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The topic of fiscal sustainability for sure still has to role to play in the (near) future as markets are pondering an acceptable level for (sovereign) credit and other risk premia. However after the Japan/France driven stress over the previous days, the risk repositioning takes a breather. As a point in case, the Japanese 30-y yield today eased 14 bps (shorter maturities hardly changed). In Europe yields also eased. In France, the caretaker Prime Minister Lecornu indicated that there might still be a (admittedly) difficult road to finding a budget by the end of the year, reducing the chances of early elections. However for approving a budget, the socialist party apparently has set a higher price including a wealth tax and watering down/suspending the 2023 approved pensions reform. Even as this would only exacerbate the budgetary problems over time, Lecornu indicates that he still aims to reduce next year’s budget deficit below 5% of GDP. Whatever the final outcome, markets apparently again sees a somewhat bigger chance on some kind of muddling through scenario, rather than the outright chaos of new elections. The French 10-y spread vs Germany doesn’t widen any further (84 bps from 86 bps). At the same time, bond market conditions in EMU are easing a bit overall with German yields declining in a bull flattening move (2-y -2 bps; 30-y -3.5 bps). US yields follow this broader move in a session devoid of specific US eco news with yields ceding between 1.5 bps (2 y) and 3 bps (30-y). Later today, US investors still have a $ 39 bln 10-y Treasury auction and the Minutes of the September 17 meeting to look out for. The later might provide interesting insights of the internal FOMC debate, but the dots already suggested that there was absolutely no streamlined view on the Fed rate path going forward. Receding pressure from the fiscal sustainability topic/easier financial conditions also again supports equities after some hesitation over the previous sessions. The Eurostoxx 50 adds 0.4%. The CAC 40 even outperforms its European peers (1%). US indices open little changed.

On FX markets, the France-driven decline of the euro slows (EUR/USD 1.1635), but the picture remains fragile. The yen remains in de defensive (USD/JPY 152.50). Even so, recent moves in the yen already caused Fin Min Kato to warn that he will closely monitory excessive FX moves. At some point it also might support the case for the BOJ to still consider further policy tightening in October. For now the yen trend is still obvious, but some alert is warranted. To be continued.

News & Views

Hungarian inflation remained stable on a monthly basis for a second consecutive month in September. Food prices fell by 0.2% M/M and energy prices by 0.1%. They helped offset price increase in for example clothing and footwear (+1.5% M/M). The price of services decreased by 0.4% on average, within which recreational service prices – due to seasonal effects – lessened by 6.3%. Compared with September of 2024, price growth was unchanged compared to August as well at 4.3% Y/Y (vs 4.4% consensus). Energy prices are on average 10.6% higher, services became 5.9% more expensive, food prices are 4.7% higher and consumer durable prices were up by 2.5% Y/Y. The forint slightly recovers today from yesterday’s losses triggered by political pressure on the central bank to lower its policy rate from the current 6.5%.

The Bank of England published its quarterly financial stability update. Risks associated with geopolitical tensions, global fragmentation of trade and financial markets, and pressures on sovereign debt markets remain elevated. The risk of a sharp market correction has increased according the UK central bank. Despite persistent material uncertainty around the global macroeconomic outlook, risky asset valuations have increased and credit spreads have compressed. On a number of measures, equity market valuations appear stretched, particularly for technology companies focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI). There have been some notable credit defaults in the US automotive sector underscoring some of the risks around high leverage, weak underwriting standards, opacity, and complex structures. Term premia in sovereign bond markets have increased with some key jurisdictions having experienced political uncertainty over the level and pace of reforms to improve the fiscal outlooks. A sudden or significant change in perceptions of Federal Reserve credibility could result in a sharp re-pricing of US dollar assets.

Daily Pivots: (S1) 1.1668; (P) 1.1699; (R1) 1.1747; More...

Intraday bias in EUR/USD remains on the downside for the moment. A medium term top is likely formed at 1.1917. Deeper fall should be seen to 1.1390 support, or even further to 38.2% retracement of 1.0176 to 1.1917 at 1.1252. On the upside, above 1.1682 minor resistance will turn intraday bias neutral first. But risk will stay on the downside as long as 1.1778 resistance holds, in case of recovery.

In the bigger picture, rise from 1.0176 (2025 low) is seen as the third leg of the pattern from 0.9534 (2022 low). 100% projection of 0.9534 to 1.1274 from 1.0176 at 1.1916 was already met. For now, further rally will remain in favor as long as 1.1390 support holds, and firm break of 1.2000 psychological level will carry larger bullish implications. However, firm break of 1.1390 will suggest that rise from 1.0176 has already completed and bring deeper fall to 55 W EMA (now at 1.1265) and below.

