Global financial markets experienced a dynamic week as investors weighed strong corporate earnings against mixed macroeconomic data and evolving central bank narratives. While equity indices posted gains on the back of robust tech and industrial performances, the forex and commodities markets reflected caution ahead of key economic releases and policy decisions. As volatility remained elevated, traders continued adjusting positions in anticipation of next week’s pivotal reports, including U.S. GDP and the Federal Reserve’s rate decision. Here is the weekly market recap update.
📈 Market Recap: April 21–26, 2025
Forex Markets
-
EUR/USD
The euro weakened slightly against the U.S. dollar, closing the week at 1.1530. The decline was driven by cautious sentiment ahead of upcoming inflation data from both the U.S. and Eurozone, with traders adjusting positions based on rate expectation. -
GBP/USD
The British pound traded sideways, ending the week at 1.3292. A lack of major UK economic releases kept the pair range-bound, while risk sentiment and dollar strength played a key role. -
USD/JPY
The yen depreciated, pushing USD/JPY up to 143.94. Rising U.S. Treasury yields and a rebound in equity markets encouraged carry trades, reducing demand for the ye.
Commodities
-
Gold (XAU/USD)
Gold prices pulled back slightly from recent highs, settling at $3,384.65 per ounce. The dip came as U.S. economic data beat expectations, reducing safe-haven demand temporarily. -
Bitcoin (BTC/USD)
Bitcoin continued its volatile trajectory, touching a weekly low near $84,450 before rebounding to close at $85,174. Regulatory speculation and ETF inflows remain major drivers of price action.
Equity Markets
-
S&P 500 (SPY)
The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust rose to $526.41, as strong corporate earnings lifted investor sentiment despite lingering macroeconomic concern. -
Dow Jones Industrial Average (DIA)
The SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF gained modestly to $387.69, buoyed by robust earnings from the industrial and financial sector. -
Nasdaq-100 (QQQ)
The Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 climbed to $444.10, led by gains in AI and semiconductor-related tech stock.
🌐 Global Economic Landscape
Global markets remained cautiously optimistic amid improving earnings and mixed macro signals. Central banks remain data-dependent, with recent comments from the Federal Reserve hinting at a longer pause in rate hikes. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions and ongoing supply chain realignments continue to inject uncertainty into the economic landscape.
🔮 Market Outlook: April 28 – May 3, 2025
Key Economic Events
- April 29: U.S. Consumer Confidence Index
- April 30: Eurozone Inflation (Preliminary), U.S. GDP (Q1, Advance)
- May 1: FOMC Interest Rate Decision
- May 2: U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls and Unemployment ate
Market Projections
- EUR/USD: Direction hinges on Eurozone inflation data and Fed outlook; expected range between 1.1220–1.135.
- GBP/USD: May stay supported above 1.3050, barring any sharp dollar reversal.
- USD/JPY: Could test 146.00 if U.S. yields climb further post-FMC.
- Gold (XAU/USD): Eyeing a bounce above $3,220 if rate hike expectations fde.
- Bitcoin (BTC/USD): Bullish momentum could resume toward $87,000, supported by positive sentiment and technical breakout.
As markets transition into a new week, attention turns to high-impact economic events that could set the tone for May, including U.S. GDP figures, the Fed’s rate decision, and labor market data. With volatility still in play and sentiment shifting quickly, traders and investors should stay agile and data-driven. The upcoming releases will be critical in shaping expectations around monetary policy and risk appetite across asset classes.
