There aren’t any major expiries to take note of on the day, with the full list seen below.With it being Easter Monday and all, expect it to be a quieter session in European morning trade today. With no major expiries in play, price action is likely to stay more muted amid a lack of key catalysts.The only highlight on the economic calendar is the US ISM services PMI report today. However, the main focus of markets will stay on Middle East developments. So, headline risk will remain the most important driver of trading sentiment as we get into the new week.That after US president Trump issued a fresh and stark threat against Iran that tomorrow will be “power plant and bridge day” unless the Strait of Hormuz is reopened. It is quite something to see a US president cursing on social media but we’ve come to accept that it is all part of Trump’s eccentric nature.For now, Iran is maintaining that they are not going to give up their position. As such, oil prices are continuing to keep higher with the prospect of a prolonged conflict still on the cards. As Iran continues to keep a de facto closure on the strait, it just means that the status quo doesn’t change for markets.In any case, the key deadline is now 7 April. And come tomorrow, that might all change again. The can continues to be kicked down the road. So, we’ll see how things go in the next 24 hours or so from here.For more information on how to use this data, you may refer to this post here.Head on over to investingLive (formerly ForexLive) to get in on the know! This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight Easter Monday’s quiet session could mean low volatility, but here’s why that’s a double-edged sword. With no major expiries today, traders might expect muted price action, which can lead to a lack of direction in the markets. This calm could be deceptive; low volume often precedes significant moves as traders position themselves for the next big event. Keep an eye on correlated assets, especially in forex pairs that typically react to market sentiment. If you’re trading, consider tightening your stop losses to manage risk, as sudden spikes can occur when liquidity is thin. Watch for any unexpected news that could shake things up, as even minor headlines can lead to outsized reactions in a quiet market. On the flip side, if you’re looking for opportunities, this might be a good time to scout for setups that could benefit from a rebound once volatility returns. Monitor key levels in your preferred assets; if they hold, it could signal a strong entry point when the market wakes up again. 📮 Takeaway Stay alert for unexpected moves today; low volatility can lead to sudden spikes, so watch key levels closely.

Nasdaq Futures Hold Key Support – Can Bulls Maintain Control Above 23,100?Start with my Nasdaq tecnical analysis video from todayKey TakeawaysNasdaq futures remain resilient despite macro noise, holding above critical supportA double rejection at resistance earlier set the tone for the current structureThe 23,100-23,120 zone acts as the key “line in the sand”Bullish structure remains intact as long as higher lows continue to holdFailure to hold support could quickly unwind the recent +4.5% recoveryEven crypto is looking more bullish than bearish as Trump gives the Iranian regime another extensionNasdaq Futures Technical Analysis (1H Chart)In my latest review of Nasdaq futures on the 1-hour timeframe, I focused on a structure that has been developing since late March – one that combines volume profile, trendline interaction, and repeated rejection behavior.What stood out first was a clear resistance zone, defined by multiple touches. We saw three initial rejections followed by a clustered fourth test, and this is where things get interesting. In many cases, especially on timeframes like the 1-hour and above, the fourth interaction with a level often forces a decision point – either a breakout or a reversal.In this case, the outcome was clear:Buyers were absorbed, and price rejected lower.That rejection aligned with a broader structure, including a trendline that is now becoming highly relevant again as price rotates back toward it.The Bullish Case – Holding StructureDespite that earlier rejection, Nasdaq has shown impressive resilience.We recently saw:A support bounce at the trendlineA push back toward the April 1 highsContinued ability to hold above key structural zonesThis tells us something important:The market is absorbing negative news flow rather than reacting bearishly.From a structural standpoint, the bullish case remains valid as long as:Price holds above 23,680 (near-term support)More importantly, holds above 23,400And ultimately respects the broader 23,100-23,120 zoneThis lower zone is what I would define as the “area in the sand.”The Bearish Risk – What Would Break the SetupWhile the structure is currently constructive, it is not invulnerable.Nasdaq has already moved roughly +4.5%, and moves of that size can reverse quickly if support fails.Bearish scenario:If price breaks below 23,100-23,120, it signals a structural failureThat would likely trigger a deeper rotation lower, invalidating the bullish premiseA loss of 23,400 would already be an early warning signalThe Technical Scenario (Safe Framework)Setup: Nasdaq futures are holding a bullish structure supported by trendline support and higher lowsTrigger (Bullish): If price continues to hold above 23,400 and reclaims highs, it opens the path for continuationInvalidation: A sustained move below 23,100 would negate the bullish thesis and shift focus to downsideFinal Thoughts for Nasdaq TradersRight now, Nasdaq is in what I would call a “bullish but conditional” phase.The structure is holding. The market is showing strength. But it is doing so right above a critical support cluster.This is where discipline matters:Bulls need to see defense and continuationBears are waiting for a clean breakdown to take controlAs always, the key is not prediction – it is reaction to price at key levels.Stay focused, stay flexible, and let the market confirm the next move. Always do your own research and trade Nasdaq at your own risk only. This article was written by Itai Levitan at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight Nasdaq futures are at a crucial juncture, holding above 23,100, and here’s why that matters: The resilience shown by Nasdaq futures amidst macroeconomic noise signals potential bullish momentum. The 23,100-23,120 zone is a critical support level, and if bulls can maintain control here, it could pave the way for a rally. A double rejection at resistance suggests that sellers are losing steam, which could encourage more buying. Traders should keep an eye on volume and momentum indicators; if they start to trend upwards, it could confirm a bullish breakout. Conversely, a drop below 23,100 could trigger stop-losses and lead to a swift sell-off, so risk management is key. It’s also worth noting that this situation could ripple into correlated markets, particularly tech stocks and ETFs that track the Nasdaq. If the futures hold strong, expect a positive sentiment spillover in those assets. Watch for any economic data releases that could impact market sentiment, as they could either reinforce or undermine this support level. 📮 Takeaway Monitor the 23,100-23,120 support zone closely; a sustained hold could signal a bullish breakout, while a drop below may trigger selling pressure.

