Most global equities ended this past week on an upbeat. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite all rallied over 1%. Equities in Europe outperformed, the DAX 30 and FTSE 100 climbed 1.48% and 1.5% respectively. The Asia-Pacific region was a mixed bag, with the Nikkei 225 down 0.28% as the ASX 200 rallied 0.98%.

The general rosy mood likely stemmed from a material shift lower in longer-term Treasury yields. The 10-year rate declined 4.73% in the worst 5-day period since early December. This is despite materially higher-than-expected US inflation and retail sales data. Ongoing dovish commentary from the Fed cooled 2022 rate hike expectations, refueling upside momentum in stock markets.

As a consequence, the haven-linked US Dollar underperformed. The DXY dollar index closed at its lowest in about a month. This is as the sentiment-linked New Zealand and Australian Dollars capitalized the most against the weaker Greenback. The Japanese Yen and Swiss Franc also continued their advance. Precious metals, like gold and silver, also outperformed.

The week ahead contains a couple of notable economic event risk, most importantly the Bank of Canada and European Central Bank interest rate announcements for USD/CAD and EUR/USD respectively. The former may begin to unwind its emergency pandemic response programs, but rising local Covid cases and Ontario’s lockdown remain a fundamental headwind.

The US will also see Markit Manufacturing PMI data for April, but it remains to be seen if better results could materially alter the outlook for the Fed for the time being. Earnings season is in full swing, with companies such as Intel and Netflix reporting. What else is in store for financial markets in the week ahead?

US DOLLAR WEEKLY PERFORMANCE AGAINST CURRENCIES AND GOLD

FUNDAMENTAL FORECASTS:

Dow Jones May Aim Higher, Backed by Earnings and Robust Data

A slew of strong bank earnings and upbeat economic data may pave the way for US equity indices to march higher. With accelerated consumer spending and job creation, the path of least resistance seems to aim upward.

US Dollar Outlook Mired by Fall in Longer-Dated US Treasury Yields

The US Dollar extends the decline from the start of April as the as the 10-Year Treasury yield slips to a fresh monthly low (1.53%).

Bitcoin, Ethereum Slide on Turkish Ban, Dogecoin Goes Ballistic, Up 500%+ in a Week

Bitcoin (BTC/USD) is giving back some of this week’s record gains after Turkey bans crypto-payments, but lower prices will likely entice buyers back to the table. Dogecoin soars.

Gold Weekly Forecast: More Upside Likely - Can it Be Sustained?

Gold is back at levels last seen in February after clearing key resistance.

Euro Forecast: EUR/USD Outlook Improves, What to Expect From ECB Meeting

For Euro traders, the week ahead will be dominated by Thursday’s ECB meeting. Eurozone monetary policy won’t be changed but Lagarde’s comments are expected to be dovish.

Weekly Fundamental British Pound Forecast: Sterling Seeking Semblance of Stability

As UK vaccination rates have slowed, coupled with a backdrop of calmed UK Gilt yields, the British Pound’s relative appeal that carried it through the first three months of 2021 has been tarnished.

Australian Dollar Forecast: AUD/USD May Rise as Dovish Fed Calms Yields, US Dollar

The Australian Dollar could continue capitalizing on dovish Fed commentary that has been denting the US Dollar and Treasury yields, boosting stocks ahead of a relatively quiet week.

TECHNICAL FORECASTS:

Dow Jones, Nasdaq 100, DAX 30 Forecasts for the Week Ahead

The Dow Jones, Nasdaq 100 and DAX 30 will look to continue their hot streak and dive deeper into record territory amid a broader swell in risk appetite.

US Dollar Outlook: USD Correction Plunges Towards 2021 Uptrend Support

The Dollar plummeted for a second consecutive week after turning from technical resistance breakout. Here are the levels that matter on the DXY charts.

Gold Price Forecast – Outlook Growing Increasingly Bullish, What to Watch

Gold is rising nicely off support and in the process of taking out its first level of resistance; overall trading bias in the near-term is higher.

Crude Oil Technical Forecast: Bulls Drive but Major Resistance Ahead

Crude put in a strong week of price action after a month of digestion. But can oil bulls drive through a major area of key resistance?