? Sector OverviewToday's stock market heatmap reveals a vibrant display of mixed performances across various sectors. Notably, the technology sector is exhibiting impressive gains, driven in large part by semiconductor stocks. In contrast, the healthcare sector appears to be underperforming, reflecting a downturn in market sentiment within this space.? Semiconductor Surge: Chipmaker Nvidia (NVDA) leads the pack with a robust increase of 2.35%, followed closely by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) at 3.90%. The enthusiasm in semiconductor stocks is likely tied to growing demand in tech advancements and automation, encouraging investor optimism.? Consumer Cyclical & Auto Manufacturing: Amazon (AMZN) shows a positive climb of 0.63%, reaffirming confidence in consumer cyclical stocks. Tesla (TSLA) also accelerates by 1.97%, spotlighting growth in the auto manufacturing sector.? Financial Sector Stability: Financial stalwarts like JPMorgan Chase (JPM) are witnessing modest gains of 0.63%, with Citigroup (C) also making headway at 0.94%.? Healthcare Sector Struggles: With Lilly (LLY) down by 0.59%, healthcare stocks are experiencing a subdued performance, possibly due to regulatory concerns or sector-specific challenges.? Market Mood and TrendsOverall, today's market conveys a sentiment of cautious optimism, especially with the tech-heavy sectors lively with activity. The noticeable uptick in semiconductor investments signifies a possible shift toward innovation and digital transformation that could shape future market dynamics.Conversely, the underwhelming performance in healthcare stocks might suggest investor hesitance amid ongoing regulatory reviews or market pressures.? Strategic RecommendationsGiven the current market trends and sector analysis, investors might consider the following strategies to optimize their portfolios:⚙️ Leverage Tech Opportunities: With semiconductors displaying robust growth, this sector could be ripe for continued investments. Consider exploring stocks such as NVDA and AMD.? Monitor Healthcare Developments: Keep a close watch on healthcare stocks for potential recovery signals or new regulatory news. Strategically adjust holdings to mitigate exposure.? Diversify Across Sectors: Diversification remains crucial, especially amid mixed signals in different sectors. A balanced portfolio can help navigate the unpredictable trading landscape.Stay informed with the latest market insights and data at InvestingLive.com for expert analyses that guide your investment decisions in these dynamic times. This article was written by Itai Levitan at investinglive.com.

The long-term copper trade is one I've been banging the drum on since at least 2022 and as you look at the longer-term supply gap, this is the year when it really starts to open up and that will be especially true with the massive Grasburg mine mostly curtailed due to last year's tragic mudslide.On Friday, Union #2 at Capstone Copper's Mantoverde walked off the job on a strike after mediation failed. The mine is running at ~30% capacity as the strike involves roughly half the workforce.While Mantoverde isn't a behemoth on the scale of Escondida or Grasberg, headline risk is headline risk. In a market that is already hypersensitive to supply-side shocks (thanks to the massive Indonesian outages), losing any fresh tonnage adds fuel to the bullish fire. Reports cite expected production of 29–32k tons for the affected period/year, though the recent sulphide expansion was designed to push total longer-term output significantly higher and that could slow depending on the length of the strike.That compares to the approx 270K tons forecast to be offline at Grasberg all year but it's still missing marginal supply in a tight market. As for Grasburg, the forecast is still for a gradual return starting in Q2.Notably, the strike is in the Atacama region of Chile and that is adjacent to the Antofagasta region, which is the global heavyweight of copper production, including the world's largest mines. Labor dissatisfaction could highlight a broader push for higher wages and more disruptions. This year is scheduled to be a bit of a nightmare with give separate union contracts set to expire at Chile's state-run Codelco, with part of the demands around safety (and slower production). There are also currently difficult negotiations going on at Centinela while Anglo American's Los Bronces faces tough negotiations later this year.In terms of the technicals, there is nothing standing in the way for further gains. The measured target from the 2022-2025 range is upwards of $16,000. This article was written by Adam Button at investinglive.com.

Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari was on CNBC today with a mix of comments that lean into the soft-landing narrative, though he’s flashing a warning sign on jobs. Inflation is slowly trending down Not concerned about risk of Fed bank presidents being firedWould love to see Powell remain as a colleague for as long as he likesHave no idea if Powell stays on after Chair term endsMy expectation is low hiring but low firingWage growth is slowly tending downLot of confidence housing services inflation is coming downExpect economy to remain resilientInflation is slowly trending downThere is a risk the unemployment rate can pop from hereMy guess is we're close to neutral nowInflation is still too highJob market is clearly coolingLower-to-middle income anxiety is about inflationK-shaped economy rings trueAI is a story for big companies, not small ones from what I hearWe're approaching a kind of equilibrium on the tariff frontWhile he notes "low hiring but low firing," he explicitly flagged a risk that the unemployment rate could "pop" from here. He sees the market as "clearly cooling" with wage growth trending down.He also waded into an interesting debate on Powell, who has the option to stay on as a Fed governor after his term ends. He floated some soft support, though said he has 'no idea' if that's the plan.Fed funds pricing is just over 50% for a cut at the March 18 meeting, while a pause in January is largely priced in. A total of 58 bps of easing is priced in for the year ahead. There's been no market reaction to these headlines and today's trading will largely be driven by flows as the new year really kicks off. The highlight on today's economic calendar is the ISM manufacturing survey at 10 am ET (1500 GMT). This article was written by Adam Button at investinglive.com.

The US Dollar enters the first full trading week of the year with a mixed performance across the major pairs. While the greenback has gained 0.32% against the Euro, it has softened against the Japanese Yen (-0.16%) and the British Pound (-0.06%) as the North American session begins.In the featured video above, Greg Michalowski, author of Attacking Currency Trends, provides a deep-dive technical analysis into the EURUSD, USDJPY, and GBPUSD to help traders navigate these early-week shifts.Equities: Energy and Tech Lead Premarket GainsUS stock indices are showing resilience this morning, driven by a combination of geopolitical developments and continued momentum in the semiconductor space.Index Futures PerformanceS&P 500: +20.53 pointsNASDAQ: +176.00 pointsDow Jones Industrial Average: -20.39 pointsThe "Venezuela Effect" on EnergyEnergy giants are seeing significant premarket buying interest following the U.S. capture of Venezuela’s leader. Markets are pricing in the potential easing of sanctions, which could grant U.S. firms access to massive oil reserves.Safe Havens and CommoditiesDespite a slight dip in crude prices earlier today, gold and silver remain well-supported as investors hedge against geopolitical uncertainty.Gold: Trading at $4,414.07 (up 1.91%). Investors are eyeing the all-time high of $4,550.52 reached last week.Silver: Trading at $75.00 (up 3.00%), recovering from a mid-week dip to $70.Crude Oil: Currently higher by $0.36 at $57.68, rebounding from a daily low of $56.31.Gold miners like Newmont (+2.0%) and Barrick Gold (+1.80%) are benefiting from this "flight to safety."Technology and Crypto MomentumThe AI and semiconductor narrative continues to provide a floor for the NASDAQ. AMD (+2.77%), Nvidia (+1.4%), and Broadcom (+1.32%) are all trending higher.In the crypto space, Bitcoin has advanced by $1,269 (1.40%) to reach $92,770, providing a tailwind for Coinbase, which is up 4.59% in early trading.Fixed Income: Yields SoftenIn the U.S. debt market, Treasury yields are seeing a modest decline across the curve:2-year yield: 3.465% (-1.2 bps)10-year yield: 4.173% (-1.6 bps)30-year yield: 4.862% (-0.2 bps)Economic Data: ISM Manufacturing PMIToday's economic prints suggest the manufacturing sector remains in a contractionary phase (below the 50.0 threshold), though some stabilization is evident.ISM Manufacturing PMI: 48.4 (Slightly above the prior 48.2)ISM Prices Paid: 57.0 (Down from 58.5, suggesting easing inflation)ISM Employment: 44.0 (Signals continued pressure on labor)ISM New Orders: 47.4 (Demand remains weak) This article was written by Greg Michalowski at investinglive.com.

