Geopolitical De-escalation Sparks USD Sell-Off as Gold Surges and Oil Volatility Intensifies

02 Apr, 2026

Markets shifted toward a risk-on sentiment as US–Iran de-escalation hopes triggered a broad USD sell-off, boosting gold above $4,700 while oil turned volatile below $100.

Market Digest:

Markets were driven by a clear shift in geopolitical sentiment, as expectations of a potential US–Iran de-escalation triggered a broad unwind of safe-haven flows.
The US Dollar weakened despite strong economic data, allowing risk-sensitive and alternative assets to gain traction.
Gold surged above $4,700 on USD weakness and improving sentiment, though elevated yields capped further upside, while oil prices pulled back below $100 amid easing risk premiums and a sharp inventory build, before stabilizing.
In FX, the Japanese Yen strengthened as safe-haven demand for the dollar faded, while the British Pound advanced on risk-on sentiment despite a softer domestic outlook.
Technically, USD/JPY and USOIL show bullish structures with slowing momentum, while GBP/USD remains under bearish pressure.
Overall, markets are transitioning into a sentiment-driven phase, with geopolitical developments and upcoming US data—particularly NFP—set to determine the next directional move.


Technical Analysis:

USD/JPY – Pullback Holds Above Key EMAs as Momentum Shows Signs of Slowing
GBP/USD – Bearish Pressure Persists Below Key EMAs as Price Consolidates Near Support
USOIL – Bullish Structure Holds Above Key Support as Momentum Begins to Fade


USD/JPY – Pullback Holds Above Key EMAs as Momentum Shows Signs of Slowing

Technical Analysis
USD/JPY remains in a broader bullish structure with price holding above the 50, 100, and 200 EMAs, confirming sustained upward trend conditions.
However, momentum is beginning to fade as RSI stabilizes near neutral and the MACD histogram contracts, signaling slowing bullish pressure.
Price is currently testing the 20 EMA as dynamic support, while Bollinger Bands narrowing reflects a consolidation phase.
This suggests the pair is likely preparing for a breakout, with direction dependent on whether price holds above 157.70 support or reclaims momentum toward the 163.90 resistance zone.

Technical Indicators & Key Levels

Indicators:
RSI (14):
51 - Neutral market signal - indicating a possible bearish reversal

MACD (12,26,9):
MACD line > Signal line - Bullish crossover market signal - indicating Upward momentum building
Histogram shrinking - Momentum slowing market signal - indicating weakening trend

Bollinger Bands (20,2):
Price approaching middle band - Bullish Continuation market signal - indicating a dynamic support and buyers are stepping in to resume the trend
Bands narrowing - Low volatility market signal - indicating consolidation/range and a breakout likely coming

Moving Averages (D1):
20 EMA - Price testing - indicating short-term support level.
50 , 100 & 200 EMA - Price remains above - indicating long-term bullish trend

Key Levels:
Major Resistance: 163.90 , then 164.50.
Major Support: 157.70 , then 152.60.


GBP/USD – Bearish Pressure Persists Below Key EMAs as Price Consolidates Near Support

Technical Analysis
GBP/USD remains firmly in a bearish structure, with price trading below all key EMAs, confirming sustained downside pressure across short-, medium-, and long-term horizons.
Momentum remains negative as indicated by the bearish MACD crossover, although the shrinking histogram suggests that selling pressure is beginning to slow.
Price continues to track along the lower Bollinger Band, reflecting persistent bearish control, while narrowing bands signal a consolidation phase ahead of a potential breakout.
A sustained move below 1.3060 could open the path toward deeper downside, while any recovery would likely face resistance near 1.3430.

Technical Indicators & Key Levels

Indicators:
RSI (14):
45 - Bearish market signal - indicating downtrend/selling pressure

MACD (12,26,9):
MACD line < Signal line - Bearish crossover market signal - indicating downward momentum increasing
Histogram shrinking - Momentum slowing market signal - indicating weakening trend

Bollinger Bands (20,2):
Price riding lower band - Bearish market signal - indicating strong selling pressure
Bands narrowing - Low volatility market signal - indicating consolidation/range and a breakout likely coming

Moving Averages (D1):
20, 50 , 100 & 200 EMA - Price remains below - indicating long-term bearish trend

Key Levels:
Major Resistance: 1.3430 , then 1.3695.
Major Support: 1.3060 , then 1.2715.


USOIL – Bullish Structure Holds Above Key Support as Momentum Begins to Fade

Technical Analysis
USOIL remains in a strong bullish structure, with price holding above all key EMAs, confirming continued upward trend conditions across all timeframes.
Momentum remains positive as reflected by RSI above 60 and a bullish MACD crossover; however, the shrinking histogram signals that buying pressure is beginning to slow.
Price continues to track along the upper Bollinger Band, indicating strong trend continuation, while narrowing bands suggest a consolidation phase ahead of a potential breakout.
A sustained hold above 99.30 keeps the bullish bias intact, while a break higher could open the path toward the 122.40 resistance zone.

Technical Indicators & Key Levels

Indicators:
RSI (14):
61 - Bullish market signal - indicating uptrend/buying momentum

MACD (12,26,9):
MACD line > Signal line - Bullish crossover market signal - indicating Upward momentum building
Histogram shrinking - Momentum slowing market signal - indicating weakening trend

Bollinger Bands (20,2):
Price riding upper band - Bullish market signal - indicating strong buying pressure
Bands narrowing - Low volatility market signal - indicating consolidation/range and a breakout likely coming

Moving Averages (D1):
20, 50 , 100 & 200 EMA - Price remains above - indicating long-term bullish trend

 

Key Levels:
Major Resistance: 122.40 , then 126.80.
Major Support: 99.30 , then 83.55.

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