Global markets started the week in slow motion as Lunar New Year in Asia and Presidents Day in the U.S. kept liquidity thin.
🇯🇵 Japan’s Q4 GDP rose just 0.2% (vs 1.6% expected), disappointing investors. Still, some remain bullish on Japanese equities after PM Sanae Takaichi’s strong election win and reflation push. Nikkei closed slightly lower after last week’s 5% rally.
$RPL 🇪🇺 Europe recovered late in the session, led by banks. STOXX 600 edged higher as financials bounced from last week’s AI-driven selloff.
$ZAMA 🇺🇸 U.S. futures were modestly green, with focus shifting to upcoming GDP data (e
xpected ~2.5% for Q4) and global PMIs. Markets are pricing a 68% chance of a Fed rate cut in June.
📉 Big theme: AI capex is exploding ($660B projected), while S&P 500 buybacks are down 7% YoY. Investors are rotating from tech into defensive names and small caps.
$PROM 💵 Dollar steadied after last week’s drop; USD/JPY rebounded to 153+.
🥇 Gold slipped below $5,000 amid volatility.
🛢 Oil ticked higher on reports OPEC may resume output hikes in April.
Thin liquidity = exaggerated moves. Expect volatility once full participation returns.
#Markets #Forex #Commodities #write2earn🌐💹