Forex News
- USD/CAD holds firm above 1.3900 on track for its third consecutive weekly gain.
- Investors await the US Nonfarm Payrolls report amid holiday-thinned market volumes.
- Canada's trade deficit rose to a six-month high in February.
The US Dollar (USD) keeps the upper hand against its Canadian counterpart on Friday, trading near 1.3925 at the moment of writing, with the 1.3966 year-to-date high at a relatively short distance. The pair is on track for its third consecutive weekly rally, with the Canadian Dollar (CAD) weighed by the risk-off sentiment stemming from the Iran war.
Trading volumes are expected to remain low, with most markets closed on Friday for the Good Friday bank holiday. During the US session, however, the US Nonfarm Payrolls report is likely to attract significant interest and might trigger wild FX movements due to the limited liquidity conditions
US Payrolls are seen bouncing up in March
The market consensus anticipates US net employment to have increased by 60K in March àttyially offsetting the 92K decline posted in February. The positive ADP employment reading seen earlier this week and the strong US ISM Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) have contributed to boosting investors' expectations about March’s payroll figures.
Meanwhile, the war in the Middle East continues, keeping investors’ appetite for risk subdued. The UN Security Council is expected to vote on a proposal by Bahrain authorizing countries to use “all defensive means necessary” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, an initiative that has been rejected by veto-wielding Chinese representatives.
Data released on Thursday showed that Canada’s Merchandise Trade Balance deficit widened to a six-month high at CAD 5.74 billion i (USD 14.4 billion) in February, as imports increased 8.4% to an all-time high of CAD 72.05 billion, offsetting the 6.4% rise in exports.
Also on Thursday, the President of the Federal Reserve (Fed) of Chicago, Austan Goolsbee, warned that the recent surge in Oil prices might complicate the central bank’s rate-setting activity in a context ot a “low-hire, low-fire” labour market. The impact on the US Dollar, however, was minimal.
Economic Indicator
Nonfarm Payrolls
The Nonfarm Payrolls release presents the number of new jobs created in the US during the previous month in all non-agricultural businesses; it is released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The monthly changes in payrolls can be extremely volatile. The number is also subject to strong reviews, which can also trigger volatility in the Forex board. Generally speaking, a high reading is seen as bullish for the US Dollar (USD), while a low reading is seen as bearish, although previous months' reviews and the Unemployment Rate are as relevant as the headline figure. The market's reaction, therefore, depends on how the market assesses all the data contained in the BLS report as a whole.
Read more.Next release: Fri Apr 03, 2026 12:30
Frequency: Monthly
Consensus: 60K
Previous: -92K
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
America’s monthly jobs report is considered the most important economic indicator for forex traders. Released on the first Friday following the reported month, the change in the number of positions is closely correlated with the overall performance of the economy and is monitored by policymakers. Full employment is one of the Federal Reserve’s mandates and it considers developments in the labor market when setting its policies, thus impacting currencies. Despite several leading indicators shaping estimates, Nonfarm Payrolls tend to surprise markets and trigger substantial volatility. Actual figures beating the consensus tend to be USD bullish.
Economic Indicator
Unemployment Rate
The Unemployment Rate, released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), is the percentage of the total civilian labor force that is not in paid employment but is actively seeking employment. The rate is usually higher in recessionary economies compared to economies that are growing. Generally, a decrease in the Unemployment Rate is seen as bullish for the US Dollar (USD), while an increase is seen as bearish. That said, the number by itself usually can't determine the direction of the next market move, as this will also depend on the headline Nonfarm Payroll reading, and the other data in the BLS report.
Read more.Next release: Fri Apr 03, 2026 12:30
Frequency: Monthly
Consensus: 4.4%
Previous: 4.4%
Source:
Here is what you need to know on Friday, April 3:
The US Dollar (USD) holds positive ground around 100.00 heading into the European trading session. Trading volumes are likely to be thin due to the Good Friday holiday.
