David Scutt

NZD/USD has been as flightless as its namesake in 2024, but with a hawkish Fed rate cut expected and signs of life at home, could the Kiwi finally be ready to spread its wings?

USD/JPY breaks higher as surging US yields keep the yen under pressure. Nikkei 225 traders are taking note, pushing futures towards the top of the recent range before the Fed and BoJ rate decisions – is a bullish breakout on the menu?

Two central banks, one decisive week for USD/JPY. As the Fed and BoJ set policy hours apart, the pair’s 2025 trajectory hangs in the balance.

Temporarily shifting from China proxies, AUD/USD and NZD/USD are now dancing to the tune of rate differentials. With the Fed set to update its economic projections next week, traders are eyeing a potential hawkish twist that could amplify Antipodean anguish. Will its rate signals intensify the USD’s dominance, or offer a lifeline to the Aussie and Kiwi?

Another strong Australian jobs report has cast doubt on the need for the RBA to reduce rates in early 2025, with evidence mounting that unemployment has peaked. Traders price more than three rate cuts over the next year, but any signs of returning inflationary pressures could spark upside for bond yields and AUD.

Gold is testing critical resistance, silver continues to climb after breaking its downtrend, and bitcoin consolidates before another potential surge. With technical and momentum signals aligning, could the stage be set for a decisive breakout across these assets?