Gold (XAU/USD) builds on a solid recovery from the $4,400 mark, or a four-week low touched on Monday, and gains strong follow-through positive traction for the second straight day on Wednesday.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is widely expected to hold key interest rates steadyJanuary's inflation hitting the 2% target supports this "wait-and-see" approach, with the focus now on "how long" rates will remain at this levelThe Euro's recent strength helps suppress imported inflation but creates a "Growth Drag" that threatens Eurozone exportsMarket participants will closely watch President Lagarde's press conference for clues on future policyMost Read: Alphabet (GOOGL) Q4 Earnings Preview: Can AI and cloud momentum sustain the $4 trillion valuation?As the European Central Bank (ECB) prepares for its first major meeting of 2026 on February 5, the Governing Council finds itself in a delicate balancing act. After a series of rate cuts in late 2024 and 2025 that brought the deposit facility rate down to 2.00%, the central bank now faces a "neutral" landscape where the next move is far from certain.The Decision: Steady hands amidst stability Market consensus is overwhelmingly in favor of a hold. The ECB is expected to maintain its key interest rates, the Deposit Facility at 2.00%, the Main Refinancing Operations at 2.15%, and the Marginal Lending Facility at 2.40%. zoom_out_map Source: LSEG This "wait-and-see" approach is bolstered by January’s inflation data, which landed right on the ECB's 2% target. While some economists suggest that headline inflation could actually dip as low as 1.7% in the coming weeks, the Governing Council appears content to let the current restrictive-to-neutral policy simmer. Following the "plateau" narrative that emerged in late 2025, the February meeting is less about the immediate decision and more about the "policy signals" for the rest of the year.The Euro’s "Moment": Strength vs. Competitiveness The euro enters February 2026 in a position of renewed strength but this has introduced a new layer of complexity to the ECB’s deliberations. In early 2026, the euro broke above the 1.19 mark against the US dollar, briefly testing the psychological resistance level of 1.20.However, this Euro strength is a double-edged sword for Frankfurt.The Deflationary Hedge: A stronger euro helps suppress imported inflation—particularly energy and raw materials priced in dollars. This gives President Christine Lagarde more breathing room to keep rates steady even if global commodity prices fluctuate.The Growth Drag: The "global euro moment" also brings risks. A potent currency threatens the competitiveness of Eurozone exports, particularly for the German industrial sector, which is already struggling with a modest 2026 growth forecast of 0.8% to 1.2%. If the euro’s appreciation becomes too aggressive, it could "import deflation" to the point of undershooting the 2% target, potentially forcing the ECB to resume rate cuts earlier than the "hold through 2026" crowd expects.Market Outlook: Looking beyond the decision Market participants are looking past the February announcement to the ECB’s Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF) and the subsequent March projections. Currently, swap markets are pricing in very little movement for the remainder of 2026, signaling that the "rate cut cycle" that defined 2025 has likely reached its conclusion.However, the tone of the press conference will be vital. Any emphasis on "downside risks to growth" or concerns regarding the "undershooting of inflation" will be interpreted as a dovish tilt. Conversely, if Lagarde maintains that service-sector inflation remains sticky, the Euro could see further gains as traders price out any remaining hopes for a mid-year cut.President Lagarde’s press conference will be closely watched for clues on balancing inflation, growth, and market risks. zoom_out_map Source: For all market-moving economic releases and events, see the MarketPulse Economic Calendar. (click to enlarge) Implications for the Currency For the Euro, the February meeting is likely to consolidate its recent gains unless the ECB explicitly expresses discomfort with the currency's level. With the US Federal Reserve also reaching a potential pause in its own cycle, the EUR/USD pair is finding a new equilibrium.The primary takeaway for February 2026 is that the ECB has successfully navigated the "soft landing." The focus has shifted from "how high" or "how low" to "how long", how long will rates stay at 2% before the next economic shift dictates a new direction.For now, stability is the name of the game in Frankfurt.Technical Analysis - EUR/USD From a technical standpoint, EUR/USD has seen a significant pullback since the January 27 high at 1.2082.The pullback is just over 50% of the initial upside move which started at the 1.1572 handle on January 19.Heading into the meeting, EUR/USD rests at a key area of support which was the swing high in December 2025 around the 1.1794.If this level holds, then a run back toward the psychological 1.2000 handle may be on the cards.The period 14-RSI bodes well, having bounced off the neutral 50 level which hints at bullish momentum remaining in play.A break lower from here may bring the 100-day MA back into focus around the 1.1678 handle.EUR/USD Daily Chart, February 4, 2026 zoom_out_map Source: TradingView (click to enlarge) Follow Zain on Twitter/X for Additional Market News and Insights @zvawda Opinions are the authors'; not necessarily that of OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc. or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. The provided publication is for informational and educational purposes only.If you would like to reproduce or redistribute any of the content found on MarketPulse, an award winning forex, commodities and global indices analysis and news site service produced by OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc., please refer to the MarketPulse Terms of Use.Visit https://www.marketpulse.com/ to find out more about the beat of the global markets.© 2026 OANDA Business Information & Services Inc.

