Markets Wait for Geopolitics and NFP (04.02.2026)
Markets remained cautious as investors awaited key geopolitical updates and U.S. labor data.
The
dollar index moved back toward the
100 level on Thursday, reversing a two-day decline as uncertainty intensified following Trump’s remarks on the Iran conflict.
The yield on the
US 10-year Treasury note rose to
4.37% as hopes for a swift resolution to the conflict faded.
Japan’s 10-year government bond yield advanced to
2.38%, marking a record high and ending a three-day decline.
EUR/USD Holds Near 1.1600
EUR/USD stabilized around 1.1590 early Thursday as traders turned cautious before Donald Trump’s address on the Iran conflict. Despite this uncertainty, the euro found firm support as markets increasingly price in potential ECB rate hikes for 2026. This shifting monetary outlook is helping the currency maintain its footing against the dollar ahead of key geopolitical updates.
For EUR/USD, the initial resistance is seen at 1.1630, while the closest support is positioned at 1.1530.
USD/JPY Volatility Near 159.00
USD/JPY stabilized around 159.00 as conflicting market forces balanced the pair. While ceasefire optimism in the Middle East dampened dollar demand, persistent intervention warnings from Tokyo provided a floor for the yen.
Domestically, Japan’s Tankan survey hit a four year high of 17, showing manufacturer resilience despite high energy costs. The US ISM Prices Paid index surged to 78.3, signaling intense inflationary pressure while the Federal Reserve held rates at 3.50% to 3.75%.
Investors now await Donald Trump’s address on the Iran conflict and US jobless claims for further direction.
Technically, resistance stands near 159.30, while support is firm at 158.00.
Gold Retreats Near $4,690
Gold slipped toward $4,690 per ounce on Thursday, ending a four day rally as the US dollar regained momentum. While Donald Trump suggested that primary objectives in Iran are nearly met, his warning of potentially intensified military operations over the next three weeks reignited safe-haven demand for the dollar.
This dollar strength, coupled with rising oil prices and heightened inflation concerns, has pressured the non-yielding metal as markets anticipate a more restrictive monetary policy environment.
First resistance is seen at $4900, with initial support near $4640.
GBP/USD Reclaims 1.3300 Level
GBP/USD staged a recovery from its March lows, rebounding past 1.3300 on Wednesday to snap a nearly two week losing streak. Despite this bounce, traders remain cautious ahead of Donald Trump’s address and the Good Friday Nonfarm Payrolls report. BoE Governor Andrew Bailey has tempered market optimism, warning that expectations for near term rate hikes may be premature.
Meanwhile, the US ISM Prices Paid index hit a four year high of 78.3, fueling fears of a stagflationary environment. Since major markets are closed Friday, the employment data will likely trigger a volatile opening on Monday.
From a technical view, support stands near 1.3230, with resistance around 1.3380.
Silver Falls on Dollar Strength
Silver fell over 3% to approximately $72 per ounce on Thursday as the US dollar surged following Donald Trump’s primetime address. The President avoided a definitive timeline for ending the Middle East conflict, noting that while strategic goals in Iran are nearly met, military operations might intensify over the next three weeks.
This rhetoric supported the dollar’s safe-haven appeal, putting significant downward pressure on precious metals as investors pivoted back toward the dollar.
From a technical view, resistance stands near $78.2 while support is located around $71.10.
NASDAQ 100
The US 100 Tech Index rose to 23,724, gaining 1.18% fromthe prior session. Over the past four weeks, the indexadvanced 4.03%, with annual performance still up28.09%.
Forecast models suggest a potential move toward 22,439by the end of the quarter, with downside risk extending to20,479 over the longer horizon if borrowing costs remainrestrictive.
Nasdaq’s resistance is seen at 24.250, with initial support near 23.650.
BRENT CRUDE OIL
Brent crude advanced more than 3%, moving back above$100 per barrel and reversing a two-day decline. Updatedstatements from Washington suggested that militaryobjectives could be reached within weeks, whileacknowledging that diplomatic channels remain active.
The combination of operational risk and uncertaininfrastructure stability has kept supply concerns in place,supporting prices.
Brent’s resistance is seen at 102.80, with initial support near 97.30.
USDCNH
The offshore yuan slipped to around 6.88 per dollar,ending a three-day recovery as the US dollarstrengthened on persistent uncertainty surrounding theMiddle East conflict. Reduced expectations for FederalReserve rate cuts, combined with firm energy prices,continue to support the dollar.
Officials signaled that operations in Iran may reach keymilestones soon, but left open the possibility of furtherescalation if conditions change.
USD/CNH is testing resistance at 6.8930, with support positioned near 6.8640.