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Moneta Markets

FX in Focus Ahead of US NFP: GBP/JPY, NZD/USD Under Pressure, EUR/USD Holds Ground | 3rd April, 2026

FX Tensions Ahead NFP

Markets are entering a high-stakes session as traders position ahead of the US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) release, with FX pairs showing mixed signals and heightened sensitivity to macro catalysts. Yen pairs remain volatile amid intervention threats, commodity-linked currencies are under pressure, while the Euro holds relatively firm as traders await fresh direction from US labor data.

GBP/JPY Forecast

Current Price and Context

GBP/JPY is struggling near the 211.00 level, showing signs of exhaustion after its recent rally. The appearance of a hanging man candlestick suggests potential bearish reversal pressure in the near term.

Key Drivers

Geopolitical Risks: Limited direct impact, though broader risk sentiment influences JPY demand.

US Economic Data: NFP uncertainty is driving volatility across yen pairs.

FOMC Outcome: Hawkish expectations continue to support USD broadly, indirectly pressuring GBP crosses.

Trade Policy: No major updates impacting the pair.

Monetary Policy: BoJ intervention threats are capping upside, while BoE outlook remains cautious.

Technical Outlook

Trend: Bullish but weakening

Resistance: 211.00 – 212.00

Support: 209.50 – 208.80

Forecast: Short-term pullback likely unless price firmly breaks above 211.00.

Sentiment and Catalysts

Market Sentiment: Cautiously bearish near highs

Catalysts: US NFP, BoJ intervention headlines

Gold (XAU/USD) Forecast

Current Price and Context

Gold has slipped below the $4,700 mark as traders reduce exposure ahead of the US NFP release. The pullback reflects cautious positioning after recent strong gains.

Key Drivers

Geopolitical Risks: Still supportive but currently overshadowed by data risk

US Economic Data: Strong NFP could pressure gold via higher yields

FOMC Outcome: Rate expectations remain key driver for bullion

Trade Policy: Minimal direct impact

Monetary Policy: Higher-for-longer narrative weighs on gold

Technical Outlook

Trend: Bullish but correcting

Resistance: $4,750

Support: $4,650 – $4,600

Forecast: Consolidation expected with downside risk if NFP beats expectations

Sentiment and Catalysts

Market Sentiment: Neutral to slightly bearish short-term

Catalysts: US NFP, US yields movement

USD/JPY Forecast

Current Price and Context

USD/JPY is holding below the 160.00 level as traders remain cautious amid renewed warnings from Japanese authorities about possible intervention. The pair is highly sensitive to both yield differentials and policy rhetoric.

Key Drivers

Geopolitical Risks: Safe-haven flows support JPY intermittently

US Economic Data: NFP will heavily influence USD direction

FOMC Outcome: Policy divergence continues to favor USD

Trade Policy: No major developments

Monetary Policy: BoJ intervention risk remains a dominant factor

Technical Outlook

Trend: Bullish but capped

Resistance: 160.00 – 160.50

Support: 158.50 – 157.80

Forecast: Range-bound with downside spikes possible on intervention rhetoric

Sentiment and Catalysts

Market Sentiment: Nervous and cautious

Catalysts: US NFP, BoJ intervention signals

NZD/USD Forecast

Current Price and Context

NZD/USD has declined toward the 0.5700 level, pressured by weaker Chinese PMI data and a generally cautious market tone ahead of US NFP. The kiwi remains vulnerable due to its growth-sensitive nature.

Key Drivers

Geopolitical Risks: Indirect via global risk sentiment

US Economic Data: Strong NFP could further weaken NZD

FOMC Outcome: USD strength persists on policy divergence

Trade Policy: China-linked concerns weigh on NZD

Monetary Policy: RBNZ outlook remains less supportive compared to USD

Technical Outlook

Trend: Bearish

Resistance: 0.5750 – 0.5780

Support: 0.5700 – 0.5650

Forecast: Further downside likely unless risk sentiment improves

Sentiment and Catalysts

Market Sentiment: Bearish

Catalysts: US NFP, China data

EUR/USD Forecast

Current Price and Context

EUR/USD is posting modest gains near 1.1550, showing resilience despite broader USD strength. Traders remain cautious, awaiting confirmation from US labor data.

Key Drivers

Geopolitical Risks: Limited direct effect

US Economic Data: NFP will dictate next directional move

FOMC Outcome: Policy divergence still favors USD

Trade Policy: No major developments

Monetary Policy: ECB outlook remains relatively stable, supporting EUR

Technical Outlook

Trend: Mildly bullish / consolidating

Resistance: 1.1580 – 1.1600

Support: 1.1500 – 1.1470

Forecast: Sideways to bullish bias unless NFP surprises strongly to the upside

Sentiment and Catalysts

Market Sentiment: Neutral with slight bullish tilt

Catalysts: US NFP, ECB commentary

Wrap-Up

Markets are clearly in a holding pattern ahead of the US NFP release, with volatility expected to spike once data hits. Yen pairs remain the most sensitive due to intervention risks, commodity currencies are under pressure from weak external data, while EUR/USD shows relative stability. The NFP print will likely set the tone for the next major directional move across FX and gold.

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