Note that for the most part trading today in natural gas has stayed above prior resistance at 3.64. That was the 2023 high and top of a large symmetrical triangle pattern. Therefore, it potentially was an impactful breakout that should eventually see a continuation to the upside. However, in the short term the possibility of a pullback exists and improves on a daily close below 3.64. The target zone that was breached today consisted of the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement at 3.85 and the 127.2% extended target for a rising ABCD pattern (orange) at 3.87.
False Channel Breakout
It is not just the bearish reaction to the target zone, however that is a cause for concern, resistance was also seen around the top channel line of a rising trend channel. Notice that on Friday natural gas touched the line specifically as resistance as the high of the day at 3.83 was at the line. Arguably, the top channel line could be moved a little higher and touch the November swing high rather than the October swing high. In that case, the argument for short-term resistance is amplified.
Watch Price Action Around 3.56 and 3.0
A correction, if it were to occur, could take the form of relatively sideways consolidation or a deeper pullback. The rise above the top of the channel is an indication that prices may be getting too far from the mean and due for a pullback and realignment. Other price levels to watch besides the 3.64 high include the most recent trend high at 3.56 and the 20-Day MA trend indicator at 3.32. If a rally above today’s high occurs before a correction, then the next upside target is 4.06.
For a look at all of today’s economic events, check out our economic calendar.
GBP/USD fluctuates below 1.2600 after closing in positive territory on Friday.
The pair remains bearish in the near-term technical outlook.
The risk perception could drive GBP/USD’s action in the second half of the day.
After suffering large losses on Wednesday and Thursday, GBP/USD corrected higher on Friday but ended up closing the week in the red. The pair stays in a consolidation phase below 1.2600 early Monday as trading conditions remain thin ahead of the Christmas holiday.
British Pound PRICE Last 7 days
The table below shows the percentage change of British Pound (GBP) against listed major currencies last 7 days. British Pound was the weakest against the US Dollar.
USD
EUR
GBP
JPY
CAD
AUD
NZD
CHF
USD
0.82%
0.39%
1.85%
1.04%
1.66%
1.98%
0.17%
EUR
-0.82%
-0.37%
1.16%
0.29%
1.01%
1.23%
-0.59%
GBP
-0.39%
0.37%
1.40%
0.69%
1.38%
1.58%
-0.22%
JPY
-1.85%
-1.16%
-1.40%
-0.81%
-0.18%
0.14%
-1.57%
CAD
-1.04%
-0.29%
-0.69%
0.81%
0.67%
0.91%
-0.87%
AUD
-1.66%
-1.01%
-1.38%
0.18%
-0.67%
0.22%
-1.58%
NZD
-1.98%
-1.23%
-1.58%
-0.14%
-0.91%
-0.22%
-1.79%
CHF
-0.17%
0.59%
0.22%
1.57%
0.87%
1.58%
1.79%
The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the British Pound from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent GBP (base)/USD (quote).
The Federal Reserve’s (Fed) hawkish dot plot and the Bank of England relatively dovish language following the last policy meeting of the year triggered a sharp decline in GBP/USD. The positive shift seen in risk mood heading into weekend on US Congress’ avoidance of a government shutdown caused the US Dollar (USD) to weaken against its rivals and helped the pair erase a portion of its weekly losses.
Meanwhile, the softer-than-expected November inflation data put additional weight on the USD’s shoulders. The US Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that the core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) preferred gauge of inflation, rose 0.1% on a monthly basis in November. This reading followed the 0.3% increase recorded in October and came in below the market expectation of 0.2%.
In the absence of high-tier data releases, investors could react to changes in risk perception in the second half of the day. At the time of press, US stock index futures were up between 0.1% and 0.5%. A bullish opening in Wall Street could make it difficult for the USD to stay resilient against its rivals and support GBP/USD.
GBP/USD Technical Analysis
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator on the 4-hour chart stays below 50 and GBP/USD is yet to make a 4-hour close above the 20-period Simple Moving Average (SMA), reflecting buyers’ hesitancy.
On the downside, interim support is located at 1.2550 (static level) before 1.2480 (static level) and 1.2400 (static level, round level). Looking north, resistances could be seen at 1.2600 (static level, round level), 1.2640 (50-period SMA) and 1.2680 (100-period SMA).
