Ahead of the US nonfarm payrolls (NFP) release (Friday, 9 January, 8:30 am ET/ Saturday, 10 January, 12:30 am AEDT), major US equity indices have been trading near recent highs (as at 9 January 2026).

Next week, attention is likely to shift to inflation data, any change in expectations for Federal Reserve (Fed) policy, and the start of US earnings season. Together, these may support or challenge current valuations.

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Quick facts:

US inflation: The consumer price index (CPI) and producer price index (PPI) releases will test whether inflation is showing signs of persistence.

Earnings season: Major US banks report first, providing an early read on financial conditions and whether current valuations can hold up.

Gold futures: Gold futures remain close to record levels, with US dollar (USD) moves after key data a potential swing factor.

Geopolitics: Ongoing tensions remain on the radar and could influence risk sentiment.

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US inflation data: could CPI and PPI shift rate-cut expectations?

Timing: 

• CPI: Wednesday 14 January, 12:30 am AEDT
• PPI: Thursday 15 January, 12:30 am AEDT

CPI and PPI are the major scheduled macro events for the week. The updated inflation prints across consumer and producer prices will help markets assess whether disinflation is continuing or whether inflation is showing signs of persistence.

Market impact:

• A softer outcome could support risk sentiment and weigh on Treasury yields and the USD. However, reactions can vary depending on positioning and broader macro headlines, including how confidently markets price a March Fed rate cut.
• A stronger-than-expected reading may pressure equities and reinforce caution in bond markets.

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US earnings season begins with the banks

Timing: 

• JPMorgan Chase (JPM): Tuesday, 6:35 am ET 

US earnings season begins with results from major banks, providing an early snapshot of financial conditions and economic momentum. Investor attention is likely to extend beyond headline earnings to guidance and management commentary.

Market impact

• Strong results versus earnings per share (EPS) and revenue expectations could support sentiment, particularly within financials.
• Cautious forward guidance may pressure share prices and could weigh on broader indices if it becomes a common theme.
• Early bank prints can shape expectations for the wider season. Watch how the first reporters in each sector influence related stocks. 

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Gold futures to retest record highs?

After a recent pullback, gold futures are trading within striking distance of record highs again. The backdrop remains a mix of geopolitical uncertainty and the potential for data-driven moves in the USD.

Market impact

• Continued strength could support a retest of late December highs around US$4,585.
• The short-term US$4,500 area may act as a short-term technical resistance in determining whether upside momentum can hold.
• Another pullback may occur if yields rise or the USD strengthens following key data releases.

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Geopolitics remains in focus

Geopolitics remains a background market consideration, with headlines and broader policy messaging sometimes influencing risk sentiment. Markets have shown resilience to date, but sensitivity may rise if developments escalate.

Market impact

• Escalation could influence energy prices, defence stocks, and hedging assets such as gold.
• A cooling in the narrative may reduce volatility and allow markets to refocus on macro data and earnings.

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Economic calendar

All dates and times may be subject to change.

Venezuela commands the world's largest proven oil reserves at 303 billion barrels. Yet political turmoil, global sanctions, and recent US intervention show that being the biggest isn’t always best.

Quick facts:

• Venezuela holds 18% of the world's total proven oil reserves despite producing less than 1% of global consumption.
• Just four countries (Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Canada) control over half the planet's proven reserves.
• Saudi Arabia dominates crude oil production contributing to over 16% of global exports.
• US shale technology has enabled America to lead in production despite ranking ninth in reserves.

Top 10 countries by proven oil reserves

1. Venezuela – 303 billion barrels 

• Controls 18% of global reserves, primarily extra-heavy crude in the Orinoco Belt requiring specialised refining.
• Heavy crude trades $15-20 below Brent benchmarks due to high sulphur content and complex processing requirements.
• Output crashed 60% from 2.5 million bpd in 2014 to less than 1.0 million bpd last year.
• Approximately 80% of exports flow to China as loan repayment, with export revenues dwarfed by reserve potential.