For some context, the report from Friday: US March non-farm payrolls +178K vs +60K expectedThe jobs data was much stronger than anticipated and certainly might have shut the door on talk of rate cuts, if not already because of the US-Iran conflict in the past month. CIBC weighs in by saying that:”Payroll employment rebounded more than expected in March and the unemployment rate edged down, something that will, temporarily at least, ease fears regarding a weakening labor market. The 178K gain in payrolls employment was well above the consensus forecast (+65K), and was offset only very slightly by cumulative downward revisions of 7K to prior months. Healthcare employment rebounded sharply following a strike-impacted February, while retail trade and transportation also saw gains following declines in the prior month.Despite strong employment growth, hourly earnings were weaker than expected at 0.2% m/m and 3.5% y/y. While that’s not great for households, particularly given the pressures to disposable incomes from higher pump prices, it may ease concerns at the Fed regarding broader-based inflationary pressure.”Overall, the report has something in it for everyone it would seem. In other words, the job numbers were strong enough to deter talk of a much steeper decline in labour market conditions. Meanwhile, wages were modest but not hot enough to suggest a broader pick up in inflation.As such, the only main question is the US-Iran conflict and the broader implications of that towards the economy.And for now, CIBC argues that it means the Fed can continue to stay on the sidelines in terms of policy setting.”Overall though this was still clearly a better than expected report and one that justifies the current wait-and-see approach from the Fed, as it assesses how persistent the current oil price shock will be and how likely it is to spill over into other areas of inflation.” This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight The stronger-than-expected non-farm payrolls data could shift market sentiment significantly. With the US adding 178K jobs against an expectation of just 60K, traders might need to recalibrate their outlook on interest rates. This robust employment figure suggests that the Federal Reserve may hold off on any rate cuts, which could strengthen the dollar and impact forex pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD. If the dollar gains traction, commodities priced in USD, such as gold, could face downward pressure. But here’s the flip side: while a strong labor market typically supports economic growth, it could also raise concerns about inflation, potentially leading to tighter monetary policy. Traders should keep an eye on the upcoming inflation data and Fed commentary for clues on future rate movements. Watch for key levels in the dollar index; a break above recent highs could signal further strength. Overall, this jobs report is a pivotal moment that could influence trading strategies across multiple asset classes. 📮 Takeaway Monitor the dollar index closely; a break above recent highs could indicate sustained strength, impacting forex and commodity markets.

Tehran has received Pakistan’s proposal, it is being reviewedWill not accept deadlines or pressure to make a decisionIran will not reopen Strait of Hormuz Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a ‘temporary ceasefire’Believes that US lacks readiness for a permanent ceasefireIf there’s any question that Iran might want to strike a deal before tomorrow, that thought is slowly dissipating as the hours continue to roll by. As a reminder, US president Trump delivered a warning to Tehran that tomorrow will be “power plant and bridge day” – alluding to massive strikes against Iran.The official above confirms that Iran has received Pakistan’s peace proposal and are reviewing it. However, they aren’t willing to go as far as to accept any ‘temporary ceasefire’. And that means the Strait of Hormuz will stay in de facto closure, which will continue to infuriate Trump even further.For some context, Axios had earlier in the day report that “Iran mediators are looking to make a last-ditch push for a 45-day ceasefire”. Reuters at the time said it could not verify the report. And now, we’re getting this. So, that tells a lot about the current mood and how both sides are appearing to still be far from any peace agreement before tomorrow.There’s still time for things to change but Iran doesn’t seem interested. So, will the can be kicked down the road again tomorrow? We shall see. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight Iran’s firm stance on the Strait of Hormuz is a critical signal for oil traders right now. With tensions escalating and Iran rejecting any pressure for a ceasefire, the potential for disruption in this vital shipping lane could lead to significant volatility in oil prices. Traders should keep an eye on Brent crude, which often reacts sharply to geopolitical tensions. If Iran were to act on its threats, we could see prices spike, especially if they approach key resistance levels. The broader implications could ripple through related markets, including currencies tied to oil exports, like the Canadian dollar. Watch for any developments in the coming days, as the situation is fluid and could change rapidly, impacting both short-term and long-term trading strategies. 📮 Takeaway Keep an eye on Brent crude prices; any escalation in Iran’s threats could trigger a significant price spike, especially if it breaks above recent resistance levels.

