Prior -€6.58 billion; revised to -€6.35 billionThe French trade deficit narrowed modestly in October, as exports were seen down 0.5% on the month while imports slumped by 4.6% on the month. The less volatile three-month moving average trade balance though was -€5.2 billion, just marginally changed from the -€5.1 billion in September. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight The slight narrowing of France’s trade deficit in October could signal shifting economic dynamics. While exports dipped by 0.5%, the more significant drop in imports at 4.6% suggests a potential cooling in domestic demand. This could impact the euro, especially if traders interpret it as a sign of economic weakness. The three-month moving average trade balance, remaining stable at -€5.2 billion, indicates that the trend isn’t drastically changing, but it does highlight ongoing challenges in balancing trade. For day traders, this data could influence short-term positions in EUR/USD, particularly if the euro reacts to broader economic sentiment or upcoming ECB policy decisions. Watch for any shifts in import/export data in the coming months, as they could provide clues about the health of the Eurozone economy and potential volatility in currency pairs. Keep an eye on the €5.2 billion level; a significant change here could trigger broader market reactions. 📮 Takeaway Monitor the €5.2 billion trade balance level closely; any significant shifts could impact euro trading strategies in the near term.
European equities open marginally higher to start the final day of the week
Eurostoxx +0.1%Germany DAX +0.2%France CAC 40 +0.1%UK FTSE flatSpain IBEX +0.2%Italy FTSE MIB flatIt’s a steadier start to the day with US futures also holding just a little higher for now. The mood music in stocks look to be one that is calmer, with less volatility and drama so far in early December trading. Spain’s benchmark index is looking to hold at record highs while the DAX and CAC 40 will be hoping to hold slight gains in rounding off this week. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight European indices are showing slight gains, but here’s why that matters for traders: The Eurostoxx, DAX, and CAC 40 are all up marginally, indicating a more stable market environment. This calmness could signal a shift in sentiment, especially as US futures are also holding steady. For day traders, this might suggest a good opportunity to look for short-term trades in these indices, particularly if they can maintain upward momentum. Watch for key resistance levels; if the DAX can break above recent highs, it could trigger further buying. However, be cautious—this stability might also lead to complacency, and any unexpected news could quickly shift sentiment. On the flip side, the flat performance of the UK FTSE and Italy’s FTSE MIB suggests some underlying weakness that could impact broader market dynamics. Traders should keep an eye on these indices for any signs of divergence. If they start to lag while others gain, it could indicate sector-specific issues worth investigating. Overall, monitor the daily charts for breakout opportunities and be prepared for potential volatility if the calm is disrupted. 📮 Takeaway Watch the DAX for a breakout above recent highs; a move past these levels could signal a stronger bullish trend.
The Indian Rupee falls again following the RBI's rate cut: the trend remains negative
The RBI cut the repo rate by 25 bps as expected today leaving the door open for further easing amid record low inflation. In the press conference, Governor Malhotra signalled the intention to diminish the central bank’s intervention in the market to stop the rupee depreciation.History teaches that it’s useless for a central bank to intervene in the market as long as the fundamentals remain against a currency. In fact, the fundamentals continue to point to further depreciation amid RBI’s rate cuts and the limited progress on the US-India trade talks front.In the USD/INR chart above, we can see that the pair recently pulled back into the 89.70 support and bounced today following the RBI’s rate cut. We now have a minor resistance zone around the 90.00 handle. A break above the resistance should see the pair extending the move into a new all-time high (all-time low for the INR). On the other hand, a break below the 89.70 support, will likely lead to a deeper pullback into the 89.00 handle. This article was written by Giuseppe Dellamotta at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight The RBI’s 25 bps repo rate cut is a clear signal for traders: the central bank is prioritizing growth over inflation control. With inflation at record lows, this move could lead to a weaker rupee, impacting forex traders significantly. Governor Malhotra’s comments about reducing intervention suggest a hands-off approach, which might allow market forces to dictate the rupee’s value more freely. This could create volatility, especially if the rupee depreciates further, potentially affecting import costs and trade balances. Traders should keep an eye on the USD/INR pair, as a break above recent highs could trigger further selling pressure on the rupee. Additionally, the broader implications for equities and commodities could be substantial, as a weaker rupee often boosts export-driven sectors while hurting importers. Watch for the next inflation report and any comments from the RBI regarding future monetary policy. If inflation remains subdued, expect more easing, which could further weaken the rupee and create trading opportunities in both forex and related asset classes. 📮 Takeaway Monitor the USD/INR pair closely; a break above recent highs could signal further rupee weakness and trading opportunities.