Pound Sterling FAQs
The Pound Sterling (GBP) is the oldest currency in the world (886 AD) and the official currency of the United Kingdom. It is the fourth most traded unit for foreign exchange (FX) in the world, accounting for 12% of all transactions, averaging $630 billion a day, according to 2022 data. Its key trading pairs are GBP/USD, also known as ‘Cable’, which accounts for 11% of FX, GBP/JPY, or the ‘Dragon’ as it is known by traders (3%), and EUR/GBP (2%). The Pound Sterling is issued by the Bank of England (BoE).
The single most important factor influencing the value of the Pound Sterling is monetary policy decided by the Bank of England. The BoE bases its decisions on whether it has achieved its primary goal of “price stability” – a steady inflation rate of around 2%. Its primary tool for achieving this is the adjustment of interest rates. When inflation is too high, the BoE will try to rein it in by raising interest rates, making it more expensive for people and businesses to access credit. This is generally positive for GBP, as higher interest rates make the UK a more attractive place for global investors to park their money. When inflation falls too low it is a sign economic growth is slowing. In this scenario, the BoE will consider lowering interest rates to cheapen credit so businesses will borrow more to invest in growth-generating projects.
Data releases gauge the health of the economy and can impact the value of the Pound Sterling. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, and employment can all influence the direction of the GBP. A strong economy is good for Sterling. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the BoE to put up interest rates, which will directly strengthen GBP. Otherwise, if economic data is weak, the Pound Sterling is likely to fall.
Another significant data release for the Pound Sterling is the Trade Balance. This indicator measures the difference between what a country earns from its exports and what it spends on imports over a given period. If a country produces highly sought-after exports, its currency will benefit purely from the extra demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase these goods. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens a currency and vice versa for a negative balance.
I’ve always passed detox trends off as phony wellness fads.
When I started to hear about the dangers of heavy metal toxicity, my feelings began to change.
Conversations around heavy metals have emerged in wellness circles many times over the years. Around 2020, it seemed like half my TikTok feed was filled with influencers chugging heavy metal detox smoothies, celery juice, and chlorophyll water — some were even taking heavy metal detox baths, and contemplating detoxes for kids.
I was first introduced to the concept by the wellness-obsessed Kourtney Kardashian, who wrote about her detox plans in a blog post on Poosh.
“My doctor actually put me on the keto diet a couple of years ago for a metal detox. He tested my muscles and found that I had high levels of mercury and lead in my system,” Kardashian shared.
“Once it gets going, I was told that being in a state of ketosis can also be anti-aging, produce higher levels of HGH in the body, reduce anxiety, and increase energy,” she added.
Kardashian’s characterization of detoxing was pretty on point. According to a study in the National Library of Medicine, humans are exposed to various metals through the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and even personal care products that we slather on our bodies.
While small amounts of metals are safe and key to organ functions, too many can lead to unwanted side effects. Research has shown that metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic can accumulate in the body’s tissues and bind to cells, preventing them from functioning properly and causing harm to vital, organs, including the brain and the liver. Symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, and weakened immunity.
Jump to the present day, and I still hear “heavy metal detox” like it’s a ghost haunting me under my childhood bed, and it’s only a matter of time before I come face to face with it. I was desperate to find out: Was detoxing the secret cure for a cleaner, healthier body or just another empty promise in the wellness space?
After speaking with a detox specialist and arming myself with a bottle of liquid zeolite from Touchstone Essentials, I decided to try a month-long heavy metal detox experiment myself. The results were shocking.
What are heavy metals and why are they dangerous?
“Heavy metal poisoning is not a health concern to be left untreated, especially since the symptoms can be mild and easily overlooked,” explained Dr. Alicia Armitstead, the founder of Healing Arts, Manhattan’s Premier Integrative Health and Wellness Center.
Armistead, who also has an advanced post-graduate certification in Nutrition Response Testing Advanced Clinical Training, and 18 years of experience building personalized detox programs for her patients, warned that “If left untreated, heavy metal poisoning can result in death or permanent damage to the body.”
Armistead cited several examples of potentially dangerous heavy metals — lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, iron, copper, zinc, aluminum, beryllium, cobalt, manganese, and arsenic. According to Armistead, too much exposure to any of these heavy metals can affect the nervous, pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, skin, reproductive, and skeletal systems in varying degrees.
What are the symptoms of heavy metal toxicity?
Individuals may experience both internal and external signs of heavy metal toxicity.
