Choppy Session in Play!

Gold prices were closed at 1773.20 after placing a high of 1774.00 and a low of 1764.60. gold prices rebounded on Wednesday after falling for four consecutive days. The precious metal prices rose after the U.S. Federal Reserve pledged to maintain an easy monetary policy to aid economic recovery. At the same time, the weakness in the U.S. dollar provided further support.

During the first half of the session, gold remained under pressure ahead of the Fed monetary policy decision. However, after its announcement during late trading American trading hours, precious metal started to recover its previous losses and reversed its course.

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve said the vaccine rollout had improved the U.S. economy. However, still, it held interest rates near zero as part of its commitment to aggressive economic stimulus. Fed also maintained the USD 120 billion bond-buying programs. The Fed said that inflation has risen, but the higher readings were attributed to transitory factors. The Central Bank warned that higher inflation could result from the base effect of measuring year-over-year changes in addition to supply chain constraints.

Fed said that the policy-setting will continue to provide accommodation to the economy as more than 8 million people were still out of jobs than pre-pandemic levels. The statement released by Fed did not show any signs of slowing on its QE program, which is currently absorbing the U.S. Treasuries and agency mortgage-backed securities worth $120 billion a month. The U.S. Treasury yields on a 10-year note that reached above 1.65% level during the first half of the day retreated and fell to 1.60% level after the speech of Fed Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday. Powell reaffirmed that it was not the time to discuss tapering that sent the treasury yields lower sharply. This drop-in yields added pressure on the already weak U.S. dollar and sent the U.S. Dollar Index to its lowest level since February 26 at 90.53.

The weak U.S. dollar then added further strength to the rising prices of yellow metal on Wednesday. On the data front, at 17:30 GMT, the Goods Trade Balance from the U.S. dropped to -90.6B against the expected -88.2B and weighed on the U.S. dollar that added strength n the yellow metal prices. The Prelim Wholesale Inventories increased to 1.4% against the anticipated 0.5% and weighed on the U.S. dollar and added further gains in precious metal prices.

Gold Intraday Technical Level

Support Resistance

1776.46 1780.76

1774.93 1783.53

1772.16 1785.06

Pivot Point: 1779.23

Gold - XAU/USD - Technical Outlook

Gold is trading with a strong bearish bias at 1,779 level, violating the support level at 1,782. On the 4-hour timeframe, gold has formed bearish engulfing candles on the hourly timeframe, demonstrating a strong selling trend in gold. On the downside, gold has the potential to go after the next support area of 1,763. Gold is exhibiting bearish crossover on the 4-hour timeframe, not only on the 20 & 50 periods EMA but also on the RSI and MACD, suggesting a strong selling trend. The closing of candles below 1,778 is demonstrating the dominance of sellers in gold. Gold’s immediate resistance stays at 1,782 ad 1,789 while support stays at 1,777 and 1,763. All the best!

Upward Momentum Continues!

The EUR/USD pair was closed at 1.2135 after placing a high of 1.2136 and a low of 1.2056. EUR/USD pair reached its highest level since February 26 on Wednesday amid fresh weakness in the U.S. dollar after the Federal Reserve meeting. As expected, the Fed kept its interest rates unchanged at the near-zero level and the monthly pace of asset purchases at the same $120 billion level. The statement issued after the meeting indicated that the economy and the labor market have strengthened due to successful vaccination campaigns. Still, the bank said that it would continue to support the economy through stimulus and lower interest rates as more than 8 million people were still jobless compared to the pre-pandemic levels.

During Powell's conference, the Fed chair explained that a transitory rise of inflation would not warrant a hike in interest rate. He also said that this was not the time to start talking about reducing the asset purchase program. His comments added further pressure on the already weak U.S. dollar as U.S. Treasury yield on benchmark note of 10-year fell to 1.60% from 1.65%.

The U.S. Dollar Index that measures the greenback's value against the basket of six major currencies fell to 90.53 level on Wednesday and weighed on the U.S. dollar. The comments of Powell also triggered a rally in Wall Street and in metals that added further weakness in greenback and supported the gains in EUR/USD pair.

