U.S. March employment data and tariffs developments dominate this week’s focus, with key indicators like job openings and ADP hiring reports. | Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
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Key Takeaways
Investors are looking ahead to Friday’s U.S. jobs report, following weaker-than-expected growth in February.
Wednesday marks a significant day for trade policy as President Trump is expected to unveil his “Liberation Day” plan for reciprocal tariffs.
Gold prices continue to soar, surpassing $3,100, driven by fears of a global trade war and U.S. stagflation.
As global markets brace for another week of uncertainty, all eyes are on Washington, where significant trade policy developments and the release of key U.S. employment data could steer the financial landscape.
While Friday’s jobs report will reveal insights into the strength of the U.S. labor market, the looming threat of escalating tariffs has investors on edge, with the potential for significant global fallout.
U.S. March employment data is due this week, but investors may focus more on trade policy developments from Washington.
Investors will track Friday’s jobs report following February’s weaker-than-expected growth. February’s job growth fell short of expectations, with unemployment increasing to 4.1%.
However, last month indicated that the labor market remained resilient despite the challenges of high interest rates.
Other key employment indicators include Tuesday’s job openings data, Wednesday’s ADP hiring report, and Thursday’s jobless claims.
On the other side of the Atlantic, it won’t be a week full of macro events, with Tuesday’s only eurozone inflation report under the spotlight.
Trump Readies ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs
Wednesday will be a key day for trade policy. President Trump is expected to announce his ‘Liberation Day’ plan for reciprocal tariffs and share further details on other initiatives.
Investors are eager to clarify how these new duties will impact countries. However, the uncertainty surrounding reciprocal tariffs has dampened market sentiment.
This weekend, a report from The Washington Post indicated that Trump urges advisers to consider even more aggressive actions in enforcing the levies.
Furthermore, some previously announced tariffs will take effect early Thursday morning. Trump is preparing to implement reciprocal tariffs on additional U.S. trading partners, with a 25% tariff on foreign-made cars also set to take effect Thursday.
Gold Remains Under Spotlight
Gold prices continue their record-breaking rally, surpassing $3,100 amid growing fears of a global trade war and stagflation in the U.S., driving safe-haven demand.
Markets are in “sell everything” mode as anxiety mounts over the potential escalation of a global tariff conflict. This could drive inflation and hamper global economic growth. In times of uncertainty and turmoil, investors often turn to gold as a safe-haven asset.
Gold price risks a correction as the daily RSI has entered into an extremely overbought zone. | Credit: FXStreet
The U.S. dollar and U.S. Treasury yields are taking the hardest hit from growing fears of U.S. stagflation, further fueling the record-breaking rally in gold prices.
However, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) nearing 76, a correction could be imminent if traders begin to take profits before the tariff announcements.
Giuseppe Ciccomascolo began his career as an investigative journalist in Italy, where he contributed to both local and national newspapers, focusing on various financial sectors.
Upon relocating to London, he worked as an analyst for Fitch's CapitalStructure and later as a Senior Reporter for Alliance News. In 2017, Giuseppe transitioned to covering cryptocurrency-related news, producing documentaries and articles on Bitcoin and other emerging digital currencies. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the academy for a cryptocurrency exchange website. Crypto remained his primary area of interest throughout his tenure as a writer for ThirdFloor.
