Trading Week Ahead: Gold Breaks Momentum After a Parabolic Run
After the Fed kept rates unchanged at 3.75%, markets are turning their focus to JOLTS, ISM Services, and Nonfarm Payrolls, which will provide new insight into labour demand and economic momentum. Last week’s sharp pullback on gold after its parabolic rally shows how fragile sentiment remains, and this week’s reports could quickly reshape rate expectations and market direction.
👉 JOLTS Job Openings
December job openings are forecast to rise slightly to 7.23 million from 7.146 million. The Fed monitors this closely since elevated openings suggest wage pressure and inflation risk. A weaker print could support dovish expectations and weigh on the dollar.
👉 ISM Services PMI
The index is expected to slip to 53.5 from the previous 54.4. With services making up over 77% of the US economy, a strong print may signal sticky inflation. A miss could boost equities and pressure the dollar.
👉 Nonfarm Payrolls
January NFP is forecast at 60,000 after a weak 50,000 print in December. A strong report would reinforce the Fed’s hawkish stance. A downside surprise may lift risk assets unless it is too soft and sparks recession fears.
Date
Time
Instrument
Event
Tuesday, Feb. 3
JOLTS Job Openings (Dec)
Wednesday, Feb. 4
ADP Non-Farm Employment Change
ISM Services PMI
Thursday, Feb. 5
Official Bank Rate
Main Refinancing Rate
Friday, Feb. 6
Unemployment Rate
Nonfarm Payrolls
Prelim UoM Consumer, Inflation Expectations
*All times in the table are in GMT+1
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