trade, inflation expectations, and sector performance.
📊 US Jobs Report
Friday’s December labour market report is the key macro catalyst this week, likely to influence growth and monetary policy expectations in a thin data calendar.
🥇 Gold
Gold has pulled back nearly 2% from recent highs and is testing key short-term technical support. A break lower could shift near-term momentum bearish.
🥈 Silver
Silver has corrected more sharply, down over 8% from weekly highs, and is approaching its 200-hour moving average, a critical level for near-term direction.
⚠️ Market Takeaway
Crowded trades rarely unwind smoothly. With commodities heavily positioned, even small catalysts can trigger sharp pullbacks despite strong long-term narratives.
🔗 Read the full Week Ahead analysis: https://www.hfm.com/int/en/analysis/us-stocks-pause-as-oil-politics-gold-volatility-and-macro-risks-intensify
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Markets are warming up as a new week unfolds! 🔥
Key releases could shape fresh momentum and volatility across assets.
📅 Explore the full economic calendar here.
💬 What are you watching most closely this week?
💵 The US Dollar Index gains some ground as investors take advantage of the lower price. Sentiment towards the Dollar also rises as Durable Goods Orders rise again.
🇦🇺 Australia will release the CPI tomorrow morning, potentially influencing the RBA’s February 3rd interest rate decision. Traders expect volatility around the time of this announcement.
🇪🇺 The EU signs a trade deal with India, which will cut car import tariffs to 40%, then 10% over time. The deal is yet to support the Euro.
🇺🇸 President Trump on Monday said he was increasing tariffs on goods from South Korea, accusing the country of ‘not living up to its deal’ with the US. Tariffs on goods from South Korea will jump back to 25%, from 15%.
💹 Investors are on guard for the risk of another meltdown in Japan’s bond market when the government sells 40-year notes. The Yen declines against all currencies.
🏥 UnitedHealth Group Stocks declined 8.65% after market close on Monday. UnitedHealth will rebate Affordable Care Act marketplace profits to consumers this year.
📈 US Stocks trade higher on Monday and during Tuesday’s Asian session. However, the price declines as the European market opens due to mixed earnings data.
🛳️ The US Navy deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to the Middle East as tensions with Iran remain elevated. Oil prices are yet to rise in reaction.
🇯🇵 Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi this morning warned the Japan‑US alliance could weaken if Tokyo ignored a Taiwan conflict, stressing legal limits on military support. The Nikkei 225 rises on Tuesday and is the day’s best performing index.
⛏️ Global metals decline after seven days of declines, except Gold which continues to rise for an eighth consecutive day.
💻 Investors turn their attention to the Nasdaq as Microsoft, Meta, Lam Research and Tesla are due to release their earnings tomorrow evening. The four companies alone make up more than 20% of the Nasdaq.
Full Article 👉 https://www.hfm.com/int/en/analysis/aud-rises-hawkish-rba-gold-prices-economy
📉 Dollar Index hits eight-month low amid tariff threats and speculation of coordinated yen-support intervention.
💹 Yen surges sharply; USDJPY falls to November 2025 lows as intervention signals intensify and snap elections approach.
🗣️ Comments from Katayama and Bessent fuel expectations of continued US-Japan coordination in the currency market, weakening the Dollar.
🌍 Geopolitical tensions, shutdown risk, and gold’s record rally reinforce bearish sentiment toward the US Dollar.
⏳ Funding expires on 30 January, and Congress has not yet passed a full budget or a new stopgap bill. As a result, investors are weighing the risk of another US Shutdown.
💰 On Monday, Gold rose above $5,000 for the first time and 10% over the past six days. A key price driver is US Dollar weakness, a possible US government shutdown and geopolitical tensions.
🥈 All metals rose on Monday with Silver, Platinum and Palladium leading the gains. Silver has so far risen 7.50% during Monday's Asian session.
💵 The US Dollar is the worst performer, while the JPY, CHF, AUD and NZD lead, benefiting from low geopolitical risks and a lower risk sentiment.
