HFMarkets (hfm.com): New market analysis services.

[HFM]

Date: 21st May 2025.


Dollar Weakens Ahead of G-7 as Traders Watch for US Policy Shifts.



Trading Leveraged products is Risky


The US dollar slipped to its lowest level in two weeks on Wednesday, as market participants turned their attention to the upcoming Group-of-Seven summit for clues on whether the Trump administration is favouring a weaker greenback. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index fell for a third straight session, losing 0.4% on the day.


Speculation has grown after Japan’s Finance Minister, Katsunobu Kato, expressed his intent to hold currency discussions with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during the G-7 meeting. South Korean officials have already confirmed that exchange rates were addressed during recent bilateral talks with the US, fueling expectations of a coordinated policy shift.


Fiscal concerns are adding to the dollar’s woes. Lawmakers in Washington are working on a proposed tax cut plan that aims to keep the revenue impact within $4.5 trillion over a decade, currently estimated at $3.8 trillion. This comes on the heels of a credit downgrade by Moody’s, which cited persistent and unaddressed budget deficits as a key reason for lowering the US government's credit rating.


‘The dollar is declining in tandem with rising long-term US yields, as investors grow uneasy about financing America's twin deficits,’ said Moh Siong Sim, FX strategist at Bank of Singapore. ‘We’re likely witnessing the early stages of a broader reallocation away from overweight US positions by global investors.’





Geopolitical Tensions Lift Oil, Equities Mixed in Asia


Oil prices spiked following a CNN report that suggested Israel may be preparing for a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude rose $1.21 to $63.24 per barrel, while Brent crude added $1.20 to reach $66.58. The report, citing unnamed intelligence sources, said no final decision had been made by Israeli leaders, but any strike could derail ongoing nuclear negotiations and heighten instability in the Middle East—a region responsible for roughly a third of global oil supply.


Asian equity markets were mixed. The Hang Seng gained 0.4%, Shanghai’s Composite edged up 0.2%, and Australia’s ASX 200 advanced 0.8%. South Korea’s Kospi rose by the same margin, and Taiwan’s Taiex climbed 0.6%. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225, however, dipped 0.1% amid ongoing trade tensions with the US


Japan reported weaker trade data, with April exports to the US falling nearly 2% year-on-year. Total global export growth slowed to 2% from 4% in March, while imports from the US plunged over 11%. The country recorded a trade deficit of 115.8 billion yen ($804 million), and the yen's recent strength has further dampened export competitiveness. Vehicle exports, a core component of Japan’s trade, dropped nearly 6%.


The Japanese government continues to urge Washington to remove the tariffs introduced under President Trump, particularly the 25% levy on autos and duties on steel and aluminium. Economic Revitalisation Minister Ryosei Akazawa is expected to meet with US officials this weekend in a third round of negotiations.


Adding to domestic political pressures, Agriculture Minister Taku Eto resigned following controversial remarks about receiving free rice, triggering public backlash amid rising staple food prices.


Wall Street Dips as Travel Stocks Lag; Quantum Firm Soars


US stocks ended lower on Tuesday. The S&P 500 fell 0.4% to 5,940.46, its first decline in seven sessions. The Dow dropped 0.3%, and the Nasdaq lost 0.4%. Travel-related shares dragged the market lower, with Norwegian Cruise Line falling 3.9%, United Airlines off 2.9%, and Airbnb down 3.3%. Viking Holdings, despite better-than-expected earnings, slumped 5%.


Home Depot shares slid 0.6% after quarterly earnings missed estimates, though revenue came in ahead. The company maintained its full-year guidance, contrasting with other corporations that have cited tariff uncertainty and economic headwinds as reasons to withhold forecasts.


In contrast, D-Wave Quantum surged nearly 26% after launching a next-generation quantum computing platform, claiming it can tackle problems traditional computers cannot handle.


Investors are watching for earnings from Lowe’s and Target today.


Bonds and Currency Moves


This morning UK inflation jumped to 3.5% y/y in the headline rate, from 2.6% y/y in the previous month, with prices rising a whopping 1.2% m/m. The later timing of Easter and the start of the new fiscal year clearly impacted the higher-than-expected number. Core inflation accelerated to 3.8% y/y from 3.4% y/y, with services price inflation hitting 5.4% y/y, up 0.7% points over the month. The wider CPIH rate accelerated to 4.1% y/y from 3.4% y/y. The higher-than-expected number backs warnings from Chief Economist Pill that inflation risks have not disappeared and is prompting traders to trim rate cut bets.





Also, Canada’s April inflation data delivered a mixed picture. Headline CPI slowed to 1.7% year-over-year, the weakest since September, due to lower energy prices and the carbon tax repeal. However, core inflation surprised to the upside: the median rate climbed to 3.2% (from 2.9%), the trim rose to 3.1%, and the average core measure accelerated to 3.15%. The three-month moving average of core inflation jumped to 3.4% from 2.9%.


