Copper price confirmed its surrender in its current period trading to the dominance of the sideways bias, affected by the stability of the barrier near $5.0600, which forces it to delay the attempts of resuming the main bullish attack, to notice its fluctuation near $4.9500 level.
Note that the stochastic contradiction with the main stability within the bullish channel’s levels and attempting to providing negative momentum that might force the price to form some corrective trading, to target the extra support at $4.7500, by breaking this support might force it to suffer extra losses by reaching $4.5800 and $4.4100.
The expected trading range for today is between $4.7500 and $5.0600
Trend forecast: Fluctuated within the bullish track
GUWAHATI: The Tea Board of India (TBI) has decided to issue notices to the bought tea leaf factories that have not been paying green leaf prices to small growers as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Commerce and Industries.
The Tea Board of India held a meeting with all stakeholders today at its regional office in Guwahati. The meeting observed that ‘certain tea factories operating within the Northeast Zone jurisdiction have failed to comply with the prescribed average green leaf price (AGLP) for the districts during the months of August and September 2025, resulting in payment of green leaf prices below the mandated level to small tea growers.’
According to sources, the TBI decided to issue notices to such bought leaf factories that did not comply with the guidelines of the ministry in the payment of prices for green leaf to the small tea growers. The Board said that if the factories do not comply with the guidelines within the specified time, they will face suspension of their licences.
According to the Tea Board of India’s guidelines, “the statutory provisions, i.e., AGPL (Average Green Leaf Prices) payable to small growers, on a district-wise basis, shall be determined by taking into consideration the average auction price of tea sold during the corresponding month. It is obligatory for all registered tea manufacturers procuring green tea leaf from small tea growers. Non-adherence to these guidelines constitutes a violation under the Tea Marketing Control Order (TMCO) and may attract stringent measures by the authority concerned.”
The ministry directed all tea factories to (i) immediately pay the differential amount corresponding to the AGLP of the relevant districts to the green leaf suppliers/small tea growers concerned, (ii) submit documentary evidence of such payments to the nearest field officers of their jurisdictions for verification and record purposes, and (iii) ensure adherence to the AGLP for all future procurement without exception.
Non-compliance will compel the ministry to initiate appropriate action as the provisionsion of TMCO.
This development has proved beyond doubt that the small tea growers of the state decrying the bought leaf factories not paying them their remunerative prices is not for nothing.
Silver price (XAG/USD) edges higher after two days of losses, trading around $48.70 per troy ounce during the Asian hours on Thursday. Silver prices may further appreciate due to increased safe-haven demand, driven by market caution ahead of the United States (US) inflation data for September due on Friday amid a data blackout. The prolonged US government shutdown delays the key US economic data releases, including Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP), adding uncertainty for financial markets and the Federal Reserve (Fed).
The non-interest-bearing Silver may attract more buyers amid an increased likelihood of further Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cuts. A Reuters poll suggested that 115 out of 117 economists have predicted that the Fed will reduce interest rates by 25 basis points (bps) to 3.75%-4.00% in the monetary policy announcement on October 29. For the year, 83 of 117 economists expect the US Federal Reserve to cut interest rates twice, while 32 anticipate one cut.
Silver prices retreated after reaching an all-time high of $54.86, reached on October 16, as markets weighed overbought concerns. Additionally, the optimism over a potential US-China trade deal improved market sentiment, which weakened the demand for precious metals, including Silver.
US President Donald Trump said late Wednesday that he expects to strike several agreements with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their meeting in South Korea next week. The Trump-Xi discussions are expected to cover a wide range of issues, including US soybean exports, limiting nuclear weapons, and China’s purchases of Russian Oil.
Silver FAQs
Silver is a precious metal highly traded among investors. It has been historically used as a store of value and a medium of exchange. Although less popular than Gold, traders may turn to Silver to diversify their investment portfolio, for its intrinsic value or as a potential hedge during high-inflation periods. Investors can buy physical Silver, in coins or in bars, or trade it through vehicles such as Exchange Traded Funds, which track its price on international markets.