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2. Saudi Arabia – 267 billion barrels 

• Majority light, sweet crude oil requires minimal refining and commands premium prices, contributing to world-leading exports of $191.1 billion in 2024.
• Maintains 2-3 million bpd of spare production capacity, providing market stabilisation capability during supply disruptions.
• Oil comprises roughly 50% of the country’s GDP and 70% of its export earnings.
• Production decisions significantly impact international oil prices due to market dominance.

3. Iran – 209 billion barrels 

• Heavy Western sanctions severely limit the country’s ability to monetise and access international markets.
• Production estimates vary significantly (2.5-3.8 million bpd) due to sanctions, limited transparency, and restricted international reporting.
• Significant crude volumes flow to China through discount arrangements and sanctions-evading mechanisms.
• Sanctions relief could rapidly boost production toward 4-5 million bpd, though domestic consumption (12th globally) reduces export potential.

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4. Canada – 163 billion barrels 

• Approximately 97% of reserves are oil sands (bitumen) requiring steam-assisted extraction and significant upfront capital investment.
• Political stability and regulatory frameworks position Canada as a secure source compared to volatile producers, with direct pipeline access to US refineries.
• Supplied over 60% of U.S. crude oil imports in 2024, making Canada America's top source by far.

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5. Iraq – 145 billion barrels 

• Decades of war and sanctions have prevented optimal field development and infrastructure modernisation.
• Improved security conditions since 2017 have enabled production recovery, but pipeline attacks and aging facilities continue to constrain output.
• Oil revenue comprises over 90% of government income, creating extreme fiscal vulnerability.
• Exports flow primarily to China, India, and Asian buyers seeking a reliable Middle Eastern supply, with most production from super-giant southern fields near Basra.

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6. United Arab Emirates – 113 billion barrels 

• Produces primarily medium-to-light sweet crude commanding premium prices, ranking fourth globally in export value at $87.6 billion.
• Has successfully diversified its economy through tourism, finance, and trade, reducing oil's GDP share compared to Gulf peers.
• Strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz and openness to international oil companies help facilitate efficient global distribution.

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7. Kuwait – 101.5 billion barrels 

• Reserves are concentrated in aging super-giant fields like Burgan, which require enhanced recovery techniques.
• Favourable geology enables extraction costs around $8-10 per barrel, with proven reserves providing 80+ years of supply at current production rates.
• Oil comprises 60% of GDP and over 95% of export revenue.

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8. Russia – 80 billion barrels 

• World's third-largest producer despite ranking eighth in reserves.
• Post-2022 Western sanctions redirected crude flows from Europe to Asia, with China and India now absorbing the majority at discounted prices.
• Despite export restrictions and G7 price cap at $60/barrel, it posted the second-highest global export value at $169.7 billion in 2024.
• Russian Urals crude typically trades $15-30 below Brent due to quality, sanctions, and logistics, with November 2024 revenues declining to $11 billion.

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9. United States – 74.4 billion barrels 

• The shale revolution through horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing has made the U.S. the world's #1 oil producer despite holding only the 9th-largest reserves.
• The Permian Basin accounts for nearly 50% of production, with shale/tight oil representing 65% of total output.
• Achieved net petroleum exporter status in 2020 for the first time since 1949, with crude exports growing from near-zero in 2015 to over 4 million bpd in 2024.
• The U.S. government maintains a 375+ million barrel strategic reserve.

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10. Libya – 48.4 billion barrels 

• Holds Africa's largest proven oil reserves at 48.4 billion barrels, producing light sweet crude commanding premium prices.
• Rival bordering governments compete for oil revenue control, causing production to fluctuate based on political conditions.
• Oil facilities face blockades, militia attacks, and political leverage tactics, preventing consistent returns.
• Favourable geology enables extraction costs around $10-15 per barrel, with geographic proximity making Libya a natural supplier to European refineries.

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What does this mean for oil markets?

The concentration of reserves among OPEC members (60% of the global total) ensures the organisation has continued influence over pricing, even as US shale provides a production counterweight. 