Headlines:China and Russia response the next thing to watch on the Venezuela situationOil prices fall as US captures Maduro, Trump orders companies to restore Venezuela's oilChina responds to Venezuela situation, urges for immediate release of MaduroGold Technical Analysis: Venezuela events pushed prices up but US NFP the next risk eventDollar holds firmer as we officially get the new year underwayUSD/JPY pares gains, turns lower on the day with bigger range still in playDAX Technical Analysis: The German stock market touches a new all-time high, breakout eyedThe 1st Bitcoin Technical Analysis of Year 2026 and Bulls are Back.UK net mortgage approvals fell slightly in NovemberSwitzerland December manufacturing PMI 45.8 vs 49.7 priorMarket outlook for the week of 5th-9th JanuaryMarkets:JPY leads, EUR lags on the dayEuropean equities higher; S&P 500 futures up 0.3%US 10-year yields down 2.2 bps to 4.167%Gold up 1.9% to $4,413.49WTI crude oil up 0.8% to $57.80Bitcoin up 1.4% to $92,781The US attack on Venezuela and capturing of Nicolás Maduro continues to be the main highlight since the weekend. But in terms of market reaction, there hasn't been all too much drama.Oil prices were sent for a ride with WTI crude sliding to $56.40 earlier on before recovering back the early losses to be up slightly at $57.80 now. Meanwhile, precious metals continue to rally hard in a continuation from the December mood as both gold and silver surged higher during the session. Start of the year market flows are definitely a factor here but geopolitical tensions so early in 2026 is definitely another key driver in helping to underpin precious metals.Besides that, the dollar was also more bid on early safety flows but the gains have been easing a little now as the dust settles down. EUR/USD is still keeping lower by 0.3% to 1.1680 as the euro continues to lose ground since last week. Meanwhile, USD/JPY has dropped off from 157.30 to 156.60 now as the dollar gains ease up.GBP/USD is also back near unchanged levels around 1.3465 after having fallen to 1.3415 earlier in the day while AUD/USD is down only 0.2% to 0.6680, off earlier lows of 0.6665.In the equities space, stocks aren't at all perturbed by the whole situation with European indices pushing gains on the day. Much of the early rally has dissipated though, so that's something to be mindful about. The DAX had earlier touched a fresh record high at the open, being up 1% but has now dropped to hold gains of around 0.5% on the day.Looking at US futures, the mood music is still more positive with S&P 500 futures up 0.3%. The more optimistic risk sentiment is also reflected in Bitcoin with the cryptocurrency pushing back above $92,000 to start the week. Punchy. ? There wasn't any significant headlines in Europe to distract from the whole Venezuela situation. So, expect markets in US to stick to that as well with the other focal points this week being on start of the year positioning flows and the US non-farm payrolls on Friday.On the former, we're already seeing commodities light up with precious metals rallying strongly. Gold is up near 2% to $4,413 with the high earlier touching $4,439. Meanwhile, silver is not relenting in a push to $74.65 currently - up close to 3% on the day. The high for silver earlier touched $76.35. Burnin' up. ? This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.

KEY POINTS:US dollar erased the Christmas week lossesThe Fed is still expected to cut at least twice this year, while the ECB is seen on holdEURUSD pulled back to a key support zone around the 1.1670 levelEurozone CPI and US NFP in focus this weekFUNDAMENTAL OVERVIEWUSD:The greenback weakened across the board during the Christmas week but eventually recovered most of the losses. The price action during Christmas holidays is generally just noise, so it’s not surprising that most markets returned to original levels.In terms of macro, nothing has changed in these two weeks. The latest NFP and CPI reports came both on the softer side and the market is still pricing 63 bps of easing by year-end. The data in December was taken with a pinch of salt given the shutdown related issues, but the next releases will give us a clearer picture. The market expects the Fed to cut in March at the earliest, so we will need very soft data this month to force them to act sooner. Nonetheless, if the data continues to come in on the softer side, the market will likely increase the total easing for 2026 and that should weigh on the US dollar.On the other hand, if the data shows strength, traders will likely pare back their rate cut bets and that will likely offer the greenback some support.EUR:On the EUR side, the ECB remains in a neutral stance reaffirming its data-dependent and meeting-by-meeting approach to policy decisions. ECB members have repeatedly said that the current policy is appropriate, and they won’t respond to small or short-term deviations from their 2% target. Moreover, they added that the next moves could be either a cut or a hike. The data has been supporting the central bank’s neutral stance.This week we have the Eurozone CPI data as a key risk event for the single currency. The market might be fine as long as inflation stays below 2.5%, but above this level, traders could start pricing in higher chances of a rate hike coming earlier than expected.EURUSD TECHNICAL ANALYSIS – DAILY TIMEFRAMEOn the daily chart, we can see that EURUSD pulled back into the key support zone around the 1.1670 level. This is where we can expect the buyers to step in with a defined risk below the support to position for a rally into the 1.19 handle next. The sellers, on the other hand, will want to see the price breaking lower to pile in for a drop into the 1.14 handle.EURUSD TECHNICAL ANALYSIS – 4 HOUR TIMEFRAMEOn the 4 hour chart, we can see that the price broke below the upward trendline recently and led to deeper pullback. The price now sits at the key support where we can also find the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement level for confluence. This should give the buyers more conviction to step in around these levels with a defined risk below the support to target new highs. The sellers, on the other hand, will look for a break lower to pile in for a drop into new lows.EURUSD TECHNICAL ANALYSIS – 1 HOUR TIMEFRAMEOn the 1 hour chart, we can see that the price is trading at the lower bound of the average daily range for today. This suggests that it’s unlikely that we will see a break to the downside today and the price might either consolidate here or pull back into the minor downward trendline around the 1.1730 level. If the price gets there, we can expect the sellers to lean on the trendline with a defined risk above it to target a break below the key support. The buyers, on the other hand, will look for a break higher to increase the bullish bets into the 1.19 handle next.UPCOMING CATALYSTSToday we get the US ISM Manufacturing PMI. Tomorrow, we get the inflation reports for the major European economies. On Wednesday, we have the Eurozone Flash CPI, the US ADP, the US ISM Services PMI and the US Job Openings data. On Thursday, we get the latest US Jobless Claims figures. On Friday, we conclude the week with the US NFP report. This article was written by Giuseppe Dellamotta at investinglive.com.

The immediate reaction in markets to the whole Venezuela situation was reflected in oil prices earlier today. But as we have always seen in the past, geopolitical tensions tend to fade and so does the initial market reaction to it. So in looking out to the big picture and what this whole ordeal might entail, I would say it really depends on how China and Russia respond instead.The world knows that Venezuela is a gold mine in terms of oil reserves (and also actual gold). It is just that political instability and sanctions have made it tough for the country to really do anything about that. However, the thing about Venezuela is that it not only represents oil market security for China and Russia. It is more than that.For China, Venezuela represents a strategic point in Latin America - one that they can buy their way in and benefit from it. China has put in billions in terms of infrastructure investments, all in hope of securing long-term leverage and dropping an anchor on oil reserves in the country. But why?Given Venezuela's richness in terms of natural resources, it is a critical source of oil and other forms of resources that is not part of the Middle East. And given the US influence on Middle East producers, being able to potentially tap into Venezuela's oil reserves would be a major boon for China's ever growing economy.As for Russia, there's not only key economic ties in all of this but also a more strategic and military one. In exchange for securing some influence on Venezuela's oil fields, Russia has also provided the country with billions in credit for arms sales and infrastructure. In fact, Venezuela is actually Russia's largest arms client in Latin America. So, that should give you some perspective.And in return, Russia has actually been using Venezuela as a military hub with the two countries even signing a "strategic coordination" pact last year. That has led to Moscow even deploying Tu-160 bombers and naval vessels to the region with Venezuela acting as a stronghold just under the US' noses.So with the US' latest actions in Venezuela, all of what is said above is being threatened or is already gone in just one swift move. Trump is often known as a president of action and this is another milestone that literally shows that. Say what you will about the man but his penchant for boldness on the international stage is really something else.And with the US taking over, all of whatever is said now falls in the hands of Trump. And how he wants to play things out, whether to the US' own benefit or as leverage will depend on himself. For now, we're yet to see what becomes of everything.So, the more pertinent question is how will China and Russia respond to what just happened? Are they just going to sit there and let it slide?For now, both sides have come out to condemn the US and Trump's decision to take action. There's a lot of disagreement and protest but is it all just going to be verbal pushback only? And that's the risk that Beijing and Moscow will have to weigh.If they do not actually do something and take more serious action, it practically gives Trump more power to be bold again. And that means he could just take similar action on the likes of Iran and Cuba. So, it does set a precedent for potentially more geopolitical risks that could follow once the dust settles on this one.In a year where market players were already worried about rising geopolitical tensions, the timing of this Venezeula situation is uncanny. And that continues to send precious metals into overdrive, with fear that more risks like these may crop up down the road as well. So, that will be part of the outlook for global markets in weighing where money flows should enter this year. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.