Silver prices can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can make Silver price escalate due to its safe-haven status, although to a lesser extent than Gold’s. As a yieldless asset, Silver tends to rise with lower interest rates. Its moves also depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAG/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Silver at bay, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to propel prices up. Other factors such as investment demand, mining supply – Silver is much more abundant than Gold – and recycling rates can also affect prices.
Silver is widely used in industry, particularly in sectors such as electronics or solar energy, as it has one of the highest electric conductivity of all metals – more than Copper and Gold. A surge in demand can increase prices, while a decline tends to lower them. Dynamics in the US, Chinese and Indian economies can also contribute to price swings: for the US and particularly China, their big industrial sectors use Silver in various processes; in India, consumers’ demand for the precious metal for jewellery also plays a key role in setting prices.
Silver prices tend to follow Gold’s moves. When Gold prices rise, Silver typically follows suit, as their status as safe-haven assets is similar. The Gold/Silver ratio, which shows the number of ounces of Silver needed to equal the value of one ounce of Gold, may help to determine the relative valuation between both metals. Some investors may consider a high ratio as an indicator that Silver is undervalued, or Gold is overvalued. On the contrary, a low ratio might suggest that Gold is undervalued relative to Silver.
It’s more difficult for our bodies to absorb nutrients from food as we age. Vitamin B12, in particular, may be lacking from your diet if you follow a plant-based eating plan or are a vegetarian, as it’s commonly found in animal byproducts. But more than these two groups may exhibit signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency—at least 4% of people between 40 and 59 are lacking in the nutrient, and even more are borderline.
Meet the experts: Lisa Cimperman, R.D., a licensed dietitian; Angela Grassi, R.D., a dietitian at the PCOS Nutrition Center
You might also be at risk of B12 deficiency if you take metformin (often prescribed for type 2 diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome) or certain heartburn medications, if you’ve had weight loss surgery, or if you have a digestive disorder like celiac disease or Crohn’s.
Being too low in vitamin B12 may cause everything from extreme fatigue to wonky vision. Here, dietitians and science reveal telltale signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency. If the symptoms below sound familiar, ask your doctor to run a blood test and check your levels.
Exhaustion
Feeling fatigued, even when you’ve gotten enough sleep? That’s one of the biggest—and earliest—signs you’re low in B12.
“Fatigue is one of the first signs of B12 deficiency,” says Lisa Cimperman, R.D., a licensed dietitian. That’s because your body relies on the nutrient to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body. When there’s not enough oxygen in your blood, you’ll feel tired no matter how long you sleep.
Fatigue can mean a number of things, though. So you can’t assume you’re B12-deficient if feeling sleepy is your only complaint—doctors usually are tipped off if you’ve got fatigue plus other symptoms.
Muscle weakness
Likewise, if your muscles aren’t getting enough oxygen from red blood cells, they might feel like mush. So if that grocery bag feels like a million pounds, being low in B12 may be to blame.
“My job is very demanding, so I kept thinking that maybe my body is just tired—maybe I’m not eating right,” says Chantal Mossess, 31. “But 6 months ago I learned that my weakness and sluggishness was caused by not having enough B12.”
Tingling and numbness
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a number of strange sensations, like numbness, tingling, and more. “It felt like electricity was running from my head to my feet,” says Melanie Karmazin, 44, who was eventually diagnosed with a B12 deficiency. Others report a “pins and needles” sensation, and research backs this up.
These pains are all a result of nerve damage. And since vitamin B12 helps your nervous system function properly, they may signal you’re low in the nutrient.
Brain fog
Maybe you put your keys in the fridge—or had to think hard to remember your niece’s name. You might be worried about early-onset dementia, but sometimes low B12 may be to blame. The nutrient is crucial for maintaining healthy brain function, and being deficient can cause you to feel confused or forgetful.
“I’ve seen this deficiency mistaken for Alzheimer’s in elderly patients,” says Cimperman. “But once they have a blood test and it reveals a B12 deficiency, they start taking a supplement and their symptoms start to fade.”
Loss of balance
Feeling wobbly or dizzy is another common symptom of B12 deficiency, because being low in the nutrient may lead to nerve damage, causing you to lose your balance, feel less coordinated, or experience vertigo, research suggests.