EUROPEAN SESSIONIn the European session, we will get the final services PMI for the major Eurozone economies and the UK. The market reacts the most to new information, so the Flash data is more important than the final PMIs. Therefore, unless we get big deviations, the market reaction will likely be muted. The main highlight will be the Flash Eurozone CPI. The CPI Y/Y is expected at 1.7% vs 1.9% prior, while the Core CPI Y/Y is seen at 2.3% vs 2.3% prior. As a reminder, the ECB has been repeating that they won't respond to small or short-term deviations from their 2% target, so unless we see big deviations, the data is not going to change much for the central bank.AMERICAN SESSIONIn the American session, the focus will turn to the US ADP and the US ISM Services PMI. The ADP is expected to show 48K jobs added in January vs 41K in December. The US data has been showing gradual improvement lately, especially on the labour market side. If we get a strong report, we could see a hawkish reaction in the market as the 48 bps of easing expected by year-end get repriced. The US ISM Services PMI is expected at 53.5 vs 54.4 prior. The S&P Global US PMIs reaffirmed sustained economic growth at the start of the year, but the rate of expansion has cooled compared to the pace indicated back in the fall of 2025. The agency noted that jobs growth remains disappointing, with near stagnant payroll numbers. Lastly, elevated rates of input cost and selling price inflation were commonly attributed to tariffs, especially in the manufacturing sector, where price pressures intensified in January. However, service sector inflation moderated, linked in part to intensifying competition.The ISM Manufacturing PMI on Monday though painted a different picture with the index jumping strongly into expansion for the first time since February 2025 and the new orders index rising to the best levels since 2022. The employment index has also showed material improvement, while the prices index held steady. A surprisingly strong ISM Services PMI could also trigger a hawkish reaction and lead to a repricing in interest rate expectations.CENTRAL BANK SPEAKERS17:00 GMT/12:00 ET - Fed's Barkin (hawkish - non voter) This article was written by Giuseppe Dellamotta at investinglive.com.

While the support near 1.1800 still holds, EURUSD is also far from last week's high near 1.2080. In today's Elliott Wave update we discuss if the bulls can break either soon. To access this article you need to have an active subscription The post Elliott Wave Update of EURUSD – February 4th, 2026 appeared first on EWM Interactive.

EUR/CAD may have broken a trend, but both bulls and bears are still locked in on the same key levels! Here’s what we’re seeing on the daily time frame.