Morgan Stanley joins the bandwagon in expecting the Fed to cut rates in December
The firm previously saw no rate cut by the Fed for December but now revises that call to a 25 bps rate cut for next week. Adding to that, they also see another 25 bps rate cut in April 2026. And that will take the Fed funds rate to their terminal target range of 3.00% to 3.25%.As things stand, traders are pricing in ~86% odds of a 25 bps rate cut by the Fed for December currently. And by April next year, there is roughly 44 bps worth of rate cuts priced in at the moment. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight The Fed’s potential rate cuts are shifting market sentiment, and here’s why that matters: Revising expectations for a 25 bps cut next week signals a significant pivot in monetary policy, which could boost risk assets like equities and crypto. Traders should watch how this impacts the dollar, as a weaker dollar often leads to higher prices in commodities and cryptocurrencies. If the Fed follows through with this cut, it could create a bullish environment for Bitcoin and Ethereum, especially if they break key resistance levels. On the flip side, if the cuts don’t materialize as expected, we could see a sharp correction in these markets. Keep an eye on the Fed’s communications leading up to the meeting. Any hints or changes in tone could provide clues about future rate adjustments. Also, monitor the 200-day moving average for major cryptocurrencies; a sustained break above this level could signal a strong upward trend. The immediate focus should be on next week’s meeting, but the implications could ripple through the markets for months to come. 📮 Takeaway Watch for the Fed’s rate decision next week; a 25 bps cut could ignite bullish momentum in crypto and equities.
Gold Technical Analysis: All eyes on the FOMC decision for the next major move
Fundamental OverviewGold got stuck in a consolidation below the 4245 level recently as the focus turned to the looming FOMC decision on Wednesday. The precious metal has been keeping a bullish bias ever since Fed’s Williams endorsed a December rate cut. The higher rate cut odds have been a tailwind for precious metals. There’s been nothing in the meantime to stop this momentum as the recent US data came in on the softer side. As things stand, it’s all about the Fed’s forward guidance now and the following NFP and CPI reports. Hawkish stuff should weigh on gold and trigger another correction, while a dovish leaning should keep supporting the upside. In the bigger picture, gold should remain in an uptrend as real yields will likely continue to fall amid the Fed’s dovish reaction function. But in the short term, a further hawkish repricing in interest rate expectations should weigh on the market. Gold Technical Analysis – Daily TimeframeOn the daily chart, we can see that gold continues to consolidate below the 4245 level. We can expect the sellers to keep stepping in around this level with a defined risk above it targeting the 4000 level next. The buyers, on the other hand, will want to see the price breaking higher to extend the rally into new all-time highs.Gold Technical Analysis – 4 hour TimeframeOn the 4 hour chart, we can see more clearly the consolidating between the 4245 resistance and the 4150 support. The market participants will likely continue to play the range by buying at support and selling at resistance until we get a breakout on either side. Gold Technical Analysis – 1 hour TimeframeOn the 1 hour chart, there’s not much else we can add here as the buyers will continue to step in around the support or wait for a break above the resistance, while the sellers will continue to pile in around the resistance or wait for a break below the support. The red lines define the average daily range for today. Upcoming CatalystsToday we conclude the week with the September US PCE price index and the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment report. This article was written by Giuseppe Dellamotta at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight Gold’s consolidation below 4245 is a critical moment for traders ahead of the FOMC decision. With the bullish sentiment fueled by Fed’s Williams hinting at a potential December rate cut, traders need to watch how gold reacts around this level. If it breaks above 4245, it could signal a strong upward trend, attracting both retail and institutional buyers. Conversely, a failure to break this resistance might lead to a pullback, especially if the FOMC surprises with a more hawkish stance. Keep an eye on related markets like silver and the dollar index, as their movements could provide additional context for gold’s price action. The next few days are crucial, so monitor the FOMC announcement closely for volatility and potential trading opportunities. 📮 Takeaway Watch for gold’s reaction at the 4245 level post-FOMC; a breakout could lead to significant upward momentum.