🇺🇸 President Trump on Saturday threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Canada over that country's trade deal with China, even though he had previously called the agreement ‘a good thing’.
🏥 United Health Group is due to release its quarterly earnings report early on Tuesday. The stock has risen 5.90% in 2026. Any volatility is likely to significantly impact the Dow Jones due to its exposure.
🤝 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the imminent signing of a historic trade agreement with India. The Euro is yet to benefit due to tensions with the US.
Full Article 👉 https://www.hfm.com/int/en/analysis/us-eying-weaker-usd
📈 Markets Overview
Global markets are trading cautiously higher this morning as geopolitical tensions ease and investors regain some confidence after a volatile week.
🇺🇸 US Markets
US stock futures are modestly positive, with Dow futures up 0.1%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures gain around 0.3%. The move follows President Trump backing away from tariff threats on European imports and softening rhetoric on Greenland.
⚠️ Tech sentiment remains mixed after Intel shares plunged over 10% in extended trading on a weaker Q1 outlook.
🌏 Asia-Pacific
Asian markets are mostly higher. Japan’s Nikkei rose 0.2% after the Bank of Japan held rates unchanged and upgraded its inflation and growth outlook.. The yen weakened initially to ¥158.6 per dollar, keeping expectations of further BoJ tightening alive later this year. However quickly after Yen jumps across the board on suspected intervention
🪙 Gold & Safe Havens
Gold remains near record levels, hovering just below $5,000, as investors continue to hedge against uncertainty. Silver is outperforming, reflecting ongoing demand for defensive assets.
🛢 Oil
Crude prices are higher, with WTI near $60 per barrel and Brent trading above $64, supported by stabilising risk sentiment.
📊 Bonds & Data
US Treasury yields are steady, supported by stronger-than-expected US economic data, including resilient jobless claims and solid consumer spending.
🔍 Market Outlook
Markets are calmer heading into the end of the week, but remain headline-sensitive, with geopolitics, central bank signals, and macro data still driving short-term volatility.
Full Article 👉 https://www.hfm.com/int/en/analysis/global-markets-steady-as-geopolitical-tensions-ease-and-investors-regain-confidence
🌍 Risk sentiment improves as geopolitical pressure eases. Markets are stabilising after President Trump paused Greenland-related tariffs, reducing immediate tail risks. Equities rebounded while safe-haven demand cooled, though volatility remains elevated with earnings and macro data in focus.
📈 Asia follows Wall Street higher. Japan’s Nikkei jumped 1.9%, led by tech stocks, with SoftBank surging 11%. South Korea’s Kospi gained 2%, breaking above the 5,000 level for the first time. Elsewhere, markets were mixed, with Hong Kong and China slightly lower, while Australia, Taiwan and India posted solid gains.
🇺🇸 US futures extend gains after Trump ruled out military action over Greenland and confirmed planned February tariffs will not proceed. Wall Street delivered its best session of 2026, with the S&P 500, Dow and Nasdaq all rising around 1.2%, although weekly performance remains negative.
📊 Earnings and data take centre stage. With Intel, Procter & Gamble and GE Aerospace reporting, and US jobless claims due, traders are bracing for short-lived volatility. Recent results show that even earnings beats are generating muted reactions, highlighting valuation sensitivity.
🪙 Commodities and FX: Gold slipped 0.9% as safe-haven demand eased, while oil prices edged higher. US Treasury yields moved lower, the dollar firmed against the yen, and the euro remained largely unchanged.
🔮 Outlook: This looks like a relief rally rather than a full risk-on move. Sentiment has improved, but remains fragile. Expect event-driven price action, with flexibility and risk control more important than strong directional conviction.
Full Article 👉https://www.hfm.com/int/en/analysis/trader-outlook-risk-sentiment-improves-as-geopolitical-pressure-eases
🔥 Market Mood
Global markets are in risk-off mode as renewed US-EU trade tensions and sharp moves in global bond markets weigh on sentiment ahead of a key earnings week.