Alphabet (GOOGL) faces high investor expectations following a year of significant stock growth, with the core focus being proof that massive capital investments in AIWall Street expects a strong quarter, projecting revenue of approximately $111.4 billion (+15.4% YoY) and Earnings Per Share (EPS) of $2.64Critical items for investors include updates on AI monetization (Gemini integration, Search evolution), the conversion velocity and margin expansion of Google CloudMost Read: RBA breaks two-year pause with hawkish rate hike, AUD/USD poised for further gainsAlphabet Inc. (GOOGL) is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, after the market close. The tech giant enters this report following a historic year in which its stock surged nearly 70%, propelling its market capitalization past the $4 trillion milestone in January.As the "Magnificent 7" leader in 2025 performance, Alphabet faces high expectations. Investors will be looking for proof that its massive capital investments in AI are translating into sustained revenue growth and improved margins.What to expect? Wall Street consensus points toward another robust quarter of double-digit growth.Revenue: Analysts expect approximately $111.4 billion, representing a 15.4% year-over-year increase. This follows a Q3 where Alphabet surpassed the $100 billion quarterly revenue mark for the first time.Earnings per share (EPS): Estimates are pegged at $2.64, a significant jump from the $2.15 reported in the same period last year.Growth drivers: Google Search remains the bedrock, projected to bring in roughly $61.3 billion, while Google Cloud is expected to continue its rapid ascent with an estimated $16.25 billion (up ~36% YoY).The projected contraction in free cash flow, despite rising net income, is a direct consequence of the aggressive infrastructure "land grab" necessitated by the AI race. Market participants are particularly focused on the operating margin expansion, which is expected to reach 39.1%, driven by a combination of high-margin cloud services and the internal "Project EAT" initiative, which leverages AI to streamline internal workflows and reduce headcount growth relative to revenue.Key areas for investors to watch zoom_out_map Created by Zain Vawda AI monetization and "Gemini" integrationThe central narrative for 2026 is the transition from AI experimentation to monetization. Alphabet has aggressively integrated its Gemini models across its ecosystem.Investors will scan the report for:Search evolution: Updates on "AI Overviews" and their impact on user engagement and ad click-through rates.Enterprise adoption: Updates on Gemini for Workspace and the rate at which enterprise customers are converting from free trials to paid tiers.Partnerships: Any further commentary on the high-profile collaboration with Apple to integrate Gemini into "Apple Intelligence" features.Google Cloud’s Battle for Market ShareGoogle Cloud has historically been the "third player" behind AWS and Azure, but it has recently shown faster growth rates. With a reported backlog of $155 billion at the end of Q3, the focus will be on conversion velocity, how quickly that backlog is turning into realized revenue and whether cloud margins continue to expand despite the heavy cost of AI infrastructure.Capex and 2026 guidanceCapital expenditure (Capex) has become the most scrutinized metric for big tech. Alphabet previously guided for 2025 Capex between $91 billion and $93 billion. Investors are wary of "over-spending" without immediate returns. A guide for 2026 that shows a stabilization or "peaking" of investment could be seen as a positive for free cash flow, while a massive hike without clear revenue justification might spook the market.Regulatory and macro headwindsWhile the AI rally has dominated headlines, regulatory scrutiny remains a background noise. Additionally, analysts will look for the impact of a "post-election" cooling in digital ad spending, as the massive surge from the 2024 US elections will create a tough year-over-year comparison for the YouTube and Search segments.Stock price implications The market's reaction will likely be "binary" based on the guidance provided:The bull case: If Alphabet delivers a "beat and raise" exceeding EPS estimates while providing a optimistic outlook for 2026 Cloud growth the stock could test the $350-$360 level. Jefferies recently raised its price target to $400, suggesting significant upside if AI execution remains flawless.The bear case: Alphabet is currently trading at a premium compared to its historical averages. Any sign of slowing Cloud momentum or a "miss" in Search revenue due to AI-driven disruption could lead to a swift correction. Support levels are currently pegged around $304 (mid-January lows).Alphabet Daily Chart, February 3, 2026 zoom_out_map Source: TradingView (click to enlarge) Bottom line Alphabet has successfully silenced many "AI laggard" critics over the past 12 months. However, with the stock at all-time highs and a $4 trillion valuation to defend, there is little room for error. The February 4th report will be the ultimate litmus test: is Alphabet’s AI "full stack" approach a sustainable engine for growth, or has the valuation outpaced the reality of the bottom line?Follow Zain on Twitter/X for Additional Market News and Insights @zvawda Opinions are the authors'; not necessarily that of OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc. or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. The provided publication is for informational and educational purposes only.If you would like to reproduce or redistribute any of the content found on MarketPulse, an award winning forex, commodities and global indices analysis and news site service produced by OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc., please refer to the MarketPulse Terms of Use.Visit https://www.marketpulse.com/ to find out more about the beat of the global markets.© 2026 OANDA Business Information & Services Inc.

