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Fed’s Williams: Tariff impacts on inflation could linger for years

New York Fed President John Williams cautioned that the inflationary effects of new US tariffs could be "more prolonged" than initially anticipated.

In an interview with Yahoo Finance, Williams emphasized that while the immediate price increases are expected, the true impact of tariffs “might not be fully felt for a couple of years."

He stressed the importance of monitoring not just the direct price changes, but also the “indirect effects” that ripple through the broader economy over time.

“It is still early days to be able to come to a concrete conclusion around this,” Williams said, noting that Fed will need to remain open-minded about "how long these last in terms of their effects on inflation and the economy.”

Gold Breaks Previous Highs—Is $3,200 The Next Target?

Key Highlights

  • Gold started a fresh surge and traded to a new record high above $3,130.
  • It broke a major contracting triangle with resistance at $3,025 on the 4-hour chart.
  • Bitcoin is still struggling to start a fresh increase above the $85,000 resistance zone.
  • EUR/USD is eyeing more gains above the 1.0850 resistance zone.

Gold Price Technical Analysis

Gold prices started a fresh rally above the $3,000 resistance. The bulls pumped the price above the $3,100 level and the price traded to a new record high.

The 4-hour chart of XAU/USD indicates that the price broke a major contracting triangle with resistance at $3,025 to restart its surge. There was a close above the $3,100 level, the 100 Simple Moving Average (red, 4 hours), and the 200 Simple Moving Average (green, 4 hours).

The bulls even pumped the price above the $3,135 level. The current price action suggests a high chance of more gains above the $3,125 level. On the upside, immediate resistance is near the $3,142 level. The next major resistance sits near the $3,150 level.

A clear move above the $3,150 resistance could open the doors for more upsides. The next major resistance could be $3,080, above which the price could rally toward the milestone level of $3,200.

On the downside, initial support is near the $3,100 level. The first key support is near $3,075. The next major support is near the $3,060 level.

The main support is now $3,045. A downside break below the $3,045 support might call for more downsides. The next major support is near the $3,020 level.

Looking at Bitcoin, the price failed to gain bullish momentum above $85,000 and is now at risk of more losses below $80,000.

Economic Releases to Watch Today

  • Euro Zone Manufacturing PMI March 2025 – Forecast 48.7, versus 48.7 previous.
  • US Manufacturing PMI for March 2025 – Forecast 49.8, versus 49.8 previous.
  • US ISM Manufacturing Index for March 2025 – Forecast 49.5, versus 50.3 previous.

Gold (XAU/USD) Price Analysis: Gold Surges But Have “Liberation Day” Tariffs Been Priced in?

  • XAU/USD surges as markets anticipate widespread tariffs, fueling recession fears.
  • "Buy the rumor, sell the fact?" potential: Concern exists that gold's rally may see a selloff if tariff announcements differ from expectations.
  • The upcoming tariff announcements and economic data suggest a week of significant price swings for gold.

Gold prices advanced to fresh highs following a gap up over the weekend. Markets are bracing for tariffs which President Trump has now said would essentially cover all countries, stoking worries a global trade war could lead to a recession.

Trump's remarks on Air Force One suggested the tariffs might not be limited to just a few countries with major trade imbalances.

He’s set to receive tariff recommendations on Tuesday, announce initial rates on Wednesday, and follow up with auto tariffs on Thursday.

Is Gold facing a case of buy the ‘rumor sell the fact’?

Golds excellent 2025 continues but the stark rise above the $3000/oz handle raises the question, how far can the rally go?

I do have a concern heading into tomorrow's “liberation day” tariffs that this could be a case of buy the rumor, sell the fact. Markets appear convinced that the tariffs to be announced over the coming days are going to be widespread and received negatively.

However if the Trump administration has proven one thing it is that consistency is not its forte. As President Trump says one thing and delivers something completely different or walks back his initial proposal, in part at least.

Any such move this time around could lead to a selloff in the precious metal. Whether this move will be sustainable though is highly doubtful.

Recessionary fears are on the rise

Many economists fear tariffs could hurt the U.S. economy while also limiting the Federal Reserve's ability to lower interest rates due to short-term inflation.