🇺🇸 US Markets
US equity futures point lower across major indices as investors brace for earnings and reassess risks linked to tariffs, legal uncertainty around trade policy, and elevated valuations.
🌍 Macro & Geopolitics
Trade war fears have resurfaced after the US threatened new tariffs on several European countries over Greenland, with Europe signalling potential retaliation and raising concerns over global growth.
🇯🇵 Asia Session
Japanese markets led to regional weakness as a heavy sell-off in government bonds pushed the 40-year yield above 4% for the first time, spilling over into global yields and pressuring equities.
🇪🇺 Europe Session
European equities are lower, led by export-sensitive sectors, as investors price in the risk of escalating trade tensions with the US.
📈 Rates, FX & Commodities
Rising Japanese yields have lifted US long-end Treasury yields, while the US dollar is slightly softer. Gold holds near record highs on safe-haven demand, while oil prices remain steady amid supply concerns.
⚠️ Trader Focus Today
Watch US-EU trade headlines, bond yield volatility (Japan and US), earnings guidance, and gold’s response to shifts in risk sentiment.
Full Article > https://www.hfm.com/int/en/analysis/global-markets-volatile-as-us-eu-trade-tensions-rise-and-japans-bond-yields-surge
A new week is here, stay sharp! 🎯
Scheduled releases may drive volatility across major markets.
📅 See the full economic calendar here.
💬 What’s on your watchlist this week?
💹 The Japanese Yen increases in value as markets expect a government intervention soon. The JPY is the day’s 2nd best performing currency after the New Zealand Dollar.
🇯🇵 Japan’s finance minister says currency intervention remains an option and would have the support of the US.
📊 Traders expect government support, but the Bank of Japan is unlikely to change interest rates until after the snap election.
💵 The US Dollar retraces this morning after increasing in value throughout the week due to positive economic data which support a hawkish Fed tone.
📉 The Weekly Unemployment Claims fell to 198,000, the lowest in 6 weeks and lower than expectations. The US Retail Sales, Empire State Manufacturing Index and Philly Index have also all risen above expectations.
⏸️ Markets expect the Fed to pause in Q1 unless data weakens. According to the Chicago Exchange, there is a 78% chance of no cuts in Q1. By year-end, markets price a 32% chance of two cuts, a 27% chance of one cut, and a 21% chance of three cuts.
🏦 One of the best performing stocks of the week is Goldman Sachs after rising almost 5% over the past 24 hours. The company’s earnings and revenue beat expectations and the company also announced higher dividends for shareholders.
📈 US and Asian Indices trade higher while the VIX declines further supporting upwards price movement. The NASDAQ is the day’s best performing index so far.
📈 Asian markets climbed as strong earnings from chipmakers and renewed AI sector confidence pushed regional indexes higher
🤝 This week the Danish Foreign Minister Mr Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Mrs Motzfeldt met with US Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Mr Rubio.
📉 Most European indices trade lower over the meeting between Denmark, Greenland and the US as tensions continue to rise. The DAX currently trades 0.30% lower.
⏳ Gold and Silver’s bullish trend comes to a pause due to upbeat economic data from the US. However, on larger timeframes, both metals maintain their current bullish bias.
Full Article 👉 https://www.hfm.com/int/en/analysis/usdjpy-intervention-us-support
📈 Silver paused during the Asian session this morning after rising for four consecutive days. However, technical analysis is not yet indicating a prolonged downturn.
🏆 Silver continues to remain the best-performing asset of 2026 so far. The Chicago exchange confirms demand is largely coming from ETFs and not demand for the physical metal.
🛢️ Oil prices fall sharply after President Trump advised there was no imminent attack on Iran, the world’s fifth-largest oil producer. Crude Oil fell 5.00% within 45 minutes after Trump’s comments.