“Symptoms of heavy metal toxicity include headaches, skin rashes, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, irritability, brain fog, low immune system,” explained Armistead.
There is no single image of what heavy metal poisoning looks like, as it depends on the levels and types of metals a person is exposed to. Some people could display all of these symptoms, while others only suffer from a few, or just one.
Besides evaluating symptoms, there are a few more accurate ways to diagnose heavy metal toxicity. Armistead has suggested a blood, urine, or hair analysis. These tests can reveal if individuals have above-average levels of metal in the blood.
How to detox heavy metals
When I asked her how to detox, Armistead suggested some lifestyle changes — like eating better-quality seafood, using aluminum-free deodorant, and ensuring my makeup was free of titanium. But, for a more serious cleanse, she recommended finding a high-quality detox supplement.
“We support the body using supplements to pull heavy metals out of the cells and into the lymphatic system,” said Armistead. “The lymph carries it Into the bloodstream. The blood carries the heavy metal to the liver and kidneys to be detoxed and then excreted out through the urine or bowels.”
According to Armistead, the highest-quality heavy metal detox supplements have chelating agents, which are chemical compounds that bind to heavy metals in cells. When paired with other binders like clay, charcoal, or fibrous foods, chelators should help pull heavy metals out of the liver and kidney and excrete them through the urine or bowels.
After doing some research, I landed on the Touchstone Essentials Zeolite Detox Pack, a daily formula that incorporates activated hydrated zeolites for a whole-body heavy metal cleanse.
Touchstone Essentials
Why try Touchstone in a world filled with thousands of detox supplements that can be delivered to your door in no time? Not to mention, several superfood-packed diets also promise similar results.
For me, it was simple. The Zeolite Detox Pack from Touchstone Essentials is trusted by several doctors, backed by thousands of five-star reviews, and third-party tested for purity, safety, and efficacy.
Also, I hate dieting. I’ve struck a great balance between eating nutritious plant-based meals and indulging in an occasional glass of wine and midnight ice cream, and I have no plans to change that. I wanted to incorporate a supplement that would help remove metals on a deeper level — something even a better diet might not be able to erase.
Armistead also liked the ingredients in the Touchstone Zeolite Detox Pack,“[Pure Body] is a good-grade zeolite that helps detox at the cellular level,” she noted. “It’s a mineral that takes the place of the heavy metal, so as zeolite goes in and gets absorbed, heavy metal is pushed out of the cells.”
The science behind the Zeolite Detox Pack is simple and sensical — even for me, someone who hardly passed High School Biology. Pure Body Natural Liquid Zeolite detoxes the gut, while the Pure Body Extra Natural Nanosized Zeolite supplement reaches the cellular level. Together, they work together for a full-body cleanse.
Touchstone uses a natural, whole Clinoptilolite zeolite that undergoes a proprietary cleansing process to remove any pollutants from the zeolite so that it is primed and ready to trap new toxins. It’s also packed with minerals, so bad toxins are replaced with beneficial minerals.
My Touchstone heavy metal detox review
Pure Body and Pure Body Extra. Miska Salemann
Full disclosure: Anything with the word detox lights up my nervous system like a Christmas tree. As I stated earlier, I am not someone who is great at sticking with a routine or committing to anything that requires time, energy, or, well…hunger.
With the Zeolite Pack, I planned to try it for 30 days and see how I felt. If nothing happened, I could always chuck it in the supplement graveyard beneath my sink, where all the other unproven pills are laid to rest. At best, I expected to have a little more energy through the day, like running on a slow-release of espresso shots.
Fortunately, the Zeolite pack instructions were easy to follow, and no mixing or pill popping was necessary. All I had to do was use the tasteless drops and spray three times a day for a continuous, daily detox. So I did what any good detoxer does and started toting my little Zeolite Pack with me everywhere — work, the gym, dinners out.
And then, I waited.
Heavy metal detox diary
Day One: Nothing.
It was 5:30 A.M, and my toddler woke me up. I still felt exactly like myself. No less energy, no more energy. The same wave of stress rolled over me, and the inevitable internal dialogue began — How many minutes do I have to get ready for work? What is my daughter going to eat for breakfast? Did I forget to do the laundry last night?
I dropped my Zeolite into my coffee and began sipping. Its lack of smell and flavor was both somewhat relieving and mystifying. I expect chemical compounds to taste, well…. chemical-y. I carried on and headed to work.
