January 17, 2026 01:00 Forexlive Latest News Market News
Oil prices are under some pressure after Trump writes:
I greatly respect the fact that all scheduled hangings, which were to take place yesterday (Over 800 of them), have been cancelled by the leadership of Iran. Thank you!
Iran is a brutal regime that’s quickly sentenced people to death for protesting poor economic conditions. It’s not clear if the US wants to get involved in a war though and we will be watching for signs. The consensus is that it will be much more difficult to dislodge the Iranian regime than what we saw in Venezuela.
Oil prices fell earlier in the week after Trump said something similar on the scheduled executions but that’s minimal comfort for the protestors who were told earlier in the week that ‘help is on the way’ and to keep protesting.
According to the UN, Iran executed around 975 people in 2024 with the number nearly doubling in 2025.
Official government statements claim there was no plan to execute protesters for protest participation alone.
In terms of markets, what matters for oil is whether the bombs will be flying or not and the indication from this is that they won’t be, at least not this weekend.
WTI crude was last at $59.89.
This article was written by Adam Button at investinglive.com.
January 16, 2026 22:00 Forexlive Latest News Market News
In the past month, US 30-year yields have ticked 5-7 basis points higher but there have been signs of buyers wading in via the latest existing home sales report.
The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) is a monthly economic indicator that gauges builder confidence in the U.S. single-family housing market. Based on a survey of National Association of Home Builders members, it operates on a scale of 0 to 100. A reading above 50 indicates that more builders view conditions as “good” rather than “poor.”
The index is a weighted average of three specific components:
Currently, the index is low because builders are caught in a “dual squeeze.” On the demand side, high mortgage rates and prices have hurt affordability, forcing builders to offer costly incentives. On the supply side, they are dealing with rising construction costs, labor shortages, and regulatory hurdles, all of which keep confidence below the neutral 50 mark and near the pandemic lows.
This article was written by Adam Button at investinglive.com.
January 16, 2026 21:45 Forexlive Latest News Market News
The good news continues to roll in for the US economy as December industrial production rose 0.4%, beating the 0.1% consensus. The November reading was also boosted to +0.4% from +0.2%.
With that, capacity utilization rose to 76.3% from 76.0%. Manufacturing production rose by 0.2% compared to -0.2% expected. The November manufacturing number was also boosted to +0.3% from +0.2%.
Those are signs that the US industrial strategy is beginning to bear fruit but when you scale out, it’s still a long way to go. Production rose at an annualized rate of just 0.7% in Q4 while capacity utilization is 3.2 percentage points below its long-term average.
Breaking down the numbers, industrial production’s 0.4% December rise was primarily driven by a sharp 2.6% increase in utilities, largely influenced by a 12.0% surge in natural gas, something that’s unlikely to last. Manufacturing output also rose 0.2%, supported by a 0.3%increase in nondurables—specifically food, beverage, and petroleum products. Durable manufacturing edged up 0.1 percent, with significant gains in primary metals (2.4 percent) and aerospace equipment (1.5 percent) offsetting declines in motor vehicles and wood products.
Among market groups, consumer goods climbed 0.7 percent, driven by nondurables, while business equipment rose 0.8 percent due to strength in transit and industrial equipment. These gains outweighed a 0.7 percent drop in mining output, allowing the total index to finish the year 2.0 percent above 2024 levels.
If you zoom out even further, US production is flat over the past 20 years, despite a huge boom in oil production.
This article was written by Adam Button at investinglive.com.
January 16, 2026 20:30 Forexlive Latest News Market News
Canada and China are re-setting ties after leaders Mark Carney and Xi Jinping met in Beijing.
The leaders agreed to lower tariffs on each others products in a move that could boost bi-lateral trade but risks irking the United States.
The main deal dealt with near-term tariff levels and saw both sides dropping tariffs:
As for the auto deal, here is how the Prime Minister’s office framed it:
This amount corresponds to volumes in the year prior to recent trade
frictions on these imports (2023-2024), representing less than 3% of the