On the data front, at 11:00 GMT, the German GfK Consumer Climate dropped to -8.8 against the expected -4.1 and weighed on the single currency Euro that capped further gains in EUR/USD pair. From the U.S. side, at 17:30 GMT, the Goods Trade Balance from the U.S. declined to -90.6B against the projected -88.2B and weighed on the U.S. dollar added further gains in EUR/USD pair. The Prelim Wholesale Inventories rose to 1.4% against the estimated 0.5% and weighed on the U.S. dollar and supported the upward trend in EUR/USD pair. Furthermore, the upward momentum in EUR/USD pair could also be attributed to the latest comments from the German pharmaceutical company BioNTech. On Wednesday, Ugur Sahin, whose company developed the first widely approves shot against coronavirus with U.S. partner Pfizer, predicted that about 50-60% of the European population would have received the vaccination end of June.

Sahin said that more than half of Europe's population should have received the coronavirus vaccine in the next two months that will allow governments to consider easing lockdown rules for immunized people. He suggested that Europe could reach herd immunity in July and August and cautioned that children would still be among those at risk. These comments from Ugur Sahin added strength to the single currency euro and pushed EUR/USD prices even higher on Wednesday.

EURUSD Intraday Technical Levels

1.2067 1.2104

1.2043 1.2117

1.2030 1.2140

Pivot Point: 1.2080

EUR/USD - Technical Outlook

The EUR/USD is trading at 1.2129 level on Thursday, having violated the narrow trading range of 1.2065 – 1.211. The recent bullish breakout has driven EUR/USD pair into the overbought zone; as we can see, the RSI is testing 70. The 20 & 50 periods exponential moving averages support buying trends; however, their values hold far away from the CMP (current market price). This demonstrates that the bulls are getting exhausted, and the EUR/USD is ready for a bearish correction. The EUR/USD pair may find support at 1.2115 and 1.2078 levels. Traders will be keeping their focus on the Advance GDP q/q figures due to come out from the U.S. economy. The data is expected to rise from 4.3% to 6.8%, and it can help support bullish bias in the U.S. dollar today. All the best!

Choppy Session in Play!

The BTC/USD was closed at $54860.0 after placing a high of $55575.0 and a low of $54090 after making an impressive recovery in the previous two sessions; Bitcoin reached above $55,000 level on Wednesday but faced pressure and started retracement. During the first half of the trading session on Wednesday, Bitcoin prices improved and reached $55,000 in positive news like the Japanese gaming giant. Nexon announced the purchase of 1717 Bitcoin worth an estimated $100 million, an average price of $58.226. According to the announcement, Nexon stated that the Bitcoin investment represents less than 2% of its total cash and cash equivalents on hand.

Another positive report in favor of Bitcoin that helped BTC/USD to reach the $55,000 level was the announcement made by the chairman of Landry's hospitality group, the operator of restaurant chains. Tilman Fertitta said that most of his restaurants would be accepting bitcoin as payment very soon. According to a federal court filing, U.S. officials arrested Roman Sterling, the alleged principal operator of cryptocurrency money laundering website Bitcoin Fog. This news also added strength to Bitcoin prices.

However, the gains in Bitcoin could not live for long as Goldman Sachs was questioning whether bitcoin can be a long-term store of value and digital gold. The firm's analysts cited various issues with the cryptocurrency, such as environmental problems, lack of real use, and competition from other cryptocurrencies. These factors were blocking bitcoin from becoming digital gold and caused a negative impression on Bitcoin prices that dragged BTC/USD lower on Wednesday.

BTC/USD Intraday Technical Levels

Support Resistance

54064.4 55619.4

53084.7 56194.7

52509.4 57174.4

Pivot Point: 54639.7

BTC/USD - Technical Outlook

The technical side of Bitcoin hasn't changed a lot as it's trading at 53,960 level, having completed 50% Fibonacci retracement at 56,000 level. On the 4 hour timeframe, the leading crypto pair is consolidating in a narrow trading range of 56,450 – 53,350. The leading indicators have started shifting in the selling zone on the hourly timeframe, such as RSI is crossing below 50 and BTC price is falling below 20 EMA. The BTC/USD pair may find support at 53,335 and 50,549 levels. Below these levels, the BTC next support holds around 47,736. Conversely, the violation of 55,850 resistance exposes Bitcoin towards resistance areas of 57,300 and 58650. All the best!