These stronger core figures complicate the Bank of Canada’s upcoming rate decision on June 4. The central bank held rates steady at its April 16 meeting but may now face pressure to act amid persistent underlying inflation.


Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.


Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.


Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.


Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!


Click HERE to READ more Market news.


Andria Pichidi
HFMarkets


Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

[HFM]

Date: 09th June 2025.


Switzerland Witness Deflation For First Time 4-Years!



Trading Leveraged products is Risky


The Swiss Franc is the second best-performing currency of 2025, however, economists advise the Swiss will witness deflation. The country has experienced deflation in the past and even negative interest rates. The Euro, on the other hand, is the best performing of the year, so can the currency take advantage of the deflationary conditions?


Switzerland Inflation And the Swiss Franc


Switzerland’s latest Inflation figures fall below 0.00% for the first time since March 2021. Between February 2020 to March 2021, the country saw deflation conditions reaching a low of 1.3%. During the period of deflation, the Swiss Franc fell 4.10% against the Euro and the Swiss National Bank fell to 0.75%.


So far in 2025, the price of the Swiss Franc Index has risen 8.69% mainly benefiting from the market’s risk appetite taking a sharp decline. In addition to this, investors look to mitigate risk away from the US Dollar due to the rising trade deficit. However, over the past month the VIX, one of the market’s main indications of risk, has fallen 20%. In addition to this, the Federal Reserve surprisingly remains reluctant to cut interest rates and follow the market’s trend. Therefore, investors are questioning if the price of the Swiss Franc is at a good level to witness a change in trend. According to economists, this is possible if inflation continues to decline.


Swiss consumer prices fell 0.1% year-on-year in May 2025, matching forecasts after flat growth in April. The drop was led by sharper declines in transport (-3.7%), food and beverages (-0.3%), and healthcare (-0.2%). Prices also fell for household goods, clothing, and recreation. In contrast, housing, energy, and hospitality costs rose at a slower pace, while communication inflation held steady at 1.0%.


[b]The European Central Bank Takes a Hawkish Tone!/b]


A batch of European economic data was released last week, showing that EU GDP grew by 0.6% quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter, beating the expected 0.3%. Year-on-year, GDP rose by 1.5%, exceeding the 1.2% forecast.
However, analysts caution that these figures do not yet reflect the effects of recent US export tariffs, which could lead to a notable downturn in upcoming periods.


European Central Bank President Mrs Lagarde told journalists that the decision to cut interest rates was supported by almost all members, with only one dissenting. She highlighted that the regulator is now in a good position and views its interest rates as neutral. This suggests a possible pause in July unless unexpected economic developments arise. Goldman Sachs advises the ECB may now pause for up to 5 months, particularly if the economic growth continues.


Currently, the Euro is the best-performing currency due to being the investor's first option to mitigate risk away from the US Dollar. In addition to this, European shareholders in US equities are now starting to hedge the risk of a weakening US Dollar which can raise gains from stock growth. Lastly, investors are increasing their exposure to the Euro due to its expansionary fiscal policy. An expansionary fiscal policy has not been seen in the EU for over a decade, other than spending related to COVID. The Euro Index is trading 9.48% higher in 2025.


EURCHF - Technical Analysis


The EURCHF has taken a dip during this morning’s Asian and European Sessions. However, in the 2-hour timeframe, the price of the exchange rate remains above the 75-period Moving Average. On the 3-Minute timeframe, the 200-Period Moving Average is currently at 0.93702. If the price rises above this level, buy signals potentially can again materialise.





Key Takeaway Points:


* Despite rising 8.69% in 2025, the Swiss Franc faces deflation risks as inflation fell –0.1% YoY in May.
* The Euro is the top performer, up 9.48%, boosted by fiscal expansion, USD hedging, and strong economic data.
* The ECB cut rates but signalled a neutral stance, hinting at a pause in July unless conditions change.
* EURCHF holds above major moving averages; a break above 0.93702 may trigger fresh buy signals.


Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.


Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.


Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.


Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!


Click HERE to READ more Market news.


Michalis Efthymiou
HFMarkets


Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.

[HFM]

Date: 1st July 2025.


Markets Rally into Q2 Close – What’s Fueling the Momentum?



Trading Leveraged products is Risky


Treasuries and Wall Street ended June – and the second quarter – with strong momentum, closing firmly in positive territory. A combination of quarter-end buying, investor FOMO, and supportive macro drivers helped fuel the rally. Hopes for Fed rate cuts, easing inflationary pressures, renewed tariff negotiations, reduced geopolitical tensions, and optimism around a potential tax bill all played into the bullish mood.