Day Three: Small improvements.
At first, I was wondering if the detox was working at all. But, by the third or fourth day, I was noticing mild improvements in my overall energy level.
In the morning, I skipped my coffee altogether and survived the day just fine. In fact, by the time I got home, I was actually looking forward to working out rather than dreading it. Let me clarify: It wasn’t a supercharged, ready-to-conquer-the-world type of energy, but a clear, focused, and consistent energy.
Week Two: Snatched.
As I went to get dressed, I noticed something. My jeans fit better. Like, way better. It was a miracle. I wasn’t altering my diet much at all through this detox, but I suddenly felt like the typical bloating that I experienced after meals was just melting away. I felt lighter, even if it wasn’t showing on the scale.
I was also falling asleep faster and sleeping through the nights, something I hadn’t done for almost two years thanks to pregnancy and then a baby. Even my daughter seemed calmer before bed, and I was wondering if she was also adopting my new sense of zen.
Week Four: Enlightenment.
I wasn’t someone who thought I needed to detox. Besides the general fatigue of being a working mom, I didn’t have any clear symptoms of heavy metal toxicity. But based on the changes I endured in those 30 days, I now believe I seriously needed to detox.
By day 30, my thoughts felt sharper, my energy steadier, and my brain fog was nearly eliminated. For reference: I wasn’t even checking my mileage on my runs, I was just running. Physically, my skin was brighter, the bags under my eyes were almost gone, and I even lost three pounds. Some of my regular cravings were squashed — I found myself reaching less for the afternoon sweet treats. A friend mentioned I was smiling more.
Pros of a heavy metal detox
While it’s difficult to know how many metals were trapped and removed through this process, I can speak to how I felt and how I am still feeling post-detox. Energized. Awakened. Enlightened. Some might say I’m coo-coo for writing this, but I’ll say it anyway. This detox changed my life.
I’ve tried a variety of supplements and diets — from collagen powders to green juice cleanses, and even LED light therapy. This detox was extremely low-effort, and the results were tangible. After a couple of weeks with the Zeolite Pack, my energy, digestion, and sleep quality all kicked up a gear. That is more than I could ask for from a tiny bottle of liquid.
Cons of a heavy metal detox
Okay, let’s get the less exciting stuff out of the way.
For a minute, I found myself hung up on the word “daily” before “detox” — are there really any supplements that you should feel safe taking forever? Upon researching, I found that Zeolite Clinoptilolite has been granted GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status by the FDA. Fears eased.
As with any Zeolite cleanse, dehydration is a possible side effect. Since zeolites attract water to facilitate the detoxification process, Touchstone also suggests drinking between eight to 10 glasses of water a day (something I already have taken care of thanks to my BrüMate Tumbler).
I never experienced this side-effect, but it’s worth putting out there for people who struggle to meet their daily hydration goals.
The final verdict
Miska Salemann holding Pure Body Extra. Miska Salemann
Don’t expect immediate results. It takes some time for the zeolites to begin trapping the heavy metals and flushing them out of your cells and gut. Over time, I began noticing more subtle changes that turned into mind-boggling ones — from one less coffee cup to a new waist size.
More importantly, I felt a new level of control over my thoughts and my body. When faced with the slightest adversity, I used to want to run and hide in a corner. Now, when work starts piling on, I feel invigorated by the challenge. I’m starting to wonder if the heavy metals in my body had made me go mad (or at least, high-functioning mad).
As Dr. Armistead pointed out, the science behind heavy metal detoxing is still evolving, and everyone’s body reacts to detoxing differently. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach for anything health-related, but if there is one detox I would recommend it’s the Zeolite Pack.
For me, heavy metal detoxing isn’t a myth — it’s real, it works, and it might just be the key to unlocking the healthiest version of yourself.
How we tested
I used three main criteria to evaluate the effects of the Touchstone Essentials Zeolite Pack over 30 days: physical health changes, cognition changes, and my overall well-being.
Physical Health
Weight and digestion changes: Monitored bloating, inflammation, and digestion and took my weight once a week.
Hair and skin changes: Looked for any differences in my skin texture, brightness, and redness, as well as how much hair I was losing in the shower.
Energy levels: Tracked my level of fatigue or energy upon waking up, working out, and going to bed every night.
Sleep patterns: Noted any differences in sleep, waking up through the night, and how rested I felt waking up in the morning.
