The financial market movements are becoming increasingly interesting as they respond to the ongoing global developments. Following the trade agreement between the United States and China, Moody’s lowered the credit rating of the US, resulting in heightened volatility.
Recently, there are indications that Russia and Ukraine might engage in ceasefire negotiations soon. These sentiments are expected to continue influencing market movements during the European trading session on Tuesday (May 20, 2025).
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GOLD
The downgrade of the US credit rating temporarily propelled Gold (XAUUSD) prices to reach US$3,249.72 per troy ounce, before retreating and closing the trading session on Monday at US$3,229.89 per troy ounce. In comparison to the last trading closure on Friday, Gold increased by over US$26 or 260 pips.
The increase in Gold prices reversed after US President Donald Trump announced that Russia and Ukraine would soon meet for ceasefire negotiations, potentially excluding the United States from the discussions.
As a result, Gold saw a decline today, trading at US$3,204.75 per troy ounce, and this momentum is likely to influence trading activities throughout the European session.
OIL
Oil prices (CLS10) showed volatility before closing the Monday session up by US$0.2 at US$61.13 per barrel. The diminishing prospects of a US-Iran nuclear deal have made it unlikely that sanctions on Iranian oil exports will be lifted in the near term, leading to no additional global supply. This development serves as positive sentiment for oil prices.
Moreover, the People’s Bank of China has cut its loan prime rate in an effort to stimulate economic growth, adding further positive sentiment to oil.
These sentiments are expected to continue impacting oil trading for today.
EURUSD
EURUSD surged by 746 points (74.6 pips) to 1.12374 during the previous week’s opening trades. The US dollar fell under pressure from the credit rating downgrade, resulting in the climb of EURUSD.
During the European session, the release of Germany’s producer price index (PPI) data at 1:00 PM WIB may act as a key mover for EURUSD. According to forecasts by Trading Central, April’s PPI is expected to show a -0.7% year-on-year change, down from -0.2% the prior month.
This data could generate negative sentiment for EURUSD if it comes in lower than the forecast.
GBPUSD
GBPUSD jumped by 776 points (77.6 pips) to 1.33552 at the start of last week’s trading. The ascent of GBPUSD continued today, reaching 1.33759.
The weakening dollar due to the credit rating downgrade has driven this currency pair higher. Additionally, expectations that the Bank of England will refrain from cutting interest rates in the near future have contributed positive sentiment.
These sentiments are likely to influence GBPUSD’s performance in the European trading session.
USDJPY
USDJPY fell sharply by 876 points to 144.775 during Monday’s trading session. The credit rating downgrade has continued to exert pressure on USDJPY, while recent data reflecting a slowdown in inflation growth (CPI) and PPI in the US has also fueled negative sentiments leading to last week’s drop.
Both factors might still weigh on USDJPY during the European trading session.
Nasdaq
Nasdaq recorded a gain of 112 index points, reaching 21,516 at the start of last week after briefly falling to 21,112. The US credit rating downgrade has put pressure on stock indices, including Nasdaq.
However, the potential for a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire could provide a rallying point for Nasdaq. These combined sentiments are expected to influence Nasdaq’s movements in the European trading session.