Goldman Sachs now estimates a 35% chance of a U.S. recession (up from 20%), expecting Trump to announce 15% reciprocal tariffs on all trading partners on April 2.

Friday's data highlighted the risks: core inflation rose more than expected in February, while consumer spending fell short of expectations.

These developments continue to lend a supporting hand to safe haven demand and thus gold prices.

Final thoughts

Given the scenarios presented above, the week ahead looks to be a volatile one with a lot of whipsaw price action ahead.

Overall, recent developments mean that the bulls remain in charge. What we have seen of late is that when it comes to Gold, overall market sentiment seems to be the biggest driving force.

Technical Analysis - Gold (XAU/USD)

From a technical analysis standpoint, Gold prices have created fresh highs today and found resistance around the 3125 handle.

Looking at the H2 chart below we can see immediate support may be found at 3100 before the Friday close around the 3083 handle comes into focus.

On the upside, a recovery from here needs to make it to beyond the 3125 handle if bulls are to charge once more.

Such a move has the potential to develop in the Asian session as Gold continues to be a stellar performer.

Gold (XAU/USD) Two-Hour Chart, March 31, 2025

Source: TradingView

Support

  • 3100
  • 3083
  • 3071

Resistance

  • 3125
  • 3150
  • 3175

Riding the Trend: USDCNH Shows Dollar Strength Set to Persist

In recent years, the remembi paused its attempt to strengthen against the USD. In February 2014, the renminbi found support at 6.0153 as wave ((III)). From there, it formed a perfect zig-zag corrective structure, reaching equal legs at the 7.1964 high in September 2019. Following these three swings, USDCNH was expected to continue its downtrend. However, the pair turned upward again, breaking above the 7.1964 high, which suggested that it was developing a double correction structure. (If you want to learn more about Elliott Wave Theory, please follow these links: Elliott Wave Education and Elliott Wave Theory)

USDCNH October 2024 Weekly Chart

In the previous chart, the first leg of wave “c” completed successfully. Starting from the 6.6883 wave “b” low, the pair climbed higher in 5 swings, forming an impulse that peaked at the 7.3679 high, labeled as wave ((1)). The wave ((2)) pullback then unfolded, following a zig-zag structure (A), (B), and (C), and ended precisely at the 6.9705 low within the expected range of 7.12 – 6.95.

After completing wave ((2)), the pair resumed its rally, building an impulse as wave “c” toward the target area of 7.4899 – 7.7679 This move aimed to finalize wave (y) and complete the double correction as wave ((IV)), allowing the renminbi to continue its downtrend in monthly timeframe.

USDCNH March 2025 Weekly Chart

Currently, we can see the rally of wave (1) of ((3)) that concluded at the 7.3700 high. This movement has not broken into new highs which is crucial for sustaining bullish momentum. We have also witnessed a pullback that is likely wave (2) of ((3)). Despite the sharp depreciation of the dollar in recent weeks, the pair has not moved to the same magnitude as the dollar, which is a positive indicator for maintaining the bullish structure. As in previous months, we expect the upward trend to continue targeting to 7.4899 – 7.7679 area completing a double correction Elliott Wave pattern. At this level, we should see a bearish reactions in the USDCNH.

EURAUD Wave Analysis

EURAUD: ⬆️ Buy

  • EURAUD rising inside impulse wave iii
  • Likely to reach resistance level 1.7400

EURAUD currency pair recently reversed from the support zone between the support level 1.7080 (low of the previous wave a), 20-day moving average and the support trendline of the daily down channel from the start of March.

The price earlier broke the resistance trendline of the aforementioned down channel – which accelerated the active impulse wave iii.

Given the clear daily uptrend and the bullish euro sentiment, EURAUD currency pair can be expected to rise to the next resistance level 1.7400 (which stopped the previous impulse wave i).

USDCAD Wave Analysis

USDCAD: ⬆️ Buy

  • USDCAD reversed from the support zone
  •  Likely to rise to resistance level 1.4500

USDCAD currency pair recently reversed from the support zone located between the support level 1.4255 (which has been reversing the pair from the start of March), lower daily Bollinger Band and the support trendline from November.

The upward reversal from this support zone started the active intermediate impulse wave (3).

