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Forexlive Americas FX news wrap 4 Apr; Better US jobs don't help markets. Stocks tumble

Posted on: Apr 05 2025

  • Major US indices are closing sharply to the downside with declines near by 5.5% – 6%
  • Crude oil settles at $61.99
  • Geopolitics: Russia military strikes energy facility in Kherson on Friday
  • EU Trade commissioner Sepcovic: US tariffs are damaging and unjustified
  • UK offered to cut tariffs on beef and fish.
  • Trump: Will sign executive order to keep TikTok open for 75 more days
  • WH CEA Chair Miran: Tax cuts and deregulation ahead
  • Washington Post: Trump chose the formula for the tariffs
  • Vietnam's general secretary: Vietnam ready to cut tariff to 0
  • Powell Q&A: People are still experiencing a high price level
  • Powell: Larger tariffs risk higher inflation and slower growth. Will wait for clarity
  • Trump says it would be a perfect time for Powell to cut rates
  • Trump indicates he is in deal mode after call with Vietnam
  • Trump: China played it wrong, they panicked -- the one thing they cannot afford to do
  • Trump writes that "my policies will never change"
  • Canada March employment change -32.6K versus 10.0K estimate
  • US March non-farm payrolls +228K vs +135K expected
  • ForexLive European FX news wrap: China counter-tariffs amplify market rout
  • Risk-off flows intensify ahead of US trading

The March 2025 U.S. jobs report delivered a strong upside surprise with non-farm payrolls rising by 228K, well above the 135K expected, and supported by a +2K net revision to previous months. The unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2%, slightly higher than forecast, though the participation rate improved to 62.5%, suggesting more workers re-entered the labor force. Wage growth held steady, with average hourly earnings rising 0.3% m/m and 3.8% y/y, slightly softer than last month. Private sector hiring was solid at +209K, while full-time jobs rebounded strongly by +459K after a massive drop last month. The leisure and hospitality sector led gains with +43K jobs, bouncing back from a weather-suppressed February. Despite the upbeat data, markets are showing a disconnect, as the U.S. dollar ticked modestly higher, while rate markets still price in over 5 Fed cuts this year—highlighting ongoing tension between labor market strength and inflationary concerns.

Details of the report showed.

  • Non-farm payrolls: +228K vs. +135K expected (Prior revised to +117K from +151K)

  • Two-month net revision: +2K

  • Unemployment rate: 4.2% vs. 4.1% expected (Unrounded: 4.1519% vs. 4.1396% prior)

  • Participation rate: 62.5% vs. 62.4% prior

  • U6 underemployment rate: 7.9% vs. 8.0% prior

  • Average hourly earnings (m/m): +0.3% (in line)

  • Average hourly earnings (y/y): +3.8% vs. +3.9% expected (prior +4.0%)

  • Average weekly hours: 34.2 vs. 34.1 prior

  • Private payrolls: +209K vs. +140K expected

  • Manufacturing payrolls: +1K vs. +4K expected (prior revised to +8K)

  • Government jobs: +19K vs. +11K prior

  • Household survey: +201K vs. -588K prior

  • Full-time jobs: +459K vs. -1.193M prior

  • Leisure & hospitality: +43K vs. -17K prior

Prior to the US jobs report, China notes reciprocal tariffs against the US. That sent the AUD and the NZD lower. They were the weakest of the major currencies today versus the US dollar (the US dollar rose by 3%and 2% respectively). The dollar gain the most versus the JPY and the CHF.

The US dollar is closing the week mixed versus the major currencies. The USD was higher vs the GBP, AUD and NZD, but was lower vs the EUR, JPY, CHF and the CAD.

Below is a graphical look at the percentage changes versus the greenback for the major currencies.

In the US debt market yields were sharply lower earlier today ahead of the US jobs report, but rebounded higher after the better-than-expected data.

The levels going into the close are showing:

  • 2- year yield 3.678%, -4.6 basis points. The low yield for the day reached 3.467%
  • 5-year yield 3.727%, -3.1 basis points. The low yield for the day reached 3.526%.
  • 10 year yield 4.013%, -4.2 basis points. The low yield for the day reached 3.860%
  • 30 year yield 4.426%, -5.7 basis points. The low yield for the day reached 4.331%.

Even though yields are well off their lows for the day, the current changes for the week are still down 22 to 26 basis points across the yield curve. Below is the high basis point change, the low basis point change and the current basis point change.

US stocks fell sharply for the second consecutive day.

The final numbers are showing:

  • Dow industrial average -2231.07 points or -5.5% or 38314.86
  • S&P index -322.44 points or -5.97% at 5074.05..
  • NASDAQ index -962.82 points or -5.82% and 15587.79.
  • Russell 2000-83.51 points or -4.37% and 1827.03

The trading week for each of the major indices was the worst going back to the 2020 pandemic

  • Dow industrial average fell -7.86%.
  • S&P index for -9.08%
  • NASDAQ index fell 10.02%
  • Russell 2000-9.70%

Oil prices also moved sharply lower this week. For the trading week, the price of crude oil fell -12.19%. That is its worst week since a 12.72% decline during the week of March 13, 2023.