Choppy Session in Play!

Gold prices closed at $1775.25 after placing a high of $1785.70 and a low of $1773.95. Gold dropped for the 4th consecutive session on Tuesday ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. Market participants were also awaiting the post-meeting news conference of Fed chief Jerome Powel that is scheduled for Wednesday.

The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) that measures the greenback's value against the basket of six major currencies, fell on Tuesday to 90.81. The U.S. Treasury yields on a 10-year note rose on Tuesday to above 1.62% level that decreased the demand for non-yielding bullion.

The April monetary policy meeting of the Federal Reserve has started on Tuesday and will conclude on Wednesday. The FOMC members discussed and evaluated their current monetary policy, and their decision will be published on Wednesday in a statement released by the FED. Chairman Jerome Powell's press conference will follow it.

The Fed members are expected to vote in favor of continuing their current interest rate policy and leave the Fed funds rate unchanged that is currently set between 0% and 0.25%. The Fed is also expected to continue to add monetary liquidity through QE, the asset purchase program of the Fed, which has been purchasing $120 billion worth of treasuries and mortgage-backed securities monthly throughout the pandemic.

The comments from Jerome Powell regarding raising interest rates, ending their asset purchases monthly, and focus on rising U.S. Treasury yields on 10-year notes. If the chairman's comments failed to increase yields on U.S. 10-year Treasury note, then gold prices could break above the key resistance level at $1800. Furthermore, any acknowledgment of inflation and the anticipation that more could help gold break above $1800. No major policy change is anticipated from the Fed meeting; however, investors will pay close attention to Chairman Jerome Powell's economic outlook.

Later this week, U.S. President Joe Biden is also expected to address Congress; this will be his first address to Congress since he was elected approximately 100 days ago. Investors will be looking forward to his comments to find a clue about the next move in gold prices this week.

On the data front, at 18:00 GMT, the Housing Price Index from the U.S. declined to 0.9% against the expected 1.0% and weighed on the U.S. dollar that capped further losses in gold prices on Tuesday. The S&P/CS Composite-20 HPI for the year remained flat at 11.8%. At 18:59 GMT, the Richmond Manufacturing Index dropped to 17 against the forecasted 22 and weighed on the U.S. dollar. At 19:00 GMT, the CB Consumer Confidence surged in April to 121.7 against the expected 113.1 and supported the U.S. dollar that ultimately added losses in yellow metal prices on Tuesday.

Gold Intraday Technical Level

Support Resistance

1770.90 1782.65

1766.55 1790.05

1759.15 1794.40

Pivot Point: 1778.30

Gold - XAU/USD - Technical Outlook

On Thursday, the precious metal gold is trading with a strong bearish bias at 1,771 level, disrupting the support level at 1,778. On the 4-hour timeframe, gold has violated the triangle pattern that was extending support at 1,778 level. This support level is violated and working as resistance now. On the lower side, gold has the potential to go after the next support area of 1,763. Gold is exhibiting bearish crossover on the 4-hour timeframe, not only on the 20 & 50 periods EMA but also on the RSI and MACD, suggesting a strong selling trend. The closing of candles below 1,778 is demonstrating the dominance of sellers in gold. Next, support holds around 1,763 and 1,759.

All the best!

Upward Channel Intact!

The EUR/USD pair closed at 1.2090 after placing a high of 1.2093 and a low of 1.2056. The currency pair moved higher on Tuesday but remained consolidated ahead of the Fed decision. The U.S. dollar was mostly flat on Tuesday due to mixed U.S. macroeconomic data releases and kept the pair EUR/USD under consolidation. On Tuesday, the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) posted slight losses for the day and reached 90.81. The U.S. Treasury yields on a 10-year note remained on the positive note and reached above 1.62%. EUR/USD pair continued moving in the upward direction and remained green throughout Tuesday amid the weakness in the U.S. dollar driven by the cautious mood of investors ahead of Fed monetary policy decision.