Markets might turn cautious ahead of the key US employment report for March. Traders expected the Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) to rise by 60,000 following the disappointing 92,000 decrease seen in February. The Unemployment Rate is expected to remain unchanged at 4.4% during the same period.
US Dollar Price Today
The table below shows the percentage change of US Dollar (USD) against listed major currencies today. US Dollar was the strongest against the New Zealand Dollar.
| USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | -0.00% | -0.11% | 0.00% | 0.00% | -0.12% | 0.10% | -0.05% | |
| EUR | 0.00% | -0.06% | 0.02% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.10% | -0.04% | |
| GBP | 0.11% | 0.06% | 0.11% | 0.06% | 0.08% | 0.17% | 0.02% | |
| JPY | 0.00% | -0.02% | -0.11% | -0.01% | -0.03% | 0.07% | -0.08% | |
| CAD | -0.01% | -0.01% | -0.06% | 0.01% | -0.01% | 0.09% | -0.05% | |
| AUD | 0.12% | 0.00% | -0.08% | 0.03% | 0.00% | 0.09% | -0.06% | |
| NZD | -0.10% | -0.10% | -0.17% | -0.07% | -0.09% | -0.09% | -0.15% | |
| CHF | 0.05% | 0.04% | -0.02% | 0.08% | 0.05% | 0.06% | 0.15% |
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 US Dollar from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the Japanese Yen, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent USD (base)/JPY (quote).
US President Donald Trump touted the destruction of a bridge in Tehran, Iran. He warned that there was “much more to follow” and urged Tehran to “make a deal before it is too late.” Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Washington’s recent strikes on civilian infrastructure will not force the country to back down, adding that such actions “convey the defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray.”
Trump signed an executive order that could slap up to 100% tariffs on certain imported medicines from companies that don't reach deals with his administration in the coming months. A White House statement said that the new levy applies to patented drugs made in countries that lack tariff deals with the US by companies that don’t have most-favored-nation-pricing agreements with the administration.
The latest data published by RatingDog showed on Friday that China's Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) eased to 52.1 in March from 56.7 in February. This figure came in weaker than the expectations of 53.7.
AUD/USD gains ground near 0.6910 in the early European session on Friday. The Australian Dollar remains supported by expectations of further interest rate hikes from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).
EUR/USD flat lines near 1.1535 in the European morning on Friday. Traders are now pricing in nearly an 81.0% probability of a 25 basis point (bps) rate hike at the upcoming April 30 meeting, according to the ECB Watch Tool.
GBP/USD trades in positive territory around 1.3230 in Friday’s early European session after falling 0.65% on Thursday to close near 1.3220.
USD/JPY posts modest gains near 159.65. The pair faces volatility driven by intervention threats from Japanese authorities. Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama warned that the government is ready to take "decisive action" to counter volatile speculative moves.
(This story was corrected on April 3 at 08:45 GMT to state the correct date of Friday, April 3, and not April 4.)
Employment FAQs
Labor market conditions are a key element to assess the health of an economy and thus a key driver for currency valuation. High employment, or low unemployment, has positive implications for consumer spending and thus economic growth, boosting the value of the local currency. Moreover, a very tight labor market – a situation in which there is a shortage of workers to fill open positions – can also have implications on inflation levels and thus monetary policy as low labor supply and high demand leads to higher wages.
The pace at which salaries are growing in an economy is key for policymakers. High wage growth means that households have more money to spend, usually leading to price increases in consumer goods. In contrast to more volatile sources of inflation such as energy prices, wage growth is seen as a key component of underlying and persisting inflation as salary increases are unlikely to be undone. Central banks around the world pay close attention to wage growth data when deciding on monetary policy.
The weight that each central bank assigns to labor market conditions depends on its objectives. Some central banks explicitly have mandates related to the labor market beyond controlling inflation levels. The US Federal Reserve (Fed), for example, has the dual mandate of promoting maximum employment and stable prices. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank’s (ECB) sole mandate is to keep inflation under control. Still, and despite whatever mandates they have, labor market conditions are an important factor for policymakers given its significance as a gauge of the health of the economy and their direct relationship to inflation.