Pale skin
If your complexion starts looking pale or yellow, low B12 may be the culprit. The vitamin helps with red blood cell production. So when you’re deficient in it, the red blood cells you do have are very fragile. When they break, they release bilirubin—a yellow pigment that makes your skin look jaundiced.
Smooth, red tongue
About half of the people with a severe B12 deficiency lose the papillae—or little bumps—on their tongues, especially around the edges. And since most of those papillae contain taste buds, you might lose the ability to taste your favorite foods, too.
“Women with a B12 deficiency may actually lose weight because food doesn’t taste as good to them anymore,” says Angela Grassi, R.D., a dietitian at the PCOS Nutrition Center. Some patients also complain of burning and soreness, particularly on the back of the tongue.
Anxiety and depression
Do you feel more down or anxious than ever? “A lack of B12 wreaks havoc on your mood, possibly leading to depression or anxiety,” says Grassi.
Doctors aren’t sure why being low in B12 increases your risk for depression. But it may have something to do with the fact that B12 helps synthesize brain chemicals, like serotonin and dopamine, that help regulate your mood.
Change in vision
In extreme cases, a lack of B12 may damage the optic nerve or plug up the blood vessels in the retina, causing blurry vision, double vision, sensitivity to light, and even vision loss, research finds. Regardless of a potential nutrient deficiency, contact your doctor right away if you experience any sudden changes in vision.
Solana price gains renewed momentum after Hong Kong’s ETF approval, with bulls defending key support levels and eyeing a breakout towards the $200 zone.
Solana price latest rally is drawing fresh excitement across the crypto market. Following Hong Kong’s landmark approval of the first Solana ETF, investor confidence has surged as traders eye the network’s expanding global footprint.
ETF Approval Sparks Renewed Optimism for Solana Price
Hong Kong’s recent approval of the first Solana ETF has added a strong bullish undertone to the market. The announcement shared by Ash Crypto has quickly ignited interest across institutional and retail circles, marking Solana’s first major regulatory milestone in Asia.
This approval underscores Solana’s transition from a high-growth network to a globally recognized asset class. As ETFs typically enhance accessibility and legitimacy, many believe this move could open the door for further adoption and regional liquidity inflows throughout Q4.
ETF Filings Strengthen the Long-Term Bullish Thesis
Market data shows Solana leading all crypto assets in ETF filings since 2024, totaling 23 applications, as highlighted by CryptoCurb. This surpasses even Bitcoin and Ethereum, signaling an unusual level of institutional interest for a non-BTC chain.
Solana leads the market with 23 ETF filings, surpassing Bitcoin and Ethereum in institutional interest. Source: CryptoCurb via X
More ETF filings often precede structural market maturity, suggesting Solana may be gearing up for broader global exposure.
Solana Price Prediction: Bulls Defend Key Support with Precision
Technical setups continue to show strength near $182, where buyers have repeatedly stepped in to defend structure. James notes that price is respecting a long-term descending trendline and appears to be compressing tightly towards an imminent breakout zone.
Solana holds firm near $182 support as bulls eye a potential breakout towards the $200–$210 resistance zone. Source: James via X
A breakout above the trendline could trigger a sharp move towards $200 to $210, with short-term resistance around $195 acting as the initial test. Maintaining higher lows above $182 to $184 will be crucial to confirm continuation and invalidate any near-term bearish pressure.
Solana Triangle Breakout Could Start Next Expansion Leg
Chart formations shared by Kamran Asghar highlight Solana’s triangle consolidation pattern, reflecting tightening volatility before potential liftoff. The Solana price structure shows clear higher lows forming against flat resistance, a textbook setup for a bullish breakout.
Solana’s triangle pattern signals tightening volatility, with a breakout above resistance potentially driving price toward $210–$220. Source: Kamran Asghar via X
If the triangle resolves upward, measured move projections suggest a possible run towards $210 to $220, with the lower boundary support resting around $178 to $180. Failure to hold that zone, however, could briefly retest prior liquidity pools near $170 before any recovery attempt.