The price of crude oil fell on the back of the tariff news and expectations of slower global growth. In addition, ​the OPEC+ alliance, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, announced a larger-than-expected increase in oil production. Starting in May 2025, the group will boost output by 411,000 barrels per day (bpd), effectively implementing three months' worth of planned increases in a single month.

The price of WTI crude oil is settling at $61.99 down $4.96 or 7.40%.

This article was written by Greg Michalowski at www.forexlive.com.
USDCAD: US business activity on the brink – what lies ahead for the market

Posted on: Apr 01 2025

Weakened business activity in Chicago and Dallas could trigger a fall in the USDCAD rate to 1.4260 following a correction. Discover more in our analysis for 31 March 2025.

USDCAD forecast: key trading points

  • Chicago PMI: previously at 45.5, projected at 45.5
  • Dallas Fed Manufacturing Index: previously at -8.3, projected at -1.7
  • USDCAD forecast for 31 March 2025: 1.4360 and 1.4260

Fundamental analysis

The Chicago PMI is an economic indicator that measures the level of business activity in Chicago’s manufacturing and service sectors. It is calculated by ISM-Chicago based on surveys of purchasing managers.

A reading above 50.0 indicates that the economy of the region is expanding, while a reading below 50.0 signals contraction. As a major industrial and logistical hub, Chicago’s performance often reflects broader US economic trends.

The USDCAD forecast for today suggests the Chicago PMI may remain flat at 45.5. If the actual figure matches or falls below that level, it may put pressure on the US dollar and weigh on the USDCAD pair.

The Dallas Fed Manufacturing Index gauges the performance of Texas’s manufacturing sector. It is calculated by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas based on surveys of local manufacturers.

A reading above zero indicates growth, while the one below zero signals a downturn. This index is important as Texas is a key industrial state closely tied to the oil, gas, engineering, and tech industries.

The indicator is used to forecast economic trends in the region and provides valuable insight into business sentiment, order flow, employment, and investment.

Fundamental analysis for 31 March 2025 takes into account that the index may improve to -1.7 from the previous -8.3. Despite the improvement, the indicator remains in negative territory, suggesting that Texas manufacturing remains under strain.

USDCAD technical analysis

On the H4 chart, the USDCAD price formed an Inverted Hammer reversal pattern near the lower Bollinger band. At this stage, it continues its upward trajectory following the signal received. Since the price remains within a descending channel, a correction towards the nearest resistance level at 1.4360 is expected. If the price rebounds from this resistance, a downtrend may develop.

However, the forecast for 31 March 2025 also suggests an alternative scenario, with the price falling to 1.4260 and gaining bearish momentum after breaking below the support level.

Summary

Weak US economic indicators, combined with USDCAD technical analysis, suggest that the pair may continue its downward trajectory once the correction is complete.

The Fed put and the Trump put may both be gone

Posted on: Mar 30 2025

Shortly after the election, markets were in a great mood and it's easy to see why. You had a Republican sweep with the promise to extend current tax cuts and maybe even deliver more. Since then, the tough math on the US deficit has eroded some of that optimism and Congress hasn't moved particularly quick. That's raising some questions on the fiscal front but two other questions loom large.

1) The Trump Put

In his first term, Trump was obsessed with the stock market. Even in the depths of covid, he treated it like a personal scorecard, always bragging about it or blaming declines on others. Ultimately, it led to nice gains throughout his term despite all the usual Trump rhetoric. The Trump put was the idea that he didn't really mean most of the things he said and that keeping stock markets and GDP growth high was the overriding goal. That was the Trump put.

In his first two months in office, Trump 2.0 has been different. Members of his cabinet are talking about a detox and short-term pain. He still references the stock market but is also doing and threatening things that are problematic. The 10% drop in the S&P 500 since February speaks for itself.

I don't think the Trump put is gone but it certainly doesn't look as strong.

2) The Fed put

In his first term, Trump started with relatively low stock market valuations and ample fiscal space. He played that hand well. This time, he arrived with high valuations and a high deficit -- not so pretty. One improvement though was the Fed, the autumn cuts put some juice into the economy but more importantly, with Fed funds at 4.25-4.50%, there was plenty of room to cut. The market was also seeing falling inflation and a long runway, particularly if anything went wrong in the economy.

Now it's less clear that ammunition is available. This week we saw the Fed's Musalem crack open the door to rate hikes, while Daly indicated she was losing confidence in her forecast for two cuts this year. Today's inflation numbers were slightly hotter than expected and there is a growing possibility that the Fed won't be able to cut at all -- even if the economy stumbles. The Fed put might be gone.

Now much of this is Trump's own doing with tariffs but it's illustrative of why stock markets are struggling and could fall further.

This article was written by Adam Button at www.forexlive.com.
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
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