Given the strong daily uptrend and the bullish US dollar sentiment, USDCAD currency pair can be expected to rise to the next resistance level 1.4500 (which has been reversing the price from January).

Eco Data 4/1/25

GMT Ccy Events Actual Consensus Previous Revised
23:30 JPY Unemployment Rate Feb 2.40% 2.50% 2.50%
23:50 JPY Tankan Large Manufacturing Index Q1 12 12 14
23:50 JPY Tankan Large Manufacturing Outlook Q1 12 9 13
23:50 JPY Tankan Non-Manufacturing Index Q1 35 33 33
23:50 JPY Tankan Non-Manufacturing Outlook Q1 28 29 28
23:50 JPY Tankan Large All Industry Capex Q1 3.10% 11.30%
00:30 AUD Retail Sales M/M Feb 0.20% 0.30% 0.30%
00:30 JPY Manufacturing PMI Mar F 48.4 48.3 48.3
01:45 CNY Caixin Manufacturing PMI Mar 51.2 50.5 50.8
03:30 AUD RBA Interest Rate Decision 4.10% 4.10% 4.10%
04:30 AUD RBA Press Conference
06:30 CHF Real Retail Sales Y/Y Feb 1.60% 1.50% 1.30% 2.90%
07:30 CHF Manufacturing PMI Mar 48.9 50.5 49.6
07:50 EUR France Manufacturing PMI Mar F 48.5 48.9 48.9
07:55 EUR Germany Manufacturing PMI Mar F 48.3 48.7 48.3
08:00 EUR Eurozone Manufacturing PMI Mar F 48.6 48.7 48.7
08:30 GBP Manufacturing PMI Mar 44.9 44.6 44.6
09:00 EUR Eurozone Unemployment Rate Feb 6.10% 6.20% 6.20%
09:00 EUR CPI Y/Y Mar P 2.20% 2.20% 2.30%
09:00 EUR CPI Core Y/Y Mar P 2.40% 2.50% 2.60%
13:30 CAD Manufacturing PMI Mar 46.3 47.8
13:45 USD Manufacturing PMI Mar F 50.2 49.8 49.8
14:00 USD ISM Manufacturing PMI Mar 49 49.9 50.3
14:00 USD ISM Manufacturing Prices Paid Mar 69.4 65 62.4
14:00 USD ISM Manufacturing Employment Mar 44.7 47.6
14:00 USD Construction Spending M/M Feb 0.70% 0.20% -0.20%
GMT Ccy Events
23:30 JPY Unemployment Rate Feb
    Actual: 2.40% Forecast: 2.50%
    Previous: 2.50% Revised:
23:50 JPY Tankan Large Manufacturing Index Q1
    Actual: 12 Forecast: 12
    Previous: 14 Revised:
23:50 JPY Tankan Large Manufacturing Outlook Q1
    Actual: 12 Forecast: 9
    Previous: 13 Revised:
23:50 JPY Tankan Non-Manufacturing Index Q1
    Actual: 35 Forecast: 33
    Previous: 33 Revised:
23:50 JPY Tankan Non-Manufacturing Outlook Q1
    Actual: 28 Forecast: 29
    Previous: 28 Revised:
23:50 JPY Tankan Large All Industry Capex Q1
    Actual: 3.10% Forecast:
    Previous: 11.30% Revised:
00:30 AUD Retail Sales M/M Feb
    Actual: 0.20% Forecast: 0.30%
    Previous: 0.30% Revised:
00:30 JPY Manufacturing PMI Mar F
    Actual: 48.4 Forecast: 48.3
    Previous: 48.3 Revised:
01:45 CNY Caixin Manufacturing PMI Mar
    Actual: 51.2 Forecast: 50.5
    Previous: 50.8 Revised:
03:30 AUD RBA Interest Rate Decision
    Actual: 4.10% Forecast: 4.10%
    Previous: 4.10% Revised:
04:30 AUD RBA Press Conference
    Actual: Forecast:
    Previous: Revised:
06:30 CHF Real Retail Sales Y/Y Feb
    Actual: 1.60% Forecast: 1.50%
    Previous: 1.30% Revised: 2.90%
07:30 CHF Manufacturing PMI Mar
    Actual: 48.9 Forecast: 50.5
    Previous: 49.6 Revised:
07:50 EUR France Manufacturing PMI Mar F
    Actual: 48.5 Forecast: 48.9
    Previous: 48.9 Revised:
07:55 EUR Germany Manufacturing PMI Mar F
    Actual: 48.3 Forecast: 48.7
    Previous: 48.3 Revised:
08:00 EUR Eurozone Manufacturing PMI Mar F
    Actual: 48.6 Forecast: 48.7
    Previous: 48.7 Revised:
08:30 GBP Manufacturing PMI Mar
    Actual: 44.9 Forecast: 44.6
    Previous: 44.6 Revised:
09:00 EUR Eurozone Unemployment Rate Feb
    Actual: 6.10% Forecast: 6.20%
    Previous: 6.20% Revised:
09:00 EUR CPI Y/Y Mar P
    Actual: 2.20% Forecast: 2.20%
    Previous: 2.30% Revised:
09:00 EUR CPI Core Y/Y Mar P
    Actual: 2.40% Forecast: 2.50%
    Previous: 2.60% Revised:
13:30 CAD Manufacturing PMI Mar
    Actual: 46.3 Forecast:
    Previous: 47.8 Revised:
13:45 USD Manufacturing PMI Mar F
    Actual: 50.2 Forecast: 49.8
    Previous: 49.8 Revised:
14:00 USD ISM Manufacturing PMI Mar
    Actual: 49 Forecast: 49.9
    Previous: 50.3 Revised:
14:00 USD ISM Manufacturing Prices Paid Mar
    Actual: 69.4 Forecast: 65
    Previous: 62.4 Revised:
14:00 USD ISM Manufacturing Employment Mar
    Actual: 44.7 Forecast:
    Previous: 47.6 Revised:
14:00 USD Construction Spending M/M Feb
    Actual: 0.70% Forecast: 0.20%
    Previous: -0.20% Revised:

