Ethereum Skyrockets As Market Watches Closely

Cryptocurrency

Summary:

Ethereum has experienced a significant recovery, with its value skyrocketing by almost 50%, crossing the $2,700 barrier...

Ethereum has experienced a significant recovery, with its value skyrocketing by almost 50%, crossing the $2,700 barrier. This surge in the cryptocurrency market comes after Ethereum saw a dip below $1,800 just a short time ago. Now, investors are eyeing the $3,000 level, spurred by a shift in sentiment on social media. As the community transitions from a pessimistic to an optimistic outlook, all eyes are on reduced transaction fees and the strategies of major players.

Why are Ethereum’s Fees Dropping?

Ethereum’s network has seen transaction fees decline to $0.84, a significant reduction from $7 recorded six months previously. This drop makes Ethereum more appealing to new participants in the market. However, potential upward pressure on fees remains a concern; experts warn that if they rise past $2, the bullish momentum could falter.

Who’s Behind the Massive Ethereum Purchases?

The driving force behind Ethereum’s rise includes considerable investments from entities like Abraxas Capital. On May 13, Abraxas acquired Ethereum worth $84.7 million. Over a little under a week, their total accumulation reached 211,000 ETH, valued at $477 million, which has introduced substantial buying pressure.

Technical metrics predominantly signal positive conditions for Ethereum. It continues to trade above crucial moving averages, bolstered by the MACD indicator. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has hit 79, hinting at an overbought state. Analysts suggest if Ethereum surpasses the $2,750 resistance, it could aim for $3,000. However, should it dip, a potential retracement to $2,100 is possible.

The following are concrete insights into Ethereum’s recent performance:

●Ethereum’s transaction fees have decreased to $0.84, enhancing network accessibility.

●Abraxas Capital’s significant Ethereum acquisition highlights institutional buying interest.

●Technical indicators show strong support, although caution is advised due to high RSI levels.

Ethereum’s recent performance marks a pivotal time for the cryptocurrency, with the market keeping a close watch on fluctuations in fee structures, major investor movements, and technical signals. The evolving landscape presents opportunities but also demands careful scrutiny from market participants. As Ethereum edges closer to its next milestone, stakeholders remain vigilant, assessing whether its trajectory will sustain or encounter new challenges.

Source: CryptoSlate

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

You understand and acknowledge that there is a high degree of risk involved in trading. Following any strategies or investment methods may lead to potential losses. The content on the site is provided by our contributors and analysts for information purposes only. You are solely responsible for determining whether any trading assets, securities, strategy, or any other product is suitable for investing based on your own investment objectives and financial situation.

Add to Favorites

Gerik

Economic

Commodity

Surge in Gold Demand as Market Volatility Rattles Investors

As concerns over economic turbulence rise following the implementation of aggressive U.S. tariff policies under President Donald Trump, Japanese investors are redirecting their capital flows into gold at an unprecedented pace. The trend reflects a growing appetite for stability amid heightened financial uncertainty.

On April 22, the benchmark gold price set by Tanaka Precious Metal Technologies in Tokyo surged past ¥17,000 per gram (approximately $115), marking a 15% increase since January 20, when Trump was inaugurated for his second term. This record level, in yen terms, underscores the metal’s appeal as a hedge against volatility and inflation.

Investment Patterns Shift Toward Gold-Based Assets

Gold-linked financial products, especially those integrated into Japan’s tax-exempt NISA (Nippon Individual Savings Account) scheme for retail investors, have seen a notable increase in inflows. Among them, the Mitsubishi UFJ Pure Gold Fund, which closely tracks gold price fluctuations, attracted ¥19.2 billion in March alone—2.6 times more than December.

According to PayPay Securities, this fund ranked fourth among all NISA-linked mutual funds in December but climbed to the top spot in February and remained in the top two through March. The performance illustrates a distinct pivot in investor preference away from volatile equities and toward asset preservation.

Bullion and Jewelry See Parallel Demand Boom

Tanaka Precious Metal also reported a sharp rise in physical gold purchases, including bullion and coins. The number of customers subscribing to monthly installment-based gold purchasing plans rose by 26% year-on-year between January and April, signaling growing confidence in the long-term value of gold.

This surge isn't confined to investment-grade products. Jewelry sales have also benefited from the gold rush. Komehyo, a popular chain specializing in pre-owned luxury items, reported a 30% increase in gold jewelry sales in March compared to the same period last year. At its Shinjuku branch, consumers in their 30s and 40s are actively purchasing items ranging from simple gold chains to high-value pendants, with prices reaching into the millions of yen.