On-Chain Fundamentals Support Price Strength
Solana’s on-chain growth remains a core pillar behind its ongoing resilience. Data shared by Capital Markets shows the network leading the industry with $2.1B in annual revenue, growing an impressive 212% year-over-year, far surpassing competing blockchains.
Solana leads all major blockchains with $2.1B in annual revenue, marking a 212% year-over-year growth. Source: Capital Markets via X
These metrics reinforce Solana’s price position as not just a high-throughput chain, but a profitable ecosystem with real economic activity. Sustained revenue and network growth provide a strong backdrop for long-term holders, aligning well with the ongoing ETF momentum and bullish technical structures.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Solana?
From ETF approvals to leading on-chain performance, Solana price continues to stand out as one of the most fundamentally and structurally strong assets in the market. The combination of regulatory recognition, investor demand, and technical strength provides a firm setup heading into year-end.
If $182 support holds and the breakout above $195 to $200 confirms, SOL Solana price could easily revisit the $220 to $240 range in the coming weeks. With institutional participation expanding and ecosystem metrics at record highs, the Solana price prediction is aiming for a bullish rally.
The Euro to Dollar exchange rate (EUR/USD) has continued to lose ground, retreating to 1-week lows just below 1.1580 amid a solid dollar tone and a further sell-off in gold.
According to ING; “The dollar has remained bid as US credit market concerns continue to ease, and the large drop in precious metals potentially offers extra support. More USD gains from here should be harder to sustain though.”
Wall Street futures were slightly stronger on the day and, according to Danske Bank; “The cross remains largely driven by US credit and equity sentiment.”
UoB sees scope for a near-term trough; “EUR could test 1.1580, but a continued decline below this level is unlikely. The major support at 1.1540 is also unlikely to come into view for now. On the upside, resistance levels are at 1.1620 and 1.1640.”
Danske Bank has a 12-month EUR/USD forecast of 1.22.
Geo-political developments had a limited negative impact on the Euro following reports that the potential meeting between US President Trump and Russian President Putin had been postponed which dampened any talk of a potential Ukraine ceasefire.
Global trade developments will also be important amid underlying tensions over rare-earth minerals.
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According to ING, US-China trade developments will need to be watched closely. President Trump stated on Tuesday that his meeting with Chinese President Xi may not take place.
ING commented; “For now, this is being seen as simple brinkmanship, but China has struck a sourer tone around these negotiations, and markets may be erring on the side of complacency. No meeting doesn’t equal higher tariffs, but it should be enough to weigh on risk sentiment and the dollar.”
US political developments will also be under scrutiny.
Danske Bank commented; “The government shutdown is now on the cusp of becoming the second-longest on record as it enters its fourth week, and prediction markets increasingly see it extending into November. The next key catalyst for the pair will be Friday’s CPI release, where we see upside risks that could lend the USD additional near-term support.”
Markets are continuing to price in over a 95% chance of a Fed rate cut next week with over a 90% chance of another cut in December.
The latest US consumer prices data is due on Friday with consensus forecasts that core prices will increase 0.3% for September.
Commerzbank commented; “the data is unlikely to be a game changer for next week’s Fed meeting, as the majority of Fed members assume that any tariff effect on inflation will be temporary anyway.”
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A vibrant bright green tea has picked up steam in United States media over the past few years. Matcha has been on the rise as cafes experiment with the radiant ingredient in desserts and beverages. Yet, matcha has also seen a recent influx in price.
The growing popularity of the tea has increased the global market for matcha, with revenue expected to reach $5.5 billion by 2027, according to 2023 research from Global Edge.
Japan is the primary grower of matcha and exports more than half of its supply, according to the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and as reported by The Japan Times.In 2023, Japan produced over 4,000 tons of matcha.
However, both environmental factors and economic policy have caused the matcha market to experience jumps in price.
In recent years, poor weather and labor shortages have led to an imbalance in the supply and demand of matcha coming from Japan, according to an article by the Associated Press.
Along with foreign burdens, recent tariff implementations have also caused surges in matcha prices. In September, a baseline 15% tariff was placed on nearly all Japanese imports entering the U.S. as a part of the United States-Japan Agreement, according to a White House executive order.
