Jobs Data and Oil Set the Market Tone (08.07.2026)

Global markets traded cautiously ahead of the U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls report, with recent weak labor data keeping pressure on the dollar and lowering expectations for a September Federal Reserve rate hike. 

Meanwhile, renewed tensions around the Strait of Hormuz pushed oil prices higher, reviving inflation concerns and supporting gold. The euro and sterling remained steady, while the yen consolidated following recent U.S.-Japan intervention.

Euro Holds Ahead of NFP

EUR/USD trades near 1.1524 as market participants await key US Nonfarm Payrolls data. De-escalating Strait of Hormuz tensions have reduced safe-haven demand for the US Dollar, while soft ADP employment data pushed September Fed rate hike probabilities down to 57%. Outcome variations in the upcoming jobs report will determine near-term currency direction.

The first resistance is positioned at 1.1560 while the support starts from 1.1500.

Gold Steadies Above $4,200

Gold stabilized above $4,200 on Friday as renewed Strait of Hormuz conflicts drove oil prices higher, reviving inflation concerns. Escalating military action and vessel restrictions in the region spurred central bank rate-hike warnings. Despite potential monetary tightening, sustained buying from Chinese institutional investors provided continuous support for the metal.

First resistance is seen at $4300, with initial support near $4200.

USD/JPY Consolidates Near 158.30

USD/JPY trades near 158.30 following joint US-Japan market interventions that dragged the pair from 164.00. Although intervention risks remain high, the significant Fed-BOJ interest rate gap continues to entice dip buyers. Today's US Nonfarm Payrolls release serves as the immediate market driver, with strong data favoring bulls and weak figures threatening liquidations.

Initial resistance stands at 158.60, while the first support is at 157,30.

GBP/USD Steadies Near 1.3452

GBP/USD holds steady around 1.3452 while traders await the crucial US Nonfarm Payrolls report. Recent weak labor figures keep the dollar under pressure, yet strong overhead resistance maintains market indecision. While a soft jobs report might trigger a move past 1.3500, divergent central bank views and ongoing geopolitical risks limit immediate upside.

From a technical view, resistance stands near 1.3500, with support around 1.3400.

Silver Retracts Toward $61

Silver eased toward $61 on Friday, registering its second straight decline as escalating Strait of Hormuz conflicts lifted crude prices and refreshed inflation fears. Regional tensions prompted Federal Reserve officials to signal potential rate hikes in September. However, strong Chinese imports of silver ore provide an ongoing structural floor through strong industrial demand.

From a technical view, resistance stands near $63.50, while support is located around $61.20.