Daily Market Analysis By FXOpen

Geopolitical Shock: Gold Price Storms $5,400 After Attack on Iran


The reason is clear: confirmed US and Israeli strikes on targets in Iran, including reports of the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, have triggered renewed demand for safe-haven assets, pushing gold prices higher.

As of Monday morning, news of further escalation continues to emerge, while the price per ounce has climbed above the $5,400 level — for the first time since late January. Analysts (including J.P. Morgan and Bank of America) are already revising their targets. In their view, if the price consolidates above $5,400, this could point to a move towards $6,000 by the end of 2026.


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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

WTI Oil Trading Opens with a 10% Bullish Gap


On Friday, we warned that trading on Monday could be volatile — but not to this extent! The situation sharply escalated over the weekend following a large-scale strike by Israel and the US on targets in Iran, during which the supreme leader Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed. In retaliation, Iran launched missiles and drones at Israel, Saudi Arabia, and other targets.

Although financial markets had priced in some escalation risks, they reacted very sensitively:
→ Gold (XAU/USD): the price surged above $5,400 per ounce.
→ US Dollar Index (DXY): the US currency strengthened, not only as a safe-haven asset but also amid expectations of a new wave of global inflation driven by higher fuel costs.
→ Equity indices: opened sharply lower. Airlines and the tech sector were hit hardest, while defence stocks rose against the broader market.
→ Oil: showed the most aggressive reaction, with WTI opening at a bullish gap of roughly 10% compared with Friday’s close.
Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz (through which around 20% of global oil supply passes) is effectively paralysed following attacks on tankers. As shown on the XTI/USD chart, barrel prices are fluctuating widely as traders attempt to determine a fair value under these extraordinary circumstances.


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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

Iran Conflict and Economic Data: Events in Focus for 2-6 March


Let’s discuss three upcoming events that may impact market activity across currencies, equities, and commodities.
- Washington and Israel struck Iran, the supreme leader of Iran Ayatollah Khamenei was killed. Iran retaliated, escalating tensions.
- The US Nonfarm Payrolls and Unemployment Rate will arrive on 6 March.
- The ISM Manufacturing PMI and ISM Services PMI will be released on 2 March and 4 March, respectively.
Traders should stay alert — disciplined risk management will be key in the days ahead.

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The US Dollar Index (DXY) Climbs to a One-and-a-Half-Month High




Today, the US Dollar Index rose above the 98.70 level for the first time since the third week of January. Monday’s trading opened with a bullish gap, and upward momentum continues to build as news emerges of a major escalation in the Middle East:
→ Demand for safe-haven assets: Historically, the US dollar and US Treasury bonds have served as primary refuges for capital during periods of heightened uncertainty.
→ Military activity around the Strait of Hormuz is pushing oil prices higher (WTI jumped by approximately 10% yesterday) along with gas prices. This creates a direct pathway to another wave of global inflation.



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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

Natural Gas Prices Rise Amid Middle East Conflict



The recent strike by Israel and the US, along with Iran’s retaliatory actions, has pushed energy asset prices higher. Yesterday, we reported on a bullish gap in oil markets, and while US natural gas prices have not surged as sharply, they are also on the rise. Traders’ attention is focused on news from the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of global liquefied gas shipments pass.
Today’s XNG/USD chart reflects the increase in natural gas prices – driven by concerns over potential disruptions to supply chains.




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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

Dollar Strengthens on Middle East Tensions



The dollar strengthened as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East intensified. Heightened uncertainty traditionally boosts demand for safe-haven assets and dollar liquidity, supporting the US currency against a range of peers. An additional factor remains the resilience of US macroeconomic indicators, which limits expectations of an imminent easing of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy.

Amid the escalation of the conflict, investors are reducing risk exposure and reallocating capital into more defensive instruments. As a result, volatility has increased and capital inflows into dollar-denominated assets have strengthened, while traditional safe-haven currencies are showing a mixed reaction.




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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

Market Analysis: Gold Under Pressure as WTI Crude Extends Rally During Iran War


Gold price extended losses below $5,100 before the bulls appeared. WTI Crude oil prices are rising and could climb further higher toward $80.00.

Important Takeaways for Gold and WTI Crude Oil Prices Analysis Today
- Gold price failed to clear $5,420 and corrected lower against the US Dollar.
- There is a key bearish trend line forming with resistance at $5,255 on the hourly chart of gold at FXOpen.
- WTI Crude oil prices are moving higher above the $72.00 resistance zone.
- There is a bullish trend line forming with support near $72.85 on the hourly chart of XTI/USD at FXOpen.

Gold Price Technical Analysis

On the hourly chart of Gold at FXOpen, the price was able to climb above $5,150. The price even broke $5,250 before the bears appeared. The price traded toward $5,420 before there was a fresh decline.
There was a move below $5,250 and $5,050. The price settled below the 50-hour simple moving average, and RSI dipped below 40. Finally, it tested the $5,000 handle. A low was formed at $4,995 and the price is now attempting to recover.