Despite the recent tariff agreements with Japan, the U.S. remains one of the top importers of matcha, with sales exceeding $10 billion within the last 25 years, according to Global Edge.
But Arizona cafes and consumers have still been feeling the effects of these higher prices.
How local cafes are affected
Local cafes that source their teas internationally are dealing with the market shift, sometimes struggling to find balance between quantity and quality.
Prices for AOI’s matcha have doubled due to both tariffs and increasing demand for the product, manager Frankie Hirsch said in a statement. In an effort to avoid raising prices, Songbird Coffee & Tea House is planning to switch matcha suppliers, Hirsch wrote.
“We are pretty well known for our matcha, so we sampled quite a few brands,” Hirsch wrote. “We don’t want to skimp out on the quality of our products.”
Tariffs have also impacted the price of the cafe’s espresso beans, Hirsch wrote. Their roaster has increased the price of the beans by 10%, leading to uncertainty for Songbird.
“As of right now we don’t quite know what that means for us,” Hirsch wrote.
Learning about the news a week ago, Hirsch wrote that the effects of the price increase is yet to be seen at the coffee shop.
Fillmore Coffee Co. is another Phoenix-based cafe that has seen increases in price from its matcha supplier.
“Where we would usually pay $30 to $40 for a bag of matcha, we are now paying $65 to start,” said manager Olivia Owens.
Owens noticed matcha prices rising about five months ago and for about one month, the company was dealing with backorder issues from its matcha supplier, Owens said.
Despite these changes occurring in the matcha market, the company has continued to charge customers with the same prices.
Fillmore has not had a price increase in the last four years which is something that sets it apart from other companies in the area, Owens said.
“We still are making profit because we get a lot of drinks from one (matcha) bag,” Owens said.
Infusion Coffee & Tea is a cafe in Tempe with a “unique and informed perspective,” as they have not experienced price influxes yet, corporate trainer and web manager Devin O’Malley said in a statement.
Infusion is the daughter company of the wholesale company Infusion Distribution. The stock distribution company has not yet been affected by tariffs but anticipate possible impacts, O’Malley said.
“Because we are a wholesaler operation, we have an excess of stock already in house,” O’Malley said.
Infusion mainly works in specialty coffee and only recently started selling ceremonial grade matcha. The coffee house recently experimented in finding a matcha alternative by grinding earl grey tea to mimic the stone grinding of matcha, she said.
“Maybe the route will just be expanding what the matcha window is (and) what we use to do that,” she said.
Consumer impact
Matcha consumers are already starting to feel the effects of rising prices at local cafes near ASU’s campuses.
Caitlin Giap, a freshman studying biological sciences, said ever since the tea became popular, prices have been increasing.
Market shifts are changing student’s buying habits as the drink becomes more expensive. Where students used to buy matcha casually, some are now more selective about their spending.
Matcha is now becoming something to have for special occasions, Giap said.
“It would have to be a sweet treat after I take a test or something like that,” Gabby Davis, a freshman studying biological sciences, said.
Troubles across seas and domestic surcharges are leaving the future of the matcha market unclear for companies and consumers alike.
“Tea, in and of itself, is already facing a crisis, if you will, so it’s really just a wait and see if matcha ends up getting less popular,” O’Malley said.
Edited by Natalia Rodriguez, Senna James and Pippa Fung.
Dhemi Bell is a reporter on the Community and Culture desk at The State Press. She is a second-year at Arizona State University. This is her first semester with The State Press.
Continue supporting student journalism and donate to The State Press today.
MATIC price prediction shows mixed signals with analysts targeting $0.21-$0.72 range. Current technical indicators suggest caution before next bullish move toward $0.48.
MATIC Price Prediction: Navigating Mixed Signals Toward $0.48 December Target
With Polygon trading at $0.38 amid conflicting technical signals, our MATIC price prediction reveals a complex landscape where short-term bearish momentum could give way to medium-term recovery. Recent analyst forecasts paint a picture of potential volatility before the next significant move higher.