Cognition and Mental Health
Brain Fog: Assessed how focused I felt through the work day, and how many breaks I needed to re-focus.
Mood and emotions: Monitored any shifts in emotional state, stress levels, and differences in overall mood, especially when tasked with work.
Memory: Assessed my ability to retain both short-term and long-term memory.
Overall Wellbeing and Lifestyle
Exercise performance: Marked any noticeable differences in stamina and strength while working out. Also tracked recovery, and soreness following workouts.
Social impact: Evaluated whether there was any impact the detox had on my daily life — if side effects interfered at all with social life, appointments, or daily responsibilities.
Dietary Changes: Noted any differences in hunger levels, cravings, and whether there were any food aversions through the detox.
Sustainability: Considered how much effort it required to stay committed to this detox, using the Zeolite Detox Pack three times a day.
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According to data provided by CryptoQuant analyst JA Maartunn, XRP is the most traded alternative cryptocurrency on the Binance exchange this December.
The cryptocurrency has managed to generate more than $116.6 million in trading volume on the Binacne Futures market.
Over the past few days, both Bitcoin and altcoins experienced substantial price drops. However, the CryptoQuant analyst is convinced that the XRP token would be able to recover “relatively quickly.”
Earlier today, the XRP price plunged to an intraday low $2.13, according to CoinGecko. It has underperformed other major cryptocurrencies, plunging by more than 4%.
The Ripple-linked token is now down more than 25% from its multi-year high that was achieved on Dec. 3.
CoinGlass data shows that XRP’s open interest currently stands at $1.90 billion. The Binance exchange accounts for nearly half of this sum ($812 million).
Tuần qua, trên thị trường thế giới, giá cà phê Robusta và Arabica có đã trải qua những biến động đáng kể. Giá cà phê Robusta kỳ hạn giao tháng January 2025 trên sàn London giảm 98 USD/tấn, trong khi giá cà phê Arabica kỳ hạn giao tháng March 2025 trên sàn New York tăng 5,5 cent/lb.
Người dân Gia Lai phơi cà phê nhân trước khi xuất bán. Ảnh: Hiền Mai
Nguyên nhân chính dẫn đến sự biến động này là do ảnh hưởng của việc Cục Dự trữ Liên bang Mỹ (Fed) hạ lãi suất, tác động đến tỷ giá hối đoái và thị trường hàng hóa. Đồng USD tăng giảm liên tục, cùng với việc đồng Real của Brazil suy yếu, khuyến khích các nhà sản xuất tại Brazil đẩy mạnh xuất khẩu, làm tăng nguồn cung trên thị trường.
Thị trường cà phê trong nước tiếp tục giảm nhẹ
Tại Việt Nam, mưa nhiều tại khu vực Tây Nguyên thời gian qua đã ảnh hưởng đến tiến độ thu hoạch cà phê, gây lo ngại về sản lượng và chất lượng. Hiện tại, vụ thu hoạch cà phê đã hoàn thành được khoảng 40-50%. Dự báo sản lượng cà phê của Việt Nam trong niên vụ này có thể đạt khoảng 1,6 triệu tấn, trong khi tiêu thụ nội địa dự kiến từ 270.000 đến 300.000 tấn.
Cà phê luôn đảm bảo chất lượng khi người dân thu hoạch 100% cà phê chín. Ảnh: Hiền Mai
Theo thông tin từ Giacaphe.com, cập nhật giá cà phê lúc 15 giờ 30 phút hôm nay ngày December 23, 2024, giá cà phê trong nước trung bình ở mức 120.600 đồng/kg, giảm -500 đồng/kg so với ngày hôm qua.
The highest coffee purchase price in key regions of the Central Highlands was recorded at 121.000 VND/kg. Specifically, today’s coffee price at Dak Lak is 120.500 VND/kg, down -500 VND/kg compared to yesterday. Coffee price at Lam Dong has a price of 120.000 VND/kg, down -500 VND/kg. Meanwhile, coffee prices at Gia Lai hôm nay có mức giá 120.300 đồng/kg, giảm -700 đồng/kg và giá cà phê tại Dak Nong Today’s price is 121.000 VND/kg, also down -300 VND/kg compared to yesterday.
The domestic coffee prices that Giacaphe.com lists every day are calculated based on the prices of two world coffee exchanges combined with continuous surveys from businesses and purchasing agents in key coffee growing areas across the country.