Canadian market for new vehicles sold in Canada. It is expected that
within three years, this agreement will drive considerable new Chinese
joint-venture investment in Canada with trusted partners to protect and
create new auto manufacturing careers for Canadian workers, and ensure a
robust build-out of Canada’s EV supply chain. With this agreement, it
is also anticipated that, in five years, more than 50% of these vehicles
will be affordable EVs with an import price of less than $35,000,
creating new lower-cost options for Canadian consumers.
There were two separate releases, the second dealt with the larger strategic picture:
Carney and Xi Jinping agree to deepen strategic ties
Canada reaffirms One China policy during official visit
bilateral trade roadmap signed to resolve economic issues
ministerial energy dialogue launched for clean power and oil
Bank of Canada renews currency swap with China
Carney has made it a political cornerstone to diversify trade away from the United States after the US raised tariffs and talked of annexation. This is a big step in that direction but the lowered China auto tariffs — even on a limited set of cars — will irk the domestic auto manufacturing industry and the White House.
The Canadian dollar is unmoved on this deal, which comes as a modest surprise. There has been some talk of a deal but it looked like it wasn’t going to happen earlier this week. While the deal itself is good, it adds some fresh risks for the loonie if Trump throws a tantrum.
USD/CAD was last flat on the day at 1.3890.
This article was written by Adam Button at investinglive.com.
January 16, 2026 19:45 Forexlive Latest News Market News
It’s been a fairly slow session with very limited economic data and newsflow. There were no real highlights with just the Japanese Finance Minister Katayama continuing with verbal intervention. The JPY spiked in the Asian session as Katayama threatened joint intervention with the US. Since then, it’s just been bouncing around the session highs.
In the markets, the most notable mover has been crude oil. Prices have been surging throughout the session in what looks like hedging into the weekend risk. Late yesterday, we got a report from Fox News saying that US air, land and sea military assets were moving to the Middle East and added that US military transit to the Middle East is expected to take a week.
Now, we might say that a lot can change in a week and that there’s still time before worrying about an escalation, but you never know what might happen over the weekend with Trump. The other notable movers have been US Treasury yields as the momentum since yesterday’s strong US jobless claims data persisted.
In the American session, we get Canadian Housing Starts, US Industrial Production and Capacity Utilization, and the US NAHB Housing Market Index. All these indicators are rarely market-moving unless there are big deviations. We will also have some Fedspeak with Fed’s Bowman and Fed’s Jefferson being the main highlights, but it’s unlikely they will add anything new at this point.
This article was written by Giuseppe Dellamotta at investinglive.com.
January 16, 2026 16:39 ICMarkets Market News
IC Markets Global – Europe Fundamental Forecast | 16 January 2026
What happened in the Asia session?
Asia’s session reflected cautious trading with yen strength from intervention rhetoric and inflation stability overshadowing tech sector weakness from China policies, alongside commodity volatility; yen crosses, U.S. chip stocks, oil, and gold saw outsized impacts amid broader USD firmness.
What does it mean for the Europe & US sessions?
Focus on U.S. bank earnings pre-market from firms like PNC, State Street, M&T Bank, Regions Financial, and Wit, which could signal economic resilience. Watch the U.S. Dollar Index near 99.35 and any FX reactions to recent data. European traders eye ongoing tariff and U.S. fiscal concerns impacting euro area stability, per the ECB’s prior review.
The Dollar Index (DXY)
Key news events today
No major news event
What can we expect from DXY today?
The US Dollar wobbled near a DXY of 99, undermined by a DOJ probe into Fed Chair Powell that sparked safe-haven buying in gold and yen, alongside soft US jobs data and cautious inflation outlooks ahead of CPI. Bearish technicals and eroding rate differentials pointed to further downside risks toward 98 unless upcoming data surprises to the upside.
Central Bank Notes:
Next 24 Hours Bias
Weak Bullish
Gold (XAU)
Key news events today
No major news event
What can we expect from Gold today?
Gold prices remain elevated near record highs, trading around $4,609 per ounce amid ongoing safe-haven demand driven by geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. Recent sessions saw spot gold surge to peaks above $4,640 earlier in the week, fueled by softer U.S. inflation data boosting Fed rate cut expectations.