Why Gold? A Shelter in Market Storms

Despite inherent risks, gold continues to offer a degree of stability that appeals to investors unnerved by recent stock market volatility. On April 7, the Nikkei index recorded its third-largest single-day drop in history, intensifying the perception of equities as increasingly unreliable in the near term.

"Given the heightened volatility in equities, gold remains an attractive destination for capital," noted Atsuko Sato Whitehouse, Japan market director at BullionVault. Her assessment reflects a wider market sentiment that views gold not only as a hedge but also as a prudent diversification tool.

Whether this surge in gold investment marks a structural shift or a temporary refuge remains uncertain. However, with global economic sentiment clouded by geopolitical tensions, trade instability, and shifting monetary policy expectations, gold's role in Japanese investment portfolios appears more prominent than it has in years.

Source: Kyodo News

To stay updated on all economic events of today, please check out our Economic calendar

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Add to Favorites

FXOpen

Economic

Forex

Technical Analysis

GBP/USD is attempting a fresh increase above the 1.3270 resistance. EUR/GBP declined steadily below the 0.8460 and 0.8440 support levels.

Important Takeaways for GBP/USD and EUR/GBP Analysis Today

●The British Pound is attempting a fresh increase above 1.3250.

●There was a break above a key bearish trend line with resistance at 1.3270 on the hourly chart of GBP/USD at FXOpen.

●EUR/GBP is trading in a bearish zone below the 0.8460 pivot level.

●There was a break above a connecting bearish trend line with resistance near 0.8410 on the hourly chart at FXOpen.

GBP/USD Technical Analysis

On the hourly chart of GBP/USD at FXOpen, the pair declined after it failed to clear the 1.3440 resistance. As mentioned in the previous analysis, the British Pound traded below the 1.3200 support against the US Dollar.

Finally, the pair tested the 1.3140 zone and is currently attempting a fresh increase. The bulls were able to push the pair above the 50-hour simple moving average and 1.3215.

There was a break above a key bearish trend line with resistance at 1.3270. The pair surpassed the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the 1.3402 swing high to the 1.3139 low. It is now showing positive signs above 1.3300.

On the upside, the GBP/USD chart indicates that the pair is facing resistance near 1.3340 and the 76.4% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the 1.3402 swing high to the 1.3139 low.

The next major resistance is near 1.3400. A close above the 1.3400 resistance zone could open the doors for a move toward 1.3440. Any more gains might send GBP/USD toward 1.3500.

On the downside, immediate support is near 1.3270. If there is a downside break below 1.3270, the pair could accelerate lower. The first major support is near the 1.3215 level and the 50-hour simple moving average.

The next key support is seen near 1.3140, below which the pair could test 1.3080. Any more losses could lead the pair toward the 1.3000 support.

EUR/GBP Technical Analysis

On the hourly chart of EUR/GBP at FXOpen, the pair started a fresh decline from well above 0.8500. The Euro traded below the 0.8430 level and tested 0.8400. It is now consolidating losses and trading below the 50-hour simple moving average. However, there was a break above a connecting bearish trend line with resistance near 0.8410.

The pair is now facing resistance near the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the 0.8522 swing high to the 0.8399 low at 0.8430.

The next major resistance could be 0.8460. It coincides with the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the 0.8522 swing high to the 0.8399 low. The main resistance is near the 0.8495 zone. A close above the 0.8495 level might accelerate gains. In the stated case, the bulls may perhaps aim for a test of 0.8520. Any more gains might send the pair toward the 0.8550 level.

Immediate support sits near 0.8400. The next major support is near 0.8365. A downside break below the 0.8365 support might call for more downsides. In the stated case, the pair could drop toward the 0.8300 support level.

Source: FXOpen

To stay updated on all economic events of today, please check out our Economic calendar

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Add to Favorites

Gerik

Economic

Japan Emerges as a Financial Safe Haven Amid Global Volatility

April 2025 witnessed an unprecedented influx of foreign capital into Japan, as international investors turned to the country’s financial markets in response to mounting uncertainty in the United States. According to data from Japan’s Ministry of Finance, foreign investors purchased a net 8.2 trillion yen (approximately $57 billion) in Japanese securities—marking the highest monthly figure since recordkeeping began in 2005 and over three times the 20-year April average.

This surge included $25.5 billion in equities—also the most since April 2023—and $31.5 billion in long-term government bonds, the highest since July 2022. Market analysts report that a significant portion of this bond buying came from global central banks seeking to diversify their foreign reserves, accelerating what many see as a steady "de-dollarization" trend.