The FOMC April meeting has started on Tuesday, and the committee is expected to release a statement after this meeting ends on Wednesday. In its report, the latest decision about the policy taken by committee members will be disclosed, which will likely affect the prices of the U.S. dollar and drive EUR/USD pair accordingly. After the Federal Reserve monetary policy decision, the Fed, Jerome Powell, is also expected to review the U.S. economic outlook. Investors will closely watch these comments. Investors are cautious about placing any strong bid before this event, and that is why EUR/USD put minimal gains on Tuesday even it moved in a very narrow range throughout the day.

On the data front, there was no macroeconomic data released from the European side. However, at 18:00 GMT, the Housing Price Index from the U.S. dropped to 0.9% against the forecasted 1.0%. It weighed on the U.S. dollar that added further in gains of EUR/USD on Tuesday. The S&P/CS Composite-20 HPI for the year remained flat at 11.8%. At 18:59 GMT, the Richmond Manufacturing Index declined to 17 against the anticipated 22 and weighed on the U.S. dollar that added gains in EUR/USD pair. At 19:00 GMT, the C.B. Consumer Confidence rose in April to 121.7 against the forecasted 113.1 and supported the U.S. dollar that ultimately capped further gains in EUR/USD prices on Tuesday.

Another reason behind the positive movement in EUR/USD pair on Tuesday could be the news that Americans might be able to travel to the E.U. this summer if they are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that return of American travelers should be possible as both sides have approved the same jabs. European nations have restricted non-essential travel from the U.S. for more than a year, and this latest news added strength in the market sentiment and supported gains in EUR/USD pair.

EURUSD Intraday Technical Levels

Support Resistance

1.2067 1.2104

1.2043 1.2117

1.2030 1.2140

Pivot point: 1.2080

EUR/USD - Technical Outlook

The EUR/USD is trading at 1.2074 level on Wednesday, consolidating in a narrow trading range of 1.2065 – 1.211. The previously violated double top resistance level is now working as a support at 1.2065. On the 4-hour timeframe, the EUR/USD pair maintains an upward channel extending support at 1.2065 level along with the 20 & 50 periods EMA. Above the 1.2065 level, the EUR/USD pair’s next resistance holds at 1.2141 and 1.2240, whereas the bearish breakout of the 1.2065 level exposes the pair until the support area of 1.1998. The RSI and MACD are in a neutral zone, suggesting indecision among investors. Traders will be keeping their eyes on the 1.2065 level today. All the best!

Tweezers Top Pattern!

The BTC/USD was closed at $55044 after placing a high of $55215 and a low of $53660. Bitcoin prices extended their gains on Tuesday and reached above $55,000 level amid increased adoption of Bitcoin among banks in the United States. The U.S. Bancorp, the fifth-largest bank in the country, has announced introducing a cryptocurrency custody product and an unnamed sub-custodian. The U.S. bank would also serve as the administrator for a potential bitcoin ETF to be offered by NYDIG, pending the regulatory approval of that offering.

The bank said that it was motivated by the growing calls from its customers for exposure to the crypto industry. The bank also said that institutional investors such as pension funds and insurance companies were looking forward to investing in cryptocurrencies. This helped bitcoin to extend its gains on Tuesday. Furthermore, a Las-Vegas-based payment app banq started the facility to invest in Bitcoin and Ethereum in various accounts. Users can generate as many sub-accounts as they want for a company or personal usage and further buy, hold, or sell crypto out of any or all of them.

Meanwhile, Mastercard collaborated with the digital asset exchange Geminin to introduce an innovative crypto rewards credit card. Dubbed Gemini Credit Card has already over 100,000 people on its waitlist, but it would start in summer. In simple words, Mastercard and Gemini introduced a credit card offering up to 3% cashback as rewards in Bitcoin. This news added further gains in BTC/USD on Tuesday.

Late Monday, news started circulating in the market that Elon Musk has sold some of his Bitcoin; however, the billionaire entrepreneur used Twitter to assure the crypto community that he has not sold any of his Bitcoin stashes, despite Tesla realizing profits from its recent Bitcoin buys. Tesla reported record profits due to sales of emissions credits and speculative gains on Bitcoin. This news also supported the rising prices of Bitcoin. On the flip side, the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a warning against investing in Bitcoin due to its unregulated nature and the high potential for fraud. This news kept the gains in Bitcoin limited on Tuesday.

