News

The Australian Dollar (AUD) remains steady against the US Dollar (USD) after losing daily gains on Thursday.

Let’s continue our theme this week on the health of stock market and who metaphorically “has the ball” – the offense or the defense.

The pair now trades at its highest levels since February, threatening a break above the 153.00 mark. The figure level was what stalled the upside move yesterday but the buying momentum is just continuing so far on the week. With the gains today, USD/JPY buyers are looking to make it six straight days of gains with four coming this week after the gap higher on Monday following the LDP leadership election result in Japan.

As mentioned yesterday, the Japanese yen currency is facing a triple whammy on the week. And those circumstances have not changed whatsoever coming into today.

As we draw closer towards the 155.00 mark next, expect Tokyo officials to come up with some verbal intervention at least to keep things from getting out of hand. That especially as Takaichi will not want to suffer such an early fallout with the public of having to deal with a weak yen currency so early on.

This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude oil benchmark, is trading around $61.70 during the Asian trading hours on Thursday. The WTI gains traction amid a larger-than-expected crude inventory build. However, easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East might cap its upside.

The Japanese Yen (JPY) meets with a fresh supply following an intraday uptick on Thursday and drops to its lowest level since February 13 against a broadly firmer US Dollar (USD) heading into the European session.

For 2025 Q3, total S&P 500 index earnings are expected to be up +5.5% from the same period last year on +6.2% higher revenues.

Gold Futures Analysis Summary and Key Trade Levels

Bullish above: 4,056
Bearish below: 4,039
Primary Bias: Neutral-to-bullish near mid-zone
Partial Targets: 4,059.5, 4,069.2, 4,087, 4,104.8 (bullish)
4,033, 4,027.7, 4,021, 4,007.2, 3,986.7 (bearish)

Gold Market Context and Directional Bias

Gold Futures (GC) is trading near 4,051, sitting almost in the midpoint between today’s bullish and bearish thresholds.
A sustained move above 4,056 would confirm bullish control, drawing algorithmic and institutional flows toward higher liquidity zones. A decisive move below 4,039 would confirm a bearish bias, opening the door to tests of deeper value areas.

Today’s Key Levels and Partial-Profit Plan for Gold Futures

Bullish Path for Gold Traders Today

4,059.5 — just below yesterday’s Point of Control (POC), a key liquidity magnet.
4,069.2 — just under yesterday’s Value Area High (VAH), an area where profit-taking often occurs.
4,087 — aligns with the next upper liquidity pocket on the order flow map.
4,104.8 — extended upside target, lower probability to reach in a single session but still valid for runners.

Bearish Path for Gold Traders Today

4,033 — near the first lower standard deviation of today’s VWAP.
4,027.7 — sits above the developing Value Area Low (VAL), a potential buyer response zone.
4,021 — previous intraday liquidity pool.
4,007.2 — corresponds with the POC from two days ago.
3,986.7 — a deeper bearish magnet below $4,000, matching Monday’s liquidity pool.

Background from investingLive

According to recent coverage on investingLive.com:
• Gaza ceasefire deal expected to be signed at 0900 GMT — could ease geopolitical tensions that have recently supported gold prices.
• Goldman Sachs says tech rally not a bubble yet but valuations are stretched — stretched equity valuations may drive flows toward defensive assets like gold.
• Deutsche Bank: Bitcoin and gold could join central bank reserves by 2030 — reinforces gold’s long-term role as a strategic reserve asset.

Educational Corner — Why Partial Profits Matter

Professional traders and algorithms often scale out of positions at predefined partial-profit levels instead of holding for distant targets.
This disciplined approach, central to the tradeCompass system, helps secure gains early and allows traders to let a runner continue when momentum persists. It’s also a proven way to reduce stress and emotional decision-making during volatile sessions.

Trade Management Reminders (tradeCompass)

• One active trade per direction per tradeCompass.
• After TP2, move stop to entry to protect gains and manage the runner.
• Stops should be placed just beyond the activation threshold with a small buffer, never beyond the opposite threshold.
• Confirmation may require two closes above or below the activation line before entry.

Clarification on Using the Compass

If price fails to sustain above 4,056, traders may treat that rejection as a potential short setup.
If price drops below 4,039 and holds, it points to a deeper bearish stage.
The tradeCompass acts as your map — use it with your own strategy, time frame, and trade management style, always applying partial targets and protective stops.

Professional Disclaimer

This analysis is for decision-support only, not financial advice. Trading futures carries substantial risk and may not suit every investor. Always conduct independent research and trade at your own risk.

This article was written by Itai Levitan at investinglive.com.