
Better-than-expected NFP data weakens euro
- Initial Reaction: EUR fell by 0.23% against the USD on Friday immediately following the stronger-than-expected NFP data.
- NFP Data: 139,000 new jobs added in May (exceeded 125,000 forecast).
- Moderating Factors: A downward revision to April’s NFP numbers highlighted fragile momentum in the labor market, tempering enthusiasm for the greenback.
- Broader Context: Ongoing uncertainty from prolonged tariff negotiations and a potential economic slowdown.
- Weekly Trend: Despite Friday’s loss, EUR was still on track for a modest weekly gain due to lingering concerns over stalled U.S.-China trade talks and geopolitical tensions.
- Market Sentiment Clouded By:
- Lack of progress in Donald Trump and Xi Jinping phone call (weighed on USD).
- Public dispute between President Trump and Elon Musk (added volatility).
- Current Trading (Asian & Early European): EURUSD edged higher.
- Outlook for Today: Light macroeconomic calendar suggests the established trend (likely referring to the pre-NFP strength or lingering upside from trade talk concerns) may continue. Low volatility could lead to profit-taking on long positions, potentially causing a temporary sell-off in EURUSD.
Possible Effects for Traders:
- Short-term Volatility: Expect some swings, especially if profit-taking materializes.
- Focus on Geopolitics/Trade: The underlying concerns about US-China trade and other geopolitical issues are still driving the broader trend for EURUSD more than immediate NFP reaction.
- Profit-taking Risk: Be aware of potential temporary pullbacks if traders close long EUR positions.

JPY falls on weak domestic economic data3
- Initial Reaction: JPY weakened towards 144,000 on Friday, extending its recent decline.
- Pre-NFP Caution: Markets were alr4eady cautious ahead of the US NFP report, contributing to JPY’s weakness.
- Influence of Trade Talks: Renewed hopes (however brief) for US-China trade talk progress following the Trump-Xi call also weakened the yen. However, the lack of tangible developments kept investor sentiment guarded.
- Domestic Factors (Negative):
- Household spending in Japan unexpectedly declined in April, indicating elevated prices are eroding consumer demand.
- This adds pressure on the Bank of Japan (BoJ) regarding its next policy move.
- BoJ Stance: BoJ Governor Kazuo Ueda reiterated readiness to raise interest rates if conditions align, supporting a path towards policy normalization. This provides some underlying long-term support for JPY, but immediate data is bearish.
- Current Trading (Asian & Early European): USDJPY fell (meaning JPY strengthened).
- Outlook for Today: Relatively uneventful macroeconomic calendar for USDJPY suggests the short-term bullish trend (meaning USD strengthening against JPY) may continue despite resistance at 144,200–145,000. This contradicts the “USDJPY fell” in Asian/early European, suggesting a reversal or a specific intraday move.
Possible Effects for Traders:
- Bearish JPY Trend: The broader trend for JPY remains weak, driven by domestic economic concerns and international trade sentiment.
- Resistance Level: Watch the 144,200-145,000 resistance zone for USDJPY, as a break above could signal further weakness for the yen.
- BoJ’s Stance vs. Data: While BoJ signals future hikes, current weak data makes immediate action less likely, keeping JPY under pressure.
Gold falls following strong NFP report

- Initial Reaction: The price of gold (XAU) fell by 0.57% on Friday following the release of the stronger-than-expected U.S. Nonfarm Payroll (NFP) report.
- Stronger Job Growth: The report indicated that 139,000 new jobs were added in May, exceeding the forecasted 125,000. This suggests resilience in the employment sector despite broader economic challenges.
- Contradictory Data: The NFP data contrasted sharply with a weaker ADP private payrolls report released earlier in the week, which showed only 37,000 new jobs. This divergence has created uncertainty in the market.
- Impact on Fed Policy: The stronger-than-expected NFP data has led investors to reassess their expectations for potential Federal Reserve monetary policy moves. A strong labor market may make the Fed less likely to cut interest rates.
- Trading Activity: XAUUSD remained unchanged during Asian and early European trading sessions.
Possible Effects for Traders:
- Interest Rate Expectations: The decreased likelihood of Federal Reserve rate cuts due to the strong labor data could put downward pressure on gold prices.
- U.S. Trade Relations: Traders should monitor developments in U.S. trade relations, as any escalations could increase safe-haven demand for gold, potentially pushing prices higher.
- Key Price Levels: Watch the support level at $3,290 and the resistance level at $3,345 for potential trading opportunities.
- Initial Reaction: The price of gold (XAU) fell by 0.57% on Friday following the release of the stronger-than-expected U.S. Nonfarm Payroll (NFP) report.
- Stronger Job Growth: The report indicated that 139,000 new jobs were added in May, exceeding the forecasted 125,000. This suggests resilience in the employment sector despite broader economic challenges.
- Contradictory Data: The NFP data contrasted sharply with a weaker ADP private payrolls report released earlier in the week, which showed only 37,000 new jobs. This divergence has created uncertainty in the market.
- Impact on Fed Policy: The stronger-than-expected NFP data has led investors to reassess their expectations for potential Federal Reserve monetary policy moves. A strong labor market may make the Fed less likely to cut interest rates.
- Trading Activity: XAUUSD remained unchanged during Asian and early European trading sessions.
Possible Effects for Traders:
- Interest Rate Expectations: The decreased likelihood of Federal Reserve rate cuts due to the strong labor data could put downward pressure on gold prices.
- U.S. Trade Relations: Traders should monitor developments in U.S. trade relations, as any escalations could increase safe-haven demand for gold, potentially pushing prices higher.
- Key Price Levels: Watch the support level at $3,290 and the resistance level at $3,345 for potential trading opportunities.
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