- GBP/USD may fall toward the descending channel’s lower boundary around 1.3150.
- The 14-day Relative Strength Index hovers in the low-40s, indicating weak and negative momentum.
- The pair may find the primary resistance at the nine-day EMA of 1.3273.
GBP/USD holds gains after registering over 0.5% losses in the previous day, trading around 1.3230 during the Asian hours on Friday. The technical analysis of the daily chart indicates an ongoing bearish bias, as the pair remains within the descending channel pattern.
The near-term bias stays mildly bearish as the GBP/USD pair holds below both the nine-day and 50-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs), which cap rebounds and confirm a deteriorating short-term trend. Price action has made a sequence of lower highs and lower closes from the 1.35 area, reinforcing downside pressure.
Additionally, the latest 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) hovers in the low-40s, showing negative momentum but not yet oversold, which leaves room for further weakness while limiting the risk of an immediate exhaustion low.
The GBP/USD pair may find its primary support at the descending channel’s lower boundary around 1.3150. A break below the channel would expose the 1.3010, the lowest since April 2025, which was recorded in November 2025.
On the upside, the initial barrier lies at the nine-day EMA of 1.3273. Further advances would lead the GBP/USD pair to test the 50-day EMA at 1.3394, followed by the upper descending channel boundary around 1.3440. A sustained break above this confluence resistance would trigger a bullish bias, opening the doors for exploring the area around the 1.3869, the highest level since September 2021, reached on January 27.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool.)
Pound Sterling Price Today
The table below shows the percentage change of British Pound (GBP) against listed major currencies today. British Pound was the strongest against the New Zealand Dollar.
| USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | -0.00% | -0.11% | 0.00% | 0.00% | -0.13% | 0.10% | -0.05% | |
| EUR | 0.00% | -0.07% | 0.02% | 0.00% | -0.01% | 0.09% | -0.05% | |
| GBP | 0.11% | 0.07% | 0.11% | 0.08% | 0.08% | 0.17% | 0.02% | |
| JPY | 0.00% | -0.02% | -0.11% | -0.01% | -0.03% | 0.07% | -0.09% | |
| CAD | -0.01% | -0.01% | -0.08% | 0.00% | -0.01% | 0.09% | -0.06% | |
| AUD | 0.13% | 0.01% | -0.08% | 0.03% | 0.01% | 0.09% | -0.06% | |
| NZD | -0.10% | -0.09% | -0.17% | -0.07% | -0.09% | -0.09% | -0.15% | |
| CHF | 0.05% | 0.05% | -0.02% | 0.09% | 0.06% | 0.06% | 0.15% |
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).
- USD/CHF trades sideways as activity stays muted amid subdued market participation due to the Good Friday holiday.
- The US Dollar holds ground on safe-haven demand following recent Iran threats from President Trump.
- Swiss inflation rose to 0.3% YoY in March, staying near the SNB’s lower target bound, easing pressure for policy changes.
USD/CHF remains steady after registering over 0.5% gains in the previous day, trading around 0.7980 during the Asian hours. The pair moves little as trading activity may remain subdued due to the Good Friday holiday.
The US Dollar (USD) holds firm against is major peers amid rising safe-haven demand following the recent Iran threats from the US President Donald Trump. US President Donald Trump offered no clarity on steps toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz, warning of intensified military action over the next two to three weeks and issuing strong threats against Iran. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded that recent US strikes on civilian infrastructure would not force a retreat, describing them instead as evidence of an opponent in disarray and moral decline.
Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee shared his concern on Thursday over rising oil prices, noting they could complicate efforts to curb inflation, particularly if gasoline costs surge and lift inflation expectations.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Fed president supported the Federal Reserve holding rates steady at the latest FOMC meeting, noting the labor market has stabilized since late 2025, though payroll growth remains weak and “uncomfortable.”