The headline comes from Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson in saying that Tehran has formulated its diplomatic response to the US but will only announce it in due time. We have to wait and see but there is a mixed reception towards all the headlines from the rumour mill in the past 24 hours.For now, markets are keeping a bit more optimistic. The dollar is down across the board in the absence of European traders while US futures are nudging higher on the day. EUR/USD is up 0.4% to 1.1555 while S&P 500 futures are up 0.4% on the day now. That as oil prices come off the boil with WTI crude dropping from a high of $114 in Asia to $109 levels now.Despite the financial market optimism though, betting markets are not convinced. The odds of a peace or meaningful ceasefire of sorts before the end of April are still less than 30% currently.That being said, the 29% figure is at least still higher than the 18% odds pinned at the weekend. So, make what you will of that. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight Iran’s diplomatic maneuvering could shake up oil markets, and here’s why that’s crucial right now: uncertainty in geopolitical relations often leads to volatility in crude prices. As traders, we need to keep an eye on how this plays out, especially with OPEC+ decisions looming. If Tehran’s response hints at escalating tensions, we might see a spike in oil prices, impacting not just crude but also related assets like energy stocks and currencies of oil-dependent nations. But here’s the flip side: if Iran’s response is more conciliatory, it could stabilize prices and provide a short-term relief rally. Watch for key levels in Brent and WTI crude; a break above recent highs could signal a bullish trend, while a drop below support levels might indicate a bearish reversal. In the coming weeks, keep your eyes peeled for any announcements from Tehran and how they correlate with market movements. This is a situation where timing and interpretation will be everything. 📮 Takeaway Monitor Iran’s diplomatic announcements closely; a shift in tone could trigger significant volatility in oil prices, impacting trading strategies this month.

United States Labor Force Participation Rate declined to 61.9% in March from previous 62% 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight The drop in the Labor Force Participation Rate to 61.9% is a red flag for traders: This decline signals potential weaknesses in the U.S. economy, which could impact consumer spending and overall market sentiment. A lower participation rate often correlates with reduced economic activity, leading to concerns about inflation and interest rates. Traders should keep an eye on sectors sensitive to consumer behavior, like retail and discretionary spending, as they might see volatility in the coming weeks. Moreover, this data could influence the Federal Reserve’s decisions on interest rates, especially if it indicates a slowing job market. If the Fed perceives this as a sign of economic weakness, we might see a shift in monetary policy that could affect both equities and the forex market. Watch for reactions in the USD, particularly against safe-haven currencies like the JPY and CHF, as traders reassess risk appetite. Key levels to monitor include the 1.05 mark for EUR/USD and the 145 level for USD/JPY, which could serve as pivot points depending on upcoming economic data releases. 📮 Takeaway Traders should watch the USD’s reaction around 1.05 for EUR/USD and 145 for USD/JPY as the Labor Force Participation Rate impacts market sentiment.

United States President Donald Trump has threatened to destroy Iran if they do not reopen the Strait of Hormuz before the deadline, in a post shared on Truth Social. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight Trump’s latest threat regarding the Strait of Hormuz could shake oil markets, and here’s why: tensions in this critical shipping lane often lead to price spikes. If Iran responds aggressively, we could see immediate volatility in crude oil prices, especially if they disrupt shipping routes. Traders should keep an eye on WTI and Brent crude futures, as any escalation could push prices above key resistance levels. Historically, similar threats have resulted in price surges, so the market’s reaction could be swift. On the flip side, if diplomatic measures are taken, we might see a quick reversal, leading to potential short opportunities in oil. Watch for any news from OPEC or U.S. sanctions that could influence market sentiment. As of now, keep your charts open for any breakout above $80 in WTI, which could signal a bullish trend if tensions escalate further. 📮 Takeaway Monitor WTI crude prices closely; a breakout above $80 could signal a bullish trend amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Spot Gold gapped marginally lower at the weekly opening, with the XAU/USD pair battling to retain the $4,600 mark early in the Asian session. 🔗 Source 💡 DMK Insight Gold’s struggle to hold the $4,600 level is a crucial signal for traders right now. With the XAU/USD pair gapping lower at the weekly open, it indicates potential bearish sentiment that could lead to further declines if support fails. Traders should keep an eye on this level, as a sustained break below could trigger stop-loss orders and accelerate selling pressure. Additionally, this movement might reflect broader market trends, especially if the dollar strengthens or if geopolitical tensions ease, which typically dampens demand for safe-haven assets like gold. On the flip side, if gold manages to reclaim the $4,600 mark, it could signal a short-term bullish reversal, enticing buyers back into the market. Watch for volume spikes around this level, as they could indicate the strength of the move. Keep an eye on the daily charts for any signs of reversal patterns or momentum shifts that could provide actionable insights. 📮 Takeaway Monitor the $4,600 level closely; a break below could lead to increased selling pressure, while a reclaim might signal a bullish reversal.