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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

Alibaba (BABA) Shares Drop Approximately 10% Over the Week


Last Wednesday, the closing price of Alibaba (BABA) shares was $152.28, while the closing price yesterday was $135.59, marking a 2026 low.
The roughly 10% decline was driven by a combination of bearish factors, including:

→ Unexpected resignation of Lin Junyang (Justin Lin) – Lin led Alibaba’s AI project Qwen, a key LLM platform. According to Reuters, this is the third notable departure from Qwen in 2026, and Lin has not provided a reason.

→ Overall bearish trend in tech stocks – High capital expenditures combined with uncertainty over profitability have weighed on the sector. Alibaba previously committed at least CNY 380 billion (around $52 billion) for AI and cloud infrastructure investments over three years.

→ Pressure from US regulators – Reports indicate that Alibaba was added to a list of companies cooperating with China’s military, potentially complicating business. Although the listing was later removed from the US Federal Register, the attempt itself increases the risk of new sanctions from the administration.

→ Geopolitical tensions – With the threat of the Middle East conflict escalating into a wider war, financial markets see increased demand for safe-haven assets. Chinese tech companies are particularly exposed to these pressures.

Despite these challenges, technical analysis offers hope for the bulls.


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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

The Price of Silver Is Recovering After a Two-Day Decline



As can be seen on the XAG/USD chart, the price of silver is recovering after forming yesterday’s low below the $79 level. The price per ounce has already exceeded $86 today (+10% in less than 24 hours!).

Volatility in the silver market is being driven by fluctuations in the US dollar, as well as military action in the Middle East, which is fuelling concerns about a prolonged regional conflict. According to media reports:
→ Yesterday, Israel carried out a strike on a building where religious figures had gathered to elect a new Supreme Leader.
→ Following the death of Ali Khamenei, he was succeeded by his son Mojtaba Khamenei. Although some sources consider him the leading candidate (no official statements have yet been made), this has raised concerns that the new Iranian leadership may continue existing policies — increasing uncertainty over the outcome of the conflict.




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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

Pennant Pattern in Trading: Identification and Breakout Strategy



The pennant pattern is a continuation chart formation frequently observed in forex and CFD markets during periods of strong directional momentum. It develops after a sharp price movement followed by a brief consolidation phase, reflecting temporary equilibrium before potential trend continuation.

Unlike reversal patterns, a pennant forms within an existing trend structure and is commonly used by traders to analyse breakout conditions, organise entry planning, and define risk parameters using measurable price projections. The pattern’s compact structure allows market participants to evaluate volatility contraction and subsequent expansion within a clearly defined technical framework.

This article examines how bullish and bearish pennant patterns are identified across different market environments, how breakout scenarios are evaluated step by step, how price targets are derived using the flagpole measurement method, and how false breakouts can be filtered through confirmation techniques and professional trading tools.

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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

EUR/USD and GBP/USD at Key Levels Ahead of the Nonfarm Payrolls Release



European currencies, particularly the pound and the euro, posted a sharp decline at the start of the week before shifting into a corrective rebound. However, the current move appears largely technical in nature, with the market maintaining a cautious stance ahead of the key US labour market report — Nonfarm Payrolls — due for release tomorrow.

Additional pressure on European currencies stems from the strengthening US dollar amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The escalation of the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran has triggered a sharp increase in energy prices. Natural gas prices in Europe have surged on concerns over potential supply disruptions, as the widening conflict has affected the Strait of Hormuz — one of the key arteries for global liquefied natural gas supplies.

Rising energy costs are increasing inflationary risks for the European economy, which has only just begun recovering from the previous energy crisis. According to analysts’ estimates, if current energy price levels persist, inflation in the euro area could rise by around 0.5 percentage points. This reinforces expectations that European central banks may keep interest rates elevated for longer, while simultaneously heightening the risk of a slowdown in economic activity.



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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

EUR/USD Chart Analysis: Pair Trades Near Yearly Lows



On 3 March, the EUR/USD pair fell below the January low (around 1.15777), establishing the lowest level of the year. As of today, 5 March, the chart shows signs of a continuation of bearish momentum.
On one hand, demand for the USD as a “safe-haven currency” remains elevated amid the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East.
On the other hand, the euro is under pressure because:
→ rising energy prices put the European Union at a disadvantage;
→ traders may be cautious ahead of today’s ECB news (Lagarde’s speech is scheduled for 20:00 GMT+3).



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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR) Shares Show Strong Growth at the Beginning of March



Shares of Palantir Technologies (PLTR), a company specialising in big data analytics software, have become one of the stock market’s standout performers at the start of this spring.
While the closing price on the last trading day of February was around $137, during yesterday’s session the stock climbed to $155.

Why Is PLTR Rising?
The stock’s strong performance is driven by a combination of fundamental factors, including:
→ Competitors’ problems at the Pentagon: News about temporary restrictions placed on the AI start-up Anthropic in its work with US government agencies has strengthened Palantir’s position as a reliable partner.