Swiss inflation rose to 0.3% year-over-year (YoY) in March from 0.1%, below the 0.5% forecast but the highest in a year, reflecting rising energy costs linked to Middle East tensions. Price growth remains near the lower bound of the Swiss National Bank’s 0–2% target, reducing pressure for policy changes.
Swiss Franc FAQs
The Swiss Franc (CHF) is Switzerland’s official currency. It is among the top ten most traded currencies globally, reaching volumes that well exceed the size of the Swiss economy. Its value is determined by the broad market sentiment, the country’s economic health or action taken by the Swiss National Bank (SNB), among other factors. Between 2011 and 2015, the Swiss Franc was pegged to the Euro (EUR). The peg was abruptly removed, resulting in a more than 20% increase in the Franc’s value, causing a turmoil in markets. Even though the peg isn’t in force anymore, CHF fortunes tend to be highly correlated with the Euro ones due to the high dependency of the Swiss economy on the neighboring Eurozone.
The Swiss Franc (CHF) is considered a safe-haven asset, or a currency that investors tend to buy in times of market stress. This is due to the perceived status of Switzerland in the world: a stable economy, a strong export sector, big central bank reserves or a longstanding political stance towards neutrality in global conflicts make the country’s currency a good choice for investors fleeing from risks. Turbulent times are likely to strengthen CHF value against other currencies that are seen as more risky to invest in.
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) meets four times a year – once every quarter, less than other major central banks – to decide on monetary policy. The bank aims for an annual inflation rate of less than 2%. When inflation is above target or forecasted to be above target in the foreseeable future, the bank will attempt to tame price growth by raising its policy rate. Higher interest rates are generally positive for the Swiss Franc (CHF) as they lead to higher yields, making the country a more attractive place for investors. On the contrary, lower interest rates tend to weaken CHF.
Macroeconomic data releases in Switzerland are key to assessing the state of the economy and can impact the Swiss Franc’s (CHF) valuation. The Swiss economy is broadly stable, but any sudden change in economic growth, inflation, current account or the central bank’s currency reserves have the potential to trigger moves in CHF. Generally, high economic growth, low unemployment and high confidence are good for CHF. Conversely, if economic data points to weakening momentum, CHF is likely to depreciate.
As a small and open economy, Switzerland is heavily dependent on the health of the neighboring Eurozone economies. The broader European Union is Switzerland’s main economic partner and a key political ally, so macroeconomic and monetary policy stability in the Eurozone is essential for Switzerland and, thus, for the Swiss Franc (CHF). With such dependency, some models suggest that the correlation between the fortunes of the Euro (EUR) and the CHF is more than 90%, or close to perfect.
- AUD/USD gathers strength around 0.6900 in Friday’s early European session.
- Westpac analysts expect the RBA to increase the cash rate by 25 basis points in May, June and August 2026.
- Traders brace for the US employment data for March later on Friday.
The AUD/USD pair gains ground near 0.6900 during the early European trading hours on Friday. Hawkish tone from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) underpins the Australian Dollar (AUD) against the Greenback. Trading volumes are likely to be thin due to the Good Friday holiday. Traders will keep an eye on the US March jobs report later on Friday.
Market expectations for the May meeting lean toward another potential rate hike due to rising oil prices and a tight labor market. Westpac analysts expect the RBA to deliver three further rate hikes in 2026. This would take the cash rate to 4.85%, a level not seen since November 2008.
On the other hand, escalating conflict in the Middle East, including the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, could prompt traders to move into a safe-haven currency such as the US Dollar (USD). US President Donald Trump pressures Iran "to make a deal" after a military strike destroys a bridge near Tehran.
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Washington’s recent strikes on civilian infrastructure will not force the country to back down, adding that such actions “convey the defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray.”
The US employment data for March will be published on Friday. The Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) are expected to show an increase of 60,000 jobs in March. Meanwhile, the Unemployment Rate is forecast to hold steady at 4.4% during the same period.