Flight from the U.S. Dollar Accelerates

Yujiro Goto, head of FX strategy at Nomura, noted that April’s bond purchases far exceeded seasonal trends and were particularly notable for coinciding with a parallel boom in stock investments. This dual movement suggests that international investors are not simply reallocating funds—they are executing a strategic retreat from U.S. assets.

Mansoor Mohi-uddin, Chief Economist at the Bank of Singapore, believes the rush into Japanese assets reflects growing anxiety over U.S. policy unpredictability. Rising trade tensions, aggressive tariff policies, and public attacks by President Trump on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell have rattled global confidence.

“Japan is clearly benefiting from the broader de-dollarization sentiment,” said Mohi-uddin. “Central banks looking to diversify are drawn to markets with high liquidity and relative policy stability—and Japan fits that profile.”

Trump’s Tariff Pause Eases Pressure, But Outlook Remains Clouded

The situation stabilized somewhat in early May after President Trump agreed to a 90-day pause on additional tariffs targeting Chinese goods. This helped calm short-term volatility, but analysts remain uncertain whether the surge in Japanese asset purchases will persist.

According to Bank of America’s latest global fund manager survey released on May 9, most institutional investors now expect Trump’s economic policies to lead the U.S. toward a stagflation scenario—simultaneously rising inflation and slowing growth. The survey also found that shorting the U.S. dollar has become the most crowded trade among fund managers since Trump introduced retaliatory tariffs.

Yet Bank of America cautioned that despite growing criticism of U.S. economic leadership, the dollar’s dominance remains intact in absolute terms. Compared to alternatives like the euro or yen, the dollar still enjoys unmatched liquidity, global acceptance, and network effects.

Can Japan Maintain the Momentum?

The key question now is whether Japan’s role as a capital magnet is a temporary reaction or the beginning of a longer-term structural shift. If investor distrust in U.S. policy deepens—particularly with persistent Fed inaction on rates—Japan may continue to benefit from a reallocation of global capital.

With a large, liquid financial market and relatively stable monetary policy, Japan is uniquely positioned to serve as a safe alternative for global investors weary of geopolitical noise and monetary instability elsewhere.

April’s record-setting inflow into Japan may be the clearest sign yet that global investors are actively repositioning away from the U.S. in search of stability. Whether this marks a lasting transformation in the international financial order or a short-term hedge remains to be seen, but Japan has re-emerged as a focal point for global capital in uncertain times.

Source: FT

To stay updated on all economic events of today, please check out our Economic calendar

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Add to Favorites

Gerik

Economic

Political

Trump Ends U.S. Sanctions on Syria Amid Middle East Diplomacy Tour

In a sweeping policy move, President Donald Trump declared the full removal of U.S. sanctions on Syria, marking the first such action in over a decade. Speaking at the Saudi Investment Forum in Riyadh, Trump framed the decision as a necessary step to "give Syria a chance to achieve greatness" following the collapse of the Assad regime in late 2024.

According to CNN, the announcement came after discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. The move also coincides with Trump’s broader Middle East trip, which has so far been heavily focused on investment, diplomacy, and regional stabilization.

A Shift After Years of Isolation

“This country has seen enough tragedy, war, and death,” Trump said, referring to Syria’s decade-long conflict. “It’s time for Syria to shine. Good luck, Syria—show us something remarkable.”

The president emphasized that while sanctions were once necessary to pressure the Assad regime, their continued application was no longer appropriate under Syria’s new interim leadership, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Trump is scheduled to meet al-Sharaa on May 14 during his stay in Saudi Arabia.

The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also expected to hold talks with Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani in Turkey later this week—marking the first direct diplomatic contact between Washington and Damascus since relations deteriorated under Bashar al-Assad’s rule.

Damascus Welcomes the Reversal

Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani welcomed the news, calling the sanctions removal “a fresh start on the path to national reconstruction.” He praised support from regional allies—particularly Saudi Arabia—as instrumental in securing the U.S. policy reversal. “We are now opening a new chapter that honors the history and dignity of the Syrian people,” he said.

This move by Washington follows partial sanction rollbacks earlier this year by the United Kingdom and the European Union, though neither has gone as far as a complete lifting.

Strategic Implications and Cautious Optimism

Trump’s announcement is not without controversy. Critics are likely to question whether the new Syrian leadership has met the necessary benchmarks for democratic transition or human rights guarantees. Still, the White House insists the change in U.S. policy is contingent on Syria’s successful path to internal stabilization and constructive international engagement.