MATIC Price Prediction Summary
• MATIC short-term target (1 week): $0.35-$0.40 range (-8% to +5%) • Polygon medium-term forecast (1 month): $0.42-$0.52 range (+11% to +37%) • Key level to break for bullish continuation: $0.43 (SMA 20 resistance) • Critical support if bearish: $0.33 (strong support level)
Recent Polygon Price Predictions from Analysts
The latest MATIC price prediction data reveals significant divergence among analysts. CoinCodex presents the most conservative near-term outlook with a $0.214786 target by October 18, 2025, representing a concerning -43% decline from current levels. This bearish short-term view is supported by technical indicators showing RSI at 40.90 and a Fear & Greed Index of 38.
Conversely, PricePredictions.com offers a more optimistic Polygon forecast with an average October price of $0.715326, suggesting an 88% upside potential. CoinArbitrageBot’s AI-driven analysis targets $0.48489 by year-end, representing a 28% gain that appears more realistic given current market conditions.
The consensus emerges around medium-term bullish potential despite short-term headwinds, with price targets clustering between $0.48-$0.72 for the remainder of 2025.
MATIC Technical Analysis: Setting Up for Consolidation Before Breakout
Current Polygon technical analysis reveals a cryptocurrency caught between competing forces. The RSI at 38.00 sits in neutral territory but leans bearish, while the MACD histogram at -0.0045 confirms weakening momentum. However, this technical weakness may be setting up an oversold bounce opportunity.
The Bollinger Bands analysis shows MATIC trading at 0.2879 position, closer to the lower band at $0.31, suggesting the token is oversold relative to its 20-day moving average. This positioning often precedes reversals, supporting our medium-term bullish MATIC price target.
Volume analysis from Binance shows $1.07 million in 24-hour trading, which remains relatively modest and suggests accumulation rather than distribution. The 14-day ATR of $0.03 indicates manageable volatility for position sizing.
Polygon Price Targets: Bull and Bear Scenarios
Bullish Case for MATIC
The primary MATIC price target for bulls centers on reclaiming the $0.43 SMA 20 level, which would trigger a move toward $0.48-$0.52. Breaking above the $0.56 upper Bollinger Band would confirm the bullish scenario and target the $0.58 strong resistance level.
For this bullish Polygon forecast to materialize, MATIC needs to hold above the $0.35 immediate support while RSI recovers above 50. The convergence of the EMA 12 and EMA 26 near $0.39-$0.42 creates a technical setup for a momentum shift.
Bearish Risk for Polygon
The bearish scenario activates if MATIC breaks below the $0.33 strong support level, which would expose the 52-week low at $0.37. A deeper correction could target the $0.31 lower Bollinger Band and potentially the analysts’ $0.21 downside target.
Key bearish triggers include RSI falling below 30, MACD histogram deepening into negative territory, and trading volume increasing on downside moves.
Should You Buy MATIC Now? Entry Strategy
Current technical levels suggest a measured approach rather than aggressive accumulation. The optimal buy or sell MATIC strategy involves waiting for either a bounce from $0.35 support or a breakout above $0.43 resistance.
Position sizing should account for the 14-day ATR of $0.03, allowing for normal volatility while maintaining risk management discipline.
MATIC Price Prediction Conclusion
Our comprehensive MATIC price prediction assigns a MEDIUM confidence level to a $0.48 target by December 2025, representing a 26% upside from current levels. This forecast aligns with the AI-driven analysis while acknowledging short-term technical weakness.
Key indicators to monitor include RSI recovery above 45, MACD histogram turning positive, and sustained trading above the $0.35 support level. The Polygon forecast timeline suggests 6-8 weeks for this prediction to materialize, contingent on broader cryptocurrency market stability.
The critical decision point arrives at the $0.33 support level – a break below invalidates the bullish scenario and opens the door to the $0.21 downside target. Conversely, reclaiming $0.43 would confirm the path toward our $0.48 MATIC price target and potentially the more optimistic $0.72 level suggested by technical analysts.
US-China trade relationship shaping the market’s sentiment and the direction of the USD.
The UK Consumer Price Index rose by less than anticipated in September.
XAU/USD flirted with $4,000 before bouncing, risk remains skewed to the downside.