Australian Dollar FAQs
One of the most significant factors for the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the level of interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Because Australia is a resource-rich country another key driver is the price of its biggest export, Iron Ore. The health of the Chinese economy, its largest trading partner, is a factor, as well as inflation in Australia, its growth rate and Trade Balance. Market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – is also a factor, with risk-on positive for AUD.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) influences the Australian Dollar (AUD) by setting the level of interest rates that Australian banks can lend to each other. This influences the level of interest rates in the economy as a whole. The main goal of the RBA is to maintain a stable inflation rate of 2-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively high interest rates compared to other major central banks support the AUD, and the opposite for relatively low. The RBA can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former AUD-negative and the latter AUD-positive.
China is Australia’s largest trading partner so the health of the Chinese economy is a major influence on the value of the Australian Dollar (AUD). When the Chinese economy is doing well it purchases more raw materials, goods and services from Australia, lifting demand for the AUD, and pushing up its value. The opposite is the case when the Chinese economy is not growing as fast as expected. Positive or negative surprises in Chinese growth data, therefore, often have a direct impact on the Australian Dollar and its pairs.
Iron Ore is Australia’s largest export, accounting for $118 billion a year according to data from 2021, with China as its primary destination. The price of Iron Ore, therefore, can be a driver of the Australian Dollar. Generally, if the price of Iron Ore rises, AUD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Iron Ore falls. Higher Iron Ore prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance for Australia, which is also positive of the AUD.
The Trade Balance, which is the difference between what a country earns from its exports versus what it pays for its imports, is another factor that can influence the value of the Australian Dollar. If Australia produces highly sought after exports, then its currency will gain in value purely from the surplus demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase its exports versus what it spends to purchase imports. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens the AUD, with the opposite effect if the Trade Balance is negative.
- EUR/USD may fall toward the initial support at the eight-month low of 1.1411.
- The 14-day Relative Strength Index near 45 signals subdued momentum.
- The pair tests the immediate barrier at the upper descending channel boundary near the nine-day EMA at 1.1544.
EUR/USD remains subdued for the second successive day, trading around 1.1540 during Asian hours on Friday. The daily chart technical analysis indicates a potential bullish reversal as the pair is testing the upper boundary of the descending channel pattern.
However, the near-term bias stays mildly bearish as price holds below both the nine-day and 50-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs), which cap recovery attempts and confirm a prevailing downside tone. The short-term average trades under the longer one and flattens, signalling a lack of bullish follow-through after recent rebounds.
The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) momentum indicator around 45 keeps momentum on the soft side, showing sellers retain a slight advantage without reaching oversold extremes.
The EUR/USD pair may navigate the region around the initial support at the eight-month low of 1.1411, recorded on March 13. Further declines would put downward pressure on the pair to test the descending channel around 1.1250.
On the upside, the EUR/USD pair is testing the immediate resistance at the upper descending channel boundary around the nine-day EMA at 1.1544. A break above the channel would strengthen the market bias and support the pair to test the 50-day EMA at 1.1637. Further advances would open the doors for the pair to explore the region around 1.2082, the highest since June 2021, which was recorded on January 27.
(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool.)
Euro Price Today
The table below shows the percentage change of Euro (EUR) against listed major currencies today. Euro was the weakest against the Japanese Yen.
| USD | EUR | GBP | JPY | CAD | AUD | NZD | CHF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD | 0.04% | -0.06% | -0.05% | 0.03% | -0.07% | 0.15% | -0.02% | |
| EUR | -0.04% | -0.05% | -0.07% | -0.01% | 0.02% | 0.10% | -0.05% | |
| GBP | 0.06% | 0.05% | 0.00% | 0.06% | 0.10% | 0.17% | 0.00% | |
| JPY | 0.05% | 0.07% | 0.00% | 0.06% | 0.08% | 0.17% | -0.00% | |
| CAD | -0.03% | 0.00% | -0.06% | -0.06% | 0.03% | 0.12% | -0.04% | |
| AUD | 0.07% | -0.02% | -0.10% | -0.08% | -0.03% | 0.08% | -0.08% | |
| NZD | -0.15% | -0.10% | -0.17% | -0.17% | -0.12% | -0.08% | -0.17% | |
| CHF | 0.02% | 0.05% | -0.00% | 0.00% | 0.04% | 0.08% | 0.17% |
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 Euro from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent EUR (base)/USD (quote).