While Trump’s rhetoric emphasized peace and economic revival, the geopolitical calculus is also evident. Syria’s reintegration into regional diplomacy—particularly with Gulf states taking the lead—may be part of a broader U.S. effort to reposition itself amid waning influence and shifting alliances in the Middle East.

With Israel launching airstrikes near the Syrian presidential compound earlier this week and ongoing tensions involving Iranian proxies, the situation remains fragile. Whether this diplomatic thaw leads to a sustainable peace or triggers new regional friction remains to be seen.

Nonetheless, for the first time in over ten years, the door to normalized U.S.-Syria relations is no longer closed.

Source: The Economic Times

To stay updated on all economic events of today, please check out our Economic calendar

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Add to Favorites

Gerik

China–U.S. Trade War

Economic

Rising U.S.-EU Trade Tensions Amid a Warming U.S.-China Thaw

Just hours after announcing a significant tariff de-escalation deal with China, President Donald Trump launched a sharp rebuke of the European Union. Speaking from the White House on May 12, Trump accused the EU of treating the United States "worse than China" in matters of trade, citing unfair practices and repeated lawsuits against American tech giants like Apple, Google, and Meta.

The timing of the remarks was notable. Following the temporary 90-day tariff reduction agreement between Washington and Beijing—cutting U.S. duties on Chinese goods from 145% to 30% and China's duties on U.S. goods from 125% to 10%—markets had begun stabilizing. Yet, instead of reinforcing transatlantic ties, Trump pivoted to attacking Brussels over longstanding trade grievances, particularly in autos, agriculture, and digital services.

Trump’s Strategy: Pressure Before Concession

Trump’s rhetoric echoed a familiar pattern: apply maximum pressure before securing concessions. He claimed that the U.S. holds all the leverage in talks and suggested that the EU must open its markets wider to American exports, especially cars and farm goods. EU officials, however, warned that if talks collapse, retaliatory tariffs could affect as much as €95 billion in U.S. goods.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made clear she would only meet Trump if substantive trade proposals are on the table. While Brussels has offered limited concessions, including joint efforts to curb industrial overcapacity from China, it remains wary of Trump's protectionist posture.

Economic Risks on Both Sides of the Atlantic

Despite their disagreements, the U.S. and EU maintain one of the largest bilateral economic relationships in the world—valued at nearly $1 trillion annually. Their mutual interests span advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, finance, and clean tech. Yet, these sectors are increasingly strained by competing subsidies, divergent regulations, and disputes over digital taxation.

According to Bruegel, a leading European think tank, a full-scale trade war could reduce U.S. GDP by 0.7% and EU GDP by 0.3% in 2025. This potential cost would come on top of existing inflationary pressures and supply chain vulnerabilities that have already strained businesses on both continents.

U.S. industries like automotive and semiconductor manufacturing are deeply integrated with European suppliers. Tariff escalations could disrupt production flows and raise costs—especially damaging as the U.S. seeks to decouple from China in critical industries.

Strategic Fallout: Risking Unity Against China

At a time when both the U.S. and EU are attempting to reduce their economic reliance on China, Trump’s aggressive stance risks undermining allied coordination. The two powers have jointly imposed export controls on AI, semiconductors, and telecommunications hardware aimed at limiting China’s access to strategic technologies.

However, if Trump continues to antagonize the EU, Brussels may shift toward a more autonomous economic strategy, potentially strengthening its commercial ties with Beijing. This would complicate Washington’s goal of isolating China within the global tech and trade order.

Moreover, retaliatory EU tariffs or restrictions on key exports—such as rare earths or battery materials—could deepen U.S. supply chain risks. A breakdown in trust could also make it harder to align on sanctions, cybersecurity cooperation, or defense of the multilateral rules-based trading system.

Trump’s Political Calculus vs. Global Stability

Trump’s push for trade concessions may appeal to segments of the American electorate concerned about manufacturing decline and foreign competition. However, the collateral damage of antagonizing close allies could outweigh any short-term domestic political gains. His “America First” doctrine remains popular with his base but continues to unsettle global partners and fuel perceptions of U.S. unreliability.

Trump’s approach hinges on brinkmanship—creating the threat of escalation to extract deals. But with Europe, such tactics could backfire, triggering a protectionist spiral at a time when both sides need to present a united front against China’s expanding economic influence.