Venezuela's potential return as a major exporter post-U.S. occupation could eventually ease supply constraints, though most analysts view significant production increases as years away.

Sanctions could create a situation where discounted crude seeks buyers willing to navigate compliance risks. Refiners with heavy crude processing capability may benefit from price differentials if Venezuelan barrels increase.

While reserves appear abundant, economically recoverable volumes depend on sustained high prices. If renewable adoption accelerates and demand peaks sooner than projected, stranded assets become a material risk for reserve-heavy producers.

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Global markets are calm but alert in response to the US–Venezuela situation, with US and European equities holding near or testing record levels.

Gains in energy, defence and materials suggest selective positioning. Modest strength in gold and lower yields is indicative of hedging rather than market fear, with oil prices remaining muted.

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Quick facts

• US and European equity indices are holding near record highs despite geopolitical headlines. Volatility remains low through the trading session.
• Energy and defence stocks are leading gains, with materials stocks responding to mild gains in previous metals, reflecting selective risk positioning.
• Gold is edging higher, and government bond yields have dipped slightly, signalling mild hedging.
• Oil prices remain range-bound, suggesting no immediate supply shock is being priced in.
• Markets could be sensitive to further geopolitical developments, with any escalation a major potential risk to sentiment.

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US–Venezuela tensions escalation has prompted heightened geopolitical scrutiny across the globe, not only related to this action itself but other geopolitical longer-term implications. 

There has been a muted and measured response across global financial markets so far, with little significant negative impact evident for now. 

Some sectors have had noteworthy gains, whilst the impact on other asset classes has again been calm.

US equities 

What’s happening:

US equity markets are showing resilience, with the S&P 500 holding near recent highs and the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 1.23%, pushing into fresh record territory.

What to watch:

• If US indices continue to hold above recent breakout levels, then markets are reinforcing the view that geopolitical risk remains manageable.
• Rising volatility, if seen in the VIX index, may indicate that sentiment may be shifting from selective risk-taking to broader caution.

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European equities

What’s happening:‍

European markets are modestly higher, with the DAX trading at record levels and the FTSE 100 closing over 10,000 for the first time.

What to watch:

• For now, European indices appear to be tracking US strength, suggesting investors are viewing the event as externally contained. Similar sectors are performing well, as seen in overnight US equity performance. 
• It is unlikely that we will see any specific regional response, though tensions related to the US administration's narrative around Greenland is noteworthy.

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Specific sector moves

‍Energy stocks

What’s happening:‍

Energy stocks are leading equity gains across the US (e.g. Chevron Corp – CVX up 5.1%), and European markets, with the potential for increased influence in Venezuela of US oil companies.

What to watch:

• While energy equities outperform while oil prices remain range-bound, then markets are pricing geopolitical caution rather than immediate disruption. If this is accompanied by a rise in crude prices rise together, then it may be indicative of supply risk
  

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Defence stocks

What’s happening:‍

Defence stocks are attracting some investor interest. (E.g. Lockheed Martin – LMT up 2.92%, General Dynamics – GD up  3.54%).

What to watch:

• Continued outperformance with other sector equity drawdowns may be indicative of some escalation concerns.

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‍Materials & miners

What’s happening:‍

Materials and mining stocks are finding support alongside modest gains in precious metals and record highs in copper. The S&P Metals & Mining ETF – XME closed 3.28% up.

What to watch:

• Ongoing materials strength alongside stable growth indicators, then the current move may reflect real-asset demand rather than simply a hedging approach. If gold accelerates higher while base metals fail to follow, then investor defensive positioning may be overtaking confidence in growth.

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Crude oil

What’s happening:‍

Oil prices remain subdued, with the futures trading at $58.40, within recent ranges, despite the unfolding geopolitical situation. 

What to watch:

• Venezuelan influence on global oil production is not substantial enough on its own to create any major issues in the short term with global oil supply at high levels.
• As a result, the impact is more likely to remain muted, but any significant rises in oil price across multiple sessions may be indicative of some market concerns related to increases in geopolitical-influenced supply expectations.

