News

Market Quick Take - 28 March 2025

Posted on: Mar 29 2025

Market Quick Take - 28 March 2025

Market drivers and catalysts

  • Equities: US auto tariffs weigh; GM and Ford plunge; Tesla resilient; European autos hit; Asian markets cautious ahead of China PMI
  • Volatility: VIX rises; tariffs spark anxiety; implied volatility elevated; PCE inflation in focus
  • Digital Assets: Bitcoin retreats to $85K; altcoins sharply lower; BTC options expiry critical today; trade tensions dampen risk appetite
  • Currencies: USD weakened on auto tariffs and mixed data
  • Fixed Income: 10-year Treasury yields reverse lower after hitting one-month high
  • Commodities: Gold surged to a record high on trade war worries and momentum
  • Macro events: US PCE Price Index, U. of Michigan Sentiment

The Saxo Quick Take is a short, distilled opinion on financial markets with references to key news and events.

Macro data and headlines

  • US Q4 GDP (QoQ) was revised higher to 2.4%, above the estimated 2.3% while core PCE prices came in slightly below expected at 2.6% vs 2.7% est.
  • US Initial jobless claims remained stable at 224k, with the 4-week average dipping to 224k. Despite storms, claims stayed low, but Pantheon Macroeconomics predicts an increase due to hiring and firing trends. Continuing claims fell to 1.856 million, suggesting a potential unemployment rate drop to 4.0%.
  • The cost of living in Tokyo rose more than anticipated from the previous month, keeping the Bank of Japan on track for further interest rate hikes. Consumer prices excluding fresh food rose 2.4% in March, while the overall level of inflation picked up to 2.9% from February’s 2.8%.
  • Investors and traders are cutting back risk ahead of President Donald Trump’s plan to announce so-called ‘reciprocal tariffs’ on April 2, after slapping levies on imports of all automobiles into the country, pondering how the moves will impact inflation and growth in the US economy.

Macro calendar highlights (times in GMT)

0700 – UK Jan Trade Balance & Feb Retail Sales 1000 – Eurozone March Consumer Confidence 1230 – US Feb Personal Income and Spending 1230 – US Feb PCE Price Index 1400 – U. of Michigan Sentiment

Fed Speakers: Barr (1615) & Bostic (1945)

Earnings events

  • Next week: Constellation Brands, Conagra Brands, Lamb Weston Holdings

For all macro, earnings, and dividend events check Saxo’s calendar.

Equities

  • US: US stocks closed lower on Thursday after President Trump’s new 25% tariffs on imported autos reignited trade war concerns. The S&P 500 (-0.33%), Dow (-0.37%), and Nasdaq (-0.53%) all retreated amid broad losses led by automakers; General Motors (-7.3%) and Ford (-3.9%) slumped, while Tesla (+0.4%) edged higher benefiting from domestic production. Economic data provided mixed signals, with revised Q4 GDP growth slightly better at 2.4% and initial jobless claims stable, but a larger-than-expected trade deficit adding uncertainty. Futures point slightly lower today as investors await critical PCE inflation data.
  • Europe: European markets dropped Thursday following Trump's auto tariffs announcement, significantly impacting auto stocks. The DAX (-0.7%) closed at its lowest since mid-March, pressured by declines in Mercedes-Benz (-2.7%), BMW (-2.6%), Volkswagen (-1.5%), and Stellantis (-4.6%). Broader European indices also slid, with STOXX 600 (-0.4%) and CAC 40 (-0.5%) affected by trade tensions and potential reciprocal tariffs. Sector-wise, miners and automotive were weakest, while retail saw gains led by Next Plc after positive earnings guidance. Markets remain wary of additional tariff developments expected next week.
  • Asia: Asian stocks mostly fell Friday, extending losses amid escalating US trade tensions. Japan's Nikkei slumped over 2%, pressured by hotter-than-expected inflation prompting bets on a potential BOJ rate hike. Automakers Toyota and Honda (-5% each) led declines due to tariff concerns. South Korea's KOSPI fell 1.7%, hit by tech and auto sector weakness, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (-0.9%) retreated on trade worries despite bullish outlook upgrades from Morgan Stanley. China's CSI300 (-0.6%) and Shanghai Composite (-0.7%) also weakened. Investors remain cautious ahead of China's PMI data release.

Volatility

Volatility is rising, with the VIX index closing at 18.69 (+1.96%), reflecting heightened anxiety around new auto tariffs and uncertainty over upcoming reciprocal tariffs starting April 2. Short-term volatility indicators, including VIX1D (+6.09%), signal ongoing market caution. Implied volatility remains elevated, with major indices' IV ranks around 50%, indicating persistent risk sentiment. Markets today focus closely on the US PCE inflation report for further directional cues.

