The Eurozone’s HCOB Manufacturing PMI fell to 48.4 in May, below the forecast of 49.3. This indicates a contraction in business activity within the private sector.
The EUR/USD remains above 1.1300, but the weak EU PMI data suggests limited Euro gains. In contrast, the UK’s S&P Global Composite PMI improved to 49.4 in May from 48.5 in April.
Gold Prices Update
Gold prices retreat from recent highs, maintaining a steady retracement slide. This movement lacks a fundamental catalyst and is expected to remain moderate due to various supporting factors.
Chainlink’s price sees a nearly 2% increase, influenced by rising whale activity and increased capital flow. Since February, 25 million LINK tokens have been accumulated by larger holders.
Retail buyers increase activities amid macroeconomic and earnings risks, while institutional actors proceed with caution. Concerns over trade tensions, U.S. debt, and a careful Federal Reserve impact markets.
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We’ve seen the Eurozone’s May manufacturing PMI print at 48.4, falling short of what economists had pencilled in. This figure, being below 50, means factory activity across member states is shrinking. Traders holding euro-denominated contracts might want to examine forward-looking indicators to see if this contraction persists into the summer quarter. Speculative positions on EUR/USD should be adjusted accordingly, given how this kind of underperformance often dents confidence among businesses and investors alike.
The FX market has kept the EUR/USD pair above 1.1300, but the recent PMI numbers essentially pour some cold water on further upside. Any bounce from here looks somewhat capped, unless we encounter shifts in either fiscal policy or a pickup in regional output. The euro’s resilience might be put to the test if upcoming figures, like retail sales or industrial production, disappoint.
By contrast, the UK has offered something slightly sturdier. May’s PMI reading for Britain climbed to 49.4. While it’s still under 50 – which suggests output is still contracting mildly – it nonetheless marks a soft improvement on the month. Less-worsening data like this tends to offer a subtle lift to sterling-based contracts, particularly if paired with dovish Eurozone counterparts.
Gold, meanwhile, is unwinding from its recent push higher. This pullback hasn’t been spurred by any fresh underlying data or news; instead it’s looking more like a standard correction after an extended rally. We’re watching technical support levels to see where traders might begin setting fresh longs. Given how uncertainty around monetary policy lingers and real yields remain mixed across markets, it’s likely this gold drift will be gradual.
Attention is also being drawn to Chainlink, where large token holders – often seen as better-informed participants – have been quietly building positions since the start of the year. Inflows have stabilised the price, and the recent 2% rise reflects that accumulation phase progressing. While not flashy, this sort of steady action often lays the groundwork for higher volatility down the line, particularly when liquidity deepens or utility activity rises.
In broader markets, an uptick in retail activity is noticeable. Traders appear increasingly willing to take on exposure despite clear earnings headwinds and unresolved macro threats like trade tensions and the U.S. fiscal trajectory. Institutional flows, however, have been more tepid. This divergence is informative. When larger players slow their pace, it often tells us that near-term returns may struggle until risk metrics improve or Fed communication shifts.
There’s also the matter of execution. With spreads now highly competitive and platforms offering ever-swifter fills, it’s an opportune time to review execution efficiency. Whether running directional strategies or hedging, the tools available today allow for a much tighter control on positions. Those with existing exposure to FX or digital assets would be wise to assess the robustness of their entry and exit points as volatility ebbs and flows.