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Gold

What’s happening:‍

Gold prices are currently edging higher towards all-time highs, reflecting a modest safe-haven play. The closing price for Gold futures is $4454, breaching the psychologically important $4400.

What to watch:

• If gold continues to rise gradually while equities remain firm, then the move reflects a standard hedging approach to assets rather than fear. 
• A spike in gold price alongside falling equities and rising volatility, maybe a signal that market risk may be increasing.

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Treasury yields

What’s happening:‍

Yields have eased slightly, indicating a potential selective defensive positioning in asset choice by institutional investors. (10-year Treasury yields at 4.153%, down 0.36%)

What to watch:

• If yields should fall sharply alongside equity weakness, then markets may be shifting toward a risk-off approach.

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What to watch next

• If asset-class correlations remain contained, then markets are maintaining confidence in the broader macro backdrop. 
• If tensions escalate into broader regional instability or prolonged policy responses, Sharp movements across equities, bonds, and commodities may signify a reassessment of risk.
• If geopolitical developments fail to translate into sustained price dislocation, then the current response is likely to fade.

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(All prices quoted correct as of 4.30pm NY time after market close).

January’s market action often matters more than simply marking the opening of the calendar year. Institutional positioning resets, testing of economic assumptions, and early price moves reflect how market participants interpret the first meaningful signals of the year.

While January rarely determines full-year outcomes, it frequently shapes the narratives markets carry into the first quarter (Q1).

Four critical levers: growth, labour, inflation, and policy, can provide an early indication of how markets are processing and prioritising incoming information.

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Growth: manufacturing PMIs

January’s first growth test comes from the manufacturing surveys, with markets watching whether signals from S&P Global Manufacturing PMI and ISM Manufacturing PMI tell a consistent story.

Key dates:

• ISM Manufacturing PMI: 5 January, 10:00 AM (ET)/ 6 January, 1:00 AM (AEDT)

What markets look for:

Attention often centres on new orders as a forward-looking indicator of demand, alongside prices paid for early insight into cost pressures.

Broad strength across both surveys would support the narrative that the growth momentum seen toward the end of 2025 may extend into early 2026, easing some concerns about a sharper slowdown. Weaker or conflicting readings would keep the growth outlook uncertain, rather than decisively negative.

How it tends to show up in markets:

Firmer growth signals often appear first in higher short-dated Treasury yields. Rising yields can tighten financial conditions, weigh on equity valuations, and support the USD, with spillover effects across foreign exchange (FX) and commodity markets.

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Labour: job openings and payrolls

While early-January Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) often drive short-term volatility, JOLTS job openings may be more influential in shaping January’s policy narrative.

Key dates:

• JOLTS Job Openings: 7 January, 10:00 AM (ET)/ 8 January, 1:00 AM (AEDT)
• Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP): 9 January, 8:30 AM (ET)/ 10 January, 12:30 AM (AEDT)

What markets look for:

Markets often treat JOLTS as a clearer indicator of underlying labour demand than month-to-month hiring flows.

A continued drift lower in openings would support the view that labour demand is easing in an orderly way, reinforcing confidence that inflation pressures can continue to moderate. A rebound or stalled decline would suggest labour conditions remain firmer than expected.

Market sensitivities:

For markets, easing labour demand typically supports lower short-dated yields and a softer USD, while persistent tightness can push yields higher, strengthen the USD, and increase volatility across rate-sensitive assets.

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Inflation: PPI and CPI

Key Dates:

• PPI: 14 January, 8:30 AM (ET)/ 15 January, 12:30 AM (AEDT)
• CPI (December 2025 data): 15 January, 8:30 AM (ET)/ 16 January, 12:30 AM (AEDT)

The inflation signal can be read as a pipeline from producer prices to consumer inflation. Markets are watching whether producer-level cost pressures continue to fade or begin to re-emerge.