Digital Assets

Bitcoin and altcoins declined Friday amid escalating trade tensions and risk-off sentiment triggered by Trump's auto tariffs. Bitcoin fell 1.8% to $85,690, while Ethereum dropped sharply by 4.4% to $1,916. XRP and Solana also fell more than 3%. Crypto stocks mirrored the downturn, with Coinbase (-2.8%) and Marathon Digital (-1.1%) under pressure. Investors await the $16.5 billion Bitcoin options expiry today, which could significantly influence market direction, especially as bulls aim for prices above the critical $90,000 level.

Fixed Income

  • US 10-year Treasury yields rose to a one-month high on Thursday as the market braced for the impact of tariffs on inflation and growth, only to revert lower after finding buyers around 4.4%. With the 2-year tenor holding steady around 4%, the 2s10s spread has flattened by four basis points to 34. Ahead of next week’s tariff announcements, traders will be focusing on today’s US core PCE, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge as well as sentiment data from the University of Michigan.

Commodities

  • The Bloomberg Commodity Index is heading for a small weekly gain of 0.3%, taking the year-to-date to +8%, with a surging precious metal sector (+3.3%) and, to a lesser extent, energy offsetting broad losses across the agricultural sector as well as industrial metals. On an individual basis, the top performers are silver (+6%), gold (+2.2%), WTI and Brent crude oil (+2.2%), and gasoline (+2.6%).
  • Gold trades at a fresh record high above USD 3,080, supported by momentum and continued demand from investors seeking protection against an economic fallout from an escalating trade war. Silver, meanwhile, trades higher after clearing the $34 resistance hurdle and is currently the best-performing commodity this week, while rangebound platinum’s discount to gold continues to widen, hitting a record USD 2,100.
  • Oil is heading for a third weekly increase, with a potential economic fallout from the trade war being offset by sanctions threatening supply from Iran and Venezuela. In addition, the US has significantly increased its military presence in the Middle East, moving several B-2 stealth bombers to Diego Garcia.
  • Copper prices have finally rolled over, with losses seen in both New York and London as the arbitrage window between the two futures exchanges is closing amid speculation the US administration aims to introduce tariffs within weeks.

Currencies

  • The USD trades nearly unchanged on the week with gains against the JPY on widening yield differentials, MXN and EUR being offset by losses against AUD, CAD and GBP. On Thursday, it weakened after President Trump confirmed auto tariffs starting April 2nd. Mixed economic data showed upward revisions for Q4 GDP and sales, but downward revisions for core PCE prices, GDP deflator, and consumer spending. Focus shifts to monthly Core PCE data.
  • EUR strengthened, briefly reaching the 1.08 level against the softer USD. Tariffs were the focus, with an EU Commission spokesperson stating that the EU is preparing a timely, robust, and well-calibrated response to new import tariffs, though no timeline is provided.
  • GBP gained as the UK is perceived to be less affected by tariffs, although GBPUSD faced resistance near the 1.30 level.
  • USDJPY briefly rose above 151 with the JPY weakening amid a widening yield spread to the US Treasuries, only to edge higher following stronger-than-expected Tokyo CPI data, which likely keeps the Bank of Japan on track for further interest rate hikes
For a global look at markets – go to Inspiration.
Saxo Strategy Team
Saxo Bank
Topics: Macro Advanced orders Europe Employment United States United Kingdom European Union (EU) XAUUSD USD EURUSD USDJPY Energy (Sector) Technology S P 500 index Quick Take Weekly Newsletter
Trump revoking legal status of more than half a million migrants: US labor mkt implication

Posted on: Mar 23 2025

This news has been in the works, but the announcement has been made - Trump's administration will revoke the temporary legal status of more than half a million migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela:

  • these migrants have been warned to leave the country before their permits and deportation shield are cancelled on 24 April

More here.

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This is something to watch with respect to the US labour market:

  • many of these migrants have been legally working in the US under the humanitarian parole program
  • the revocation is likely to lead to some short-term disruption (shortages) in the labor market, particularly in industries that heavily rely on immigrant labor, such as agriculture, construction, hospitality, and healthcare
  • its likely to lead therefore to higher wage costs (higher wages) if basic supply and demand economics holds

There will be flow-on effects such as lower payments made into Social Security and Medicare also.

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Market participants, including the Federal Reserve, will be keeping an eye on the higher costs and other economic impacts. At the margin the impact is likely to be the Fed holding rates for longer, they keep telling us they are trying to assess economic developments as policies flip and flop (tariffs on and off and on and off and so on). If you are a trader it'll pay to keep an eye on developments also.