At the balance, the dollar is still trading higher on the day in the major currencies space. But against the Japanese yen, the greenback is now trading lower with USD/JPY sliding back from a high of 157.30 earlier in the day to 156.55 currently. The situation is Venezuela prompted some safety flows into the dollar but market players should be realising now that this is one of those geopolitical moves that will eventually be faded.For one, equities are not showing any worries about it all with US futures pointing higher and European indices also posting modest gains today. On the latter, the DAX even briefly touched a fresh record high in the opening hour earlier. So, it's a new year but same old story for risk trades.Circling back to USD/JPY, the price action we're seeing is a bit more complicated. The dollar had a weak 2025 showing with the outlook not seemingly much better as we get into the new year. However, the same can be said for the yen.The Japanese currency has its own set of problems, not least needing to deal with increasing fiscal risks and rising debt levels. Meanwhile, prime minister Takaichi's expansionary fiscal policies are running up against the BOJ's appetite of wanting to raise interest rates further.All of that put together is also hurting the yen as much as it does the dollar, as well as its own status as a safe haven asset. So, it's a case of tit-for-tat it would seem.Since October, the path of least resistance is still for USD/JPY to trend higher and I would argue that hasn't changed since December. There is a bit of a consolidation around 155.00 to 157.90 currently, so we're very much stuck in a bit of a range for the pair.For this week, the near-term chart will be in focus with the pair now running down to test its key hourly moving averages. The confluence of the 100 (red line) and 200-hour (blue line) moving averages at 156.51-55 will be a focal point. Keep above that and the near-term bias holds more bullish but break below and the bias turns more bearish instead.But as mentioned above, the pair has much room to roam at the moment between 155.00 to 157.90 as a whole. That defines the opening range to start the year for USD/JPY. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.

KEY POINTS:DAX touches a new all-time highBreakout of the 2025 range in focus Positive risk sentiment is providing support amid Fed's easing, neutral ECBFUNDAMENTAL OVERVIEWThe German DAX touched a new all-time high today but couldn’t sustain the breakout of the 2025 range. There was strong optimism in the first half of 2025 due to the German fiscal stimulus, but the enthusiasm eventually faded and the index remained stuck in a big range. The German economy is expected to gradually pick up in 2026 according to the German central bank, but the real risk this year is going to be the ECB. In fact, despite the expectations of the European Central Bank to keep interest rates steady throughout 2026, there is a risk flagged by ECB’s Schnabel that we could see rate hikes earlier than expected, although this might be a risk for the second half of the year.As long as the ECB keeps its neutral stance and the Fed maintains its dovish reaction function, the positive risk sentiment should continue to support the upside for the stock market. DAX TECHNICAL ANALYSIS – DAILY TIMEFRAMEOn the daily chart, we can see that the DAX (CFD contract) probed above the upper bound of the range reaching a new all-time high but eventually gave back the gains as the buyers couldn’t sustained the breakout. The sellers will likely step in here with a defined risk above the resistance to position for a drop back into the lower bound of the range. The buyers, on the other hand, will look for a break higher to increase the bullish bets into new all-time highs.DAX TECHNICAL ANALYSIS – 4 HOUR TIMEFRAMEOn the 4 hour chart, we can see that we have an upward trendline defining the bullish momentum. If we get a pullback into the trendline, we can expect the buyers to lean on it with a defined risk below it to position for a rally into new all-time highs with a better risk to reward setup. The sellers, on the other hand, will look for a break lower to increase the bearish bets into the lower bound of the range around the 23000 level.DAX TECHNICAL ANALYSIS – 1 HOUR TIMEFRAMEOn the 1 hour chart, we can see that we have another minor trendline defining the bullish momentum on this timeframe. The buyers might split their orders in half in case the minor trendline gets breached and the price drops to the major one. The sellers, on the other hand, will keep on piling in at every break lower to target the lower bound of the range. The red lines define the average daily range for today.UPCOMING CATALYSTSToday we get the US ISM Manufacturing PMI. Tomorrow, we get the inflation reports for the major European economies. On Wednesday, we have the Eurozone Flash CPI, the US ADP, the US ISM Services PMI and the US Job Openings data. On Thursday, we get the latest US Jobless Claims figures. On Friday, we conclude the week with the US NFP report. This article was written by Giuseppe Dellamotta at investinglive.com.