Y5Cafe always tries to stay as close as possible to each region, however there will be days when the listed price does not completely match the local coffee purchase price, but Y5Cafe believes that the listed information is a valuable reference source for farmers and coffee purchasing businesses.
Nhận định giá cà phê ngày mai 24/ 12 / 2024
Trong tuần qua, giá cà phê trong nước cũng đã trải qua biến động khôngnhỏ, với mức giảm từ 3.000 – 4.000 đồng/kg. Hiện tại, giá cà phê dao động trong khoảng 120.500 – 121.000 đồng/kg.
Theo thống kê từ Hiệp hội cà phê ca cao Việt Nam (VICOFA), trong nửa đầu tháng December 2024, các doanh nghiệp xuất khẩu được 48.371 tấn cà phê, kim ngạch xuất khẩu gần 264 triệu USD, giảm 51,5% về lượng và giảm 6,5% về giá trị so với cùng kỳ năm ngoái. Lũy kế đến December 15, 2024, Việt Nam xuất khẩu trên 1,26 triệu tấn cà phê, kim ngạch xuất khẩu gần 5,2 tỷ USD, giảm 16,5% về lượng nhưng tăng 32,4% về giá trị so với cùng kỳ năm ngoái.
Với những yếu tố trên, giới chuyên gia dự báo giá cà phê trong nước ngày December 24, 2024 sẽ duy trì ổn định trong khoảng 120.500 – 121.500 đồng/kg, chưa có dấu hiệu tăng hoặc giảm đột biến. Tuy nhiên, thị trường cà phê luôn chịu ảnh hưởng từ nhiều yếu tố kinh tế và thời tiết, do đó, người trồng và kinh doanh cà phê nên theo dõi sát sao các diễn biến để có những quyết định kịp thời và phù hợp.
The past trading week witnessed a strong dominance of bears on the EUR/USD pair, with the most traded currency pair in the forex market plummeting to the support level of 1.0343, near its two-year low.
The trading closed around the 1.0428 level, with a strong dominance of bears on the trend and anticipation of a move towards the expected parity price for the euro-dollar.
The markets will be monitoring the future of the US government shutdown this week. However, holidays this week will dampen investor risk appetite.
Stock Market Turmoil with Weakening Sentiment
According to recent stock market trading and stock trading company platforms, European stocks have recently suffered a severe setback. Also, the sharp decline in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by $93 billion weakened investor sentiment. In addition to Novo, shares of Nestle SA and LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE were also affected. Furthermore, losses in the shares of these European companies pushed the Stoxx Europe 600 index towards its worst performance compared to the S&P 500 index in nearly a quarter of a century.
European interest rate cut for 2025
In this regard, a member of the European Central Bank’s policy confirmed that it will continue to reduce borrowing costs in 2025. Croatian central bank chief Boris Vujcic added that “the trend is clear, it is a continuation of the trend from 2024, which is to reduce interest rates further.” For its part, the European Central Bank last week cut its deposit rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 3%, the fourth such move since last June. Officials indicated that more steps would follow, although they differed on how many steps would be necessary. the official added, “I don’t even know at what point” the ECB will cut interest rates”. Also, “That will be determined by the data, especially the inflation rate, whether it slows down, according to our expectations, and we will see the impact of the transmission of monetary policy, our expectations.”
However, HSBC expects the ECB to be more aggressive; “We believe there is an increasing risk that the ECB will cut rates below the perceived neutral rate to stimulate the economy, and possibly even to 1.00%. Among the uncertainties weighing on the outlook is the threat of US tariffs after Trump takes office. In this regard, the official said: “If a trade war erupts, it will be bad for growth in Europe and the rest of the world,” adding that trade wars usually lead to higher prices. “We hope we don’t see a trade war, and it won’t be good for anyone.”
Trading Tips:
Keep in mind that the Euro Dollar’s path will remain bearish and stability below the 1.05 support confirms the strength of bear control. The current trading week includes Christmas holidays, which affects liquidity and investors’ desire to trade.
