The stock market in the United States is currently experiencing the Santa Claus Rally, a phenomenon that is significantly boosting the Nasdaq index, bringing it closer to its all-time high. This festive market period is expected to continue influencing market movements during European trading on Thursday (December 26, 2024).
GOLD
Gold prices (XAUUSD) saw a modest increase of approximately $4 to reach $2,616.75 per troy ounce during trading last Tuesday, just before the Christmas holiday. As of today, Gold has continued to rise, now priced at $2,629.16 per troy ounce.
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Recent economic data from the US released since last Friday mostly fell short of expectations, including inflation measurements based on the Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) index. This has fostered a generally positive sentiment for Gold, which typically performs well during the Santa Claus Rally.
OIL
Oil prices (CLS10) increased by $0.61 to $70.15 per barrel last Tuesday. The rise in oil prices followed reports that China is set to inject around 3 trillion yuan (approximately $411 billion) in stimulus into its economy in 2025.
This anticipated stimulus is projected to invigorate economic activity, creating potential increases in oil demand. Such positive sentiments are projected to continue influencing oil movements during today’s European trading session.
EURUSD
The EURUSD pair dipped slightly to 1.04006 during trading last Tuesday, displaying minimal volatility. In today’s trading, it recorded a gap up at 1.04098 before making a downward turn.
This movement suggests that the US dollar may face pressures today. Coupled with several US economic indicators falling below forecasts, the Santa Claus Rally period tends to reflect negative performance for the dollar.
These sentiments will continue to impact the EURUSD trading dynamics in today’s European session.
GBPUSD
GBPUSD demonstrated considerable volatility last Tuesday but ultimately stabilized at 1.25391. Like the EURUSD, this currency pair also experienced a gap up today at 1.25602.
With potential pressures on the US dollar, the outlook for GBPUSD remains positive in the European trading session.
USDJPY
USDJPY traded within a narrow range last Tuesday, ending at 157.199. This pair is hovering near a five-month high, and given the generally negative US dollar performance during the Santa Claus Rally, there’s potential for profit-taking actions in today’s European trading.
Nasdaq
The Santa Claus Rally that commenced last Tuesday propelled the Nasdaq by 309 points to 22,046. Today, Nasdaq surged further to 22,110, approaching its all-time high of 22,151 set on December 16.
In addition to the Santa Claus Rally, favorable sentiments for Nasdaq are fueled by the release of US PCE inflation data that fell below expectations, leading market participants to speculate that the Federal Reserve might consider more than two interest rate cuts next year.
These combined factors will continue to influence Nasdaq’s trading activity during Thursday’s European session.