What markets look for:

Core PPI, particularly services-linked components, provides an early indication of cost momentum. Core CPI breadth may help determine whether inflation is continuing to cool or showing signs of persistence.

A softer pipeline would reinforce confidence that disinflation can extend into early 2026, increasing the scope for a potential March policy adjustment. Stickier CPI readings above 3% would raise questions about the durability of recent progress.

How rates and the USD often react

Market reaction tends to be led by yields. Cooling inflation pressure usually pulls short-dated yields lower and softens the USD, while persistent inflation risks can push yields higher and tighten financial conditions.

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Policy: January FOMC meeting

By the time the Federal Reserve meets at the end of January, markets will have processed the early growth, labour, and inflation signals of the year.

Key Dates:

• FOMC rate decision: 29 January, 2:00 PM (ET)/ 30 January, 6:00 AM (AEDT)

What markets look for:

A policy change is unlikely this month, but how those signals are framed in the statement and press conference still matters. With January cut expectations priced well below 20%, attention is on whether expectations for a March move, currently around 50%, begin to shift.

Confidence that inflation and labour pressures are easing would typically support lower yields and a softer USD. A more cautious tone could lift yields, strengthen the USD, and tighten global financial conditions.

Putting it all together

January’s data acts as condition-setters rather than decision points. The practical takeaway lies in how markets respond as those conditions become clearer:

If growth and labour soften while inflation continues to ease, markets may lean toward a more constructive risk backdrop, with Treasury yields remaining the key guide and expectations for policy easing later in Q1 firming.

If growth holds up and inflation proves sticky, a more cautious posture may be warranted, with heightened sensitivity to Treasury yields, USD strength, and pressure on equity valuations and rate-sensitive commodities.

In 2025, the S&P 500 traded around 6,835 and was up approximately 16% year to date (YTD). Market direction remained most sensitive to Federal Reserve expectations, inflation data and the earnings outlook, with returns also shaped by mega-cap tech leadership and the broader AI narrative. The index pulled back from earlier December highs, but it has so far held above key major moving averages (MA).

Key 2025 drivers included:

• ‍Fed expectations and inflation: Inflation cooled through the year but remained sticky around 2.5% to 3%. A Fed easing bias likely supported price to earnings (P/E) multiples and “risk-on” positioning. More recently, markets appeared increasingly rate-sensitive, with the decreased likelihood of an additional rate cut until March 2026.
• ‍Earnings and guidance: Corporate earnings remained strong quarter on quarter. Recent Q3 results reportedly saw over 80% of the S&P 500 beat earnings per share (EPS) expectations. For Q4, the estimated year-over-year earnings growth rate is 8.1%, despite ongoing concerns around import tariffs and potential margin pressure.
• ‍Index leadership and breadth: Returns were heavily influenced by mega-cap tech and AI beneficiaries, even as broader market breadth appeared less consistent at points through the year.
• ‍Policy headlines and volatility: Trade and tariff headlines drove sharp moves, particularly earlier in the year. Some investors pointed to the “TACO” trade, with rapid recoveries after policy proposals were softened. Over time, similar shocks appeared to have less impact as the market became somewhat desensitised.
• ‍Valuations and sensitivity: The forward 12-month P/E ratio for the S&P 500 is 22, above the 5-year average (20.0) and above the 10-year average (18.7). That gap kept valuation sensitivity, especially in AI-linked names, firmly in focus.

Current state

The S&P 500 is about 1% below record highs hit earlier in December. That could indicate the broader uptrend remains in place, with a move back toward the recent highs one possible scenario if momentum improves. Despite the recent retracement, the index remains above all key major moving averages (MA). The latest bounce followed lower than expected CPI numbers earlier this week, alongside continued, and to some, surprising optimism about what may come next.