Next 24 Hours Bias
Weak Bullish
The Euro (EUR)
Key news events today
No major news event
What can we expect from EUR today?
The Euro experienced downward pressure, trading around 1.1606-1.163 against the US dollar, marking a modest daily decline of about 0.02% and a one-month weakening of roughly 1.15% amid a strengthening dollar. This movement reflects investor caution over diverging monetary policies, with the ECB holding key rates steady at its early January meeting.
Central Bank Notes:
The next meeting is on 4 to 5 February 2026
Next 24 Hours Bias
Weak Bearish
The Swiss Franc (CHF)
Key news events today
No major news event
What can we expect from CHF today?
The Swiss Franc maintains firmness around 0.80 per USD, buoyed by safe-haven flows amid U.S. dollar risks and a stable SNB outlook, with traders eyeing upcoming U.S. CPI data for further direction. No major intraday events specific to today have emerged, but the currency’s recent rally underscores its appeal in uncertain markets.
Central Bank Notes:
The next meeting is on 19 March 2026.
Next 24 Hours Bias
Strong Bullish
The Pound (GBP)
Key news events today
BOE Gov Bailey Speaks (10:00 am GMT)
What can we expect from GBP today?
The pound remained range-bound near $1.3443, down slightly on the day but up 0.15% monthly, as traders digested mixed UK growth signals against a resilient dollar fueled by strong US data; weekly forecasts point to a corrective bounce before downside risks, with BoE caution and Fed uncertainties providing near-term support.
Central Bank Notes:
Next 24 Hours Bias
Weak Bullish
The Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Key news events today
No major news event
What can we expect from CAD today?
The Canadian Dollar (CAD) showed mild weakness amid ongoing USD strength and pressures from falling oil prices, a key commodity driver for Canada. USD/CAD traded around 1.3893-1.3919, up slightly from recent sessions, reflecting a 0.07-0.1% gain for the USD as investors digested mixed Canadian economic data, like rising unemployment and cautious Bank of Canada rate cut expectations.
Central Bank Notes:
Next 24 Hours Bias
Medium Bearish
Oil
Key news events today
No major news event
What can we expect from Oil today?
Oil prices steadied after a sharp 4.6% drop the previous day, marking the biggest decline since June, driven by reduced fears of US military action against Iran. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) hovered near $59 per barrel, while Brent remained below $64, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged President Donald Trump to postpone any Iran strike amid ongoing protests there, easing supply disruption concerns.
Next 24 Hours Bias
Medium Bearish
The post IC Markets Global – Europe Fundamental Forecast | 16 January 2026 first appeared on IC Markets | Official Blog.
January 16, 2026 16:16 Forexlive Latest News Market News
The changes in headline annual inflation is light with core annual inflation keeping stable at 1.7% in December. On average, Italian consumer price inflation is seen growing by 1.5% in 2025. And that’s a step up from the 1.0% back in 2024. That being said, it’s in a sweet spot so to speak in keeping just under the key 2% threshold.
As for core inflation though, it is seen growing by 1.9% in 2025 compared to the 2.0% in 2024. So, it is in a similar spot and reaffirms a “healthier” inflation picture in Italy.
If this was Germany, the ECB would be extremely happy with the numbers. But alas, that is not the case. As things stand, the biggest concern to the inflation picture in the euro area remains that of Germany’s and also to some extent Spain’s at the moment.
The more stubborn price pressures there are not allowing for further monetary policy easing, with the situation in Germany being watched closely amid potential stagflation fears.
This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.
January 16, 2026 16:14 ICMarkets Market News
Potential Direction: Bullish
Overall momentum of the chart: Bearish
The price could see a short-term pullback toward the pivot before rising again toward the 1st resistance.
Pivot: 99.23
Supporting reasons: Identified as a pullback support, where renewed buying pressure could emerge to push the price higher.
1st support: 98.73
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap support, indicating a potential area where the price could again stabilize.
1st resistance: 99.79
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap resistance, indicating a potential area that could halt any further upward movement