WTI Oil Rises and on Growing Threats About New Tariffs and Potential Military Confrontation with Iran

WTI oil price firmed on Monday and broke through psychological $70 barrier, where bulls were repeatedly capped last week.

The price action moved within narrow consolidation in past few days, signaling that larger bulls remain firmly in play for final break higher.

Mild initial market reaction on latest threats from President Trump about imposing secondary tariffs on buyers of Russian oil signaled that traders need more evidence of such action and also remained in wait and see mode over the US threats of military attack on Iran.

However, the sentiment remains firmly bullish, as the latest acceleration contributes to scenario of firm break of $70.00 and $70.62 (Fibo 38.2% of $79.35/$65.22 / 100DMA), to generate signal of continuation of bull-leg from $65.22 (2025 low, posted on Mar 5).

Daily studies are still mixed, but bullishly aligned that fuels hopes of stronger upside acceleration (on sustained break above $70.00/62 pivots) as fundamentals are becoming more favorable, although the news on Russia and Iran still need a confirmation.

Firm break of $70.62 to unmask targets at $72.28 (50% retracement) and $72.60 (200DMA), with close above $70 required to keep fresh bulls in play.

Res: 70.98; 71.24; 72.00; 72.28
Sup: 70.20; 70.00; 69.05; 68.55

Sunset Market Commentary

Markets

The first quarter of the year ends completely different than how it started. US president Trump’s pro-growth policy agenda generated a lot of market optimism all the way through January-February. Then things started unravelling fast. Concerns grew over the US administration’s isolationist-protectionist stance, geopolitically and economically, while inconsistent communication & seemingly haphazard decision-making sows confusion and paralysis. Trump’s upcoming “Liberation Day”, during which he’ll unveil reciprocal (or universal after all?!) tariffs, serves as a case in point. His initial goal of slapping individual countries with tariffs to match the one they charge the US has been up for revision numerous times. Markets can only hope for a clearcut announcement instead of vague threats that keep uncertainty highly elevated. We’ve seen nervousness picking up by mid last week ahead of April 2 and the start of the new one is no different. Stocks in Europe decline with Germany’s DAX underperforming regional peers (-1.9%). Wall Street’s downward momentum simply goes on. The Nasdaq slides another 2.3% on top of the 2.7% last Friday. Core bonds are rallying with US Treasuries outperforming German Bunds. Safe haven flows to the world’s most liquid asset help explain this outperformance but it’s as least as much driven out of growing US recessionary concerns. US rates drop between 4.5-5.8 bps across the curve. Money markets price in more than three rate cuts this year, bypassing the Fed’s dot plot that penciled in two. German yields ease 2.1 to 4.1 bps but are off the intraday lows. The 10-yr benchmark tested and then bounced of the 2.66% area (March 5 defense-announcement related gap). Bunds underperform vs swap. The scarce economic data available for today included German March inflation numbers but obviously had zero market impact, if only because they came in close to expectations (0.4% m/m and 2.3% y/y). The dollar’s lackluster performance given the sizeable risk-off is telling (of a US recessionary risk premium). EUR/USD holds steady north of 1.08, the trade-weighted dollar index briefly