Crude oil analysis: WTI could be heading to low $50s soon.The big news in the energy market this week has been the Venezuelan oil story. Crude prices have taken a drop after President Trump said the US is to take control of up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude, adding to already oversupplied market.

Pound Sterling Price News and Forecast: Stalls near 1.3500 as strong US data, risk-off mood bite.Pound Sterling Price News and Forecast: Stalls near 1.3500 as strong US data, risk-off mood bite

What's Next for the US Dollar After the “Freedom Trade” Surge? – DXY Outlook.With the US economy still outperforming its peers, American firms dominating global equities, and the Fed remaining persistently reluctant to cut rates, participants are realizing that divorcing the Greenback is easier said than done.

Implications for the crude oil market From the U.S.-Venezuela Situation.On January 3rd, the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, expanding its economic influence particularly in Venezuela's oil sector.

US: ISM Services Showed Stronger Expansion in December.The ISM Services index improved in December, increasing from 52.6 to 54.4 in November. This is the third consecutive month of expansion.

US ISM services jumps to 54.4, employment returns to expansion.US services activity rebounded sharply in December, with the ISM Services PMI jumping from 52.6 to 54.4, well above expectations of 52.3, marking the highest level in more than a year. The reading sits comfortably above its 12-month average and points to a clear reacceleration in momentum toward year-end.

USD/JPY Hovers around 156.70 Amid Escalating China-Japan Tensions.Discover the latest updates on China-Japan tensions and their impact on the USD/JPY currency pair. Explore technical insights

US, Eurozone growth forecasts revised for 2026 – Société Générale.US, Eurozone growth forecasts revised for 2026 – Société Générale

US JOLTS Job Openings decline to 7.14 million in November vs. 7.6 million expected.US JOLTS Job Openings decline to 7.14 million in November vs. 7.6 million expected

US ISM Services PMI improves to 54.4 in December.US ISM Services PMI improves to 54.4 in December

Natural Gas Price Outlook – Natural Gas Bounces After Gap Higher.The natural gas market has gapped higher at the open of Wednesday, but still has some work to do before recovering.

JPY outperforms G10 in quiet trade – Scotiabank.JPY outperforms G10 in quiet trade – Scotiabank

Crude Oil Price Outlook – Crude Bounces After Dropping Early.Crude oil continues to test support on Wednesday, as the Venezuela situation continues to evolve. With 50 million barrels sent to the US, the reality is that it was less than 5 days' output.

GBP/JPY Price Forecast: Buyers remain in control despite near-term consolidation.GBP/JPY Price Forecast: Buyers remain in control despite near-term consolidation

US ADP jobs rose 41k, wage pressures hold firm.US private-sector job recovered at the end of 2025, with ADP reporting a 41k rise in employment in December, but missed expectations of 50k. Hiring remained uneven, with goods-producing jobs slipping -3k, while service-providing roles rose 44k.

United States ADP Employment Change below forecasts (47K) in December: Actual (41K).United States ADP Employment Change below forecasts (47K) in December: Actual (41K)

investingLive European markets wrap: Dollar steady ahead of ADP, precious metals cool off.There wasn't too much in the headlines in European trading today. The handover from Asia saw a higher Australian dollar after the softer but stickier inflation data, reaffirming the potential for a rate hike by the RBA in February.

Argentina's central bank inks $3 billion repo deal ahead of key debt payment.Argentina's central bank announced on Wednesday a $3 billion repurchase agreement (REPO) with six international banks, as part of broader efforts to bolster its foreign currency reserves ahead of a key debt repayment deadline.

Soft US dollar outlook set to linger along with Fed independence worries.The outlook for the U.S. dollar among currency strategists polled by Reuters remains bearish at the start of 2026, with a modest decline expected by year-end based on persistent concerns around Federal Reserve independence and the possibility of lower interest rates.

Oil News: Crude Oil Futures Fall as Venezuela Deal Sparks Oversupply Fears.Crude oil futures retreat as Trump's Venezuela deal sparks oversupply fears. Technical analysis shows key support at $56.38 tested amid geopolitical tension

EUR/JPY declines as geopolitical tensions, hawkish BoJ boost Yen.EUR/JPY declines as geopolitical tensions, hawkish BoJ boost Yen

USD/JPY forecast: Dollar needs a nudge from US data to get moving again.The US dollar has had a slightly choppy start to the year, initially catching a bid on the back of weekend developments in Venezuela before giving some of that ground back, only to recover again into Tuesday. What's notable, though, is how quickly markets have brushed aside the geopolitical noise – not just from Venezuela, but also from Greenland.

Old Fears About Euro Have Returned.Buy the rumour, sell the fact. The strengthening of the US dollar is due to expectations of positive labour market statistics, a chance of another easing from the Fed in March fell to 45%, and demand for safe-haven assets in a changing world.

Dollar Consolidates as American Exceptionalism Returns.Drivers: The US dollar is trading narrowly mixed against the G10 currencies. The market has an eye toward the US employment data, which often roils trading, due Friday.

 USD/JPY wavers around 156.70 with all eyes on US employment data. USD/JPY wavers around 156.70 with all eyes on US employment data

RUB: Russian Oil exports plunge, revenue falls sharply – Commerzbank.RUB: Russian Oil exports plunge, revenue falls sharply – Commerzbank

US ISM services set to reflect a slowdown in activity towards the end of last year.The estimate is for the headline PMI reading to drop to 52.3, down from 52.6 in November. That will point to a further moderation in business activity to round up the year, as reflected in the S&P Global PMI report yesterday here.

USD/JPY holds below 158.90 amid China-Japan tensions – BBH.USD/JPY holds below 158.90 amid China-Japan tensions – BBH

USD/JPY: Expected to edge higher to 157.15 – UOB Group.USD/JPY: Expected to edge higher to 157.15 – UOB Group

AUD leads G10 and eyes 0.6800 – BBH.AUD leads G10 and eyes 0.6800 – BBH