Potential Direction: Bearish
Overall momentum of the chart: Bearish
The price has already reacted off the pivot and may continue its bearish move toward the 1st support.
Pivot: 1.1622
Supporting reasons: Identified as a pullback resistance, where selling pressures could intensify and potentially cap any upward retracement.
1st support: 1.1552
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap support that aligns with the 161.8% Fibonacci extension, indicating a potential level where the price could stabilize once again.
1st resistance: 1.1674
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap resistance, indicating a potential level that could cap further upward movement.

Potential Direction: Bullish
Overall momentum of the chart: Bullish
The price could see a short-term pullback toward the pivot before rising again toward the 1st resistance.
Pivot: 183.55
Supporting reasons: Identified as a pullback support that aligns with the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement, where renewed buying pressure could emerge to push the price higher.
1st support: 182.54
Supporting reasons: Identified as swing low support, indicating a potential area where the price could again stabilize.
1st resistance: 185.53
Supporting reasons: Identified as a swing high resistance, indicating a potential level that could cap further upward movement.

Potential Direction: Bearish
Overall momentum of the chart: Bullish
The price could see a short-term pullback toward the pivot before continuing its bearish move down toward the 1st support.
Pivot: 0.8690
Supporting reasons: Identified as a swing high resistance, where selling pressures could intensify and potentially cap any upward retracement.
1st support: 0.8651
Supporting reasons: Identified as a multi-swing low support, indicating a potential area where the price could stabilize once more.
1st resistance: 0.8706
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap resistance that aligns with the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement, indicating a potential level that could cap further upward movement.

Potential Direction: Bearish
Overall momentum of the chart: Bullish
The price has already reacted off the pivot and may continue its bearish move toward the 1st support.
Pivot: 1.3392
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap resistance, where selling pressures could intensify and potentially cap any upward retracement.
1st support: 1.3260
Supporting reasons: Identified as a pullback support that aligns with the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement, indicating a potential area where the price could stabilize once more.
1st resistance: 1.3489
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap resistance, indicating a potential level that could halt further upward movement.

Potential Direction: Bullish
Overall momentum of the chart: Bullish
The price could see a short-term pullback toward the pivot before rising again toward the 1st resistance.
Pivot: 211.94
Supporting reasons: Identified as a pullback support that aligns with the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement, where renewed buying pressure could emerge to push the price higher.
1st support: 210.30
Supporting reasons: Identified as a multi-swing low support, indicating a potential level where the price could stabilize once more.
1st resistance: 214.29
Supporting reasons: Identified as a swing high resistance, indicating a potential level that could halt further upward movement.

Potential Direction: Bullish
Overall momentum of the chart: Bearish
The price has already bounced off the pivot and may continue its bullish move toward the 1st resistance
Pivot: 0.8013
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap support, where renewed buying pressure could emerge to push the price higher.
1st support: 0.7966
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap support, indicating a potential level where the price could stabilize once again.
1st resistance: 0.8065
Supporting reasons: Identified as a multi swing high resistance that aligns with the 161.8% Fibonacci extension, indicating a potential level that could cap further upward movement.

