AUD Trading Outlook: 0.7150 in Focus Ahead of RBA Meeting
The Australian dollar is the top performing G10 currency in 2026, supported by rising RBA rate expectations, strong terms of trade and bullish momentum across major FX crosses. We look at what's attracting the flows to the AUD.
March 2026 ECB Preview: Looking Through The Energy Shock
The European Central Bank’s Governing Council are set to hold all policy settings steady at the March meeting, looking-through the energy price shock for now, even with the inflation profile likely to be revised notably higher in the updated economic projections.
Oil Market Volatility Crisis: Have We Passed the Peak of the Energy Shock?
Oil markets experienced one of the most dramatic volatility shocks in years as Brent surged to $119 and options volatility exploded. We assess whether markets are stabilising and what traders should watch next.
March 2026 FOMC Preview: Powell On Pause In Penultimate Meeting
The FOMC are set to stand pat at the March meeting, not only in light of having adopted a ‘wait and see’ approach at the first confab of the year, but also as a huge degree of uncertainty clouds the near-term outlook, after the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, and subsequent energy price shock, which tilts near-term inflation risks to the upside.
Crude Surges Amid Risk Rout With Geopolitics In Focus
Energy markets are driving cross-asset price action as Hormuz disruption pushes crude above $100/bbl, lifting inflation expectations and weighing on risk assets.
February 2026 US Employment Report: A Huge Downside Surprise
The February US jobs report pointed to payrolls having unexpectedly declined last month, and unemployment rising to 4.4%. The FOMC, however, are unlikely to over-react to the data, given one-off factors skewing the payrolls print lower, and the fog of uncertainty caused by ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
China Lowers 2026 GDP Target: Policy Focus Shifts to Structural Upgrades and Market Repricing
China sets 2026 GDP target at 4.5%–5%, emphasizing structural upgrades, tech innovation, and boosting domestic demand. Short-term market volatility is manageable, but policy execution, property sector pressures, and external risks warrant attention.
Crude Oil Volatility Highest Since 2022 as Middle East Tensions Drive Oil Market Uncertainty
Energy markets are experiencing extreme volatility as Middle East tensions disrupt supply routes and infrastructure. Brent crude implied volatility is at its highest since 2022, with analysts modeling scenarios ranging from $60 to $120 depending on supply disruptions.
‘Buy America’ Returns As Haven Demand Fuels Dollar Upside
Geopolitical risk has fuelled renewed haven demand for the dollar, which has proved the only shelter for market participants amid recent turmoil.
Bitcoin Breakout: Technical Signals and ETF Flows Put BTC Back on Traders’ Radar
Bitcoin rallies nearly 8% as price breaks a multi-week range with strong futures volume and rising ETF inflows. Here’s what the technicals, liquidation data and institutional flows suggest for BTC’s next move.
KOSPI & Nikkei Plunge: Concentrated Bulls and Elevated Energy Drive Sell-Off
Heightened Middle East tensions combined with soaring energy prices have triggered sharp declines across Asian stock indices. KOSPI and the Nikkei have both retraced more than 10% from their late-February highs. Concentrated bullish positions and simultaneous equity-currency pressures have intensified selling, keeping risk management top of mind for traders in the near term.
Market Narratives Diverge As Commodity Shock Triggers Broad De-Risking
Geopolitical tensions have led participants to seek havens, while an energy price shock sees STIRs and Govvies reprice hawkishly, amid signs sentiment may be nearing an extreme.
Preview For The February 2026 Jobs Report
The impact of last year’s deferred resignation program has probably now entirely made its way through the data, pointing to a cleaner read on US labour market conditions.
US Dollar Breakout: Safe Haven Flows, Rising Yields and America’s Energy Edge Drive USD Buying
The US dollar outperforms G10 currencies as oil prices rise and geopolitical tensions escalate. Discover how safe haven flows, higher Treasury yields and America’s energy dominance are driving USD strength.
Geopolitical Events Dominate The Narrative: Energy & Off Ramps The Key Areas To Watch
Markets have reverted to the classic risk-off playbook as Middle East hostilities continue, with focus on oil supply and de-escalation risks.
Gold Outlook: Risk Premiums Rise Amid Middle East Tensions, Market Watches for News-Driven Reactions
The sudden escalation in the Middle East triggered a gap-up in gold, lifting the risk premium, though the sustainability of buying pressure remains uncertain. Traders should monitor developments in diplomatic talks and the upcoming U.S. nonfarm payrolls report, while managing risk and position sizing carefully.
A Traders' Playbook: Brent Crude, S&P 500, Gold and Key Event Risks in the Week Ahead
Markets open the week in a measured risk off tone, with volatility concentrated in oil. Analysis of Brent crude, S&P 500, gold, FX flows and key macro events including US payrolls and RBA expectations.
How to trade oil in the UK
Explore the benefits and risks, understand the types of oil traded, and discover strategies for integrating macroeconomic analysis. Gain insights into key market factors, the impact of OPEC, and how to start trading oil using CFDs.