AllForexnews Posted Friday at 08:45 AM Author Report Posted Friday at 08:45 AM Date: 1st May 2026. NASDAQ Record High as Apple and Alphabet Surge, While Japan Shakes FX Markets. A volatile week amongst most markets including the currency market, stocks and commodities. New developments are strongly influencing market decisions such as Japan’s currency intervention, tech-earnings and central bank decisions. The Japanese Yen rose against the US Dollar by 3.20%, very similar to previous currency interventions over the past years. The question is whether the intervention is enough to support the currency in the long-term. The NASDAQ also rose to a new all-time high after the Apple earnings report was made public. NASDAQ - Tech Earnings See Apple and Alphabet As Clear Winners Alphabet stocks rose almost 10% after announcing their quarterly earnings report where the key points were earnings, Google search and cloud data. Alphabet revenue rose 22% year-on-year to $109.9 billion marking the 11th consecutive report where the growth was in double figures. Furthermore, Google Search & other revenue increased 19% to $60.4 billion and Google Cloud revenue rose 63%. The main positive for Alphabet and index traders was that the stock not only rose after trading hours but also continued to rise thereafter. In addition to Alphabet, Apple’s stock also rose after market close but not to the level of Alphabet (Apple stocks +1.90%). Nonetheless, the earnings report was equally impressive with the company revenue rising to $111.2 billion, up 17% year-on-year. Apple described this as its best March quarter ever. Apple said the iPhone achieved a March-quarter revenue record, supported by strong demand for the iPhone 17 lineup. However, the positive theme is not across all tech companies. Meta stocks saw a strong decline reading up to 8%. Nonetheless, the NASDAQ rose to an all-time high. HFM - NASDAQ 20-Minute Chart In terms of technical analysis, the price of the NASDAQ is obtaining mainly bullish signals from indicators on the 1-hour chart. The price is trading above Moving Average and above the VWAP. However, on smaller timeframes, the key indication is of a retracement as the price points downwards and forms bearish breakouts. Based on price action, a retracement could continue to decline to $27,478.00 whereas a decline to the support level would be to $27,447.00. However, if the price falls below this level, the bullish bias could fade. Japan’s Currency Intervention The Japanese Federal Government's intervention in the currency market is now certain, even though not necessarily confirmed. The Japanese Yen is actively recovering after Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said the time is approaching for “decisive measures” in the foreign exchange market. This represents the strongest signal so far of a potential intervention to support the rapidly weakening currency. The last similar intervention took place in July 2024, when authorities helped stabilize the Yen around the 162.00 level. In the past, the currency intervention tactic has been tried on multiple occasions, but has never been successful. The Japanese Yen generally rose during yesterday’s European and US session. However, the currency has been declining during this morning’s Asian session. Nonetheless, technical indicators on the USDJPY continue to provide a bearish bias for now. The 156.980 is forming a key breakout level on the 5-minute chart whereas 155.880 is a key momentum indication. If the price falls below this level, sell signals potentially will strengthen. HFM - NASDAQ 20-Minute Chart European Central Bank European economic data released today focused mainly on GDP and inflation. Q1 GDP rose by 0.1% QoQ, below expectations of 0.2%, while annual growth came in at 0.8% YoY, missing both the preliminary estimate of 0.9% and the previous reading of 1.2%. Germany’s GDP was revised down from 0.4% to 0.3% QoQ, confirming ongoing pressure on its energy import-dependent manufacturing sector. The European Central Bank did not switch to a hawkish tone due to the rise in inflation. Instead the ECB president advised the market the central bank would likely pause and review for some time until the inflation picture was clearer. As a result, the Euro did not find lasting support from the events on Thursday. Key Takeaway Points: Tech earnings drive the NASDAQ higher, with strong results from Apple and Alphabet helping push the index to a new all-time high. Alphabet leads the tech rally, as strong growth in Search and Cloud revenue boosts investor confidence. Japan intervenes in the currency market, but markets still question whether action can support the Yen beyond the short term. The ECB keeps markets cautious, as weaker GDP data and a wait-and-see stance limit support for the Euro. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business. Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report. Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar. Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE! Click HERE to READ more Market news. Michalis Efthymiou HFMarkets Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