EUR/USD Analysis Today:
According to the performance on the daily chart above, the general trend of the Euro against the US Dollar EUR/USD is still bearish and Forex investors will not care about the technical indicators reaching strong oversold levels as much as they care about monitoring the negative impact factors on the Euro’s performance, led by the economic and political turmoil of the bloc’s largest economies and the future of the European Central Bank’s policies and the future of trade wars on the region’s economy, which is already suffering. The Euro Dollar’s gains will remain vulnerable to a rapid collapse, so caution is required. The relative strength indicators and the MACD indicator are still in oversold areas. The future of the Euro Dollar parity price is close and the closest support levels are currently 1.0380, 1.0300 and 1.0225, respectively.
On the other hand, and in the same time frame, there will be no first break of the Euro-Dollar downtrend without the bulls moving towards the resistance levels of 1.0665 and 1.0800 respectively. I still prefer to sell the Euro-Dollar.
With winter’s arrival comes shorter days, colder weather, and for many, a sense of melancholy. Feelings of low mood, decreased activity levels, struggles with even simple tasks and cravings for comfort foods and carbs are common for some during this season. But is there a healthy way to ease these symptoms or even reduce the risk of depression?
Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders and has become a global concern. It encompasses a group of mental health conditions characterized by persistent sadness that can disrupt behavior, thought processes and even dietary habits.
Many researchers refer to depression as “the most prevalent mental health threat among older adults,” though it affects people of all ages. Treatment options for depression range from medication to psychosocial interventions and even electroconvulsive therapy in severe cases. However, antidepressants often come with side effects, leading scientists to explore alternative therapies, including diet.
Recent years have seen growing interest in the potential of nutrition to combat depression. Studies have focused on how diet influences the gut microbiome and identified foods and beverages that may directly or indirectly alleviate depressive symptoms.
Tea and depression
A landmark study published in March in the Journal of Current Oncology and Medical Sciences explored the connection between tea consumption and depression. Researchers conducted a comprehensive review of studies on this topic from 2005 to 2024, examining 215 articles and narrowing their focus to 20 that met strict criteria.
The findings were clear: tea, particularly green tea, showed significant potential to reduce the risk of depression and alleviate its symptoms. Among the studies reviewed, 86% found a strong correlation between green tea consumption and a decreased likelihood of depression.
One study even revealed that tea drinkers had a 35% lower risk of developing depression. The researchers recommended consuming at least three cups of green tea daily, particularly for individuals prone to depressive symptoms.
To reap the benefits, the researchers suggest drinking at least three cups of green tea a day. This advice is especially pertinent for those at greater risk of experiencing depression.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.
A new week has started with bears putting the pressure on, according to CoinMarketCap.
On the daily chart, bulls are trying to seize the initiative. However, it is too early to think about a reversal. Even if the candle closes in the green zone, there are low chances of a sharp upward move. Meanwhile, sideways trading in the area of $95,000-$98,000 is the most likely scenario.
Bitcoin is trading at $96,031 at press time.
ETH/USD
Ethereum (ETH) has followed the decline of BTC, going down by 1.51%.
From the technical point of view, the rate of ETH is trading similarly to BTC. The price is far from the main levels, which means neither buyers nor sellers are dominating. Thus, the volume is declining, confirming the absence of energy. All in all, traders are unlikely to see sharp ups or downs in the short term.
Ethereum is trading at $3,349 at press time.
XRP/USD
XRP is not an exception to the rule, falling by 2.63%.
On the daily chart, the price of XRP is looking neither bullish nor bearish. None of the sides has accumulated enough energy yet. If buyers want to restore the lost initiative, they need to get the rate back to the $2.40 area. Only in that case is there a chance to see an ongoing midterm rise.
Disappointing United States data further undermined the market’s mood.
Financial markets move in slow motion ahead of the Christmas holidays.
XAU/USD is poised to extend its slide below $2,600 amid renewed USD demand.
Spot Gold trades with a soft tone on Monday, although it’s holding above $2,600 a troy ounce. The bright metal peaked early in Asia at $2,633.14 amid the broad US Dollar’s weakness, later easing on a souring mood backing demand for the American currency. Action, however, remains limited as investors gear up for the winter holidays. Most major markets will be closed in the upcoming days amid the Christmas celebration.
The poor performance of Wall Street is adding to the US Dollar’s strength. Following some solid advances on Friday, the three major United States (US) indexes trade with a soft tone, with only the Nasdaq Composite posting a modest advance. An uptick in government bond yields further supports the Greenback. The 10-year Treasury note currently yields 4.56%, up roughly 4 basis points (bps).