In the bond market, yields fell notably. The 2-year Treasury yield dropped 3.3 basis points to 3.715%, while the 10-year declined 4.3 basis points to 4.234% — both hitting their lowest levels since May 1. For June, the 2-year yield fell 21 bps and was down 16 bps over the quarter. The 10-year yield matched the 21 bps monthly decline but rose 6 bps over Q2.


Equities pushed higher into fresh record territory. The NASDAQ closed up 0.47% at 20,369, securing its third straight all-time high. The S&P 500 gained 0.52% to finish above 6,200 for the first time, while the Dow Jones rose 0.63% to 44,094 — reclaiming the 44,000 level last seen in February. June delivered over 4% gains for both the Dow and S&P, with the NASDAQ soaring 6.6%. For the quarter, the NASDAQ surged 17.75%, marking its strongest performance since Q2 2020.





Volatility eased further, with the VIX inching up 0.4% to 16.73 but still well below its April 8 spike of 52.33. Meanwhile, the US dollar index (DXY) weakened to 96.802, its lowest since early 2022, slipping from an earlier high of 97.318. Gold rose 1% to $3,308.50 per ounce, while crude oil eased 0.69% to $65.07 a barrel.


Markets reacted positively to news that Canada will withdraw its proposed tax on US tech firms, prompting a resumption of trade talks. President Trump had previously halted the negotiations, calling the tax ‘a direct and blatant attack.’ Investors now speculate that easing tensions could prevent further tariff hikes.


Still, uncertainty lingers. Many of Trump’s tariffs are only temporarily suspended and are scheduled to resume on July 9. Analysts at Deutsche Bank warn that the market rebound could give the administration confidence to revive 2018–2019-style tariff escalations.


Asian Markets Mixed as Global Rally Echoes


Asian markets were mostly in the green on Tuesday, following Wall Street’s back-to-back monthly gains. However, Japan’s Nikkei 225 retreated 1.4% to 39,910.83 despite a better-than-expected Tankan survey showing improved sentiment among large manufacturers.


In China, the Shanghai Composite edged up 0.4% to 3,458.56 as manufacturing and services PMIs both reached three-month highs (49.7 and 50.5 respectively). South Korea’s KOSPI climbed 0.8% to 3,095.67, lifted by rebounding exports, particularly in semiconductors, ships, health products, and electric vehicles — although analysts remain cautious on US auto exports due to tariff headwinds.


Australia’s ASX 200 ticked up 0.1% to 8,545.10, and the Philippine PSEi rose 0.4%. Hong Kong’s markets were closed for the holiday.


In corporate news, tech and M&A headlines fueled gains:


Oracle jumped 4% after CEO Safra Catz revealed multiple multi-billion-dollar cloud deals in the pipeline. GMS soared 11.7% after agreeing to a $5.5 billion cash buyout from a Home Depot subsidiary at $110/share. Rival bidder QXO, which previously offered $95.20/share, saw its stock rise 3.9%, while Home Depot slipped 0.6%. Hewlett Packard Enterprise rose 11.1%, and Juniper Networks gained 8.4% after both companies reached a DOJ agreement that could clear the path for HPE’s $14 billion acquisition of Juniper.


Bank stocks also advanced after the Fed affirmed that major institutions could weather a potential downturn. JPMorgan rose 1%, and Citigroup added 0.9%.


In the bond space, Treasury yields fell ahead of Thursday’s critical nonfarm payrolls report, released a day early due to the July 4th holiday.


In early Tuesday trading, US crude dipped 22 cents to $64.89 a barrel, and Brent lost 21 cents to $66.53. The US dollar edged lower to 143.69 yen, and the euro strengthened slightly to $1.1778.


Gold Prices Surge on Fed Rate Cut Hopes, Dollar Weakness


Gold rallied for a second day as investors positioned for possible Fed rate cuts and trade volatility. August futures climbed 1.09% to $3,343.60 on COMEX. Spot gold was last seen at $3,322.64 in Singapore, up 0.6%.


Traders have priced in increased odds of two rate cuts in 2025. If upcoming jobs data disappoints, Treasury yields could slide further — a scenario typically favourable for gold. Bullion is now up over 25% year-to-date, trading less than $200 below its record high from April.





Trade concerns also remain in focus. The July 9 deadline for resuming suspended US tariffs is drawing closer, adding a layer of uncertainty to the outlook.


The dollar’s recent weakness — down nearly 11% in H1 2025, its worst first-half showing since 1973 — has also supported gold’s advance.


Analysts continue to see an upside for gold. ‘Despite some recent softness, gold has the clearest upside potential if the dollar continues to weaken,’ wrote Vivek Dhar of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.


Elsewhere in precious metals:


Platinum dipped after a stellar 29% rally in June, driven by supply tightness and speculative demand.
Silver and palladium both edged higher.


Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.


Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.


Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.


Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!


Click HERE to READ more Market news.


Andria Pichidi
HFMarkets


Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.