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By HFblogNews · Posted
Date: 5th February 2025. Stock Market Drops as US-China Trade War Escalates; Gold Hits Record High. Futures for US and European stocks retreated, shrugging off gains in Asian markets as investors assessed the latest earnings from Wall Street tech giants and growing concerns over the US-China trade war. Gold prices soared to an all-time high, continuing a nearly 1% rally from the previous session, as escalating trade tensions drove demand for safe-haven assets. Global Stock Market Performance Euro Stoxx 50 futures declined 0.4%, while S&P 500 futures slipped 0.5%, weighed down by post-market declines in Alphabet Inc. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. Asian stock markets advanced for a second straight session, though Chinese equities fell as the market reopened after the Lunar New Year holiday. The yen strengthened against the US dollar, while gold surged on increased risk aversion. Tech Stocks and Trade War Concerns Asian technology stocks mirrored their US counterparts’ gains, but investor sentiment toward China remained cautious. Markets reacted to Beijing’s swift but measured retaliation after the US imposed a 10% tariff on all imports from China. Compared to the aggressive tit-for-tat measures during Trump’s first term, President Xi Jinping appears to be taking a more calculated approach. US Jobs Report and Federal Reserve Rate Policy The US 10-year Treasury yield declined alongside the US dollar index, after data revealed a larger-than-expected drop in job openings for December, hitting a three-month low. The weaker US labour market data reduced fears of aggressive Federal Reserve rate hikes, pushing the US dollar lower and creating a favourable setup for Asian markets. Investors now turn to the US ISM services report for further clues on the Fed’s rate policy, with analysts expecting a slowdown in activity due to winter storms and wildfires. Trump Signals No Urgency for US-China Trade Talks President Donald Trump told reporters he’s in no rush to negotiate with Chinese President Xi Jinping, stating that he’ll engage in discussions “at the appropriate time.” Market analysts are concerned that prolonged uncertainty over trade negotiations could lead to increased stock market volatility, especially in China. Despite the delays in trade talks, Trump has shown that he is willing to negotiate, so markets will continue to watch closely. In a surprising move, the US Postal Service temporarily suspended international shipments from China and Hong Kong. While the reason remains unclear, the suspension follows Trump’s repeal of the de minimis rule, which previously allowed small Chinese shipments under $800 to enter the US duty-free. US-China trade tensions remain a major market risk and if both sides delay their tariff measures, markets will respond positively, but further escalation could trigger renewed volatility. Gold Prices Surge as Investors Seek Safe Havens Gold prices skyrocketed to a record high of $2,861 an ounce, fueled by concerns over trade disputes, geopolitical instability, and potential inflation risks. Beijing’s measured response to US tariffs was notably softer than its previous retaliatory actions, yet investors remain cautious about its long-term effects on global trade and monetary policy. Adding to market uncertainty, Trump proposed a US-led reconstruction plan for Gaza, further fueling demand for safe-haven assets like gold. The gold market is benefiting from rising geopolitical risks, including US-China trade uncertainty and tensions in the Middle East. Regardless of US dollar movements, gold demand remains strong. US Dollar Weakens Amid Market Uncertainty The US dollar continued to weaken, extending Tuesday’s 0.7% drop following disappointing US jobs data. A weaker dollar generally boosts gold and commodity prices, making them more affordable for international buyers. Spot gold gained 0.7%, trading at $2,861.22 per ounce as of 6:29 a.m. in London. Meanwhile, silver and platinum also advanced, while palladium declined. Even before the latest US-China tariffs, the precious metals market was experiencing heightened volatility. Gold and silver prices in the US surged above international benchmarks, leading to a rush of large-scale shipments into the country ahead of potential tariffs. The uncertainty also caused a spike in lease rates for gold and silver, as traders scrambled to secure short-term loans for metals stored in London vaults. Crude oil prices slipped, as global growth concerns stemming from the trade war overshadowed the impact of new US sanctions on Iran. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business. Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report. Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar. Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE! Click HERE to READ more Market news. Andria Pichidi HFMarkets Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission. -
By Stocks4life · Posted
AAP Advance Auto Parts stock, watch for an upside price gap breakout at https://stockconsultant.com/?AAP -
By Stocks4life · Posted
KSS Kohls stock watch, attempting to move higher off the 12.93 double support area at https://stockconsultant.com/?KSS -
By Stocks4life · Posted
AVPT AvePoint stock, watch for a top of range breakout at https://stockconsultant.com/?AVPT -
By Stocks4life · Posted
BJ BJs Wholesale Club stock nice top of range breakout at https://stockconsultant.com/?BJ
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