BTC/USD Intraday Technical Levels

Support Resistance

54064.4 55619.4

53084.7 56194.7

52509.4 57174.4

Pivot Point: 54639.7

**

BTC/USD - Technical Outlook**

The BTC/USD is trading at 54,560 level, having completed 50% Fibonacci retracement at 56,000 level. On the 4 hour timeframe, the leading crypto pair has closed a tweezer's top pattern that's suggesting odds of bearish correction in the Bitcoin. The leading indicators have started shifting in the selling zone on the hourly timeframe, such as RSI is crossing below 50 and BTC price is falling below 20 EMA. The BTC/USD pair may find support at 53,935 and 52,580 levels. Below these levels, the BTC next support holds around 51,800. Conversely, the violation of 55,850 resistance exposes Bitcoin towards resistance areas of 57,300 and 58650. All the best!

Choppy Session in Play!

Gold prices were closed at $1779.90 after placing a high of $1783.10 and a low of $1768.40. After declining for two consecutive days, gold prices rebounded and recovered little losses from the previous day on Monday. Soft U.S. dollar ahead of the Federal Reserve policy meeting this week pushed the yellow metal prices higher on Monday. The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) that measures the greenback's value against the basket of six major currencies remained flat throughout Monday.

Investors were awaiting the outcome of the Federal Reserve's two-day monetary policy meeting that will end on Wednesday. They were also looking forward to President Joe Biden's speech to Congress and the economic data on first-quarter U.S. GDP that is scheduled to release this week. All these events will likely guide the next price move in gold, which kept the gold gains under consolidation on Monday.

At 17:30 GMT, Core Durable Goods Orders for March remained flat at 1.6% on the data front. Durable Goods Orders in March declined to 0.5% against the forecasted 2.5% and weighed on the U.S. dollar that added further gains in yellow metal prices. The emerging risk-off market sentiment also supported gold prices as the global tally for coronavirus infections reached above 147 million on Monday, with the death toll rising to 3.11 million. India, which was facing more new infections of COVID-19 than any other country globally, was sliding into a devastating crisis due to the second wave of coronavirus in the region.

Hospitals were unbearably full; oxygen supply was deficient. People were dying in line to see doctors and evidence that the actual death toll was far higher than officially reported in India. Each day, the government was reporting more than 300,000 new infections, which is a world record. This raised concerns over the economic recovery of the country. Fears of the spread of this virus also surged that increased safe-haven appeal in the market and supported precious metal gains on Monday.

Furthermore, the risk-off market sentiment was supported by the comments from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who said that the differences between the U.S. and China were continuing as Washington was yet t find the right way to deal with Beijing while holding on to misunderstandings. He also warned that playing the Taiwan card was playing-with-fire, and the U.S. must not do it. This warning could escalate the ongoing tensions between both countries, and these fears added to the demand for safe-haven appeal that ultimately supported the yellow metal prices on Monday.

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden will speak before Congress, and investors are keenly waiting for it. After 99 days in office, Biden is expected to outline his ambitious plans designed to rebuild crumbling infrastructure, boost the economy, and offer more significant financial support to American families.

Gold Intraday Technical Level

Support Resistance

1773.26 1776.41

1771.88 1778.18

1770.11 1779.56

Pivot Point: 1775.03

Gold - XAU/USD - Technical Outlook 

The technical side of the precious metal gold hasn't changed a lot as it continues trading with a slight bullish recovery at $1,780 level, having supported at 1,773 level. The precious metal violated the upward channel on the hourly timeframe on Friday, leading the gold price towards a 1,773 support level. Currently, gold is trading at 1,781 level and heading north to complete 50% Fibonacci retracement at 1,783 level. Next resistance stays at 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level of 1,786. It's interesting to know that the same level is also extended by 50 periods EMA and previously violated channel upward; thus, this level will be a substantial hurdle for gold bulls. All the best!

Double Bottom Support

The EUR/USD pair was closed at 1.2079 after placing a high of 1.2117 and a low of 1.2061. EUR/USD pair reached its highest level since March 26 on Monday during the first half of the day but reversed from there and ended its day with losses amid prevailing risk-off market sentiment. The U.S. Treasury yields on a 10-year note tried to reach near 1.60% level on Monday and placed a high of 1.59%. Simultaneously, the U.S. Dollar Index that measures the greenback's value against the basket of six major currencies remained flat throughout the day at 90.88 level.

