Fed Signals Diverge as Markets Reprice the Rate Outlook

Market Highlight 22/12/2025

Last Friday, the U.S. Dollar Index edged higher, briefly approaching the 99 level before closing up 0.3% at 98.73. After the U.S. CPI release, Federal Reserve officials offered mixed views on inflation, with some downplaying the softer reading as a technical issue, prompting markets to reassess the pace of future rate cuts. U.S. Treasury yields moved modestly higher, with the 10-year yield at 4.144% and the policy-sensitive 2-year yield at 3.49%.

Risk assets remained resilient. U.S. equity indices closed higher, led by technology and semiconductor stocks, with the Nasdaq outperforming, while European equities also advanced. Spot gold briefly rose above $4,350 on rate-cut expectations before paring gains, as silver surged to new record highs. Oil prices rebounded on heightened supply concerns linked to Venezuelan tankers and ongoing Russia–Ukraine developments, with both WTI and Brent crude gaining more than 1%.

 

Key Outlook 22/12/2025

Markets remain focused on central bank policy signals and evolving geopolitical risks. Following the Bank of Japan’s 25-basis-point rate hike to 0.75%, investor attention has shifted toward the future policy path, with rising Japanese government bond yields likely to continue influencing Asia-Pacific asset performance.

On the data front, the UK’s final Q3 GDP annual growth rate is due today, with growth expected to slow from 0.3% to 0.1%. A weaker-than-expected reading could weigh on the British pound and UK equities, while other scheduled data are expected to have a limited market impact.

 

Key Data and Events Today:

  • 15:00 GB GDP Final Q3 ***

December 23rd

  • 08:30 RBA Meeting Minutes ***
  • 21:30 US GDP & Core PCE Prices Q3 ***
  • 21:30 US Durable Goods Orders OCT **
  • 21:30 CA GDP MoM OCT **
  • 22:15 US Industrial Production MoM Nov **
  • 23:00 US CB Consumer Confidence DEC **
  • 23:00 US Richmond Fed Manufacturing Index DEC **

 

Markets Analysis 22/12/2025

 

EURUSD

20251222 EURUSD Keys Instruments

  • Resistance: 1.1757 / 1.1777
  • Support: 1.1675 / 1.1656

EUR/USD remained range-bound, consolidating near the upper part of its ascending channel. Repeated rejection around 1.1757–1.1777 suggests fading upside momentum, while 1.1675–1.1655 remains a key demand zone. With the ECB outlook unchanged, near-term direction hinges on USD moves and upcoming US PCE data to confirm Fed policy.

 

GBPUSD

20251222 GBPUSD Keys Instruments

  • Resistance: 1.3472 / 1.3525
  • Support: 1.3350 / 1.3295

GBP/USD held firm after the BoE’s fourth rate cut this year, consolidating within its ascending channel. Upside attempts stalled near 1.3472–1.3525, suggesting near-term hesitation, while 1.3350–1.3295 continues to attract buyers on dips. Price action remains choppy but constructive, with direction remaining highly data-dependent.

 

USDJPY

20251222 USDJPY Keys Instruments

  • Resistance: 158.29 / 158.71
  • Support: 156.94 / 156.52

USD/JPY surged after the BoJ’s rate hike failed to sound convincingly hawkish, triggering renewed yen selling. Price rebounded sharply above 156.90, keeping bullish momentum intact, though 158.29–158.71 now caps the upside. Volatility is likely to stay elevated as markets reassess the pace of further policy tightening.

 

US Crude Oil Futures (JAN)

  • Resistance: 57.73 / 58.38
  • Support: 55.78 / 54.97

WTI found support near the $55.78 area and staged a modest rebound, though price action remains capped within a broader descending channel. The $57.73–58.38 zone remains a key overhead barrier, keeping upside attempts fragile. Near-term direction remains heavily driven by Venezuela-related geopolitical risks, while weak downstream demand limits sustained gains.

 

Spot Gold

20251222 Spot Gold Keys Instruments

  • Resistance: 4,398 / 4,427
  • Support: 4,303 / 4,273

 

Spot Silver

  • Resistance: 68.91 / 69.27
  • Support: 67.15 / 66.87

Gold remains firm near record highs, with dips toward the $4,303–$4,273 area continuing to attract buyers. Price action suggests consolidation at elevated levels rather than an apparent reversal, keeping the broader

bullish structure intact. If momentum stays supported, the market may gradually extend toward the $4,398 region.

 

Dow Futures

20251222 Dow Futures Keys Instruments

  • Resistance: 48,431 / 48,743
  • Support: 47,720 / 47,403

The Dow Futures is stabilizing after a pullback into the 47,720–47,403 support zone, signaling consolidation rather than a trend breakdown. The 48,431–48,743 area remains a key upside hurdle, with a breakout opening the door to a retest of recent highs. Price action stays within an ascending channel, supported by improving holiday sentiment, though volatility risks persist.

 

NAS100

20251222 NAS100 Keys Instruments

  • Resistance: 25,602 / 25,831
  • Support: 25,076 / 24,843

The NAS100 rebounded decisively after holding the 25,076–24,843 support zone, signaling strong dip-buying interest. The 25,602–25,831 area caps the upside for now, with a breakout likely to revive tech-led momentum. Price action remains constructive within a broader uptrend, staying highly responsive to macro and policy signals.

 

BTC

20251222 BTC Keys Instruments

  • Resistance: 90,745/91,954
  • Support: 86,830/85,600

Bitcoin remained range-bound around $88,000, holding above the $86,830–85,600 support zone while facing firm resistance near $90,745–91,954. Softer US inflation supports longer-term easing expectations, but persistent spot ETF outflows continue to cap upside momentum. Price action points to consolidation rather than a renewed trend breakout for now.

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