Bitcoin Futures Technical Analysis: Bulls Defend Breakout as 100,000 Comes Back Into FocusTimeframe: 4-hour chart | investingLive.com | January 2026Bitcoin technical analysis highlightsBitcoin futures are up about 3.3% from Friday’s close, starting 2026 with bullish momentum.BTC has broken above a multi-touch resistance zone dating back to November 2025.A clean breakout and retest confirms higher acceptance on the 4-hour Bitcoin chart.The Value Area High near 89,600 is holding as key bullish support.As long as Bitcoin holds above the Point of Control near 88,000, the bullish Bitcoin trend remains intact.Bitcoin futures breakout: why this level mattersThis Bitcoin technical analysis focuses on a structurally important resistance level that capped BTC price action for months. On the 4-hour Bitcoin futures chart, that resistance originated from:A pivot high on October 6, 2025A second major test on October 28A near-touch on October 27A closely aligned additional test shortly afterwardWhether traders count this as three or four touches is secondary. What matters is that Bitcoin repeatedly failed at this level in the past, making the eventual breakout technically meaningful.Last Friday, Bitcoin futures broke decisively above this resistance, signaling a shift in market control from sellers to buyers.Breakout, retest, and acceptance in Bitcoin priceBitcoin is pushing higher as PwC’s deeper move into crypto highlights growing institutional confidence, with improving US regulatory clarity lowering adoption barriers for banks, corporates, and payment providers. A breakout alone is not enough. What followed strengthens the bullish case.Friday’s low produced a textbook retest of the previously broken Bitcoin resistance, confirming it as new support.When Bitcoin futures reopened roughly 11–12 hours later, price gapped higher, reinforcing buyer confidence.At the same time, the Value Area High at approximately 89,600 is being actively defended. In Bitcoin technical analysis terms, this suggests that the market is accepting higher value, rather than rotating back into the prior range.This area now acts as a clear line in the sand between bulls and bears.Key Bitcoin support levels to watchWhile further pullbacks are always possible, the structure defines where bullish control should remain intact.89,600 (Value Area High): First key support that should continue to hold.88,000 (Point of Control): A critical Bitcoin futures level. Acceptance below this zone would weaken the breakout structure.87,000 (round number): Located just below the Value Area Low, this is a broader bearish threshold.As long as Bitcoin price stays above 88,000, the breakout thesis remains valid.Bitcoin pitchfork structure and tactical pullbacksA rising pitchfork channel is currently guiding BTC price action. For trend continuation, bulls will want to see Bitcoin remain within this channel.A retracement toward ~90,650 would still be constructive rather than bearish. This level aligns with:Highs from December 17The swing high from December 22This confluence creates a technically logical area where speculative Bitcoin longs may expect additional buyers to step in.What would turn Bitcoin bearishFor now, this remains a secondary scenario, but it is clearly defined.If Bitcoin futures were to print two consecutive 4-hour candles closing decisively lower, especially with acceptance back below value, that would indicate bearish re-engagement. Until then, Bitcoin bulls remain firmly in control of the medium-term structure.Bitcoin outlook into early 2026Bitcoin and the broader crypto market are starting 2026 on a bullish technical footing. If current support levels continue to hold, market participants and media narratives are likely to shift attention back toward the 100,000 round number, a major psychological reference in Bitcoin price analysis.As always, this is scenario-based Bitcoin technical analysis, not a prediction. Trade at your own risk, manage exposure carefully, and return to investingLive.com later this week for updated Bitcoin levels and follow-up perspectives as price action evolvesBitcoin Market Update: The "Invisible Hand" Supporting the RallyBy The Order Flow Desk | investinglive.com Date: Monday, January 5, 2026Bitcoin futures kicked off the week with a decisive gap higher, creating a stir among retail and institutional traders alike. While the headline price action is undeniably bullish, the real story lies "under the hood" in the order flow.At InvestingLive, our proprietary volumetric systems have been tracking a significant shift in market participant behavior since late last week. We are seeing classic signs of institutional absorption—where "Smart Money" passively buys into weakness, setting the stage for the kind of squeezes we are witnessing now.Here is what our advanced flow analysis is signaling for the sessions ahead.The Setup at Bitcoin Futures at the End of Last Week: Anatomy of a Bear TrapTo understand today's rally, we have to look at how last week ended. On Friday afternoon, Bitcoin appeared heavy, drifting below key average prices. Sentiment was bearish, and sellers were aggressive.However, our systems flagged a critical anomaly late in the session. As price poked new lows, we detected a massive spike in aggressive selling that failed to push the price down. In institutional analysis, we call this a "Passive Reversal."Essentially, large limit buyers stepped in and absorbed every sell order the market threw at them. This created a "Bear Trap"—shorts were caught at the lows with nowhere to go but out. That trapped liquidity became the fuel for today’s gap up.The "Inventory Squeeze" in Bitcoin Today So FarToday’s open saw Bitcoin gap well above Friday’s value area (above the 90,670 level). What is fascinating is the quality of the move.During the initial rally, our flow trackers showed that aggressive buying was actually quite low. In fact, for several hours, the net order flow was negative even as prices rose. This is a classic "Inventory Squeeze." It suggests that retail traders or algorithms were trying to fade the gap (shorting into the rally), but institutional players were simply holding their bids higher, forcing price up without needing to aggressively chase it.The market has been climbing a "Wall of Worry"—and that is often the healthiest way to sustain a trend.The "Guardian" at the VWAP for Bitcoin Futures TodayAfter hitting a session high near 93,970, we saw a healthy retracement. This is where the rubber meets the road. In a weak market, retracements turn into reversals. In a strong market, they are bought.Here is what our volume scanners just detected:The Flush: We saw a sharp dip back toward the session's average price (VWAP) around the 92,800–92,900 zone.The Defense: Precisely at the lows of this dip (specifically around the 03:23 mark), our indicators lit up. We didn't just see "buying"—we saw protective aggression. A specific class of buyer stepped in to defend the floor, absorbing selling pressure instantly.We often refer to this signature as "The Guardian." It confirms that major players are not just watching the market; they are actively defending their entry prices.The Road Ahead for Bitcoin Today and This Week: Battle Lines DrawnWhile the trend remains bullish, the market is currently digesting the recent volatility. We are monitoring a "Battle Zone" that has developed in the last few hours.While "The Guardian" buyers are protecting the 92,800 floor, a pocket of supply has re-emerged near 93,400–93,500. This is the key level to watch.Bullish Scenario: If price can reclaim 93,500, the sellers who entered recently will be trapped, likely triggering another rapid squeeze toward the daily highs.Cautionary Note: The trend remains your friend as long as the price holds above the average weighted price (approx. 92,900). A sustained break below this "Guardian" level would invalidate the immediate bullish thesis.The Bottom Line for Bitcoin Traders and Investors: The underlying structure of the market is stronger than the price chart alone suggests. The absorption we saw on Friday and the defense we are seeing today point to continued institutional accumulation. Ignore the noise, watch the 92,800 defense line, and look for the next squeeze above 93,500.Also from today, you're welcome to check out EURUSD: In the 1st technical analysis of 2026, EURUSD remains under pressure after rejecting the 1.18 resistance, with bears in control as price trades below the anchored VWAP and key downside levels stay in focus.Gold: In the 1st technical analysis of 2026, gold starts the year on a bullish footing after buyers defended the Value Area Low, reclaimed value, and kept upside targets near 4,450–4,489 firmly in playDisclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Trading futures involves substantial risk. This article was written by Itai Levitan at investinglive.com.

KEY POINTS:US dollar recovers the Christmas week lossesThe market is still betting on at least two rate cuts in 2026 from the FedOn Friday, we have the US NFP reportIndian Rupee erased half of its gains since the RBI's interventionTrump threatens more tariffs on India if they don't help with Russian oil issueKey 90.40 level in focus as a break above it should open the door for new record highsFUNDAMENTAL OVERVIEWUSD:The greenback weakened across the board during the Christmas week but eventually recovered most of the losses. The price action during Christmas holidays is generally just noise, so it’s not surprising that most markets returned to original levels.In terms of macro, nothing has changed in these two weeks. The latest NFP and CPI reports came both on the softer side and the market is still pricing 63 bps of easing by year-end. The data in December was taken with a pinch of salt given the shutdown related issues, but the next releases will give us a clearer picture. The market expects the Fed to cut in March at the earliest, so we will need very soft data this month to force them to act sooner. Nonetheless, if the data continues to come in on the softer side, the market will likely increase the total easing for 2026 and that should weigh on the US dollar.On the other hand, if the data shows strength, traders will likely pare back their rate cut bets and that will likely offer the greenback some support.INR:The Indian Rupee enjoyed a relief rally after the RBI intervened on December 17. Unfortunately, the big picture trend remains skewed to the downside for the Rupee, and we are already seeing the gains evaporating with the USD/INR pair approaching the key 90.40 level.Moreover, Trump threatened more tariffs on India today “if they don’t help on Russian oil issue”. Trump wants India to stop importing Russian oil and force Moscow to accept a peace deal with Ukraine. USDINR TECHNICAL ANALYSIS – DAILY TIMEFRAMEOn the daily chart, we can see that USDINR fell all the way back to the lower bound of the rising channel following the RBI’s intervention on December 17. The dip-buyers started to pile in around the bottom trendline and after breaking above the key 89.70 level, increased the bullish bets into the 90.40 resistance. A break above the 90.40 level should open the door for a rally into a new record high.USDINR TECHNICAL ANALYSIS – 4 HOUR TIMEFRAMEOn the 4 hour chart, we can see that we have a strong resistance around the 90.40 level. The sellers will likely step in there with a defined risk above the resistance to position for a drop into the 89.60 level. The buyers, on the other hand, will look for a break higher to increase the bullish bets into a new all-time high.USDINR TECHNICAL ANALYSIS – 1 HOUR TIMEFRAMEOn the 1 hour chart, there’s not much else we can add here as the sellers will likely step in around the resistance to target new lows, while the buyers will look for a break higher to position for a rally into a new record high.UPCOMING CATALYSTSToday we get the US ISM Manufacturing PMI. On Wednesday, we have the US ADP, the US ISM Services PMI and the US Job Openings data. On Thursday, we get the latest US Jobless Claims figures. On Friday, we conclude the week with the US NFP report. This article was written by Giuseppe Dellamotta at investinglive.com.

