The remarks of President Donald Trump of the United States concerning trade negotiations with the European Union have triggered significant volatility in financial markets since last Friday. This sentiment is expected to continue influencing market movements on Monday (May 26, 2025).
GOLD
Gold prices (XAUUSD) surged by more than US$63, or 630 pips, reaching approximately US$3,358 per troy ounce during trading last Friday following Trump’s threat to impose a 50% import tariff on the EU due to stalled trade negotiations. Trump even announced plans to initiate this tariff on June 1.
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However, on Sunday, Trump softened his stance, indicating he would delay the tariff increase until July 9 to allow both parties additional time to reach a trade agreement. This statement led Gold to drop back to around US$3,331 per troy ounce early this morning.
Trump’s change in approach will likely continue to impact Gold’s movements during the European trading session.
OIL
Oil prices (CLS10) rose nearly US$1 to US$61.68 per barrel last Friday and further increased to US$62.13 per barrel today. Nevertheless, the oil market is overshadowed by negative sentiment due to OPEC+’s plans to boost production starting in July.
OPEC+ is scheduled to hold a meeting this week, with expectations to raise production by 411,000 barrels per day. Attention will be focused on this meeting, which could exert negative pressure on Oil prices.
EURUSD
The EURUSD pair appreciated by 851 points (85.1 pips) during trading last Friday, reaching 1.13617. This increase indicates that the dollar is under significant pressure following Moody’s downgrade of the US credit rating.
In today’s trading, the EURUSD continued to rise to 1.14187 after Trump allowed more time for the EU to negotiate trade, providing positive sentiment for the EURUSD.
GBPUSD
A series of economic data releases from the UK indicating a relatively strong economy propelled GBPUSD up by 1.268 points (126.8 pips) to 1.35389. Today, GBPUSD climbed over 54 pips to 1.35930, marking its highest level in over three years.
While the pound sterling receives positive sentiment, the dollar is pressured due to concerns over rising US debt and fiscal deficits. This issue drew Moody’s attention when it downgraded the US credit rating.
This sentiment could further boost GBPUSD’s performance in the European trading session.
USDJPY
The USDJPY pair fell 1.377 points (137.7 pips) last Friday. This currency pair has declined in 7 out of the last 9 trading days, accumulating a total drop of over 600 pips, indicating significant stress on the US dollar.
As previously mentioned, the credit downgrade by Moody’s has put pressure on the US dollar. Additionally, Trump’s proposed tax and spending legislation risks increasing US debt and fiscal deficits, suggesting further negative sentiment for USDJPY.
Nasdaq
The Nasdaq index dropped by 262 points to 20,952 last Friday, even hitting a low of 20,727 following Trump’s threat to raise import tariffs on the European Union.
However, after Trump postponed this plan, the Nasdaq rebounded today with a surge of 380 index points to 21,332. Trump’s decision to delay the tariff increase until July 9 has provided both parties with more time to negotiate, generating a positive sentiment for the Nasdaq.