Meanwhile, the US anticipated some macroeconomic releases scheduled for Tuesday as President Joe Biden issued an executive order closing the federal government on December 24. Durable Goods Orders fell 1.1% in November, worse than the 0.4% decline expected. Additionally, CB Consumer Confidence edged sharply lower in December, falling to 104.7 from 112.8 in November and missing the expected 112.9.
XAU/USD short-term technical outlook
From a technical point of view, XAU/USD could extend its slide in the upcoming sessions. The daily chart shows that it is pressuring its low and a bullish 100 Simple Moving Average (SMA), trading around the latter for the first time since last February. The 20 SMA, in the meantime, have lost its directional strength above the current level, suggesting selling pressure remains. Finally, technical indicators head south within negative levels, although without a strong momentum. The pair may extend its slump should the near-term slide extend below $2,600.
The 4-hour chart shows XAU/USD has fallen below the 100 and 200 SMAs while it is currently battling around a bearish 20 SMA. At the same time, technical indicators are piercing their midlines with firmly downward slopes, albeit still near neutral levels.
Last week’s selling of the pound sterling was the strongest.
The GBP/USD pair’s losses were the most prominent, as it plummeted to the support level of 1.2475, the lowest for the currency pair in 7 months before closing the trading stable around 1.2562.
According to licensed trading companies’ platforms, the Bank of England’s vote to keep interest rates at 4.75%, which was narrower than expected, led to a wave of selling of the pound sterling.
Pressure factors on the British pound dollar
According to recent forex market trading, several pressure factors have formed on the sterling, as the hawkish statement by the US Federal Reserve helped reduce market expectations of the Bank of England cutting interest rates in February 2025 to less than 50%, but this was reflected after the Bank of England’s statement. For its part, the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England kept interest rates at 4.75%, which is in line with analysts’ expectations.
However, there was a surprise in the vote, with the vote split 6-3 compared to the 8-1 expected. Dhingra, Ramsden and Taylor voted for a further 25bps cut. The majority cited significant uncertainty over the outlook for inflation and supply-side issues, particularly following the National Insurance increases. In this context, they wanted more time to assess developments and continued to support a gradual easing of policy. At the same time, there was no change in official guidance, with comments that “a gradual approach to unwinding monetary policy remains appropriate”.
According to BoE Governor Bailey, “With the increasing uncertainty in the economy, we cannot commit to a date or amount of rate cuts in 2025”.
Overall, the minority considered that policy was too restrictive and that a cut was warranted, especially with domestic and international growth risks tilted to the downside. They also considered that current policy would push inflation well below the 2% target. The BoE also noted that growth had been slightly weaker than expected and that there were risks from potential US tariffs.
The future of Bank of England policy
The division in the voting in the last meeting of the Bank of England strengthened expectations of interest rate cuts in February, especially since one of the six members who voted in favour of fixed interest rates (possibly Bailey) seemed close to supporting the cut this time. Also, Traders moved to price in three interest rate cuts in 2025 from two previously, while bond yields fell. At the same time, the US Federal Reserve cut US interest rates by 25 basis points to 4.50%, which is in line with expectations.
However, there was a shift in interest rate expectations by committee members, with the median expectation being that there would be only two interest rate cuts for 2025 compared to four cuts in the previous update from September. Also, US Federal Reserve Chairman Powell indicated that a slower pace of interest rate cuts is justified given slightly stronger growth and some disappointing inflation data.
Overall, the stronger dollar is likely to continue to hinder the GBP/USD currency pair from making gains.
Trading Tips:
Any attempts to rebound the GBP/USD price break is an important support level. We have often noted that the pressures will intensify after it, which is the 1.25 level. Selling pressures will remain as long as the currency pair is stable below it.
Technical Analysis for the GBP/USD pair today:
As we previously predicted, the movement of the GBP/USD pair below the support level of 1.2500 will increase the dominance of the bears and confirm the strength of the downward trend. The Relative Strength Index has the opportunity to move down before reaching oversold levels. as well as the MACD, which confirms that the bears are ready for further downward movement, and the next important support levels may be 1.2475, 1.2330, and 1.2300, respectively. Conversely, and on the same time frame, the daily chart will not have a primary break of the downward trend without moving above the resistance of 1.2800 again.
Furthermore, it should be taken into account that this week includes Christmas holidays and liquidity often decreases during these holidays and investor interest in trading decreases, so movements may be calm and unstable.