Weekly Analysis: Wild Days Not Over Yet? on Friday, there was a major sell-off in the metals and stocks. What now?

The Tokyo Stock Exchange said trading activity on its CONNEQTOR platform reached a record JPY 506.9 billion in January, the highest monthly total since the request-for-quote service launched in 2021. Average daily trading value rose to JPY 26.6 billion, a 250% increase on the year, reflecting rapid growth in usage beyond traditional investor clients.  TSE said more than 310 investors used the service at the end of January, supported by rising participation from market makers, securities firms, overseas investors and even non-financial domestic institutions such as universities. The platform, which marks its fifth anniversary in February, was designed to improve ETF liquidity by enabling participants to request competitive quotes from 11 market makers and execute trades through 22 brokers.  Increased integration with order and execution management systems used by asset managers, as well as connectivity to Tradeweb, has also contributed to rising activity. CONNEQTOR is increasingly seen as an essential execution tool for institutional investors in Japan’s expanding ETF market, the exchange said. TSE added that it would continue to enhance the service to support the country’s ambitions to strengthen its asset-management ecosystem and further develop the domestic ETF market. The post TSE’s CONNEQTOR Platform Hits Record in Monthly ETF Trades appeared first on LeapRate.

Gold price analysis suggests the probability of further downside as the stronger dollar weighs on the precious metal. The new Fed Chair nomination has triggered a wave of deeper retracement in gold after a strong rally. Gold’s structural support remains intact as central banks still buy, while US-Iran tension also maintains a safe-haven demand. Gold... The post Gold Price Analysis: Pullback Accelerates Amid Fed Repricing, Retail Liquidation appeared first on Forex Crunch.

Traders split over whether insurers’ retreat from FX hedging is help or hindrance

Introduction to Smart Grid Defense EA MT4 The Smart Grid Defense EA MT4 represents a sophisticated approach to automated forex trading, combining intelligent grid strategies with robust defense mechanisms. This expert advisor is designed for traders who seek consistent performance across multiple currency pairs while maintaining strict risk management protocols. Developed with professional traders in

When the markets are anxious “risk off sentiment” money flows tend to move toward the yen, Swiss franc and gold. Equity markets can be seen as an indicator of fear and greed. The U.S. equity markets sold off on Wednesday erasing gains for 2018. On Thursday the markets rebounded and closing higher and recovering Wednesday’s losses. On Friday, the equity markets moved down again sharply as the U.S. session got underway.   As price made a lower high early in the U.S. session, a short was taken in the USDJPY risking 13 pips for a potential 32 pips to our daily target at 111.75. Price moved down to our target and we closed the trade. Price gained further downside momentum and continued lower without us. As the U.S. equity markets began to pare some of their losses intraday, the pair reversed higher. The majors made uniformed moves today and the USD has been weaker once again. I’m curious as to whether the U.S. equity markets can recover to close positively today to end the week. If not, next week may start off ugly with negative sentiment and continued selling. Good luck with your trading and enjoy your weekend!