Potential Direction: Bullish
Overall momentum of the chart: Bullish
The price could see a short-term pullback toward the pivot before rising again toward the 1st resistance.
Pivot: 157.87
Supporting reasons: Identified as a pullback support, where renewed buying pressure could emerge to push the price higher.
1st support: 156.84
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap support, indicating a strong area where buyers might return, and the price could stabilize once again.
1st resistance: 160.09
Supporting reasons: Identified as a resistance that is supported by the 161.8% Fibonacci extension. This level represents the next key area where upward movement could be capped amid increased selling pressure

Potential Direction: Bullish
Overall momentum of the chart: Bearish
The price could see a short-term pullback toward the pivot before rising again toward the 1st resistance.
Pivot: 1.3859
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap support that aligns with the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement, where renewed buying pressure could emerge to push the price higher.
1st support: 1.3799
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap support that aligns with the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement, indicating a key level where the price could stabilize once more.
1st resistance: 1.3916
Supporting reasons: Identified as a swing high resistance, making it a possible target for bullish advances and a level where some sellers could return to cap gains

Potential Direction: Bearish
Overall momentum of the chart: Bullish
The price could see a short-term pullback toward the pivot before continuing its bearish move down toward the 1st support.
Pivot: 0.6722
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap resistance, where selling pressures could intensify and potentially cap any upward retracement.
1st support: 0.6661
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap support that aligns with the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement, this area has provided strong support historically and may attract buying interest for a potential short-term bounce
1st resistance: 0.6766
Supporting reasons: Identified as a swing high resistance, indicating a potential area that could halt any further upward movement.

Potential Direction: Bearish
Overall momentum of the chart: Bullish
The price could see a short-term pullback toward the pivot before continuing its bearish move down toward the 1st support.
Pivot: 0.5770
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap resistance, where selling pressures could intensify and potentially cap any upward retracement.
1st support: 0.5690
Supporting reasons: Identified as a pullback support, this area has provided strong support historically and may attract buying interest for a potential short-term bounce
1st resistance: 0.5796
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap resistance, indicating a potential area that could halt any further upward movement.

Potential Direction: Bullish
Overall momentum of the chart: Bullish
The price could see a short-term pullback toward the pivot before rising again toward the 1st resistance.
Pivot: 48,844.50
Supporting reasons: Identified as a pullback support, where renewed buying pressure could emerge to push the price higher.
1st support: 48,330.52
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap support, suggesting a potential area where the price could stabilize once again.
1st resistance: 49,617.45
Supporting reasons: Identified as a multi-swing high resistance, indicating a potential area that could halt any further upward movement.

Potential Direction: Bullish
Overall momentum of the chart: Bullish
The price could see a short-term pullback toward the pivot before rising again toward the 1st resistance.
Pivot: 24,687.00
Supporting reasons: Identified as a pullback support, where renewed buying pressure could emerge to push the price higher.
1st support: 24,203.80
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap support, indicating a key level where the price could stabilize once more.
1st resistance: 25,501.92
Supporting reasons: Identified as a resistance that is supported by the 161.8% Fibonacci extension, indicating a potential area that could halt any further upward movement.

Potential Direction: Bullish
Overall momentum of the chart: Bullish
The price has already bounced off the pivot and may continue its bullish move toward the 1st resistance
Pivot: 6,892.80
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap support that aligns with the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement, where renewed buying pressure could emerge to push the price higher.
1st support: 6,823.20
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap support, indicating a potential level where the price could stabilize once again.
1st resistance: 6,997.80
Supporting reasons: Identified as a swing high resistance, indicating a potential area that could halt any further upward movement.

Potential Direction: Bullish
Overall momentum of the chart: Bearish
The price could see a short-term pullback toward the pivot before rising again toward the 1st resistance.
Pivot: 94,194.50
Supporting reasons: Identified as a pullback support, where renewed buying pressure could emerge to push the price higher.
1st support: 91,670.00
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap support, indicating a potential level where the price could stabilize once more.
1st resistance: 98,880.63
Supporting reasons: Identified as a pullback resistance that aligns with the 161.8% Fibonacci extension, indicating a potential area that could halt any further upward movement.