fell through the 104 handle before paring losses. The Japanese yen is today’s star performer although didn’t capitalize the strong Asian momentum. USD/JPY hit a low of 148.7 but is now trading around 149.5. Oil prices eke out a gain that brings a barrel of Brent to its highest since end-February ($74.3/b). Trump threatened to impose secondary tariffs on buyers of Russian oil, reportedly over grievances against Russian president Putin violating the US brokered ceasefire agreement. The perhaps biggest beneficiary of all the uncertainty sloshing around in markets these days is gold. The precious metal sharply rose over the last couple days with a new record high today at $3120/ounce (+1.2%).

News & Views

Polish March CPI rose by 0.1% M/M and 4.9% Y/Y, unchanged from February and vs 5.1% expected, Poland Statistics reported today. In a monthly perspective the price of electricity and gas fell by -0.1% (still +13.3% Y/Y) and fuel prices by 2.0% M/M (-4.7% Y/Y). Food prices increased 0.3% M/M to be 6.7% higher Y/Y. The inflation reading was also below the estimate of the March inflation report of the National Bank of Poland as it assumed inflation on average at 5.4% in Q1. The data probably will further revive the internal rate cut debate within the MPC. Governor Glapinski and the hawkish wing within the MPC recently held the view that there is no room to cut the policy rate (5.75%) anytime soon. A reduction at this week’s meeting is not expected, but today’s data support the case of the doves within the MPC that pieces are falling into place for some easing of policy restriction e.g. in summer.

Data from the Hungarian Statistical Office today showed that gross wages in the country eased less than expected in January. Gross wages were reported at 10.4% down from 11.3% in December, but a slowdown below 10% was expected. Real earnings were 4.6% higher than a year earlier, considering inflation at 5.5%. The data suggest that alongside considerations financial stability, there is still little reason for the National Bank of Hungary to resume its easing cycle anytime soon. The MNB last week keep its policy rate unchanged at 6.5%. The forint recently briefly strengthened below EUR/HUF 400, but over the previous days ceded some ground, amongst others on the announcement that investment funds need to invest a higher proportion of their assets in Hungarian government bonds. Today, the Finance Ministry also downwardly revised its 2025 growth forecast to 2.5% from 3.4% previously.

EUR/USD Mid-Day Outlook

Daily Pivots: (S1) 1.0782; (P) 1.0813; (R1) 1.0862; More...

No change in EUR/USD's outlook and intraday bias stays neutral. On the upside, break of 1.0857 resistance will indicate that correction from 1.0963 has completed already. Retest of 1.0953 should be seen first. Firm break there will resume the rally from 1.0176 towards 1.1274 key resistance. In any case, outlook will remain bullish as long as 38.2% retracement of 1.0358 to 1.0953 at 1.0726 holds.

In the bigger picture, prior strong break of 55 W EMA (now at 1.0692) suggests that fall from 1.1274 (2024 high) has completed as a three wave correction to 1.0176. Rise from 0.9534 is still intact, and might be ready to resume. Decisive break of 1.1274 will target 100% projection of 0.9534 to 1.1274 from 1.0176 at 1.1916. Also, that will send EUR/USD through a multi-decade channel resistance will carries larger bullish implication. This will now be the favored case as long as 1.0531 resistance turned support holds.