⛽Producer inflation figures mirror a similar picture seen with consumer inflation the day before. The Core PPI came in at 0.0%, lower than the 0.2% expected. However, economists still expect no rate cuts in the first quarter.
💷 The UK GDP figure for December rose 0.3%, three times higher than previous projections. The GBP rises in response and is the day’s second best-performing currency.
📌The VIX index fell 1.50% indicating investors’ risk appetite is improving after dipping over the past two days. Today’s earnings reports will be key for the stock market performance.
📊 The market awaits for the Quarterly Earnings Report from Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and BlackRock.
💼 Goldman Sachs stocks trade slightly lower as investors await the release in the next two hours. Wall Street expects earnings per share of $11.65 and revenue of $13.80 billion, according to LSEG.
💵 The US Dollar Index is trading higher this morning, supported by positive economic data and expectations of no rate cuts this quarter.
💱 The worst-performing currencies of the day are the Canadian Dollar, Swiss Franc and Japanese Yen.
🛍️ The US Retail Sales and Core Retail Sales figure rose 0.6% and 0.5%, a three-month high and higher than expectations.
⚠️ Some of America’s top bankers are warning that the president’s cap on credit card interest rates would prove disastrous for lower-income consumers and the US economy.
Full Article 👉 https://www.hfm.com/int/en/analysis/etfs-technicals-fuelling-silvers-2026-rally
Join our live event during the CPI release as we separate signal from noise and break down all the details, including whether inflation is quietly reaccelerating, what that means for Fed expectations, and how USD, yields, and equities may respond in the weeks ahead.
Don’t miss out on exclusive expert insights!
Watch the full analysis today at 13:00 GMT.
Youtube Link: https://youtube.com/watch?v=1Zj1VZohj0Y
💰 Gold hit new all-time highs as US prosecutors launched a criminal investigation into Jerome Powell.
🕵️♂️ The investigation is looking at whether Mr Powell misled Congress about the scope and cost of a major $2.5 billion renovation of the Federal Reserve’s Washington office. The total cost was significantly higher than that originally stated.
⚖️ Jerome Powell said the investigation applies political pressure and personal retaliation to force rate cuts. He warned it threatens the Fed’s independence, a key factor driving Gold higher.
🥈 Silver is currently trading a whopping 6% higher and is the day’s best-performing asset. Gold also rises more than 2%, reaching an all-time high.
📈 Technical indicators show Gold’s bullish momentum continues, though some timeframes signal potential overbought conditions.
🏦 Major banks forecast Gold at $4,900–$5,000, with key support at $4,542.75 maintaining short-term bullish signals.
📉 The US Unemployment Rate fell back to 4.4%, lower than previous projections. However, the NFP Employment Change was only 50,000, lower than expectations.
💹 Mixed NFP employment data supports the possibility of more Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026, but there is a very little chance of cuts this month.
📊 The US stock market at first reacted positively to the NFP data, but quickly declined this morning due to the Fed investigation. Investors continue to fear weaker Fed independence.
🏆 Investors increase Gold exposure due to Fed independence risks, employment trends, and US-EU geopolitical tensions.
🌍 US President Donald Trump has again underscored the strategic importance of Greenland and signaled continued interest in ‘getting’ the island.
🛡️ The UK is working with NATO to boost Arctic military presence, ensuring European support without threatening sovereignty.
📉 European shares dipped as banks slid following the US proposal to cap credit‑card fees, prompting investor caution and sector selling.
💵 The day’s best-performing currencies are the Swiss Franc and New Zealand Dollar.
Full Article > https://www.hfm.com/int/en/analysis/gold-highs-fed-faces-political-pressure
Key insights for traders at every stage! ⚡️
On Tuesday, explore the outlook for the world’s ten most influential and liquid currencies heading into 2026, as policy rates move closer to neutral and domestic fundamentals take centre stage.
On Wednesday, join our beginner-focused webinar to get the guidance and education you need to start trading with confidence.
Reserve your spot for Tuesday & Wednesday!
