Gold Steady, Pound Awaits Budget (03.25.2025)

The yen stays weak near 150.7 as Japan faces export concerns and the BOJ hints at future rate hikes.

Japan's Tariff Worries and BOJ Rate Hike Hints

The Japanese yen remained weak around 150.7 per dollar on Tuesday, near a three-week low, as the U.S. dollar gained strength. Trump's plan to impose tariffs on autos, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors raised concerns for Japan’s export-driven economy.

BOJ minutes from January showed officials remain open to future rate hikes depending on wage and inflation trends, with one member suggesting a possible increase to 1% in late fiscal 2025. Still, the BOJ kept rates steady at 0.5% last week, maintaining a cautious stance with global tensions.

Key resistance is at 151.70, with further levels at 152.70 and 154.00. Support stands at 147.00, followed by 145.80 and 143.00.  

Gold Nears $3,010, PCE in Focus

Gold hovered around $3,010 per ounce after three straight losses as markets observed Trump’s mixed tariff signals. He suggested possible levies on cars and Venezuelan oil but hinted some countries may be exempt from next week’s reciprocal tariffs, creating uncertainty.

Gold remained supported, though pressure came from Fed official Raphael Bostic, who forecast slower inflation progress and just one 25bps rate cut this year. Friday’s PCE data is now awaited for more clues on the Fed’s next move.

Key resistance stands at $3082, with further levels at $3100 and $3,150. Support is at $3000, followed by $2,980 and $2,916.    

GBP/USD Stable at $1.292: Budget Awaited

GBP/USD is trading steadily around $1.292 as markets await British finance minister Rachel Reeves’ spring budget update. Despite dollar strength from solid U.S. data and rising Treasury yields, the pound remains resilient, supported by cautious optimism over the UK’s fiscal outlook. Traders are watching the upcoming budget for clues on spending and economic forecasts, which could impact GBP/USD in the near term.

If GBP/USD breaks above 1.3050, the next resistance levels are 1.3100 and 1.3150. On the downside, support stands at 1.2860, with further levels at 1.2800 and 1.2715 if selling pressure increases. 

Tariff Fears Drive Silver to $33.10

Silver rose above $33.10 per ounce on Tuesday, snapping a four-day losing streak. The market focused on U.S. diplomatic efforts in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and escalating violence in the Middle East after an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza hospital.

A weaker U.S. dollar also supported silver, with concerns growing that Trump’s proposed tariffs could slow economic growth, fueling speculation of further Fed rate cuts. Meanwhile, investors assessed China’s outlook after Premier Li Qiang urged global cooperation to stabilize economic conditions.

If silver breaks above $33.75, the next resistance levels are $34.05 and $34.85. On the downside, support is at $33.10, with further levels at $32.50 and $32.15 if selling pressure increases.