Daily Pivots: (S1) 1.3382; (P) 1.3435; (R1) 1.3478; More...

Range trading continues in GBP/USD and intraday bias stays neutral. With 1.3535 resistance intact, further decline is mildly in favor. On the downside, break of 1.3322 will resume the fall from 1.3725 to 1.3140 support. On the upside, though, firm break of 1.3535 will argue that pullback from 1.3725 has already completed, and bring stronger rise to retest 1.3725/87 key resistance zone.

In the bigger picture, rise from 1.0351 (2022 low) is still seen as a corrective move. Further rally could be seen to 61.8% projection of 1.0351 to 1.3433 (2024 high) from 1.2099 (2025 low) at 1.4004. But strong resistance could be seen from 1.4248 (2021 high) to limit upside. Sustained break of 55 W EMA (now at 1.3176) will argue that a medium term top has already formed and bring deeper fall back to 1.2099.

Daily Pivots: (S1) 0.7956; (P) 0.7974; (R1) 0.8000; More…

Intraday bias in USD/CHF stays on the upside at this point. Sustained trading above 55 D EMA (now at 0.8004) will suggest that rise from 0.7828 is already correcting whole fall from 0.9200. Further rise should the be seen to 0.8170 resistance and possibly above. For now, risk will stay on the upside as long as 0.7944 support holds, in case of retreat.

In the bigger picture, long term down trend from 1.0342 (2017 high) is still in progress. Next target is 100% projection of 1.0146 (2022 high) to 0.8332 from 0.9200 at 0.7382. In any case, outlook will stay bearish as long as 0.8332 support turned resistance holds (2023 low).

Daily Pivots: (S1) 150.72; (P) 151.39; (R1) 152.55; More...

Intraday bias in USD/JPY stays on the upside for the moment, and further rally should be seen to 100% projection of 142.66 to 150.90 from 145.47 at 153.71. Firm break there will pave the way to 161.8% projection at 158.80. On the downside, below 151.71 minor support will turn bias neutral and bring consolidations first, before staging another rise.

In the bigger picture, current development suggests that corrective pattern from 161.94 (2024 high) has completed with three waves at 139.87. Larger up trend from 102.58 (2021 low) could be ready to resume through 161.94 high. On the downside, break of 145.47 support will dampen this bullish view and extend the corrective pattern with another falling leg.

Gold stole the spotlight in global markets today, surging past the 4,000 mark for the first time ever as investors poured into the metal amid mounting geopolitical risks and growing conviction that the Fed will deliver another rate cut later this month. The historic milestone marks another powerful leg in Gold’s multi-year rally.

The metal has now gained more than 50% year-to-date and has doubled in value over the past three years, outperforming most major asset classes. The rally has been powered by a potent combination of central bank buying, ETF inflows, and expectations of monetary easing, alongside a steady bid from investors seeking protection against global instability.

Still, questions remain about whether the metal can sustain its hold above 4,000, particularly as Dollar shows signs of rebound across currency markets. Technical indicators suggest conditions are stretched, and a short-term pullback could follow if profit-taking accelerates around the milestone level. But underlying momentum remains firmly bullish as long as expectations for rate cuts persist.

In Asia, Japanese prime minister-in-waiting Sanae Takaichi faces early headwinds from her ruling coalition partner Komeito. The socially liberal party, long a brake on the LDP’s hawkish tendencies, has criticized Takaichi’s rhetoric toward foreigners and her past visits to the Yasukuni Shrine, a move likely to strain relations within the alliance.

While Takaichi is still expected to secure parliamentary approval later this month to become Japan’s first female prime minister, LDP sources say the vote could be delayed beyond the original October 15 date as negotiations drag on. Komeito’s leader Tetsuo Saito said talks with Takaichi lasted 90 minutes without a resolution, with more discussions planned in the coming days.

Moving to the U.S., investors are watching for clues from the FOMC minutes and a series of Fed speeches later today. With the government shutdown stretching into its second week, many analysts believe the absence of key data will encourage policymakers to deliver another “insurance cut” at the October 29 meeting rather than risk policy overtightening. Market pricing reflects that conviction: Fed fund futures now imply a 95% probability of a 25bps cut this month.

For the week so far, Loonie leads gains, followed by Dollar and Aussie, while Yen, Kiwi, and Euro trail at the bottom. The Kiwi remains under pressure after the RBNZ’s dovish 50bps cut. Sterling and Swiss Franc trade quietly mid-pack.