Eurozone Q3 final GDP +0.3% vs +0.2% q/q prelim
Prior +0.1%GDP +1.4% y/yPrior +1.5%Looking at the breakdown, household consumption contributed 0.1% to GDP growth on the quarter with government expenditure (+0.1%) and gross fixed capital formation (+0.2%) also seen increasing. Changes in inventories were also positive (+0.1%) and the only offsetting factor was exports less imports (-0.2%). This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight GDP growth just ticked up 0.1%, and here’s why that matters for traders: The slight increase in GDP, driven by household consumption and government spending, signals a resilient economy, but the negative contribution from net exports raises red flags. For traders, this could mean a cautious approach to equities, especially in sectors reliant on international trade. The mixed signals suggest volatility ahead, particularly for currencies sensitive to economic data. Watch for how this impacts the forex market—if the dollar strengthens, it could further pressure export-driven stocks. Keep an eye on key levels: if the S&P 500 breaks below its recent support, it could trigger a wave of selling. Also, consider the broader implications on interest rates. If growth remains steady, the Fed might stick to its tightening path, which could lead to further fluctuations in both crypto and forex markets. The real story is how traders react to these mixed signals—monitor sentiment closely as we head into the next economic reports. 📮 Takeaway Watch the S&P 500 support levels closely; a break could signal increased volatility in equities and forex markets.
China commerce ministry rebuffs that it will ramp up efforts to bolster consumption
Will step up efforts to expand importsTo also expand services consumptionWill increase implementation of inclusive policies that directly reach households/consumersTo eliminate restrictive measures and promote renewal consumption of home appliancesIt’s all about trying to revive domestic demand conditions in China and it comes with trying to promote a better environment for consumers in general. The social aspect is also just as important and that is what president Xi’s goal of common prosperity is trying to achieve. Although, that is one that hasn’t quite been talked about that much this year. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight China’s push to revive domestic demand is crucial for global markets right now. As the world’s second-largest economy, any efforts to boost consumption can ripple through commodities and forex markets. Increased imports and services consumption could signal a rebound in Chinese economic activity, which might strengthen the yuan against major currencies. Traders should keep an eye on how these policies affect key sectors, especially consumer goods and home appliances, as they could lead to increased volatility in related stocks and commodities. Watch for any immediate reactions in the yuan and commodities like copper and oil, which often reflect Chinese demand trends. However, there’s a flip side: if these measures fail to stimulate demand effectively, it could lead to further economic stagnation, impacting global growth forecasts. So, keep an eye on upcoming economic indicators from China and any shifts in market sentiment around the yuan, especially if it approaches critical support or resistance levels. 📮 Takeaway Monitor the yuan’s performance closely; a strong rebound in domestic demand could lead to significant movements in forex and commodities markets.