Whether the U.S. and EU can overcome their current trade tensions will depend on upcoming negotiations. Both sides remain fundamentally aligned on key strategic goals, but diverging methods and Trump’s combative posture risk driving a wedge in the relationship. If not managed carefully, this rift could hinder collective efforts to shape the global economic future amid the growing challenge from Beijing.

Source: Politico

To stay updated on all economic events of today, please check out our Economic calendar

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Add to Favorites

Gerik

Economic

Business and Politics Intertwined in Trump's Middle East Strategy

President Donald Trump's current diplomatic tour of the Middle East—featuring stops in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar—comes amid a wave of new business deals secured by his family across the region. The timing, optics, and financial stakes of this overlap have reignited a debate about the integrity of U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s leadership.

While Trump publicly frames the visit as a mission to secure investment for the American economy, his sons Eric and Donald Jr. have recently traveled the same region on behalf of The Trump Organization, pursuing major developments including an 80-story Trump Tower in Dubai and new luxury real estate projects in Saudi Arabia and Oman. At the same time, the family’s cryptocurrency venture, World Liberty Financial, gained traction when its stablecoin was selected to back a $2 billion investment in Binance by a state-backed Abu Dhabi fund.

From Luxury Towers to Crypto Finance: A Growing Web of Interests

Eric Trump’s announcement of Trump Tower Dubai and participation in a high-profile cryptocurrency conference—alongside family-linked crypto entrepreneur Zach Witkoff—illustrates how deeply embedded the Trump brand has become in Gulf business networks. The family is partnering with Qatari Diar on a golf resort in Doha and with Saudi firm Dar Global on multiple developments in Riyadh and Jeddah.

A particularly controversial development is the adoption of the Trumps' stablecoin, USD, by a UAE investment company for large-scale crypto dealings—raising questions about whether family-affiliated ventures could profit directly from foreign financial movements.

These activities accompany existing ties with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), most notably through the LIV Golf tour, which has hosted events at Trump resorts and maintains close financial ties to the president’s orbit.

Ethical Lines and Policy Risk

Critics argue that Trump’s dual role as president and patriarch of a business empire invites potential conflicts of interest. Jon Hoffman of the Cato Institute described the situation as a “glaring” conflict, especially with PIF's increasing influence in U.S. sports and tech sectors. Trump’s announced acceptance of a $400 million Boeing 747 jet from Qatar—presented as a "gesture"—further complicates perceptions of influence and reciprocity.

Timothy Carney of the American Enterprise Institute noted that even without daily involvement in the family business, Trump’s personal wealth is directly tied to its success. The concern, he emphasized, is that policy choices may be implicitly shaped by how other nations treat his family’s commercial interests.

White House Defends Trump’s Conduct

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed concerns about conflicts of interest as “ridiculous,” asserting that Trump complies with all relevant ethics laws. The Trump Organization's current ethics agreement allows deals with foreign private firms but bars direct agreements with foreign governments—a shift from the stricter ethics pact of his first term.

Still, the distinction has done little to quiet criticism. Observers point out that many of the Middle East deals—particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE—involve companies closely linked to state leadership or sovereign funds, muddying the line between private and political actors.

Quid Pro Quo Investment Diplomacy

Trump has openly framed the itinerary of his foreign travel around investment promises. His decision to visit Saudi Arabia first, as in his initial term, was reportedly linked to the kingdom’s pledge to invest up to $1 trillion in U.S. businesses—later clarified to $600 billion by the White House. The UAE has announced a $1.4 trillion U.S. investment pledge over the next decade, while Qatar's royal family is offering Trump a private aircraft.

While the administration describes these developments as economic diplomacy, the coordination with family business activity suggests a broader strategy of blending personal branding with presidential influence.

A Longstanding Relationship with Gulf Wealth

Trump’s commercial ties to the Middle East stretch back to 2005, with mixed success. His flagship project, Trump Tower Dubai, was shelved. However, his collaboration with DAMAC Properties has been fruitful, including the 2017 opening of Trump International Golf Club Dubai. Notably, Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani, a longtime partner, announced a $20 billion U.S. data center investment alongside Trump in January—while standing beside him at Mar-a-Lago.

Sajwani himself summed up the relationship by saying, “It’s been amazing news for me and my family when he was elected,” underscoring the mutual gains between Gulf investors and the Trump empire.

Trump’s Middle East visit underscores the complex entanglement of statecraft and personal enterprise. With his children advancing real estate and digital currency ventures across the Gulf and key deals tied to sovereign-linked firms, the appearance of blurred boundaries is difficult to ignore.