Introduction: What Is Stock Trading?Stock trading involves buying and selling shares, which are small ownership pieces of companies listed on the stock market. The main goal is to make money by taking advantage of price changes. When you purchase a share, you own a small portion of that company, and the value of your investment fluctuates based on changes in the company's equity price.Unlike foreign exchange or cryptocurrency markets that operate 24/7, stock trading occurs during specific hours. For instance, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open from Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Some brokers also allow trading before and after these hours.Example: For instance, if Apple stock (AAPL) is priced at $180 and you believe it will increase, you can buy shares at that price. If the price then rises to $200 and you sell, you make a profit of $20 for each share (minus any fees).Equity trading has been a significant method of investment for many years. Thanks to the internet and mobile apps, it is now easier for beginners to get involved in global markets with just a few clicks.How Does Stock Trading Work?Trading involves buying and selling shares of companies through an exchange or an online platform, aiming to generate profit. Here’s how it works, step by step:Stock Exchanges and BrokersStock Exchanges: These are places where shares are listed and traded. Examples include the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ in the U.S., and the London Stock Exchange (LSE) in the UK.Brokers: To start trading stocks, you need to create an account with an online broker or trading platform that facilitates stock transactions. The broker helps you buy and sell shares.Trading DirectionsThere are two primary methods for trading shares:Go long (buy): If you believe the price will rise, you buy shares and plan to sell them later at a higher price for profit.Go short (sell): If you think the price will fall, you can borrow shares to sell at the current price and then buy them back later at a lower price. This method is usually available only on certain platforms and is better suited for experienced traders.Price QuotesEquity prices are updated in real-time and can fluctuate throughout the day depending on the demand from buyers and sellers. Each price quote includes:Bid price: The highest price that a buyer is willing to pay.Ask price: The lowest price that a seller is willing to accept.Spread: The small difference between the bid and ask prices.Example: If Apple (AAPL) has a bid price of $179.90 and an ask price of $180.10, and you buy at $180.10 and later sell at $185, your profit per share would be $4.90 (after subtracting any fees).Stock trading can be affected by many factors, including how well a company is performing, its earnings reports, economic data, and general market feelings.Types of StocksNot all stocks are the same. Knowing the different types can help you choose shares that suit your goals and how much risk you want to take.Common StocksThese are the most commonly traded equities. When you buy common stock, you own part of the company and usually have voting rights at shareholder meetings. Your returns come from the stock price going up and sometimes from dividends (a share of the company’s profits).Examples: Apple (AAPL), Amazon (AMZN), Microsoft (MSFT)Preferred StocksPreferred shares provide a fixed dividend and have priority over common shares in the event of company liquidation. However, they usually don’t offer voting rights. They are a mix of stocks and bonds, making them appealing to those looking for more steady income.Examples: Preferred shares of major banks or utility companies.Growth StocksGrowth stocks are shares of companies expected to grow at a faster rate than the overall market. These equities typically do not provide substantial dividends, as companies tend to reinvest their earnings for growth. They can provide strong returns over time but may be more volatile.Examples: Tesla (TSLA), Nvidia (NVDA)Value StocksThese represent shares of established companies that are valued lower than their true worth based on earnings or book value. They can offer steady dividends and are generally less volatile.Examples: Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Coca-Cola (KO)Dividend StocksThese companies regularly pay out part of their profits as dividends, making them popular for investors who want a steady income.Examples: Procter & Gamble (PG), AT&T (T)Tip for beginners: Many new traders start with common or large-cap growth stocks because they are easier to buy and sell, have a lot of research available, and are generally more stable than smaller or niche companies.Why Trade Stocks? (Advantages)Trading shares has been a fundamental approach to wealth building for many years. Here’s why millions of people around the world trade stocks every day:Potential for Long-Term GrowthHistorically, the stock market has provided strong long-term returns compared to many other types of investments. Investing in stocks, especially in well-performing companies, allows you to benefit from their growth over time.LiquidityMajor equity markets like the NYSE and NASDAQ are highly liquid, allowing you to quickly buy or sell shares during trading hours without causing significant price changes.AccessibilityWith online brokers and trading apps, you can start trading with relatively small amounts of money and often with low or no commission fees.DividendsSome shares pay regular dividends, providing investors with a steady income alongside any price increases.DiversificationThe equity market features thousands of companies across various industries, enabling investors to diversify their investments and mitigate risk across different sectors and market sizes.These benefits make equity trading one of the most accessible and flexible ways to participate in global financial markets. However, it’s important to understand the risks before you start trading.Who Trades Stocks?The stock market is a global platform that attracts many different types of participants, from everyday people to large institutions.Retail InvestorsThese are individual traders and investors who buy and sell stocks through online brokers or trading apps. The number of retail investors has increased in recent years due to low-cost platforms and easy access to market information.Institutional InvestorsThese include organizations like mutual funds, hedge funds, pension funds, and insurance companies. They account for a significant portion of daily transaction volume and can influence market trends and liquidity.Day Traders and Active TradersThese are individuals or small firms that execute numerous transactions, sometimes dozens in a single day, aiming to profit from short-term price fluctuations. They often rely on technical analysis and current market news.Governments and Central BanksWhile governments don’t engage in buying and selling shares for profit, their monetary policies, interest rate decisions, and regulations can significantly impact equity markets worldwide.Institutional investors typically provide most of the market’s liquidity, but retail investors are taking on a more significant role due to technology and easy access to buying and selling platforms.How to Start Trading StocksGetting started with investing in shares is straightforward, but achieving success requires planning and discipline.Step 1 – Choose a Reliable BrokerSelect an online brokerage that has low fees, good security, and easy-to-use tools. Popular options include platforms like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Robinhood, or eToro. Ensure the broker is regulated in your country.Step 2 – Open and Fund Your AccountYou’ll need to create an account and verify your identity with documents like a photo ID and proof of address. Then, deposit money using a bank transfer, debit card, or another supported method.Step 3 – Research StocksBefore purchasing, research companies using tools such as:Fundamental analysis: Look at earnings, revenue, and industry trends.Technical analysis: Study price charts and trading volumes.Step 4 – Decide on a StrategySelect an investing style that aligns with your goals and your risk tolerance:Long-term investing: Buying and holding stocks for years.Swing trading: Holding stocks for days or weeks to take advantage of short-term trends.Day trading: Buying and selling stocks within the same day.Step 5 – Place Your First TradeDecide if you want to buy (go long) if you believe the share price will rise, or sell short (if your broker allows it) if you anticipate a decline. Choose your order type (market or limit) and confirm the trade.Step 6 – Manage Your RiskUtilize stop-loss orders to automatically sell your shares when they reach a specific price, helping to limit your losses.Avoid risking more than 1-2% of your capital on a single trade.Diversify your investments across different sectors.Tip for beginners: Start small, keep track of your trades, and learn from each decision. Maintaining a simple trading journal can help you track your trades and assess your strategy and progress over time.Quick Glossary of Stock Trading TermsAsk Price: The lowest price a seller is willing to accept.Bid Price: The highest price a buyer is willing to pay.Spread: The difference between the bid and ask price.Bull Market: A market trend where prices are rising or expected to rise.Bear Market: A market trend where prices are falling or expected to fall.Dividend: A portion of a company’s earnings paid to shareholders, usually in cash or additional shares.Market Order: An order to buy or sell immediately at the best available price.Limit Order: An order to buy or sell at a specific price or better.Stop-Loss Order: An order to sell when it reaches a set price, used to limit losses.Portfolio: The collection of investments held by an individual or institution.Volatility: The degree of price fluctuations in a stock or the overall market.Margin Trading: Borrowing money from a broker to trade more than you could with just your own funds.Blue-Chip Stock: Shares of large, established companies known for stability and reliability.IPO (Initial Public Offering): The first time a company sells its shares to the public.Liquidity: How quickly and easily an asset can be bought or sold without affecting its price.Stock Trading ExamplesTo understand how a trade works in real life, let’s go through two simple examples using Apple stock (AAPL).Example 1: A Winning TradeEntry: AAPL is priced at $180.You buy 10 shares for a total of $1,800, expecting the price to rise.A few weeks later, the stock goes up to $195, and you decide to sell.Result: You make a profit based on the price difference.Example 2: A Losing TradeEntry: You buy 10 shares of AAPL at $180, but the price drops to $170.To limit your loss, you sell at $170.Result: Your loss is calculated as follows: $170 - $180 = -$10 loss per share. Total loss = 10 shares × $10 = -$100 (plus any fees).These examples illustrate how share prices can fluctuate in various directions. Using stop-loss orders, diversifying your portfolio, and managing how much you invest are important strategies to protect your money.Final Thoughts / Next StepsTrading shares is one of the easiest ways to get involved in global financial markets. With the right research and planning, it offers chances for both short-term profits and long-term wealth building.If you’re just starting out, here’s a smart approach:Learn the basics: Understand how equity markets operate, how to place orders, and how companies are valued.Start small: Trade small amounts while you gain experience and confidence.Focus on quality stocks: Begin with large, well-known companies before looking at smaller or riskier ones.Create a strategy: Decide if you’re investing for the long term or trading short-term, and stick to your plan.Practice risk management: Use stop-loss orders, diversify your investments, and never risk money you can’t afford to lose.Successful trading isn’t about making quick money; it’s about being disciplined, patient, and continuously learning. Start with small steps, keep a trading journal, and develop your skills over time. Eventually, you can explore advanced strategies like options trading and technical analysis to broaden your knowledge.With the right mindset and preparation, equity trading can be a valuable way to build wealth and understand the factors that drive the global economy.Legal DisclaimerThis content is for educational purposes only. It is not financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or derivative. Buying and selling involves risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always check the licensing of brokers on official regulatory websites.Continue Your Trading JourneyIf you want to learn about another growing market, check out our next guide, "What Is Option Trading – A Beginner’s Guide," which explains how options trading works, the key risks to consider, and steps to start safely.If you’re ready to trade stocks, choosing a reliable platform or app is essential. Visit our "Best Stock Brokers of 2025" or "Best Stock Market Apps" pages for a comparison of trusted brokers or apps to help you get started with confidence.Beginner FAQWhat is trading shares in simple terms?Stock trading is the buying and selling of company shares to make a profit from price changes.How much money do I need to start trading?Many brokers allow you to start with as little as $50-$100, but starting with a larger amount can help you diversify your portfolio better.Is stock trading risky?Yes. Share prices can change quickly based on how well a company is doing, market conditions, and economic events. It’s important to manage risk with stop-loss orders and diversification.Do I need to trade every day?No. You can trade actively, but many investors prefer a long-term approach, buying and holding reputable companies for years.What’s the difference between investing and trading?Investing focuses on long-term growth, where you buy and hold stocks for multiple years. Trading involves more frequent buying and selling to profit from short-term price movements.Can I trade international stocks?Yes. Many brokers give you access to global markets, including Europe, Asia, and emerging economies.What’s the most common mistake beginners make?Buying or selling without a strategy or chasing popular shares based on hype. Success requires research, patience, and disciplined risk management. This article was written by Itai Levitan at investinglive.com.