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The latest from the FOMC:

  • Forexlive Americas FX news wrap 19 Mar: Fed keeps rates unchanged. See two cuts in 2025

IKR?

This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.
Can a reversal pattern send down Brent prices?

Posted on: Mar 21 2025

Brent prices are strengthening, currently standing at 70.99 USD. Discover more in our analysis for 20 March 2025.

Brent forecast: key trading points

  • US gasoline and distillate inventories fell to their lowest levels since early 2025
  • The Head and Shoulders pattern on the Brent chart indicates a potential price decline
  • Brent forecast for 20 March 2025: 66.65

Fundamental analysis

Brent prices continue to rise for the second consecutive trading session. However, buyers cannot surpass the key resistance level at 71.00 USD yet. Brent quotes are supported by US inventory data and escalating tensions in the Middle East, fuelling concerns about possible oil supply disruptions.

Wednesday’s data showed a sharp decline in distillate and gasoline stocks to their lowest levels since early 2025 despite an increase in crude oil inventories. Gasoline stocks decreased by 527 thousand barrels, with distillate inventories down by 2.80 million barrels. At the same time, commercial crude oil reserves in the US rose by 1.75 million barrels last week.

Investors currently continue to assess the prospects for US economic growth. The Federal Reserve reiterated its forecast for two benchmark interest rate cuts this year, which supports the oil market, according to the Brent price forecast.

Brent technical analysis

Brent prices are consolidating in a descending channel, remaining under pressure from sellers. The Brent forecast for 20 March 2025 expects a breakout below the 69.65 USD support level, followed by a decline to 66.65 USD. Technical indicators confirm the bearish scenario, with the price remaining below the Moving Averages and the Stochastic Oscillator approaching the overbought area, indicating a high probability of a downward momentum. In addition, a Head and Shoulders pattern is forming on the chart, which increases the risk of a further drop in oil prices.

Summary

Brent price growth is limited by the 71.00 USD resistance level, despite support from the decline in US fuel inventories and expectations of Fed monetary policy easing. The Brent analysis for today indicates that a Head and Shoulders pattern is forming, which, combined with technical indicators, increases the likelihood of a decline to 66.65 USD.

Market is in suspense: where will Brent head after the API report?

Posted on: Mar 19 2025

In anticipation of the API report, Brent prices are rising and could reach the 72.25 USD level. Discover more in our analysis for 18 March 2025.

Brent forecast: key trading points

  • Brent crude oil prices are on the rise
  • Weekly US crude oil inventories from the American Petroleum Institute (API): previously at 4.247 million barrels
  • Brent forecast for 18 March 2025: 70.00 and 72.25

Fundamental analysis

Fundamental Brent analysis for today, 18 March 2025, takes into account that oil prices continue their upward momentum.

Today, 18 March 2025, Brent prices are slightly rising amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and China’s stimulus measures. Brent futures were up 17 cents (0.2%), reaching 71.24 USD per barrel. The US Department of Energy revised its previous forecast, expecting Brent prices to average at 74.22 USD per barrel in 2025.

Despite the current price increase, long-term forecasts take into account a possible decline in Brent prices due to global economic factors.

According to the API, weekly US crude oil inventories rose significantly in the previous reporting period. The Brent analysis for today takes into account that following the data release, the quotes could maintain their upward trajectory and head towards 72.25 USD.

Brent technical analysis

Having tested the lower Bollinger band, Brent prices formed a Gravestone Doji reversal pattern on the H4 chart. At this stage, they continue their upward movement following the pattern signal. Since the quotes are moving within an ascending channel, they could rise to the resistance level.

The Brent forecast for 18 March 2025 suggests that an upside target could be the next resistance level at 72.25 USD. A breakout above this level could pave the way for a more substantial upward movement.

However, an alternative scenario is possible, where Brent quotes may plunge to the 70.00 support level before growth.

Summary

Along with today’s Brent technical analysis, the global geopolitical environment and China’s stimulus measures suggest that Brent prices could rise further to 72.25 USD.

CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. stock forecast: conservative expectations for 2026 weigh on the stock

Posted on: Mar 18 2025

CrowdStrike reported robust Q4 fiscal 2025 results, surpassing analysts’ forecasts. However, a cautious outlook for 2026 has unsettled investors. As a result, CrowdStrike’s stock price dropped by over 6% following the earnings release.

This article examines CrowdStrike Holdings and its business model, providing a fundamental analysis of CrowdStrike’s report and a technical analysis of CrowdStrike Holdings’ stock based on its current performance. This analysis forms the foundation for the CRWD stock forecast for 2025.

About CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc.

CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc., founded in 2011, is a US-based cybersecurity company. It is known for providing cloud-based solutions that protect against cyberattacks, information security threats, and e-commerce fraud.

On 12 June 2019, CrowdStrike went public on the NASDAQ exchange under the CRWD ticker symbol. Its share price surged by 70% on the first day of trading, closing at 58 USD.

The company’s flagship product is the CrowdStrike Falcon platform. This cloud-based cybersecurity solution uses artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and big data analytics to detect, neutralise, and prevent cyber threats in real time.

Key business segments of CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc.

CrowdStrike Holdings’ key lines of business include:

  • Endpoint security: CrowdStrike Falcon provides security for electronic devices, including computers, servers, and mobile devices. It helps detect and prevent unauthorised intrusions such as viruses, ransomware, and other malicious software
  • Incident management and response: the company provides services for the rapid response to security incidents and detailed investigations of cyberattacks. This enables organisations to address the consequences of data breaches or system compromises
  • Threat intelligence: CrowdStrike provides information analytics and cyber threat data, helping organisations better understand attack sources, trends, and existing vulnerabilities
  • Cloud protection: the company’s solutions protect data and infrastructure in the cloud, including services such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud

CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc.’s main revenue streams

The main revenues reported by CrowdStrike include:

  • Software as a service (SaaS) subscriptions: CrowdStrike’s primary revenue stream comes from subscriptions to the CrowdStrike Falcon platform. This allows clients to flexibly use its cloud-based solutions, paying for access based on the number of protected devices or other parameters
  • Professional services: the company also earns from consulting, incident management, and security system audits

CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. Q2 FY 2025 report

CrowdStrike Holdings delivered strong results for Q2 fiscal 2025. Below are the key figures compared to the same period last year:

  • Revenue: 963.90 million USD (+32%)
  • Net income: 260.76 million USD (+44%)
  • Earnings per share: 1.04 USD (+40%)
  • Gross margin: 75.37% (+133 basis points)
  • Subscription revenue: 918.30 million USD (+33%)
  • Professional services revenue: 45.60 million USD (+10%)

Compared to the previous year, the company demonstrated solid growth in revenue, profitability, and subscription revenue, confirming the strong demand for CrowdStrike’s cybersecurity solutions. Clients’ subscriptions to the company’s services remain its primary revenue stream.

Following the software incident, CrowdStrike’s management revised its 2024 revenue forecast downwards. Annual revenue was projected to range between 3.89 and 3.90 billion USD, lower than the previous forecast of 3.97-4.00 billion USD. Adjusted EPS was expected to be between 3.61 and 3.65 USD, down from the prior estimate of 3.88 USD. The company’s management explained the downward revision due to a potential negative impact from the payment of 60 million USD in compensation to clients related to the outage.

CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. Q3 FY 2025 report

On 26 November 2024, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. released its report for Q3 of fiscal 2025, which ended on 31.10.2024. Below is a summary of the report’s key data:

  • Revenue: 1.01 billion USD (+29%)
  • Net income: 234.25 million USD (+18)
  • Earnings per share: 0.93 USD (+13)
  • Gross margin: 75.24% (+63 basis points)
  • Subscription revenue: 962.73 million USD (+31%)
  • Professional services revenue: 47.44 million USD (-9%)

In the Q3 FY 2025 report, CrowdStrike’s management highlighted strong growth in key financial indicators. It is worth noting that the incident, caused by a faulty software update that affected Microsoft Windows systems worldwide and led to significant failures, did not have a critical impact on the company’s revenue or income.

Given the increased demand for cybersecurity solutions, management remains confident in CrowdStrike’s long-term growth trajectory. The revenue forecast for Q4 FY 2025 has been raised to 1.02-1.03 billion USD, with income expected to be between 210.90 and 215.80 million USD.

CEO George Kurtz reiterated that the company is focused on AI-based cybersecurity innovations and expanding its product portfolio. It was expected to continue actively attracting and retaining clients through the development of cloud security and personal data protection.

CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. Q4 FY 2025 report

On 4 March, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. released its report for Q4 fiscal 2025, which ended on 31.01.2025. Below are its key highlights:

  • Revenue: 1.06 billion USD (+25%)
  • Net income: 260.95 million USD (+10%)
  • Earnings per share: 1.03 USD (+8%)
  • Gross margin: 78.00% (unchanged)
  • Subscription revenue: 1.00 billion USD (+26%)
  • Professional services revenue: 50.22 million USD (+2%)

In comments on the report, CEO George Kurtz highlighted a 23% growth in annual recurring revenue (ARR) to 4.24 billion USD, including a record 223.90 million USD of new net ARR. Kurtz said, “CrowdStrike had a great Q4, ending an amazing year.” He emphasised that the introduction of AI in cybersecurity is becoming critical, with leak prevention requiring a platform initially built on such technologies.