Italy's stats office trims 2025 GDP growth forecast to 0.5%
Meanwhile, the stats office expects the Italian economy to grow by 0.8% in 2026 and that reaffirms their previous estimate. So, no change on that front to the outlook for next year. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight So Italy’s economy is projected to grow by 0.8% in 2026, and here’s why that matters: stable growth forecasts can influence market sentiment and trading strategies. With no changes to the outlook, traders might see this as a signal to maintain or adjust their positions in Italian assets. A steady growth rate can bolster the euro and Italian government bonds, making them more attractive to investors looking for stability amidst global volatility. However, it’s worth noting that a 0.8% growth rate is relatively modest, especially when compared to other EU nations. This could lead to skepticism among traders about Italy’s long-term economic health, especially if inflation or geopolitical tensions rise. Watch for any shifts in economic indicators or policy changes that could affect this forecast. Key levels to monitor include the EUR/USD pair and Italian bond yields, as these will reflect market confidence in Italy’s economic trajectory. Keep an eye on upcoming economic reports or central bank announcements that could impact sentiment and trading strategies in the region. 📮 Takeaway Watch for shifts in EUR/USD and Italian bond yields as Italy’s 0.8% growth forecast could influence market sentiment and trading strategies.
Japan economy minister says specific monetary policy is up to the BOJ to decide
Government will not comment on thatHopes that BOJ will guide monetary policy appropriately to stably achieve 2% inflation targetHopes for BOJ to work closely in line with the government on principles stipulated in joint agreementImportant for stock, FX, bond market to move stably reflecting fundamnetalsGovernment will watch market moves with high sense of urgencyWell, he’s still trying to press the BOJ a little in hoping that they will steer clear of a rate hike this month. But if anything else, Ueda looks to have his mind made up. So, we’ll have to just wait and see now. USD/JPY has pared its drop on the day in European morning trade here, with the pair now back up to flat levels at 155.08. The low earlier in the day touched 154.34 before dip buyers stepped back in. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight The BOJ’s commitment to stable monetary policy is crucial right now, especially for ETH trading around $3,141.04. With the BOJ aiming for a 2% inflation target, traders should keep an eye on how this influences market sentiment across crypto and traditional assets. If the BOJ successfully aligns its policies with government principles, we could see a more stable environment that supports risk assets like Ethereum. However, any deviation or lack of clarity could lead to volatility, impacting ETH’s price action. Watch for ETH to hold above $3,100 as a key support level; a break below could trigger further selling pressure. On the flip side, if the BOJ’s actions are perceived as inadequate, we might see a flight to safety, affecting not just ETH but also correlated markets like stocks and forex. Keep an eye on the daily chart for any signs of bearish divergence, which could signal a shift in momentum. The next few weeks will be critical as traders assess the BOJ’s effectiveness in managing inflation expectations. 📮 Takeaway Monitor ETH’s support at $3,100 closely; a break could signal increased volatility, while stability in BOJ policy may support upward momentum.
Why Precious Metals Have Not Gone Obsolete
Despite the spectacular diversification that the financial markets have witnessed since the emergence of Bitcoin and altcoins, and more recently, with EV and AI stocks, no other asset class has proved its durability, particularly under conditions of market duress, more than precious metals. Whether they’re traded on the spot or futures markets, or as part of more complex instruments like ETFs, metals provide not only diversification but, most importantly, a volatility and inflation hedge. Metals, every trading portfolio’s must-havesVolatility has peaked across all core markets in 2025. Caught in the crosshairs of high inflation and antagonistic geopolitics as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensifies and China’s claims over Taiwan ensnarl Japan, the markets reacted. Precious metals were among the most sensitive asset classes to reflect this reaction.Gold, the evergreen safe havenGold, the primary safe-haven asset in times of uncertainty, has yielded more than 50% YTD. Although trading below its October all-time high above $4,000, the shiny metal is still significantly above the levels reached in 1979, when the US was battered by a massive energy crisis and double-digit inflation, and those before the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.2025 has proved to be the best year for gold. Concurrently, prices of tech stocks, particularly AI shares, also peaked. In a chain reaction, cryptocurrencies reached