In Europe, at the time of writing, FTSE is up 0.81%. DAX is up 0.58%. CAC is up 0.83%. UK 10-year yield is down 0.022 at 4.704. Germany 10-year yield is down -0.039 at 2.673. Earlier in Asia, Nikkei fell -0.45%. Hong Kong HSI fell -0.48%. China was still on holiday. Singapore Strait Times fell -0.36%. Japan 10-year JGB yield rose 0.023 to 1.704.

RBNZ delivers 50bps cut, signals readiness to ease further if needed

RBNZ delivered a larger 50 bps rate cut, lowering the Official Cash Rate (OCR) to 2.50% at today's meeting. The central bank maintained its easing bias, saying it “remains open to further reductions in the OCR” to ensure inflation returns sustainably to 2% over the medium term.

Minutes of the meeting showed the Monetary Policy Committee debated between a 25bps and 50bps move, with the majority favoring a bolder step to mitigate downside risks to medium-term growth and inflation. The Committee judged that prolonged spare capacity warranted a "clear signal" to support consumption and investment, helping anchor expectations amid a slowing economy.

While the Q2 GDP contraction was “considerably larger than expected,” the RBNZ attributed much of the weakness to temporary seasonal factors. It expects the distortion to reverse later in the year and said it does not see the short-term softness as materially altering the broader policy outlook.

The central bank noted that it had only marginally revised down its assessment of spare capacity but acknowledged “some downside risk” to activity. Inflation is projected to converge toward the 2% midpoint in the first half of next year, supported by easing tradables inflation and gradually moderating domestic cost pressures.

USD/JPY Mid-Day Outlook

Daily Pivots: (S1) 150.72; (P) 151.39; (R1) 152.55; More...

Intraday bias in USD/JPY stays on the upside for the moment, and further rally should be seen to 100% projection of 142.66 to 150.90 from 145.47 at 153.71. Firm break there will pave the way to 161.8% projection at 158.80. On the downside, below 151.71 minor support will turn bias neutral and bring consolidations first, before staging another rise.

In the bigger picture, current development suggests that corrective pattern from 161.94 (2024 high) has completed with three waves at 139.87. Larger up trend from 102.58 (2021 low) could be ready to resume through 161.94 high. On the downside, break of 145.47 support will dampen this bullish view and extend the corrective pattern with another falling leg.

This morning, we reported that the price of gold has risen above $4,000 for the first time in history. The surge in this safe-haven asset has been driven by political uncertainty in the United States and other countries, as well as sustained demand from central banks.

Against this backdrop, the XAG/USD chart also draws attention, showing that silver prices are following a bullish trend — though not as confidently as gold. Technical analysis provides further important insights.

Technical Analysis of the XAG/USD Chart

Seven days ago, when analysing the XAG/USD chart, we plotted a steep orange channel indicating an acceleration of growth and suggested that:

→ the market remained bullish;

→ a correction was possible — for example, towards the lower boundary of the orange channel (S2), reinforced by a bullish Fair Value Gap (FVG) shown as a purple imbalance zone favouring buyers.

Indeed, this scenario played out, and the reversal from the identified support block (as shown by the first arrow) occurred with notable momentum. The upward trend then continued, with silver prices remaining within the orange channel, which is still relevant today.

Key details to note:

→ as shown by the line marked R (Resistance), silver has struggled to gain traction around the 48.75 level;

→ as indicated by the blue lines (whose slope is decreasing), buying pressure may be weakening as bulls attempt to break through this level.

Following yesterday’s test of the lower boundary of the channel, the price (as shown by the second arrow) turned upwards — this can be interpreted as bulls having “shaken out” weak holders and regained strength to challenge the 48.75 (R) level.

On this move, they managed to:

→ overcome local resistance at 48.00;

→ form a bullish FVG zone (highlighted in orange);

→ climb into the upper half of the channel.

However, today’s move above 48.75 appears tentative — the XAG/USD chart shows no clear consolidation above this key level. That said, if political turbulence persists, new record highs in gold could well give fresh momentum to the “silver bulls.”

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• Upward trend shows no signs of reversal.
• Bears may remain nearby as overbought signals persist.

Gold has finally reached the long-awaited 4,000 milestone, as a mix of factors — including the U.S. government shutdown, Fed rate cut expectations, geopolitical uncertainty, and global fiscal challenges — continue to channel funds toward safe-haven assets.