Mortgage approvals 64,530 vs 65,010 priorNet consumer credit £2.08 billion vs £1.71 billion priorOverall, net borrowing of mortgage debt by individuals increased to £4.5 billion in November, following a decrease of £1.0 billion to £4.2 billion in the month of October. Meanwhile, the annual growth rate for net mortgage lending increased slightly to 3.3% in November - the highest since January 2023.Net borrowing of consumer credit by individuals also increased to £2.08 billion with the breakdown showing £1.0 billion for net borrowing through credit cards and £1.1 billion in net borrowing through other forms of consumer credit.Looking at the annual growth rate for all consumer credit, that picked up to 8.1% in November as compared to 7.5% in October last year.All of this continues to point to the notion that UK credit conditions are still holding up somewhat as lenders are cautiously increasing household credit availability with easing affordability checks. This is one area that won't be too much of a bother for the BOE for the moment at least.As such, the central bank will be afforded scope to keep their focus on the inflation front as well as trying to balance things out amid the ever deepening cost of living crisis that is sweeping across the UK. So, that will once again be the key theme in looking out for the UK economy again in 2026. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.

KEY POINTS:Oil prices fell following the capture of Venezuelan President Maduro by US forcesVenezuelan interim President offers to collaborate with the US following threats of further strikesWhite House told US companies they must rebuild Venezuela's crude-pumping infrastructureOPEC+ keeps output steady through Q1 2026Bearish positioning very stretched, what could flip the outlook?FUNDAMENTAL OVERVIEWCrude oil has been trading on the weaker side today following the regime change in Venezuela after the US captured President Maduro. Trump also stated that the US will run Venezuela in the meantime and the interim President offered to collaborate with the US following the threats of further strikes. Moreover, according to Politico, the White House has told companies they must rebuild Venezuela's crude-pumping infrastructure if they want compensation for assets seized by Caracas. This adds bearish pressure on oil prices in the medium to long term with higher supply expected in the next years. We had also the OPEC+ meeting over the weekend, but that went as expected with the cartel maintaining output steady throughout Q1 2026. We might see them cutting output in case prices fall sustainably below the 55.00 level. On the demand side, despite global monetary easing and improving economic conditions, the oil market remained weak, potentially due to output hikes from OPEC+. The bearish positioning is very stretched, so we might see some life in the market this year if economic activity strengthens further and OPEC+ keeps output steady. CRUDE OIL TECHNICAL ANALYSIS – DAILY TIMEFRAMEOn the daily chart, we can see that crude oil has been slowly trending lower in the second half of last year. Prices fell to a new multi-year low in December before recovering into 2026. We can see that we have a major downward trendline defining the bearish momentum. If we get a pullback into the trendline, we can expect the sellers to lean on it with a defined risk above it to position for a drop into new cycle lows. The buyers, on the other hand, will want to see the price breaking higher to pile in for a rally into the 62.00 level next.CRUDE OIL TECHNICAL ANALYSIS – 4 HOUR TIMEFRAMEOn the 4 hour chart, we can see that we have a minor downward trendline defining the recent bearish momentum. The sellers will likely continue to lean on the trendline with a defined risk above it to keep pushing into new lows, while the buyers will look for a break higher to pile in for a rally into the major trendline around the 59.00 level.CRUDE OIL TECHNICAL ANALYSIS – 1 HOUR TIMEFRAMEOn the 1 hour chart, we can see more clearly the recent price action with the weakness today caused by the regime change in Venezuela after the US captured Maduro. From a risk management perspective, the sellers will have a better risk to reward setup around the trendline to position for a drop into new lows, while the buyers will need the price to break higher to open the door for a move into the next major trendline. The red lines define the average daily range for today.UPCOMING CATALYSTSToday we get the US ISM Manufacturing PMI. On Wednesday, we have the US ADP, the US ISM Services PMI and the US Job Openings data. On Thursday, we get the latest US Jobless Claims figures. On Friday, we conclude the week with the US NFP report. This article was written by Giuseppe Dellamotta at investinglive.com.

EURUSD Technical Analysis: Euro Weakens Below 1.18 as Bearish Momentum Isn't FadingEURUSD futures | 4-hour chart | Analyst: Itai Levitan | investingLive.comAnd it shows that bears continue to be in control. This comes at no surprise to many of us, especially those that got the heads up last week at our Telegram Channel.The EUR/USD pair is currently exhibiting persistent selling pressure near the 1.18 level, driven by order flow dynamics that suggested last week, as I showed in my analysis, distribution rather than accumulation. While price action may appear orderly on the surface, deeper analysis reveals that buying activity is inefficient and value is migrating lower, with positive delta bursts failing to sustain higher prices. Key technical levels to watch include 1.18135 (yesterday's VWAP) and 1.1806 (today's VWAP), which act as resistance; as long as the price remains below these markers, the bearish bias remains intact. A clean break below the psychologically significant 1.18 handle would further strengthen the case for a bearish continuation, while sustained acceptance above VWAP levels is required to challenge seller control.And what aboute this week in Euro FX Futures? We see immediate selling pressure on the Euro marks a sharp reversal from the broader trends observed over the last twelve months, as the US dollar holds firmer to officially get the new year underway. While the current environment favors the greenback due to safe-haven flows, it stands in contrast to the previous year where the Euro was the big winner in foreign exchange, having rallied 13.3% against the dollar in 2025 driven by pragmatic policy shifts and a "less bad" economic outlook. Looking elsewhere in North America, the Canadian Dollar outlook for 2026 suggests further upside; despite fears regarding US trade policy, analysts believe tariff risks are overblown and that the "Loonie" could gain another 5% this year, supported by commodity strength and political stability under the Carney government.EURUSD technical analysis highlightsEURUSD rejected strongly from the 1.18 resistance zone, reinforcing a bearish bias for the Euro.The EURUSD 4-hour chart shows a clear loss of bullish structure after a pitchfork breakdown.EURUSD futures are now trading below an anchored VWAP, pressing into lower standard deviation territory.The bearish EURUSD scenario remains active unless price closes a 4-hour candle above 1.17425.Why 1.18 remains a critical EURUSD resistanceIn last week’s EURUSD technical analysis, the 1.18 level was highlighted as a major resistance zone for the Euro. That area represented more than a psychological round number, it aligned with prior volume acceptance and structural resistance visible on the EURUSD futures chart.Price reacted precisely as anticipated. EURUSD failed at 1.18, confirming that sellers were active at that level. The short-side thesis was activated, and partial profits were already taken, as shared earlier through the investingLive Stocks Telegram channel.Since that rejection, the EURUSD trend structure has weakened further, shifting the focus toward downside continuation rather than consolidation.EURUSD 4-hour chart: structure breakdown and VWAP pressure (see video above)On the 4-hour EURUSD futures chart, the Euro is currently down about 0.36%, with two key technical developments shaping the outlook:1. Pitchfork failure on EURUSDThe upward pitchfork that had previously guided EURUSD higher has now been decisively lost. When EURUSD breaks below a well-respected pitchfork, it often signals that bullish momentum has faded and that the market is transitioning into a bearish phase.2. EURUSD trading below anchored VWAPThe current VWAP is anchored from the December 9, 2025 pivot low, a key reference point for institutional positioning. EURUSD is now trading near the 1st lower standard deviation of that VWAP, around 1.17205.Historically, when EURUSD accepts below VWAP deviations after losing structure, the market tends to extend lower before attempting any meaningful rebound.EURUSD downside levels to monitorFrom a volume profile and EURUSD technical perspective, downside continuation remains the favored scenario.Today’s low: approximately 1.1710 A clean break below this level would signal further bearish acceptance.Next EURUSD support target: 1.16945 This level is derived from prior EURUSD volume profile analysis and represents the next potential reaction zone.At this stage, EURUSD does not show reversal characteristics. Price behavior remains consistent with trend continuation rather than seller exhaustion.Bearish EURUSD invalidation levelClear invalidation is essential in any EURUSD trading plan.The bearish EURUSD scenario would be invalidated or seriously questioned if:EURUSD closes a full 4-hour candle above 1.17425, which corresponds to the open of the current EURUSD futures session candle.A sustained close above that level would suggest a loss of downside control and open the door to a rotation back toward value.EURUSD trading context and risk noteAt present, EURUSD is not a long setup. The broader EURUSD trend, VWAP positioning, and volume profile structure all argue against attempting to pick a bottom.As always:Trade at your own risk.Use defined invalidation levels.Adjust position sizing to volatility conditions.For more EURUSD analysis, additional order flow perspectives, and multi-asset coverage, return to investingLive.com, where this EURUSD video analysis is embedded alongside broader market context. This article was written by Itai Levitan at investinglive.com.