Best Futures Trading Platform for Mac Finding the best trading platform for Mac used to be a challenge. Most trading software was originally built for Windows; however, the landscape has changed significantly. Today, Mac traders can access powerful, browser-based trading platforms that offer professional tools, fast execution, and seamless performance on macOS devices. This guide covers the most reliable trading platforms for Mac, including the best futures trading platform for Mac, and explains which brokers integrate best with Apple devices. Furthermore, you will discover how each platform operates and why choosing the right combination can elevate your trading experience. Why Mac Traders Need a Compatible Trading Platform Mac devices are known for speed and stability. Even though this offers many advantages, not all trading platforms historically supported macOS. Because of this, traders needed workarounds. Fortunately, modern platforms now run directly through Safari or Chrome. As a result, Mac traders can experience professional charting, stable execution, and cross-device accessibility without installing additional software. In addition, most cloud-based platforms receive updates faster than desktop software, which means Mac users benefit from rapid improvements and fewer compatibility issues. 1. TradingView – The Best Trading Platform for Mac TradingView is widely considered the best trading platform for Mac, mainly because it runs entirely online. Therefore, it works instantly on any MacBook, iMac, or iPad without requiring installation or system adjustments. Access TradingView for Mac here. Why TradingView Is Ideal for Mac Traders TradingView performs exceptionally well in the browser; moreover, its interface is designed to load charts quickly and accurately. It includes professional features such as multi-timeframe analysis, smart drawing tools, alerts, and futures charting. In addition, it supports forex, indices, stocks, and crypto, making it extremely versatile. Because it is browser-based, TradingView is also one of the best futures trading platforms for Mac, especially when paired with a strong broker. Consequently, traders can benefit from both advanced charting and fast execution. 2. IC Markets – The Best Broker for Mac Traders A platform is important; however, a broker determines execution quality. IC Markets is one of the top brokers for Mac users because it integrates smoothly with both TradingView and MT5 WebTrader. Therefore, it delivers stable execution, ultra-tight spreads, and access to deep liquidity. Open IC Markets (Mac-compatible) here: Why IC Markets Works So Well on Mac IC Markets offers extremely low spreads, fast order execution, and strong liquidity. Furthermore, it supports futures-style CFD trading, which is ideal for Mac traders looking to trade indices, commodities, or currency futures. Because everything works through the browser, Mac users avoid compatibility problems entirely. In addition, IC Markets performs reliably during high-volatility events, which is essential for professional trading. 3. cTrader Web – Modern, Fast, and Mac-Friendly cTrader Web provides a clean, modern trading environment that loads quickly on any Mac device. It is designed for traders who want fast execution combined with a highly intuitive interface. Why Mac Traders Choose cTrader Web cTrader Web offers advanced charting, depth of market views, and one-click execution. Furthermore, it integrates perfectly with IC Markets, which ensures consistent performance. Since it runs entirely online, Mac traders benefit from immediate updates and high-speed functionality. In contrast to older desktop platforms, cTrader Web does not require installation or configuration, which makes it ideal for traders who want simplicity without sacrificing power. 4. MT5 WebTrader – Classic Trading Tools on Mac Although the desktop version of MetaTrader 5 no longer runs natively on macOS, the MT5 WebTrader version is fully compatible. This solution allows traders to use the traditional MT5 layout while accessing markets directly through Safari or Chrome. Benefits of MT5 WebTrader for Mac MT5 WebTrader supports forex and index trading, provides reliable order execution, and offers a familiar interface for seasoned traders. Moreover, when paired with IC Markets, it becomes a very stable environment for both intraday and swing trading. Consequently, many traders still prefer MT5 because of its straightforward workflow. Final Verdict: The Best Futures Trading Platform for Mac After comparing charting quality, platform stability, execution speed, and macOS compatibility, the following options deliver the best overall experience: Best Trading Platform for Mac TradingView — fast, browser-based, and equipped with professional tools for futures analysis. Best Broker for Mac Traders IC Markets — low spreads, fast execution, and seamless integration with all Mac-friendly platforms. Best Execution Platform for Mac cTrader Web — modern interface, fast execution, and ideal for intraday traders who prefer simplicity and precision. Together, these platforms and brokers create a powerful trading setup for any Mac user. Consequently, traders can access professional tools without switching to Windows or using virtual machines. FAQ – Trading Platforms for Mac What is the best trading platform for Mac? TradingView is the best trading platform for Mac due to its clean interface, browser compatibility, and professional charting features. What is the best futures trading platform for Mac? TradingView provides excellent futures charting, while IC Markets offers fast and reliable execution. Can you trade futures on a Mac? Yes. TradingView, MT5 WebTrader, and cTrader Web allow Mac users to analyze and trade futures-style markets without installation. Does MT5 work on Mac? Yes. MT5 WebTrader works smoothly in Safari and Chrome. Which broker is best for Mac traders? IC Markets offers the best combination of execution speed, low spreads, and Mac compatibility. Het bericht Best Futures Trading Platform for Mac verscheen eerst op theforexscalpers.

Cracker Barrel (CBRL) was down as much as 14% recently. …The post Cracker Barrel’s Rebrand Bust and the Next Wave of Applied AI Stocks appeared first on Market Traders Daily.