Market Update: April 4, 2025

On April 4, 2025, financial markets are poised for a critical day as the U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report nears. Gold, currencies, and crude oil are showing mixed signals of optimism and caution, with the upcoming data likely to steer their direction. Here’s a look at today’s key market drivers.

Ready to trade the markets? Create an account now on Moneta Markets

Gold Price Hovers Near $3,100 as Bullish Sentiment Persists Ahead of U.S. NFP Report

Gold continues to command attention, holding its ground above the $3,100 mark as bullish momentum shows no signs of fading. Investors are increasingly drawn to the precious metal as a safe-haven asset amid global uncertainties, with all eyes now on the forthcoming U.S. NFP report. A weaker-than-expected jobs number could amplify gold’s allure, while a robust outcome might test its recent upward trajectory.

Pound Sterling Holds Gains Against U.S. Dollar Amid U.S. Economic Shockwaves

The Pound Sterling is displaying notable staying power, clinging to modest gains against a U.S. Dollar that’s feeling the heat from emerging economic turbulence stateside. Market participants attribute the Dollar’s softness to mixed signals about U.S. growth, with the GBP/USD pair finding support as traders weigh the implications of potential policy shifts. The NFP data could either bolster Sterling’s edge or shift the balance back toward the greenback.

U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls Preview: Job Growth Expected to Slow in March Amid Economic Uncertainty

The spotlight is firmly on the U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls report, set to release later today, with analysts forecasting a noticeable slowdown in job creation for March. This anticipated easing comes against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, raising questions about the resilience of the U.S. recovery. Investors are bracing for a range of outcomes, from a mild dip that could calm inflation fears to a sharper decline that might signal deeper challenges ahead.

WTI Crude Oil Prices Turn Bearish at European Open as Market Sentiment Shifts

Crude oil markets are taking a breather, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices adopting a bearish posture as European trading gets underway. This downward tilt reflects a shift in sentiment, possibly driven by concerns over weakening demand or an oversupply outlook. Traders are keeping a close watch on global economic cues, with oil’s direction likely to remain sensitive to both the NFP results and broader geopolitical developments.

Moneta Markets
Type: STP, ECN
Regulation: FCA (UK), FSA (Seychelles), FSCA (South Africa)
read more
Yen Hits 6-Month High, Volatility Returns After North American Holiday.

Yen Hits 6-Month High, Volatility Returns After North American Holiday.

US markets were closed yesterday for a bank holiday, limiting overall market activity. The US dollar weakened as the Japanese yen surged, while crude oil extended gains amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Iran warned it could target energy infrastructure across the region if the US launches further attacks on Iranian assets.
ATFX | 1 day ago
US Payrolls Hit 5-Month High as Markets Await CPI This Week.

US Payrolls Hit 5-Month High as Markets Await CPI This Week.

U.S. and Canadian markets are closed for the holidays. With investors digesting nonfarm data and Middle East tensions high, traders should watch for unusual price swings amid low liquidity. Eurozone Q2 GDP is expected to be 0.4%, which could affect Thursday’s ECB meeting.
ATFX | 2 days ago
Fed Remarks Dampen Rate Hike Hopes Ahead of NFP Release

Fed Remarks Dampen Rate Hike Hopes Ahead of NFP Release

The U.S. August Nonfarm Payrolls report will be released tonight, the last major employment report before the Fed’s September meeting. Markets expect payrolls to rise by 58,000 (previous: -23,000), unemployment to remain at 4.1%, and average hourly earnings to increase 0.3% m/m (previous: 0.1%). The data could significantly impact rate expectations and market volatility.
ATFX | 5 days ago
Global Bond Selloff, Eyes on Central Banks & US ADP

Global Bond Selloff, Eyes on Central Banks & US ADP

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand and the Bank of Canada announce rate decisions in succession. This morning, the RBNZ raised rates by 25 basis points as expected; the BoC continues to balance slowing domestic growth against inflation pressures, with rates expected to remain unchanged. US ADP employment data (forecast 48K, previous 44K) will serve as a preview for Friday’s official Nonfarm Payrolls.
ATFX | 7 days ago