Swiss manufacturing activity slumped hard towards the end of last year, with both output and new orders struggling and dipping further. A point to note as well is that employment conditions also declined further, so that will leave a negative mark on overall sentiment even if services is the bigger contributor to the country's economy. Procure notes that:"This marks the lowest value since the announcement of US tariffs. The PMI reflects ongoing strain in the manufacturing sector, though headwinds from protectionism continued to ease in December."The full breakdown of the sub-indices can be seen below:This won't do much to change the outlook for the SNB though. The Swiss central bank will continue to have to deal with deflationary pressures as we get into the new year. And their main task will be to balance that out and trying not to overcommit on monetary policy easing.As things stand, they are actively trying to avoid dipping into negative interest rates. Or at least not be forced into a position to utilise that again too soon. It's all about retaining that bit of flexibility at the end of the day. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.

The trading week of January 5, 2026, has begun with significant market movements driven by escalating geopolitical tensions and shifting regulatory landscapes. A primary driver of volatility is the situation in Venezuela, where China has issued a sharp rebuke regarding the reported US seizure of President Maduro, urging his immediate release and condemning the move as a violation of international law. The uncertainty surrounding this conflict has spurred a flight to safety in global markets: precious metals have rallied, with gold surging 2.1% to $4,420 and silver rising 3.7% to $75.46. Similarly, the US dollar is holding firmer against major currencies like the Euro and Yen, defying expectations of a long-term softening as investors seek stability.In the digital asset space, Bitcoin is seeing gains fueled by positive institutional and regulatory developments rather than geopolitical strife. Professional services giant PwC has signaled a major strategic pivot toward crypto services, citing the newfound regulatory clarity provided by the "GENIUS Act" and the pro-crypto stance of the Trump administration. This move is viewed as a significant validation of the sector, reinforcing the narrative of institutionalization and driving Bitcoin higher as the new year gets underway.The 1st Gold Technical Analysis of Year 2026 Shows Bulls are BackVideo analysis date: January 5, 2026 | Timeframe: 1-hour chart | Analyst: Itai LevitanKey Takeaways from the Gold Futures Analysis VideoGold futures opened the week with a sharp push higher (~+102.5 points / +2.37%) after bouncing precisely off the Value Area Low (VAL) from Friday’s anchored volume profile.A “triple-support” structure formed at VAL, and the sequence of higher lows hinted that buyers were stepping in early (no patience for a perfect tag).Price reclaimed the Value Area High (VAH) and broke above prior highs, shifting the narrative toward acceptance back above value rather than a sell-the-rally setup.The next upside “decision zone” sits around 4,440, then the 4,450–4,454 area (semi-round number + pitchfork top), where partial profit-taking could spark a pullback.If a pullback reaches the VAH near ~4,385, that area becomes a potential “bulls prove it” retest zone; failure there would weaken the immediate bullish thesis.What I’m Watching on the Gold Futures 1-Hour ChartComing into the first full week of 2026, I’m focused on how gold reacted to value—specifically an anchored volume profile drawn across the prior range (Friday). In this framework:The blue line marks the Value Area Low (VAL) (support edge of value).The Value Area High (VAH) is the upper boundary of that value zone.The red line is the Point of Control (POC)—the price level with the highest traded volume in that range.The key detail from the video: gold didn’t just “bounce somewhere.” It found support exactly at VAL, and then the market opened above the POC and retraced cleanly into that area—effectively “tying the dots together” between support, value, and acceptance.That’s the difference between generic chart-watching and professional-level contextual analysis: the market is telling a story about where participants are comfortable doing business.The Golden Bounce Matters: Triple Support + Higher LowsAfter the initial rejection into VAL, the chart built what I’d call a triple-support area around the Value Area Low. Even better for the bulls, the lows began to ratchet higher:Each subsequent dip stopped above the prior low.That’s often a sign of buyer urgency—participants are willing to pay up rather than wait for the “perfect” touch.In practical terms, that “higher lows” structure can be an early clue that the move off VAL isn’t just a dead-cat bounce—it’s potentially a transition from liquidation to accumulation, especially when paired with a reclaim of value.Gold is Reclaiming Value and Breaking Highs: Why This Isn’t a Clean ShortOnce price cleared back above the VAH (blue line) and pushed through prior swing highs, the tone changed. A common trap in this sequence is the “breakout… then dump back into range” move that traps late bulls (a classic fakeout / bull trap).But in the video’s read, the market produced a cleaner breakout attempt afterward—making aggressive shorting here look more like fading strength into rising acceptance, rather than selling into clear failure.Put differently: when price reclaims value, holds it, and starts building above it, the market is often signaling mean reversion back into higher value rather than immediate collapse.Key Levels on the Radar for Gold Futures TodayThe video outlines several volume-profile-derived levels that matter as price pushes higher. Here’s how I’d organize them for execution planning:Why 4,450–4,454 is a likely reaction zoneEven in bullish conditions, risk management becomes the driver after a big up-move. In professional settings, a desk (or risk team) often won’t allow a trader to sit on a large scaled position without taking partial profits into a pre-defined level.So, around 4,450-ish—especially with confluence near 4,454—a pullback wouldn’t be a surprise. It may simply be profit-taking, not a bearish reversal.The Technical Scenarios for Gold Futures TodayThis is not about prediction—it’s about if/then structure.Bullish continuation scenarioIf price holds above reclaimed value and continues to accept above the VAH,then the market can keep pressing into 4,440, followed by the 4,450–4,454 zone.If bulls can absorb selling there and regain traction,then the path opens toward 4,473.5 and potentially 4,489.Constructive pullback scenario (the “present”)If price retraces and tags the VAH near ~4,385 and buyers defend it,then that’s the type of retest that can offer a cleaner long thesis (joining strength after support proves itself).Bearish invalidation riskIf the market loses the VAH and can’t reclaim it (failed acceptance),then the bullish narrative weakens and the move risks sliding back into the prior range.A deeper failure would be signaled if price returns to (and breaks) the Value Area Low region that launched the move.What I Want to See From Order Flow NextThe video mentions that this analysis will be paired with order flow hints—the kind of “under the candles” evidence that helps distinguish conviction vs. non-conviction.In plain terms, into levels like 4,450–4,454, I’m watching for:Aggressive buying that actually moves price (real demand), vs. buying that stalls (absorption).Whether pullbacks are sharp and impulsive (risk-off liquidation) or orderly (structured profit-taking).Whether breakouts hold above the level (acceptance) or immediately snap back (failed auction).Return to this page for order flow insights for gold today, to see not only how price develops but what the 'under the hood' of it says!Where to Follow AlongIn addition to order flow insights from orderFlow Intel, we also have our investingLive Stocks Channel on Telegram, where additional ideas across gold and other instruments are shared periodically. Hop on over! Always trade at your own risk, always do your own research. And do visit investingLive.com for additional, original, expert opinions. This article was written by Itai Levitan at investinglive.com.

