Risk Sentiment Improves as Dollar Stabilizes While Gold and Oil Lose Momentum

2026年04月17号

Markets shift to risk-on sentiment as USD stabilizes near lows. Gold and oil lose momentum while FX pairs test key breakout levels. Read full forex analysis and forecasts.

Market Digest

Global markets are transitioning from heightened geopolitical tension toward cautious optimism, as easing concerns around US–Iran relations reduce demand for safe-haven assets while uncertainty still lingers beneath the surface.

Gold and oil prices have both lost upward momentum after testing recent highs, as traders begin to price in the possibility of de-escalation rather than prolonged disruption.

The US dollar has staged a modest technical rebound from multi-week lows, applying pressure across major currency pairs. However, the recovery remains limited, reflecting a broader environment of mixed sentiment and uncertain macro direction.

In the foreign exchange market, the Australian dollar and euro continue to display bullish structures supported by rate expectations and momentum. However, both currencies are approaching key resistance zones, increasing the risk of short-term pullbacks.

Overall, market conditions remain mixed, with improving risk appetite offset by persistent inflation concerns and cautious central bank positioning. This balance is creating an environment where volatility remains elevated and breakout potential is building across both commodities and currencies.


Technical Analysis

AUD/USD – Approaching Resistance After Strong Rally

AUD/USD continues to trade within a strong bullish structure, supported by price action above all major moving averages and sustained positive momentum across key indicators.

RSI and MACD both indicate continued upside strength. However, price has moved above the upper Bollinger Band, signaling overbought conditions and raising the likelihood of a short-term pullback or consolidation near the 0.7150 level.

A confirmed breakout above 0.7265 could open the path toward 0.7580, while failure to hold above support may lead to a deeper retracement toward 0.6850.

Key Levels

  • Resistance: 0.7265, 0.7580
  • Support: 0.7150, 0.6850

EUR/USD – Bullish Momentum Faces Resistance Test

EUR/USD maintains a strong bullish structure, with price holding above all key moving averages and supported by sustained upward momentum in RSI and MACD.

The pair is currently testing the 1.1815 resistance zone, with price action near the upper Bollinger Band indicating strong buying pressure but also increasing the risk of short-term exhaustion.

A breakout above 1.1815 could extend gains toward 1.1915, while rejection at this level may trigger a pullback toward 1.1610.

Key Levels

  • Resistance: 1.1815, 1.1915
  • Support: 1.1610, 1.1415

XAU/USD – Consolidation Signals Loss of Momentum

Gold prices are consolidating below the 4,880 resistance level following a recovery from recent lows. While the broader trend remains bullish, momentum indicators are showing signs of weakening.

The MACD has turned bearish, and RSI has moved into neutral territory, suggesting fading upside strength. Narrowing Bollinger Bands indicate a period of compression, often preceding a breakout.

A move above 4,880 would confirm bullish continuation toward 5,085, while failure to break higher could result in a pullback toward 4,380 support.

Key Levels

  • Resistance: 4,880, 5,085
  • Support: 4,380, 4,195

Economic News Highlights

Gold – Weakens as Safe-Haven Demand Declines

Gold prices declined as improving sentiment around potential US–Iran de-escalation reduced demand for safe-haven assets.

Although geopolitical risks remain, markets are increasingly focused on diplomatic developments, which has limited further upside in gold.


Oil – Pullback Reflects Shift Toward De-Escalation Expectations

Oil prices moved lower as markets shifted from pricing supply disruptions toward anticipating a potential resolution of geopolitical tensions.

Despite ongoing constraints in key supply routes, expectations of improved conditions have capped upward momentum.


Australian Dollar – Volatility Follows Mixed Employment Data

The Australian dollar experienced volatility following mixed labor market data. While employment growth came in below expectations, the unemployment rate remained stable.

Despite the softer data, expectations for future rate hikes continue to support the currency, maintaining its bullish outlook.


Euro – Pullback as Dollar Rebounds and Policy Caution Emerges

The euro retreated from recent highs as the US dollar recovered modestly and central bank officials maintained a cautious stance.

While inflation remains elevated, uncertainty around growth and policy direction is limiting further gains in the euro.


US Dollar – Stabilizes After Extended Weakness

The US dollar has shown signs of stabilization after a prolonged decline, supported by steady economic data and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

Although the rebound has provided some support, the broader outlook remains constrained by softer inflation expectations and improving global risk sentiment.


Key Event to Watch – April 17

USD – FOMC Member Waller Speech

Upcoming remarks from Federal Reserve official Christopher Waller will be closely monitored for insights into the future path of monetary policy.

 

  • Hawkish tone may support the US dollar
  • Dovish tone may reinforce expectations of policy easing
  • Neutral stance may have limited market impact
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