Potential Direction: Bullish
Overall momentum of the chart: Bullish
The price could see a short-term pullback toward the pivot before rising again toward the 1st resistance.
Pivot: 3,192.74
Supporting reasons: Identified as a pullback support that aligns with the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement, where renewed buying pressure could emerge to push the price higher.
1st support: 3,051.82
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap support, indicating a potential level where the price could stabilize once more.
1st resistance: 3,403.56
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap resistance, indicating a potential area that could halt any further upward movement.

Potential Direction: Bullish
Overall momentum of the chart: Bullish
The price has already bounced off the pivot and may continue its bullish move toward the 1st resistance
Pivot: 60.26
Supporting reasons: Identified as a pullback support, where renewed buying pressure could emerge to push the price higher.
1st support: 56.69
Supporting reasons: Identified as an overlap support, indicating a key level where the price could stabilize once more.
1st resistance: 62.16
Supporting reasons: Identified as a swing high resistance that aligns with the 161.8% Fibonacci projection, indicating a potential area that could halt any further upward movement.

Potential Direction: Bullish
Overall momentum of the chart: Bullish
The price could see a short-term pullback toward the pivot before rising again toward the 1st resistance.
Pivot: 4,549.86
Supporting reasons: Identified as a pullback support that aligns with the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement, where renewed buying pressure could emerge to push the price higher.
1st support: 4,500.59
Supporting reasons: Identified as a pullback support that aligns with the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement, indicating a key level where the price could stabilize once more.
1st resistance: 4,641.78
Supporting reasons: Identified as a swing high resistance, indicating a potential area that could halt any further upward movement.

The accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the information contained on this site cannot be guaranteed. IC Markets Global does not warranty, guarantee or make any representations, or assume any liability regarding financial results based on the use of the information in the site.
News, views, opinions, recommendations and other information obtained from sources outside of www.icmarkets.com, used in this site are believed to be reliable, but we cannot guarantee their accuracy or completeness. All such information is subject to change at any time without notice. IC Markets Global assumes no responsibility for the content of any linked site.
The fact that such links may exist does not indicate approval or endorsement of any material contained on any linked site. IC Markets Global is not liable for any harm caused by the transmission, through accessing the services or information on this site, of a computer virus, or other computer code or programming device that might be used to access, delete, damage, disable, disrupt or otherwise impede in any manner, the operation of the site or of any user’s software, hardware, data or property.
The post Friday 16th January 2026: Technical Outlook and Review first appeared on IC Markets | Official Blog.
January 16, 2026 16:14 ICMarkets Market News
IC Markets Global – Asia Fundamental Forecast | 16 January 2026
What happened in the U.S. session?
Robust U.S. labor and manufacturing data, combined with upbeat bank and TSMC earnings, propelled a Wall Street rebound, lifting major stock indexes and the dollar while pressuring safe-havens like gold amid de-escalating Iran tensions; energy stocks dipped slightly as oil tumbled.
What does it mean for the Asia Session?
Asian traders face a data-light local calendar but pivotal US jobless claims and industrial production releases that could sway risk appetite, compounded by Thursday’s commodity selloff and yen pressures; expect choppy opens in Nikkei/Hang Seng, with oil/gold volatility tied to supply dynamics and gold eyeing support near $4,235 before potential rebounds.
The Dollar Index (DXY)
Key news events today
No major news event
What can we expect from DXY today?
The dollar trimmed intraday gains to trade near 99.35 late in the session, as Fed rate-hold bets grew but political jitters overshadowed positive jobs revisions. Overall weekly forecasts remained cautious, with low directional volatility in majors.
Central Bank Notes:
Next 24 Hours Bias
Medium Bearish
Gold (XAU)
Key news events today
No major news event
What can we expect from Gold today?
Gold maintains bullish momentum near record levels despite minor pullbacks, supported by softer US jobless claims at 198K and improving Philly Fed data, though Friday’s focus shifts to political developments with limited macro releases.
Next 24 Hours Bias
Strong Bullish
The Australian Dollar (AUD)
Key news events today
No major news event
What can we expect from AUD today?
The AUD began 2026 robustly, hitting 15-month highs before pulling back nearly 1 cent amid trimmed RBA rate hike expectations and US uncertainties like Fed subpoenas, yet maintains upside potential above its 200-day SMA toward 0.6766, supported by commodities and risk sentiment watch domestic jobs data, and China risks next.
Central Bank Notes:
Next 24 Hours Bias
Medium Bullish
The Kiwi Dollar (NZD)
Key news events today
No major news event
What can we expect from NZD today?
The New Zealand Dollar traded in a tight range near 0.5740 amid thin specific news, extending a bearish weekly bias with forecasts eyeing a correction to 0.5755 before potential drops below 0.5375, as RBNZ’s steady 2.25% rate tempers hike hopes despite US Dollar softness from Fed worries.
Central Bank Notes:
Next 24 Hours Bias
Medium Bearish
The Japanese Yen (JPY)
Key news events today
No major news event
What can we expect from JPY today?
The Japanese yen steadied around 158.50 per dollar after hitting an 18-month low near 159.45, pressured by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s snap election plans for February and fears of fiscal loosening that could stall Bank of Japan rate hikes. Verbal warnings from officials curbed further slides, while BoJ policymakers increasingly eye the currency’s role in inflation ahead of their January 22-23 meeting.
Central Bank Notes:
Next 24 Hours Bias
Medium Bearish
Oil
Key news events today
No major news event
What can we expect from Oil today?
Oil prices experienced downward pressure amid easing geopolitical tensions and global oversupply dynamics. In Ghana, fuel prices at pumps declined marginally starting that day, with petrol dropping 1.26-2.30% to around GHC 11.75 per liter, driven by falling international refined product prices despite a slight crude uptick and cedi strength.
Next 24 Hours Bias
Medium Bearish
The post IC Markets Global – Asia Fundamental Forecast | 16 January 2026 first appeared on IC Markets | Official Blog.
January 16, 2026 16:00 ICMarkets Market News
US Stocks Climb on Tech Optimism – Dow up 0.6%
Wall Street rebounded strongly overnight, led by technology stocks, after TSMC — the world’s largest producer of advanced AI chips — forecast robust growth into 2026. The Dow Jones rose 0.60% to close at 49,442, while the S&P 500 added 0.26% to 6,944 and the Nasdaq gained 0.25% to finish at 23,530. US Treasury yields moved higher following stronger-than-expected economic data, providing support to the US dollar. The 2-year Treasury yield climbed 5.5 basis points to 3.565%, while the 10-year yield rose 3.8 basis points to 4.170%. The stronger yield backdrop helped lift the US dollar index by 0.23% to 99.36. Commodity markets saw sharp moves, with oil prices tumbling after comments from President Trump eased concerns over potential US military action against Iran. Brent lost 3.94% to $63.89 per barrel, while WTI slumped 4.56% to $59.19. Gold also edged lower, slipping 0.25% to $4,616.15 as improved risk sentiment and higher yields weighed on demand, pulling prices back from recent record highs.