KEY POINTS:Gold rallied overnight on geopolitical news US NFP report on Friday a key risk eventBig picture trend remains skewed to the upsideTrendline around the 4230 level could act as strong supportFUNDAMENTAL OVERVIEWGold has been supported recently by the soft US NFP and CPI reports before the Christmas holidays. That helped to push the precious metals into new all-time highs before a quick selloff brought prices back to the original levels. Today, gold saw some upside overnight on geopolitical news . In fact, the US President Trump escalated rhetoric across Latin America, reinforcing Washington’s assertion of control over post-Maduro Venezuela while openly signalling that Colombia and Mexico could also face US action as part of a widening campaign against criminal networks and regional instability.This week we have the December NFP report coming up, and while the previous report might have been taken with a pinch of salt due to shutdown related issues, this one should give us a clearer picture. Strong data might lead to a correction, while soft figures should keep on 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 hawkish repricing in interest rate expectations could weigh on the market. GOLD TECHNICAL ANALYSIS – DAILY TIMEFRAMEOn the daily chart, we can see that gold pushed into a new all-time high during the Christmas week but eventually erased all the gains. From a risk management perspective, the buyers will have a better risk to reward setup around the trendline to position for a rally into a new all-time high. The sellers, on the other hand, will want to see the price breaking lower to pile in for a drop into the 3887 level next.GOLD TECHNICAL ANALYSIS – 4 HOUR TIMEFRAMEOn the 4 hour chart, we can see that we have a minor resistance zone around the 4440 level. This is where we can expect the sellers to step in with a defined risk above the resistance to position for a drop into the major trendline. The buyers, on the other hand, will look for a break higher to increase the bullish bets into new all-time highs.GOLD TECHNICAL ANALYSIS – 1 HOUR TIMEFRAMEOn the 1 hour chart, we can see that we have the upper bound of the average daily range for today standing right around the resistance. This suggests that it’s unlikely that we will see a sustained breakout today, so there’s a good chance that we either consolidate here or pull back into the minor trendline. We will likely find dip-buyers around the minor trendline targeting a break above the resistance, while the sellers will look for a break below the trendline to increase the bearish bets into the major trendline.UPCOMING CATALYSTSToday we get the US ISM Manufacturing PMI. On Wednesday, we have the US ADP, the US ISM Services PMI and the US Job Openings data. On Thursday, we get the latest US Jobless Claims figures. On Friday, we conclude the week with the US NFP report.VIDEO This article was written by Giuseppe Dellamotta at investinglive.com.

Monday starts quietly in terms of economic events for the FX market. In the U.S., the focus will be on the ISM manufacturing PMI. On Tuesday, the services PMI data will be released for the eurozone, the U.K., and the U.S. while Wednesday brings inflation data from Australia and the eurozone. In the U.S., attention will be on the ADP nonfarm employment change, the ISM services PMI, and JOLTS job openings. On Thursday, Switzerland will release its CPI data, while the U.S. will publish weekly unemployment claims. Friday is packed with key labor market data. Canada will report employment change and the unemployment rate, while the U.S. will release average hourly earnings m/m, nonfarm payrolls, the unemployment rate, preliminary University of Michigan consumer sentiment, and inflation expectations. In Australia, the consensus for CPI m/m is 0.1% versus 0.0% previously. CPI y/y is expected at 3.7%, down from 3.8%, while the trimmed mean CPI m/m is forecast at 0.2% versus 1.0% previously. As a note, the release this week covers CPI data for November, with December figures expected later this month. October’s monthly CPI printed in line with expectations, though it was slightly firmer than the market had anticipated. While the expanded monthly CPI dataset provides a clearer view of price developments across the Australian economy, its relatively short history means that some of the detail will take time to interpret with confidence. For this week’s release, a modest monthly increase is expected, with the annual rate likely to remain steady near 3.8%. Westpac analysts note that a sharp 16% rise in electricity prices is the main driver behind the stronger monthly outcome. In Switzerland, the consensus for CPI m/m is 0.0% vs. -0.2% prior. The SNB forecasts that inflation will remain in the 0-2% target range for some time, with Chairman Schlegel previously noting that the softer inflation does not necessarily increase the likelihood of a return to negative rates. This week’s jobs data will be important for the Bank of Canada's January policy meeting. After a run of firmer labour market results through the fall and an unusually sharp drop in the unemployment rate in November, December’s figures are expected to show some giveback. Employment is forecast to decline modestly, reversing part of November’s outsized gain, while the unemployment rate is projected to edge higher. Analysts at RBC argue this is more likely a correction following November’s volatility than evidence of renewed deterioration in labour market conditions. Recent jobs data have been choppy, with gains skewed toward part-time roles and younger workers, alongside softer participation. However, more stable indicators, such as core-age unemployment and wage growth, have held up, pointing to underlying resilience. Trade-sensitive sectors remain a weak spot, but there is limited evidence of broader spillovers across the economy. Hiring demand appears to be stabilizing, and slower population growth should help ease labour supply pressures. From a monetary policy perspective, the BoC is not expected to cut rates again in the near term. In the U.S., the consensus for average hourly earnings is 0.3% m/m, compared with 0.1% previously. Nonfarm payrolls are expected to rise by 57K, down from 64K, while the unemployment rate is forecast to edge lower from 4.6% to 4.5%. In recent months, payroll growth has been minimal, with employment essentially flat on a three-month basis and well below the pace seen earlier in the year. While part of this weakness reflects temporary factors, such as federal workers exiting payrolls under deferred resignation programs, hiring in the private sector has also slowed noticeably, outside of a few resilient areas such as healthcare. More concerning is the steady rise in the unemployment rate, which has moved above the Fed’s estimate of its longer-run neutral level. Data quality issues related to the government shutdown add some uncertainty, but the broader message is consistent with other indicators pointing to a gradual cooling in labour market conditions, including lower quit rates and higher continuing claims. December’s jobs report should provide a clearer picture as standard data collection resumes. Hiring is expected to remain subdued relative to historical norms, though Wells Fargo analysts don't foresee further deterioration happening in the labor market. Wage growth is likely to remain soft, helping to contain labour-driven inflation pressures as the job market remains sluggish rather than outright weak. This article was written by Gina Constantin at investinglive.com.

Expresses grave concern over US seizing MaduroUS actions violate international lawCalls on US to immediately release MaduroChina is closely following the security situation in VenezuelaChina has always maintained positive communication with Venezuelan governmentOn oil exports, China believes its interest in Venezuela will be protected by lawIf situation in Venezuela changes, China's willingness to deepen cooperation will not changeThe oil exports part is arguably the most interesting in all of this. For some context, Venezuela has seen its production and export capabilities crippled amid political instability and sanctions. That led to the country only pumping around 900k barrels per day in 2025. To put that in perspective, it only accounts for less than 1% of global oil supply.In terms of crude exports, it's lesser in the range of 768k bpd last year. And more than half of that goes to China.As the US now takes over the situation in Venezuela, this will be one thing that will see a notable impact. Trump had previously suggested that China will continue to receive some Venezuelan oil, but the amount is likely to be limited.Amid sanctions previously, independent refineries who were willing to take the risk didn't have too many options besides China to work with. But if the sanctions are now lifted, it's pretty much a free game and open market for Venezuelan crude exports.And guess who stands to benefit the most from that? The US of course, naturally for geographical reasons.In any case, Beijing also adds that it holds a "no interference policy" in all of this. And that however the situation changes, China will remain "good friends" with Latin American countries. This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.