AllForexnews Posted 1 hour ago Author Report Posted 1 hour ago Date: 4th May 2026. RBA Rate Hike Bets Support the Australian Dollar. Markets take a slightly stronger ‘risk-on’ sentiment on Monday, mainly due to lower oil prices and earnings data. Oil prices have fallen from above $110 per barrel to $101, driven mainly by the US pledge to assist ships to leave the Strait. However, the price remains above $100, which is a key level for market sentiment. The stock market also trades at all-time highs, while the VIX has almost lost all gains from 2026 which is key for bullish sentiment. However, a key development will also be the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Australian Dollar. The AUD has been the best-performing currency of the past month. EURAUD - Markets Expect The RBA to Hike Interest Rates Despite Middle East volatility, the Australian Dollar remains by far 2026’s best-performing currency. The AUD Index is trading 8.00% higher this year while the second best-performing is only seeing a gain of 2.40%. The key reasoning behind the AUD’s strength is the country’s economic performance, limited risk to trade tensions, and hawkish monetary policy. For this reason, the market will be focusing on the Reserve Bank of Australia’s rate decision and guidance. Australia had been one of the few countries struggling with inflation. Even though inflation was not necessarily at a dangerous level, the rate did not fall below 3.00% for nine months. However, now with the energy difficulties, inflation is rising to severe levels, which can trigger a reaction from the RBA. Inflation in Australia is at 4.7%, higher than the US, Japan, EU, and the UK. Markets expect the RBA to increase interest rates from 4.10% to 4.35%, the highest since 2024. If the central bank does indeed hike tomorrow, the AUD may find further support. However, the forward guidance provided by the RBA governor, Michele Bullock, will also be key. In addition to the above, Australia’s first-quarter trade data was mixed. Import prices rose 0.1% QoQ but fell 0.3% YoY, as a stronger Australian Dollar helped offset higher import costs. Markets also watched reports of a potential 2.25% levy on Facebook, TikTok, and Google if they fail to agree on payment terms with local media for news content distribution. The measure could redirect around AUD 1.0-1.5B annually to the media sector. However, it may increase regulatory pressure on tech firms and risk a negative response from the White House, including possible trade tariff measures. HFM - EURAUD 30-Minute Chart A key interest for technical analysts has been the EURUSD and AUDUSD, as both currencies are the worst-performing. When monitoring the EURAUD, the wave patterns are clearly providing a bearish bias. Swing highs and lows are consecutively lower and the price continues to trade below key moving averages but not below the VWAP. As the price is forming a slight retracement during this morning’s Asian session, traders are closely watching for when momentum may be regained. If the price falls below 1.62720, a bearish breakout may indicate a further decline. If the price falls below 1.62666, sell signals are likely to strengthen. Crude Oil - Trump Offers To Assist Ships Out of the Strait of Hormuz Crude Oil is likely to have an influence on most currencies, even the Australian Dollar which is the best-performing. If the price of Crude Oil again rises, the US Dollar is known to follow, while the AUD is known to fall. The price of the commodity fell lower this morning but in recent minutes has seen strong bullish price action. Currently, investors are expecting the conflict to continue to de-escalate. This can be seen in the stock market as well as in the Dollar. However, Crude Oil is yet to fall below $100 per barrel. The latest developments are that President Trump has told ships that the US will help them through the Strait of Hormuz. In addition to this, China has told Chinese companies to defy any US sanctions while Iran continues to offer the US a one-month deal to end the conflict and reopen the Strait. HFM - Crude Oil 3-Hour Chart In terms of technical analysis, the price of Crude Oil towards the end of last week was seeing a significant drop. However, the price is largely trading upwards during today’s session. The bullish price movement is potentially also due to Trump’s tariff threats to the EU. However, if the price falls back below $101.90, sell signals will again materialise. Key Takeaways: Risk appetite has improved, supported by lower oil prices, strong earnings data, record-high stocks, and a falling VIX. The Australian Dollar remains strongly supported, with markets expecting the RBA to hike rates from 4.10% to 4.35%. Australian inflation remains a key concern, sitting at 4.7% and potentially forcing the RBA to maintain a hawkish stance. Oil remains a major market risk, as prices are still above $100 despite easing from recent highs. Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business. Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report. Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar. Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE! Click HERE to READ more Market news. Michalis Efthymiou HFMarkets Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
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