unprecedented levels. Bitcoin alone soared more than 130% since it was added to ETFs in 2024.The reason for this bewildering market behaviour deserves special attention, as investors don’t seem to seek the protection of safe-haven gold but rather a volatility and inflation hedge. On one hand, economic headwinds, including the boogeyman US tariffs and the longest government shutdown in the history of the United States, catapulted gold to levels never before seen. In fact, gold has outperformed tech stocks and digital assets for the first time in history.On the other hand, central banks increased their gold purchases consistently. Over 1,000 tonnes of gold have flooded central banks’ vaults in the past three years in an attempt to move away from the US dollar as a reserve asset. Also, global investment banks, including Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan, and Goldman Sachs, have adjusted their gold price predictions upwards, with analysts suggesting that the rally may well continue through 2026. In this context, gold’s retreat might be attributed to profit-taking activities spurred by the record highs. Silver, a critical asset to hold on toA similar scenario is followed by the silver market. Silver also hit an all-time high in October, when an ounce of the white metal was traded at $54.49 for the first time. Since then, silver has eased off its peak, yet still 60.69% above last year’s level. More than a store of value and inflation hedge, silver is widely used in the manufacturing industry. Photovoltaic solar panels, electronic conductors, and electrical circuits are only a few of its industrial applications, leading to the price leap.The volatility and uncertainty caused by President Trump’s tariffs and trade war added to the silver market’s skittish movements. At the beginning of 2025, the US silver reserves were growing substantially as market participants, including bullion banks, built up their stockpiles in anticipation of potential tariffs (which could apply in the future, considering silver’s vital importance as a commodity and appeal as a precious metal). As New York’s silver stockpiles grew, London’s supply of physical metal dwindled, generating unprecedented demand, particularly from India. Consequently, silver lease rates topped 34% in October, throwing the market into historic backwardation, with spot prices soaring above futures prices. For the time being, the fundamentals look positive, as supply-side factors continue to bolster demand for physical silver. Financial commentator Peter Schiff suggests that the precious metal could hit $200 under the right economic conditions. Platinum, value beyond the glitter30 times rarer than gold, platinum is known for its exceptional physical and chemical properties, such as density, ductility, malleability, and stability, which make it indispensable for multiple industries, including automotive, healthcare, and plastic production. About 90% of the global platinum production is concentrated in Russia’s Ural Mountains, Colombia, Canada’s Sudbury Basin, and South Africa, which accounts for 70 – 80% of the total annual production.Its scarcity and broad industrial applicability are the key factors driving its price up. According to Morningstar, total platinum coin and bar investment surged by 47% YoY, propelled by rising demand in China. However, supply remains limited, slumping 2% YoY to 7,129 koz.In November, platinum traded in the area of $1,550 an ounce, skidding a little as market sentiment regarding a Fed rate cut in December eased. The shift in the Fed’s policy stance cooled down a market that rallied more than 70% YTD, bolstered by tight supply and strong industrial demand. Prospects for 2026 remain positive as the platinum market is expected to move broadly in balance, with a forecast surplus of 20 koz.Palladium, a strong diversifierTo novices, palladium may seem an obscure investment opportunity, overshadowed by platinum, gold, and silver. The reality couldn’t be more different. Belonging to the same group of metals as platinum, palladium is as critical in the industry as platinum. Thanks to its catalytic properties, it is critical in the production of green energy and catalytic converters.Palladium faced some price volatility over the past month due to lower demand for physical metal in China due to a significant decline in passenger vehicles. More volatility is to be expected in the near future amid news flurry that the LME will stop managing the LBMA platinum and palladium prices as of mid-2026.Meanwhile, China announced the launch of exclusive platinum and palladium futures and options contracts in a first-time ever move. Both derivatives have already been approved by the China Securities and Exchange Commission and will start trading on the Guangzhou exchange on 27 November (Futures) and 28 November (Options).Currently, China’s demand for platinum covers 30% of the global demand. This makes the launch of one-of-a-kind derivatives critical to its economy, while removing the price control power from London and New York and reducing commercial dependence on these two