The financial markets experienced significant volatility on Thursday after the Christmas holiday. The US dollar strengthened again following the release of lower-than-expected unemployment claims data, which is likely to influence market movements on Friday (December 27, 2024).
金子
The price of Gold (XAUUSD) surged by $16.26 or 162.6 pips, reaching $2,633.01 per troy ounce in Thursday’s trading, despite the resilience of the US dollar.
The escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine has heightened demand for safe-haven assets, contributing to the increase in Gold prices. Reports indicated that Russia launched strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure on Christmas Day. In response, US President Joe Biden urged the Department of Defense to expedite the supply of arms to Ukraine.
This sentiment is expected to continue affecting Gold’s price movements during the European trading session.
油
The price of Oil (CLS10) fell by $0.51 to $69.94 per barrel on Thursday. Prior to this drop, Oil had enjoyed three consecutive days of gains before profit-taking activity led to its decline.
Given the lower trading volumes typical of the year-end period, Oil is susceptible to significant volatility. Nevertheless, Oil benefited from positive sentiment stemming from China’s stimulus strategies aimed at boosting its economy.
欧元/美元
The EURUSD pair recorded an increase of 221 points (22.1 pips) to 1.04227 on Thursday after dipping to 1.03903 earlier. However, on Friday afternoon, EURUSD retreated to 1.04079.
This movement illustrates the US dollar’s resurgence following the release of unemployment claims data, which indicated 219,000 claims for the week ending December 21, surpassing the previous week’s 220,000 and the Trading Central forecast of 223,000.
Such sentiment may continue to pressure EURUSD in the European trading session.
英镑美元
The GBPUSD pair experienced significant volatility on Thursday, concluding the trading session at 1.25239. Compared to Tuesday’s close, GBPUSD fell by 152 points (15.2 pips).
Additionally, GBPUSD is nearing a seven-month low as the strengthened US dollar influences the market following the unemployment claims data, suggesting that GBPUSD may remain under pressure in the European trading session.
美元日元
USDJPY rose by 812 points (81.2 pips) to 158.011 during Thursday’s trading, reaching its highest level since July 17. This increase signals the strength of the US dollar.
However, by midday, USDJPY reversed course to 157.508. Mixed data released from Japan this morning included a year-on-year retail sales increase of 2.8% in November, which prompted the yen to recover and triggered profit-taking in USDJPY.
This sentiment is likely to impact USDJPY’s movements in the European trading session.
纳斯达克
Profit-taking hit the Nasdaq on Thursday as it approached the all-time high of 22,151 reached on December 16. The Nasdaq closed Thursday at 21,982, down by 64 index points.
US stock markets are currently in a Santa Claus Rally phase, implying that sentiment around the Nasdaq will remain positive. Consequently, should a decline occur, market participants are expected to view it as a buying opportunity.