Gold price remained pressured throughout Wednesday, flirting with the $4,000 mark before finding some room to bounce towards the current $4,050 region. The US Dollar (USD) held on to its modest, yet positive momentum throughout the first half of the day, but lost steam after Wall Street’s opening.
Market players were relatively optimistic amid hopes that United States (US) President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, would discuss a trade deal and avoid escalating tensions. Things changed when sources familiar with the matter reported that the White House is considering a plan to restrict globally produced exports to China made with or containing US software.
Other than that, the US government shutdown continues. In the twenty-second consecutive day of stalemate, House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Democrats of “eating up the clock” and making it more difficult to do the necessary things on time.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom (UK) Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported September Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures. Headline inflation rose by 3.8% on year, below the 4.0% anticipated. On a monthly basis, prices remained flat after growing by 0.3% in August. Also, the core annual CPI rose 3.5%, down from the previous 3.6% and also below the 3.7% anticipated by market players. Easing inflation put pressure on the Sterling Pound.
XAU/USD short-term technical outlook
From a technical point of view, the XAU/USD pair is at risk of falling further, particularly if the $4,000 threshold gives up. The daily chart shows that the pair bounced from a bullish 20 Simple Moving Average (SMA), while the 100 and 200 SMAs maintain their bullish slopes far below the shorter one. At the same time, technical indicators extended their slides, heading south within positive levels.
In the near term, and according to the 4-hour chart, XAU/USD is stuck around a bullish 100 SMA, while the 20 SMA gained downward traction above the current level, providing resistance at around $4,025. Finally, technical indicators stand near oversold readings with uneven strength, still skewing the risk to the downside.
The Pound US Dollar exchange rate (GBP/USD) slipped on Wednesday after a softer-than-expected UK inflation print fuelled speculation that the Bank of England (BoE) could begin cutting interest rates before the end of the year.
At the time of writing, GBP/USD was trading around $1.3420, down roughly 0.4% from Wednesday’s opening levels.
The Pound (GBP) came under sustained selling pressure during the European session after the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that inflation in the UK cooled more than expected in September.
Headline CPI held steady at 3.8%, missing forecasts for a rise to 4%, while core inflation eased from 3.6% to 3.5%, instead of the anticipated uptick to 3.7%.
The weaker data suggested that inflationary pressures in the UK economy are fading faster than the BoE had anticipated, particularly in key areas such as food prices, which fell on the month.
According to ING, the data delivered a dovish signal for policymakers:
“The September UK inflation reading released this morning is sending a dovish signal to the Bank of England and weighing on the pound. Headline inflation remained unchanged at 3.8% (consensus 4.0%), while core slowed down from 4.6% to 3.5% and services CPI stabilised at 4.75% versus expectations of 4.8% and 0.3pp below the BoE’s latest forecast.”
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The bank added that the main surprise came from food prices — a major concern for the BoE of late — which are now around 0.5 percentage points below the Bank’s August forecasts.
This softer inflation outlook prompted traders to ramp up bets on a potential December rate cut, leaving the Pound on the defensive throughout the day.
The US Dollar (USD), meanwhile, held steady in relatively thin trading conditions amid a quiet domestic calendar.
Easing trade tensions between the US and China provided some modest support for the ‘Greenback’, after President Donald Trump described progress on trade negotiations as “fantastic” and signalled plans to meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping next week.
The comments helped stabilise risk sentiment, though they failed to trigger any sustained directional move in USD exchange rates.
GBP/USD Forecast: UK Business Confidence to Drive Sterling?
Looking ahead, movement in the Pound US Dollar exchange rate on Thursday may hinge on the Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) business optimism index.
Economists expect sentiment among UK firms to have softened in the final quarter of the year amid concerns about the economic outlook and tightening fiscal conditions ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s autumn budget.
A weaker-than-expected print could see the Pound remain under pressure, while any upside surprise might help Sterling stabilise after its mid-week losses.
In the US, the government shutdown continues to suppress key data releases, meaning market sentiment will likely drive Dollar direction.
If risk appetite fades, USD could benefit from safe-haven demand, whereas a more upbeat tone across global markets may see the ‘Greenback’ give back some recent gains.
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