📊 Markets Today - NFP in Focus
🌏 Global Markets: Markets remain range-bound as investors await USUS Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) data and a potential US Supreme Court ruling on Trump’s global tariff powers, keeping risk appetite subdued.
📉 Asia & Europe: Asian equities traded mixed, with Japan’s Nikkei outperforming on strong corporate earnings. European futures point to a mixed open as caution dominates ahead of key data.
🇺🇸 Wall Street: USUS futures edge lower as traders position for NFP. Recent data signals cooling labour demand, while markets still price in at least two Fed rate cuts this year.
🛡 Defence Stocks: Defence shares surged after Trump proposed boosting the US military budget to $1.5 trillion by 2027. Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Kratos Defense led gains.
🥇 Gold Prices: Gold rises despite a stronger dollar, with spot gold near $4,470/oz and on track for a 3% weekly gain.
⚖️ Index Rebalancing Risk: Bloomberg Commodity Index rebalancing could pressure gold in the short-term, though long-term fundamentals remain supportive.
💵 FX & Oil: The dollar holds firm, while oil prices extend gains on geopolitical tensions.
⏰ What to Watch: US NFP, unemployment rate, Fed expectations and tariff headlines.
👉 Read the full analysis: https://www.hfm.com/int/en/analysis/nfp-alert-markets-search-for-direction-as-oil-gold-rise-and-defence-stocks-surge
📈 US Markets
US stock futures traded flat after Wall Street pushed deeper into record territory, with investors cautiously positioned ahead of key US jobs data.
📊 US Data Watch
Attention is on ADP private payrolls, JOLTS job openings, and Friday’s nonfarm payrolls report, seen as critical for Fed.
🇯🇵 Japan Equities
Japanese stocks posted their strongest start to a year in decades, driven by foreign inflows, retail buying, and optimism around earnings and policy support.
💻 Tech Focus
Nvidia at the centre of debate over AI-driven growth versus valuation risks.
🥇 Gold & Metals
Gold prices edged lower as traders looked past geopolitical risks towards US data, while silver slipped but remains higher year-to-date amid strong retail demand.
💵 FX
The Dollar Spot Index edged slightly higher, reflecting cautious positioning ahead of major macro releases.
🔗 Read the full Week Ahead analysis: https://www.hfm.com/int/en/analysis/us-stock-futures-steady-as-investors-await-key-jobs-data-after-record-wall-street-rally
📈 The Nikkei 225, along with Asian stocks more broadly, has been among the best-performing markets in the first week of 2026. These instruments have risen over 3.5% in recent days, more than double the gains of US and EU assets.
🤝 Closer US-Japan ties and Japan’s neutral stance on Venezuela support positive investor sentiment.
💰 Bitcoin continues to rise for a second consecutive day after the cryptocurrency found significant support at the $80,000 support level. $80,000 continues to act as a key psychological price for investors.
🥇 The best performing assets of 2026 so far are Platinum and Silver which have both already risen more than 10% in 2026 so far.
🇻🇪 Venezuela has sworn in a new leader after Maduro's arrest, the new leader advises she will take a slightly different stance and open dialogue with the US.
🖥️ AMD CEO Lisa Su unveiled the Helios AI data center platform at CES 2026, calling it the "world's best AI rack”. The stock rose 4.60% over the past few days.
📊 Goldman Sachs again lifts its forecasts for European stocks for the upcoming 12 months. In 2025, the best performing stocks after Japan were European equities. Particularly the German DAX.
📈 The German Prelim inflation rate is due to be released throughout the day. Investors expect the inflation rate to slightly rise and for volatility to be seen amongst EUR pairs and the DAX.
🇺🇸 US ISM PMI data for Manufacturing read lower than expected. The ISM Manufacturing PMI fell from 48.2 to 47.9 and resulted in the Dollar Index witnessing a significant decline.
💱 The worst performing currencies of the day are the EUR and CHF while the best performing is the US Dollar which is slightly rising after yesterday’s decline.
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