CFO Burt Podbere underscored the company’s stability, reporting a 31% growth in subscription revenue per year, an operating cash flow of 1.38 billion USD, and a free cash flow of 1.07 billion USD. He said, “These results underscore our operating discipline and position us well to offer quality services to clients and shareholders.”

CrowdStrike expects significant growth in the fiscal year 2026, driven by demand for the Falcon platform and increased market opportunities. In Q1 FY 2026, which ends on 30 April 2025, revenue is projected to grow by 25% to 1.05 billion USD. Operating profit is expected to range between 252.80 million USD and 258.10 million USD, with diluted EPS between 0.98 USD and 0.99 USD. For the full fiscal year, revenue growth may reach 23-24%, ranging between 4.63 billion USD and 4.67 billion USD, and operating profit is projected to be between 1.09 billion USD and 1.13 billion USD, with EPS between 4.27 USD and 4.40 USD.

Expert forecasts for CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. stock for 2025

  • Barchart: 32 out of 45 analysts rated CrowdStrike Holdings stock as Strong Buy, three as Moderate Buy, nine as Hold, and seven as Strong Sell, with a high target of 475 USD and a low target of 185 USD
  • MarketBeat: 32 out of 44 specialists assigned a Buy rating to the shares, while 11 gave a Hold recommendation, and one rated it Sell, with a high target of 475 USD and a low target of 275 USD
  • TipRanks: 30 out of 34 professionals recommended the stock as a Buy, while four gave a Hold rating, with a high target of 475 USD
  • Stock Analysis: 15 out of 46 experts rated the stock as a Strong Buy, 21 as a Buy, nine as a Hold, and one rated it as a Strong Sell, with a high target of 475 USD and a low target of 275 USD

CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. stock price forecast for 2025

CrowdStrike Holdings stock is trading within an ascending channel on the weekly timeframe. In February 2025, the price rebounded from its upper boundary and moved downwards. This movement can be seen as a correction within the uptrend. Based on CrowdStrike Holdings’ stock performance, the potential price movements in 2025 are as follows:

The primary forecast for CrowdStrike Holdings stock suggests that the price will test the resistance level at 376 USD, rebound from it, and then fall towards the trendline at 250 USD, the support level.

The alternative forecast for CrowdStrike Holdings shares predicts a breakout above the 376 USD resistance level, after which the stock price could rise to the upper boundary of the channel at 475 USD.

CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. stock analysis and forecast for 2025

Risks of investing in CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc.

Investing in CrowdStrike Holdings shares carries certain risks, including the ones listed below:

  • Competition in the cybersecurity market: the cybersecurity sector is competitive, with players such as Palo Alto Networks and Zscaler offering similar solutions. If competitors implement innovations at a greater pace, offer lower prices, or combine services more effectively, CrowdStrike could lose market share, which could affect its share price
  • Software failures and customer attrition: a system outage in July 2025 could prompt some clients to shift to competitors or postpone contract renewals. If trust is not fully restored, the Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) – a key metric for CrowdStrike – could stagnate or decline as subscriptions expire
  • Macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty: an economic downturn or budget cuts for businesses could reduce spending on cybersecurity, even if it is considered a critical need. Additionally, geopolitical issues, such as trade restrictions or sanctions affecting CrowdStrike’s international operations, may slow growth in key markets
  • Post-acquisition integration problems: CrowdStrike is actively growing through acquisitions. If integration efforts fail, revenue growth may stall as resources are redirected to resolve these issues
  • Market saturation: as cybersecurity becomes necessary for many businesses, the total addressable market could shrink in the event of market saturation. If CrowdStrike cannot innovate or enter new segments, revenue growth could slow

Summary

The Q4 FY 2025 report shows steady growth across key financial metrics. However, despite these successes, the company’s projected income fell short of analysts’ expectations, suggesting potential challenges in maintaining current growth rates.

CrowdStrike’s future growth depends on accelerating the adoption of AI technologies, which will enhance the efficiency of cybersecurity solutions and meet rising demand. Expanding and strengthening cloud-based solutions will provide the company with an added competitive advantage amid the increasing need for cloud security. Improving customer retention programs, particularly in response to recent service failures, will also be key to boosting loyalty and reducing churn.

Focusing on these areas could help CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. reinforce its market position and sustain growth in the dynamic cybersecurity sector.