- US Dollar Index holds gains around 100.00 in Friday’s early European session.
- Trump pressures Iran to make a deal after a military strike destroys a bridge near Tehran.
- The US March jobs data will be in the spotlight later on Friday.
The US Dollar Index (DXY), an index of the value of the US Dollar (USD) measured against a basket of six world currencies, currently trades near 100.00 during the early European trading hours on Friday. The DXY holds positive ground amid fresh concerns over a prolonged conflict in the Middle East. All eyes will be on the US March jobs report, which will be released later on Friday.
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the war's core objectives are "nearing completion" and could wrap up in two to three weeks. He warned he would bomb Iran "back to the Stone Age" if they did not agree to an unconditional surrender.
Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the attack wouldn’t force Tehran to surrender. “It only conveys the defeat and moral collapse of an enemy in disarray,” he said. A prolonged conflict between the US and Iran could prompt traders to seek a safe-haven currency such as the US Dollar in the near term.
Nonetheless, US tariff threats might cap the upside for the DXY. Bloomberg reported on Thursday that Trump signed an executive order that could slap up to 100% on certain imported medicines from companies that don't reach deals with his administration in the coming months.
Traders await the release of the US March jobs data later on Friday for fresh impetus. The US economy is projected to see 60,000 job additions in March, while the Unemployment Rate is expected to hold steady at 4.4% during the same period. In case of softer-than-expected outcomes, this could weigh on the USD against its rivals.
US Dollar FAQs
The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency of the United States of America, and the ‘de facto’ currency of a significant number of other countries where it is found in circulation alongside local notes. It is the most heavily traded currency in the world, accounting for over 88% of all global foreign exchange turnover, or an average of $6.6 trillion in transactions per day, according to data from 2022. Following the second world war, the USD took over from the British Pound as the world’s reserve currency. For most of its history, the US Dollar was backed by Gold, until the Bretton Woods Agreement in 1971 when the Gold Standard went away.
The most important single factor impacting on the value of the US Dollar is monetary policy, which is shaped by the Federal Reserve (Fed). The Fed has two mandates: to achieve price stability (control inflation) and foster full employment. Its primary tool to achieve these two goals is by adjusting interest rates. When prices are rising too quickly and inflation is above the Fed’s 2% target, the Fed will raise rates, which helps the USD value. When inflation falls below 2% or the Unemployment Rate is too high, the Fed may lower interest rates, which weighs on the Greenback.
In extreme situations, the Federal Reserve can also print more Dollars and enact quantitative easing (QE). QE is the process by which the Fed substantially increases the flow of credit in a stuck financial system. It is a non-standard policy measure used when credit has dried up because banks will not lend to each other (out of the fear of counterparty default). It is a last resort when simply lowering interest rates is unlikely to achieve the necessary result. It was the Fed’s weapon of choice to combat the credit crunch that occurred during the Great Financial Crisis in 2008. It involves the Fed printing more Dollars and using them to buy US government bonds predominantly from financial institutions. QE usually leads to a weaker US Dollar.
Quantitative tightening (QT) is the reverse process whereby the Federal Reserve stops buying bonds from financial institutions and does not reinvest the principal from the bonds it holds maturing in new purchases. It is usually positive for the US Dollar.
Gold prices remained broadly unchanged in India on Friday, according to data compiled by FXStreet.
The price for Gold stood at 14,120.49 Indian Rupees (INR) per gram, broadly stable compared with the INR 14,120.49 it cost on Thursday.
The price for Gold was broadly steady at INR 164,698.70 per tola from INR 164,698.70 per tola a day earlier.
