US February Challenger layoffs 48.307k vs 108.435k prior.US-based employers announced 48,307 job cuts in February 2026, and that is down ~72% compared to the same month last year. More to come.

Natural Gas and Oil Forecast: Warship Risks Spike Prices – Is a $90 Oil Moonshot Next?.WTI crude futures surge past $76 as supply risks ignite a bullish rally. With momentum targeting $80.72, discover the key levels driving the 5-week price high.

Mexico Consumer Confidence up to 44.5 in February from previous 44.3.Mexico Consumer Confidence up to 44.5 in February from previous 44.3

Mexico Consumer Confidence s.a up to 44.4 in February from previous 44.Mexico Consumer Confidence s.a up to 44.4 in February from previous 44

A friendly reminder that we do have the US non-farm payrolls tomorrow.The consensus is for a softer reading in the headline non-farm payrolls figure, following the strong showing in January. The first month of the year typically has seasonal factors imbued and this time, we are expected to see job gains of 59k.

EUR/JPY declines as safe-haven demand supports Yen, Euro faces mixed signals.EUR/JPY declines as safe-haven demand supports Yen, Euro faces mixed signals

Ireland Gross Domestic Product (YoY) below forecasts (3.4%) in 4Q: Actual (2.2%).Ireland Gross Domestic Product (YoY) below forecasts (3.4%) in 4Q: Actual (2.2%)

Ireland Gross Domestic Product (QoQ) down to -3.8% in 4Q from previous -0.3%.Ireland Gross Domestic Product (QoQ) down to -3.8% in 4Q from previous -0.3%

ECB officials split between caution and baseline calm on war risks.ECB policymakers signaled caution today as they assessed the potential economic fallout from the escalating conflict involving Iran. While acknowledging the risk that higher energy prices could complicate the inflation outlook, officials indicated that the situation does not yet warrant a shift in monetary policy.

Natural Gas News: Supply Disruption Jitters, Weather Demand Worries Before EIA Report.Natural gas futures hold gains as supply disruption fears and Middle East tensions offset warmer weather outlook, with traders awaiting the EIA inventory report.

Rupee ends higher, Middle East conflict to keep RBI support in play.The Indian ​rupee logged its biggest one-day ​gain in a month on Thursday after the ​Reserve Bank of India stepped in aggressively to shore up the currency, with bankers expecting the central bank to stay on guard as geopolitical risks persist.

Crude Oil Surge Tests 2025 Highs as Middle East Conflict Pressures Global Markets.Following a pattern observed since 2006, the second year under a new presidency has often leaned toward consolidation or drawdowns, after a first year marked by aggressive policy shifts. In other words, it has historically served as a phase for markets to reset momentum before continuing their broader trend.

Eurozone retail sales slip -0.1% mom in January as non-food spending weakens.Eurozone retail sales slipped -0.1% mom in January, falling short of expectations for a 0.2% increase. Looking at the breakdown, spending on food, drinks and tobacco rose 0.3%, providing the only notable source of support.

ECB's Nagel says long Iran war would push up inflation.A long war in Iran would push up inflation in the euro ​zone and hurt growth but it is ‌still too early to draw any conclusion about the conflict, European Central Bank policymaker Joachim Nagel said ​on Thursday.

ECB shouldn't be too optimistic about early end of Iran war, Rehn says.The European Central ​Bank shouldn't be ‌too optimistic about an early resolution ​of the ​Iran war, which may ⁠push up ​inflation and depress ​economic growth in the euro zone, ECB ​policymaker Olli ​Rehn said on Thursday.

France 10-y Bond Auction: 3.39% vs 3.38%.France 10-y Bond Auction: 3.39% vs 3.38%

Brent Oil: Prices climb on geopolitical risks – Deutsche Bank.Brent Oil: Prices climb on geopolitical risks – Deutsche Bank

Eurozone Retail Sales (YoY) above expectations (1.7%) in January: Actual (2%).Eurozone Retail Sales (YoY) above expectations (1.7%) in January: Actual (2%)

Crude Oil –05.03.2026.  Oil opened with a gap after U.S. and Israel's treacherous attack on Iran while the Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced the closing of Hormuz. Such disruptions could cause more spikes on Oil prices which could lead for a further advance.

USD/JPY –05.03.2026.The post USD/JPY –05.03.2026 appeared first on Orbex Forex Trading Blog.

Chart alert: DAX's dead cat bounce may have ended, watch 24,000 downside trigger.European equities remain under pressure after a sharp selloff, with the DAX attempting a brief rebound that may prove to be a “dead cat bounce.” Rising geopolitical risks from the US–Iran conflict and energy supply concerns continue to weigh on sentiment.

UK firms' wage growth expectations stick near four-year low in February, BoE Survey shows.British employers' expectations for ​wage growth held at ‌their joint-lowest in nearly four years in ​February, according ​to a survey published by ⁠the Bank ​of England, which is ​looking out for further signs of a slowdown ​in pay pressure ​before it next cuts interest ‌rates.

US futures bounce back up again, dollar pares gains on the day too.The volatile trading continues on the week and it's tough to hold any intraday convictions. S&P 500 futures were down by as much as 0.5% earlier on but have now climbed back up to pare losses to be up 0.1% on the day.

Iran is ready to abandon its nuclear program if the US makes a satisfactory offer.Sky News Arabia reported that Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister said "Iran is ready to abandon its nuclear program on condition that the United States presents a satisfactory alternative offer".

Italy Retail Sales s.a. (MoM) came in at 0.6%, above expectations (0.2%) in January.Italy Retail Sales s.a. (MoM) came in at 0.6%, above expectations (0.2%) in January

Italy Retail Sales n.s.a (YoY) up to 2.3% in January from previous 0.9%.Italy Retail Sales n.s.a (YoY) up to 2.3% in January from previous 0.9%

Italy Retail Sales s.a. (MoM) below expectations (0.2%) in January: Actual (-0.8%).Italy Retail Sales s.a. (MoM) below expectations (0.2%) in January: Actual (-0.8%)

Spain Industrial Output Cal Adjusted (YoY) registered at 0.3%, below expectations (1.7%) in January.Spain Industrial Output Cal Adjusted (YoY) registered at 0.3%, below expectations (1.7%) in January

Switzerland Unemployment Rate s.a (MoM) increased to 3% in February from previous 2.9%.Switzerland Unemployment Rate s.a (MoM) increased to 3% in February from previous 2.9%

France Industrial Output (MoM) in line with expectations (0.5%) in January.France Industrial Output (MoM) in line with expectations (0.5%) in January