→ Use in the Middle East conflict: Analysts at Baird highlighted this week the ability of Palantir’s systems to operate in real time and deliver predictive analytics on the battlefield.
→ Higher price targets: Several agencies (including Zacks and Trefis) have raised their forecasts for PLTR shares amid expectations that revenue growth could reach around 78% by the end of the year.
In addition, technical factors are also playing a role.



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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

USD/CHF Exchange Rate Rebounds from Multi-Year Low



The resilience of the Swiss economy and inflation remaining below 1% have made the Swiss franc an attractive safe-haven asset amid an extremely tense geopolitical backdrop and elevated gold prices. As the USD/CHF chart shows, the US dollar fell against the Swiss franc below 0.7650 in February — the lowest level since summer 2011.
However, the pair has since begun forming higher lows, suggesting that strong support is emerging in this area. The outbreak of intensified military activity in the Middle East this week has led to a rise in the USD, with the dollar also strengthening against the franc. Market participants may be starting to view the Swiss currency as an overvalued safe-haven asset.
Notably:
→ This week could mark the second-largest weekly gain since the beginning of 2025.
→ The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has already hinted at the possibility of currency interventions due to the “excessive strength of the franc”.



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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

Market Insights with Gary Thomson: USD, CAD, and Commodities in Focus


In this video, we’ll explore the key economic events and market trends, shaping the financial landscape. Get ready for insights into financial markets to help you navigate the week ahead. Let’s dive in!

In this episode of Market Insights, Gary Thomson breaks down what moved the markets this week and unpacks the strategic implications of the most critical events driving global markets.
Key topics covered in this episode:
- The most important events of recent days
- US Inflation Rate
- Canada’s Unemployment Rate
- Multiple US Economic Releases
- Conclusion
Gain insights to strengthen your trading knowledge.
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Disclaimer: This video represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

Market Analysis: AUD/USD and NZD/USD Struggle as Market Jitters Shake Risk Sentiment



AUD/USD failed to stay in a positive zone and declined below 0.7000. NZD/USD is also moving lower and might extend losses below 0.5850.
Important Takeaways for AUD/USD and NZD/USD Analysis Today
- The Aussie Dollar started a fresh decline from well above 0.7100 against the US Dollar.
- There is a bearish trend line forming with resistance at 0.7020 on the hourly chart of AUD/USD at FXOpen.
- NZD/USD declined steadily from 0.6000 and traded below 0.5900.
- There is a key bearish trend line forming with resistance at 0.5900 on the hourly chart of NZD/USD at FXOpen.

AUD/USD Technical Analysis



On the hourly chart of AUD/USD at FXOpen, the pair struggled to clear 0.7150. The Aussie Dollar started a fresh decline below 0.7050 against the US Dollar.
The pair even settled below 0.7000 and the 50-hour simple moving average. There was a clear move below 0.6980. A low was formed at 0.6956, and the pair is now consolidating losses. There was a minor recovery wave above the 23.6% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the 0.7089 swing high to the 0.6956 low.

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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

WTI Oil Price Rises Above $100



Another shocking Monday for the energy market. Last week’s start was remembered for a bullish gap of more than 10% (which was later followed by a pullback), but today’s market open proved even more volatile (as reflected by the ATR indicator). After a bullish gap of roughly 11%, the price continued to climb, reaching a peak of around $114 per barrel of WTI during the Asian session. This is the highest price since 2022.

The drivers of the rally are obvious – the escalation of the war in the Middle East, with more countries becoming involved. Risks have reached a critical point, with discussions emerging around the scenario of a complete blockade of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. In such a case, oil-producing countries could invoke force majeure as grounds for halting supplies.



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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

Dollar Index (DXY) Hits Yearly High



Today, the dollar index rose above last week’s peak around the 99.68 level, setting a new high for 2026. This movement is supported by a tense fundamental backdrop:
→ Inflationary pressures from rising oil prices. Markets may be pricing in a “higher for longer” scenario, with elevated Fed rates persisting.

→ Safe-haven demand. Escalation in the Middle East—including strikes on Iran and the rise of hardline leader Mojtaba Khamenei in Tehran—may push market participants towards defensive strategies and the US dollar.
→ Weakness in other currencies. The Middle East conflict can weigh on the yen and euro, as European and Japanese economies remain highly sensitive to energy prices.



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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

any recent analysis? u think it will be bullish fior this month?

Fair Value Gaps (FVGs) and Liquidity Voids – Differences & Strategies



Fair value gaps (FVGs) and liquidity voids highlight moments when price moves aggressively due to order imbalances. While they are closely related within the Smart Money Concept (SMC) framework, they differ in scale, structure, and trading application. This article explains how each forms, how they interact, and how traders may incorporate them into a structured market analysis approach.

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Disclaimer: This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only (excluding FXOpen EU). It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.