Markets in focus: EUR/USD, Silver, Gold, BTC/USD, GBP/USD, USD/CHF, NASDAQ 100, and DAX.

EUR/USD

The euro climbed during the week, testing the 1.16 level as both central banks tied to this pair held their meetings. However, the key takeaway is that the Federal Reserve is likely to stay more hawkish than previously expected, increasing the chances that the US dollar will remain stronger for an extended period.

In fact, by Friday, even though the ECB had sounded somewhat more hawkish than expected, there were already signs of a shift in tone, with ECB member Villeroy indicating that a rate cut cannot be ruled out.

Ongoing concerns over energy in the European Union also add downside risk—if energy issues persist, economic growth could slow. As a result, the euro may remain under pressure, with any short-term rallies likely to face selling pressure.

Silver (XAG/USD)

Silver prices dropped sharply over the week as rising U.S. interest rates weighed on the market, and that trend is likely to continue. As the week comes to a close, the focus is on holding above the $70 level—a key round number that carries strong psychological importance and is being closely watched by traders.

If the market breaks below this support level, it could trigger significant selling pressure, potentially driving prices toward $65, and over the longer term, even down to $50.

Overall, this is a market that may be hard to navigate, and it’s unlikely to see consistent upward momentum unless U.S. interest rates begin to stabilize.

Gold (XAU/USD)

The gold market is likely to behave similarly to silver, with the key difference being its safe-haven appeal. Because of that, gold may outperform silver—and frankly, that’s what I expect to happen.

That said, outperformance is relative, and this week’s candlestick looks quite weak. I’d be watching the 4,500 level closely, with the 4,400 area below it acting as additional support.

Any rally from here is likely to face selling pressure sooner or later, with 5,000 serving as a near-term ceiling. It’s only when U.S. interest rates fall meaningfully that gold can resume a stronger upward move. Still, looking at the longer-term charts, gold could drop another 1,000 and remain within a broader uptrend.

BTC/USD

Bitcoin initially attempted a breakout during the week but is having trouble holding above the 72,000 level. Still, it remains within a formation that suggests a possible reversal, although—like other markets—the outcome will largely depend on U.S. interest rates.

If interest rates remain exceptionally high, it’s hard to see Bitcoin—being a high-risk asset—performing strongly in that environment.

That said, I’m not expecting Bitcoin to collapse, but any upward move is likely to be gradual rather than sharp. If the trend is positive, it will probably be more of a slow grind higher than a rapid rally.

GBP/USD

The British pound climbed over the week, reaching up to test the key 1.35 level before pulling back. Overall, the market is likely to remain quite volatile, with the 1.3250 level acting as a support zone.

It seems that traders are continuing to sell the British pound whenever signs of exhaustion appear, especially as ongoing energy concerns in the United Kingdom weigh on sentiment.

There is a strong possibility that the US dollar could strengthen against the pound, pushing this pair lower. If the price falls below the 1.32 level, it may head toward the 200-week EMA, which is currently around 1.30. I have little interest in buying the pound at the moment, even though it may still perform better than several of its peers against the US dollar.

USD/CHF

The US dollar is trading choppily against the Swiss franc, hovering around the 0.79 level. If the price manages to break above this week’s high, it could pave the way for a move toward the 0.81 level.

If the price breaks below this week’s low, the market could decline toward the 0.77 level. Overall, this is likely to remain a choppy and noisy environment.

With US interest rates rising, the market tends to favor safe-haven flows, while the Swiss National Bank may step in if the franc strengthens excessively. Given these opposing forces, I expect the pair to eventually move higher.

NASDAQ 100

The Nasdaq 100 attempted to move higher during the week but encountered resistance around the 25,000 level. After reversing and showing weakness, the market now appears to be testing the 23,800 level.

Given this situation, the market appears vulnerable to a deeper downside move. The 50-week EMA sits near the 23,800 level, and a break below that could trigger significant selling pressure. While short-term bounces may occur, a sustained move above 25,000 would be needed for buyers to regain control and target higher levels. For now, elevated interest rates continue to weigh on overall risk sentiment.

DAX

In Germany, the DAX initially attempted to rally but has since broken down decisively, appearing to lose key support. Rising German interest rates, combined with a broader risk-off environment and ongoing energy challenges across Europe, continue to heavily influence the market’s direction.

With liquefied natural gas and oil continuing to pose challenges, this market will likely need time to establish support at lower levels. Before that happens, however, it could potentially decline toward the 20,000 mark.

Sources: Lewis

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