While not everyone buys physical gold, investors have poured a record $64 billion into gold ETFs so far this year, according to the World Gold Council. The key question now is whether the precious metal has enough bullish momentum to hold above the psychological 4,000 level as the FOMC meeting minutes are due today at 18:00 GMT. Recall that more policymakers voted for a rate cut but most refrained from supporting a bold double reduction, except for Trump’s newly appointed member, Miran.

From a technical view, the price has marginally broken above the 2024–2025 bullish channel, with both the RSI and stochastic oscillators remaining elevated in overbought territory. Investors may therefore prefer to wait for a decisive breakout before targeting higher levels. Despite the strong upward trajectory, the price has also approached the upper Bollinger Band on the four-hour chart, suggesting that a pullback should not be a big surprise in the coming sessions.

On the downside, sellers may remain cautious unless the price falls below the 3,945–3,975 support zone, where the 20-period simple moving average (SMA) currently lies. A clear drop below that level could bring the 50-period SMA and the descending trendline near 3,890 into focus as the next potential support area.

On the upside, the bulls may next shift their attention to the 4,140 region, though they may first need to sustain momentum above the 4,050 and 4,100 levels.

All in all, gold traders may turn increasingly sensitive to any bearish catalysts in the short term as the uptrend has reached a historical psychological milestone and the uptrend is well stretched in the overbought zone.

Market Overview

The crypto market capitalisation lost almost 3% in 24 hours, hitting a sell-off after a surge to historic highs at the start of the week. Such pullbacks have become a frequent occurrence in the crypto market – an important consequence of the growing number of professional cryptocurrency traders who take profits on the way up.

Bitcoin lost more than 4% during Tuesday’s active US session, barely holding above $120k. It stabilised on Wednesday at the start of the day in the $121-122K range, turning July’s resistance area into support. On the buyers’ side, gold and stock indices are at historic highs. However, we also note the strengthening of the dollar index to its highest levels since early August. If this becomes a trend, a deeper decline is inevitable.

News Background

Retail investors have returned to the market amid new BTC highs. The inflow of bitcoins to the exchange from small players has jumped sharply, according to CryptoQuant. In contrast, large market participants continue to build up their positions.

On-chain metrics and derivatives data point to structural changes in the BTC market. According to Novaque Research, the current Bitcoin rally has a more solid foundation than previous ones.

Vaneck predicts that the rally in the gold market will lead to Bitcoin rising to $644,000. After the next halving, BTC’s capitalisation could grow to half the total value of the gold market.

According to the Strategic ETH Reserve, institutional and corporate investors’ Ethereum reserves have reached 12.4 million ETH and exceeded 10% of the total supply of the asset. The bulk of this is accounted for by spot Ethereum ETFs — 6.83 million ETH (5.64%). Corporate reserves amount to 5.66 million ETH (4.68%).

The Coinbase premium for Ethereum has turned positive again, indicating renewed interest from institutional investors in the US.

BNB set a new record high above $1,350 and moved into third place in terms of capitalisation, overtaking Tether. Traders expect the upward trend to continue, with a possible rise to $2,000.

This morning, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) cut its key interest rate. According to Forex Factory, the Official Cash Rate was reduced by 50 basis points from 3.0% to 2.5%, while most analysts had expected a smaller cut to 2.75%.

Moreover, the RBNZ signalled the prospect of further easing following a recent deterioration in economic data. The decisive move caught traders off guard and led to heightened volatility. As shown on the NZD/USD chart, the New Zealand dollar has fallen to its lowest level against the US dollar since mid-April.

The downward momentum has been reinforced by the strengthening of the US dollar — possibly as investors grow more cautious over a potential government shutdown, prompting them to move into cash.

Technical analysis of the NZD/USD chart

Movements in the kiwi’s exchange rate during the second half of 2025 have formed a descending channel on the chart. Notably, peak F:

→ only slightly exceeds the previous high D;

→ lies above the psychological 0.6000 level;

→ developed with a long upper wick, consistent with the Upthrust (UTAD) pattern described in Wyckoff methodology.

This appears to be a strategic false breakout above the lower-high structure, paving the way for a decline towards the autumn lows and a breakout below the corrective pattern (shown in blue).

From a bearish perspective:

→ the channel’s median line acts as resistance (as shown by the arrows);

→ today’s drop signals an imbalance favouring sellers, forming the basis for a Fair Value Gap resistance zone.

Meanwhile, bulls may hope the lower boundary of the channel once again acts as support in 2025, providing momentum for a rebound within the channel. For this scenario to play out, however, the news backdrop would need to shift. For now, the NZD/USD chart points to bearish dominance — with a potential move down towards the 0.5700 level.

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This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.