The U.S. dollar was weak on Monday amid the upcoming decision of the Federal Reserve monetary policy meeting on Wednesday. The speech of U.S. President Joe Biden is also expected on Wednesday that will also provide signals for the next move in EUR/USD pair. The single currency Euro was also under pressure on Monday after the release of German IFO Business Climate data that failed to meet the market's expectations in April and dragged the EUR/USD pair even lower.

On the data front, at 13:00 GMT, the German Ifo Business Climate for April declined to 96.8 against the forecasted 97.8 and weighed on the single currency Euro that added in the losses of EUR/USD pair. At17:58 GMT, the Belgian NBB Business Climate for April surged to 4.4against the anticipated 1.7 and supported single currency Euro that capped further losses in EUR/USD pair.

At 17:30 GMT, Core Durable Goods Orders for March remained flat with the expectations of 1.6% from the U.S. side. Durable Goods Orders in March dropped to 0.5% against the estimated 2.5% and weighed on the U.S. dollar that limited the downward momentum in EUR/USD pair.

Being a risk-sensitive currency pair, EUR/USD dropped on Monday after risk-off market sentiment continued rising aid the surging number of coronavirus cases around the world. The global tally for the COVID-19 infections reached 147 million on Monday, with 3.11 million deaths caused by the virus. It raised the global economic recovery concerns and demand for haven, resulting in declining prices of riskier assets like EUR/USD pair for the day.

On the other hand, the European Union launched legal action against the coronavirus vaccine manufacturer AstraZeneca. The commission said that the reason behind suing the company was for not respecting its vaccine supply contract and for not having a reliable plan to ensure timely deliveries. Meanwhile, the European Commission also said that its coronavirus vaccine drive was now on the course to secure 70% inoculation of the E.U.'s adult population by mid-July. On Sunday, the chief of the E.U.'s vaccine task force said that the bloc would produce enough vaccines to achieve herd immunity of the region's adult population by mid-July. These comments from the E.U. commission kept the single currency stronger against the U.S. dollar and capped further EUR/USD pair losses.

EURUSD Intraday Technical Levels

Support Resistance

1.2086 1.2095

1.2083 1.2101

1.2076 1.2105

Pivot Point: 1.2092

EUR/USD - Technical Outlook

The technical side of the EUR/USD continues to trade bullish at 1.2109 level, having disrupted the double top pattern at 1.2077 level. On Friday, the EUR/USD pair managed to violate the narrow trading range of the pair of 1.2077 – 1.1998 level. A bullish breakout of 1.2077 has opened up additional room for buying until the next resistance level of 1.2141 and 1.2240. However, the RSI and MACD are in overbought territories, suggesting odds of bearish correction in the pair. On the lower side, the EUR/USD can find support at the 1.2077 level. The upward channel is supporting bullish bias in the EUR/USD pair. Traders will be keeping their eyes on the 1.2026 level today. All the best!

50% Fibonacci Retracement In Play!

The BTC/USD closed at $54020.5 after placing a high of $54320.9 and a low of $48815.9. Bitcoin prices reversed their course on Monday after dropping for five consecutive days. Last day, Bitcoin fell to its lowest since March 5 at $47098 level. Bitcoin reversed its direction and recovered most of its losses from the previous four sessions, and posted a massive recovery amid increased optimism surrounding the cryptocurrency market on the back of various positive news.

On Monday, a report issued at CoinDesk, JP Morgan Chase & Co. will offer an actively managed bitcoin fund to its clients later this year. This move was a significant change for a bank whose CEO once called bitcoin a dangerous fraud. This fund will be for clients in JP Morgan's private wealth division and could roll out this summer.

If such funds become available, JP Morgan would be joining a growing number of legacy financial firms that want to offer bitcoin exposure to its clients. In March, Goldman Sachs announced a similar move, while Morgan Stanley announced one earlier this month. Bitcoin prices that were already recovering from a sharp sell-off last week added to their gains on the back of this report.

Furthermore, the National Football League (NFL) tight end Sean Culkin stated that he would be converting his entire 2021 salary into bitcoin on Monday. Culkin plays for the Kansas City Chiefs, and this decision by him would make him the first player in NFL history to convert his entire annual salary to bitcoin. This news also supported the positive tone surrounding Bitcoin on Monday and added in its gains.