Earnings In Focus for US Stock Markets
US stock markets are focusing strongly on the first earnings reports to hit the newswires in 2026 in the coming weeks. Stellar earnings and projections throughout 2025 helped all three of the major US indices hit all-time highs in the last year, and they are still trading near those elevated levels. However, updates in the coming weeks could do a lot in determining where the indices head in the coming weeks and months. Major banks have kicked off the season this week with mixed results, but we will see a more diverse batch of companies in the coming weeks, with Netflix and Intel probably the pick of the bunch before we hit the full ‘Magnificent 7’ that dominated moves in the last year. In general, S&P 500 companies are expected to increase earnings by 15% in 2026, and any disappointments from already high valuations could see some sharp corrections in the market. However, for the moment, it has largely been a case of ‘carry on as 2025’ for the start of this year, and the bulls are still in control – how long that lasts could well be decided by earnings updates in this quarter.
Quiet Calendar Day to Close Out the Trading Week
Looking ahead, the macroeconomic calendar is relatively quiet today. However, markets are likely to remain sensitive to geopolitical headlines, with traders closely monitoring any developments that could impact risk sentiment across asset classes. The Asian session has very little in the way of scheduled events; however, focus remains strongly on Japanese markets and the potential for a snap election and its implications, with the yen remaining sensitive to any updates. The European session will see a strong focus on UK markets, with Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey scheduled to speak midway through the day, while US markets will focus on updates from Fed members Susan Collins, Michelle Bowman, and Phillip Jefferson.
Explore all upcoming market events in the Economic Calendar.
The post General Market Analysis – 16/01/26 first appeared on IC Markets | Official Blog.
January 16, 2026 16:00 ICMarkets Market News
Asian stock markets traded mostly higher on Friday, taking positive cues from Wall Street overnight amid easing geopolitical tensions surrounding a potential U.S.–Iran confrontation. Renewed optimism over AI-led growth also supported technology stocks. Asian markets had closed mixed in the previous session.
Sentiment was further aided by U.S. data showing an unexpected decline in first-time unemployment claims for the week ended January 10, helping to ease concerns over labor market strength.
Australian shares extended gains for a fifth straight session, with the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 hovering near the 8,900 level. Financial and technology stocks led advances, partially offset by weakness in energy and gold miners. Major miners showed mixed performance, while oil stocks declined alongside falling crude prices. Technology shares were broadly positive, with Appen surging after announcing the lapse of performance rights. The big four banks posted modest gains, while gold miners mostly traded lower. The Australian dollar was steady around $0.670.
In contrast, Japanese stocks declined, extending losses from the previous session despite upbeat global cues. The Nikkei 225 slipped amid weakness in exporters and financial stocks. Automakers and select technology shares moved lower, while gains were seen in some industrial and retail names. The yen traded in the lower 158 range against the U.S. dollar.
Elsewhere in Asia, South Korea and Taiwan posted strong gains, while China, Hong Kong, Singapore and New Zealand edged higher. Malaysia declined slightly, while Indonesia remained closed for a public holiday.
Overnight, U.S. markets ended higher, while European stocks closed mixed. Crude oil prices fell sharply as geopolitical risks eased.
The post Friday 16th January 2026: Asian Markets Mostly Higher on Easing Geopolitical Tensions; Japan Underperforms first appeared on IC Markets | Official Blog.
January 16, 2026 15:30 Forexlive Latest News Market News
In prior episodes, the language used in verbal intervention by Tokyo officials tend to follow a certain script. But so far, Katayama has been more bold in her warnings especially in the ones this week. That being said, I guess it is necessary as lawmakers and policymakers are facing an uphill battle in trying to quell speculators this time around.
As a reminder, she had earlier this week singled out the 9 January price action in the yen currency as being not in line with the fundamentals. Now, she’s saying that recent moves are also not reflecting that as well. It seems that we are reaching a bit of a desperation point in trying to get market players to stop the selling in the currency.
As for the BOJ comments, I don’t see anything new in that. However, the government’s stance remains clear in that they do want the central bank to not push for rate hikes. But with the currency under threat now, is it going to be a case of needing to let go? We shall see.
USD/JPY is down 0.3% to 158.20 on the day, still holding above the 158.00 mark so far. Despite the barrage of verbal intervention this week, the pair is down by less than 150 pips from the highs. So, it speaks to the kind of buying appetite still out there. But at least for now, the near-term bias has shifted a little today.
This article was written by Justin Low at investinglive.com.