What to watch in January

• ‍Q4 earnings from mid-January: Results and guidance may help clarify whether valuations are being supported by forward expectations.
• ‍AI narrative and positioning: With AI-linked mega-caps carrying a large share of market capitalisation, changes in sentiment or expectations could have an outsized impact on index performance.
• ‍US jobs and CPI data: The latest US jobs report reportedly points to the highest headline unemployment rate since 2021. Cooling inflation this week may keep markets alert to shifts in rate cut timing, particularly around the March decision.

S&P 500 daily chart

Major FX pairs

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AUD/USD

AUD/USD has been choppy in 2025. Since the “redemption day” drop in April, the move has looked more like a steady grind higher than a clean upside trend.

Key levels
Recent peaks in early September and mid-December highlight resistance near 0.6625. Support has been evident around 0.6425, where price bounced over the last month.

What is supporting the bounce
That support test coincided with stronger than expected jobs and inflation data, lifting expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) may raise rates during 2026 rather than cut again. The latest pullback looks contained so far, with buying interest already visible and price still above key longer-term moving averages.

What could drive a breakout
The pair remains range-bound, but the tilt is still constructive. If Chinese data stays firm, metals prices hold up, and the central bank outlook remains relatively hawkish, a break above resistance could gain more traction.

AUD/USD daily chart

EUR/USD

After early 2025 euro strength, EUR/USD has mostly consolidated since June in a roughly 270 pip range. This month tested 1.18 resistance, reaching highs not seen since September.

What price is doing now
The recent pullback still lacks strong downside conviction. Some technical analysts refer to the 1.17 area as a near-term reference level.

What could come next
If price holds 1.17 and buyers step back in, another push toward 1.18 is possible. One view is that the European Central Bank (ECB) could be less inclined to ease in 2026, which could be consistent with a firmer EUR/USD scenario. Broader analyst commentary also suggests the euro may stall rather than collapse against the US dollar, although outcomes remain data and policy dependent.

EUR/USD daily chart

USD/JPY

Year-to-date picture
USD/JPY is close to flat overall for the year. After US dollar weakness in Q1, the pair reversed higher and now sits just below resistance near 158.

Rates remain the main driver
Rate differentials still favour the US dollar. The Bank of Japan (BOJ) held steady for much of the period despite expectations it might act, and the recent rate increase was modest. Policy has only moved marginally away from zero.

What could shift the balance
Rate differentials remain a key influence. Without a clearer shift in BOJ policy, the JPY may find it difficult to sustain a rebound. Some market commentators cite 154.20 as a chart reference level.

USD/JPY daily chart

Markets have bounced back strongly this week. The S&P 500 is now just 1.5% from record highs, and the Nasdaq is recovering well following its pullback.

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Rate Cut Expectations

The main driver behind this rally was a shift in Federal Reserve rate cut expectations. Markets are currently pricing in a quarter-point rate cut for December, with only a 25% chance of another reduction in January. This week's economic data will be crucial in shaping expectations going into 2026.

Key Economic Data This Week

Several important data releases are scheduled for this week.  The PCE inflation data — the Fed's preferred inflation measure — for September will finally be released on Friday and could have the biggest impact on December and January rate decisions. The ADP jobs report and weekly jobless claims will also be released, while the non-farm payrolls report has been delayed again.

Global Manufacturing Snapshot

Today also kicks off a busy week of manufacturing data releases. Global PMI numbers are due across the board, including figures from the Eurozone, UK, Germany, and the US this evening. These reports will provide a critical snapshot of global economic health and could help reveal the impact of the US trade tariffs.

Gold Breaks Higher

Gold made a significant move on Friday, breaching the key $4,200 level after consolidating last week. The precious metal has followed through today, and the $4,400 level now looks achievable if buying pressure continues.

Bitcoin Under Pressure

Bitcoin has given up last week's modest gains and seen substantial selling pressure. A significant drop of about $4,000 occurred during Asian trading this morning — a notable decline for an Asia session. The key level to watch is $84,000, with potential support at $80,000 (the lowest level since March).

Market Insights

‍Watch Mike Smith's analysis of the week ahead in markets.

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Key Economic Events

‍Stay up to date with the key economic events for the week.