Meanwhile, the President and CEO of PayPal, Dan Schulman, has said that the demand for cryptocurrency assets has surpassed the company's expectations. In his latest interview with TIME magazine, Schulman forecasted a sharp decline in the use f cash and said that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies could take advantage of that.

PayPal allowed cryptocurrency payments in 2020, and the company has seen a significant surge in crypto-related transactions in the last few months. The company does its business in more than 200 countries and deals in more than 100 currencies. Last year, PayPal processed 15.4 billion payments, with $936 billion. Bitcoin gains were further increased after these comments from the CEO of PayPal.

BTC/USD Intraday Technical Levels

Support Resistance

51220 52839

48010.9 55954

47683.0 58307

Pivot Point: 53355.1

BTC/USD - Technical Outlook 

The BTC/USD trades sharply bullish at 53,955 level, covering most of its losses. The cryptocurrency has completed 38.2% Fibonacci retracement at 53,934 level. The BTC/USD pair has violated 51,234 resistance on the four-hourly timeframe, and now it's heading further north to complete 50% Fibonacci retracement at 55,950 level. The leading technical indicator RSI exhibits a bullish crossover as its value is crossing over 50, suggesting a strong bullish reversal in Bitcoin. Whereas the MACD is still holding the sell zone, the immediate histograms are becoming smaller and smaller, suggestings sellers are getting exhausted, and bulls are taking control. On the higher side, bitcoin may find resistance at 55,954 and 58,370 levels today. All the best!

Upward Channel Breakout

The precious metal gold closed at $1,777.00 after placing a high of $1,794.50 and a low of $1,772.00. Gold prices extended their losses on Friday amid a strong U.S. dollar due to a better-than-expected U.S. macro-economic data release. The stronger than expected U.S. home sales prompted a surge in U.S. Treasury yields that reduced the investment appeal in precious metal. In the past week, gold has shown a series of impressive gains as both the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield and the dollar index retreated.

On the data front, at 18:45 GMT, the Flash manufacturing PMI for April remained flat with the expectations of 60.6. The Flash Services PMI rose in April to 63.1 against the forecasted 61.6 and supported the U.S. dollar that weighed on gold prices. At 19:00 GMT, the New Home Sales in March rose to 1021K against the projected 885K and supported the U.S. dollar, and added further pressure over the precious metal. The U.S. Home Sales rose at the fastest pace in March since 2006 and gave strength to the greenback that added further losses in the yellow metal prices. Furthermore, the U.S. dollar was also strong on Friday as health officials of the country announced that after more than a year of trauma and heartbreak, states were returning to normalcy. According to state officials, they were close to the finish line as the country moved forward with the rollout of COVID-vaccinations.

As to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 138.6 million people in the U.S. have undergone at least one coronavirus vaccine shot, and about 1.3 million more were getting the first dose every day. More than 80% of people above 65 ages have had one dose and will likewise complete vaccination. The fact that the U.S. was achieving its goals of inoculating vaccine shots earlier than its schedule also supported the rising trend in the U.S. dollar and weighed on yellow metal prices.

The U.S. Treasury, on a 10-year note, rose to 1.5820% on Friday that helped the U.S. dollar, and supported bearish pressure over the yellow metal. Despite a sudden decline in U.S. Dollar Index on Friday to its lowest level since March 3 at 90.81, yellow metal posted losses on the ending day of the week.

Gold Intraday Technical Level

Support Resistance

1775.74 1790.44

1770.27 1799.67

1761.04 1805.14

Pivot Point: 1784.97

Gold - XAU/USD - Technical Outlook 

Gold is trading with a slight bullish recovery at $1,780 level, having supported at 1,773 level. The precious metal violated the upward channel on the hourly timeframe on Friday, leading the gold price towards a 1,773 support level. Currently, gold is trading at 1,781 level and heading north to complete 50% Fibonacci retracement at 1,783 level. Next resistance stays at 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level of 1,786. It's interesting to know that the same level is also extended by 50 periods EMA and previously violated upward channel; thus, this level will be a substantial hurdle for gold bulls. All the best and have a fantastic week ahead!