Unit measure | Gold Price in INR |
|---|---|
1 Gram | 14,120.49 |
10 Grams | 141,204.90 |
Tola | 164,698.70 |
Troy Ounce | 439,196.70 |
FXStreet calculates Gold prices in India by adapting international prices (USD/INR) to the local currency and measurement units. Prices are updated daily based on the market rates taken at the time of publication. Prices are just for reference and local rates could diverge slightly.
Gold FAQs
Gold has played a key role in human’s history as it has been widely used as a store of value and medium of exchange. Currently, apart from its shine and usage for jewelry, the precious metal is widely seen as a safe-haven asset, meaning that it is considered a good investment during turbulent times. Gold is also widely seen as a hedge against inflation and against depreciating currencies as it doesn’t rely on any specific issuer or government.
Central banks are the biggest Gold holders. In their aim to support their currencies in turbulent times, central banks tend to diversify their reserves and buy Gold to improve the perceived strength of the economy and the currency. High Gold reserves can be a source of trust for a country’s solvency. Central banks added 1,136 tonnes of Gold worth around $70 billion to their reserves in 2022, according to data from the World Gold Council. This is the highest yearly purchase since records began. Central banks from emerging economies such as China, India and Turkey are quickly increasing their Gold reserves.
Gold has an inverse correlation with the US Dollar and US Treasuries, which are both major reserve and safe-haven assets. When the Dollar depreciates, Gold tends to rise, enabling investors and central banks to diversify their assets in turbulent times. Gold is also inversely correlated with risk assets. A rally in the stock market tends to weaken Gold price, while sell-offs in riskier markets tend to favor the precious metal.
The price can move due to a wide range of factors. Geopolitical instability or fears of a deep recession can quickly make Gold price escalate due to its safe-haven status. As a yield-less asset, Gold tends to rise with lower interest rates, while higher cost of money usually weighs down on the yellow metal. Still, most moves depend on how the US Dollar (USD) behaves as the asset is priced in dollars (XAU/USD). A strong Dollar tends to keep the price of Gold controlled, whereas a weaker Dollar is likely to push Gold prices up.
(An automation tool was used in creating this post.)
- Silver struggles as a stronger US Dollar, driven by safe-haven demand, makes the white metal more expensive for foreign buyers.
- The white metal stays pressured as hawkish 2026 central bank expectations rise amid higher energy prices and inflation fears.
- Trump gave no clarity on reopening Hormuz, warning of intensified military action over the next two to three weeks.
Silver price (XAG/USD) remains in the negative territory after experiencing volatility, trading around $73.10 during the Asian hours on Friday. The dollar-denominated Silver comes under pressure as a stronger US Dollar (USD), driven by safe-haven demand, makes the white metal costlier for foreign buyers. Trading activity may remain subdued due to the Good Friday holiday.
Non-interest-bearing Silver remains under pressure as hawkish central bank expectations for 2026 intensify. Rising energy prices tied to Middle East tensions reinforce inflation concerns, supporting tighter policy outlooks and reducing the appeal of precious metals that offer no yield.
US President Donald Trump offered no clarity on steps toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz, warning of intensified military action over the next two to three weeks and issuing strong threats against Iran. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded that recent US strikes on civilian infrastructure would not force a retreat, describing them instead as evidence of an opponent in disarray and moral decline.
Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee expressed concern on Thursday over rising oil prices, noting they could complicate efforts to curb inflation, particularly if gasoline costs surge and lift inflation expectations.
Meanwhile, Lorie Logan, President of the Federal Reserve (Fed) Bank of Dallas, supported the Federal Reserve holding rates steady at the latest FOMC meeting, noting the labor market has stabilized since late 2025, though payroll growth remains weak and “uncomfortable.”
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.
Forex Market News
Our dedicated focus on forex news and insights empowers you to capitalise on investment opportunities in the dynamic FX market. The forex landscape is ever-evolving, characterised by continuous exchange rate fluctuations shaped by vast influential factors. From economic data releases to geopolitical developments, these events can sway market sentiment and drive substantial movements in currency valuations.
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