Markets remain largely range-bound amid uncertainty surrounding the standoff between Washington and Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz. Market participants are increasingly questioning whether the US dollar will react to the employment reports scheduled for release this week or whether they will once again be overshadowed by geopolitical developments.

Let us examine this important issue more closely. The confrontation between the United States and Iran, particularly regarding access to the Strait of Hormuz and the uninterrupted passage of oil tankers in both directions, remains the dominant market theme. This factor has significantly distorted market behavior, with the Middle East conflict continuing to overshadow other important issues, including the possibility of interest rate increases in the United States and other economies amid the risk of accelerating inflation and its potential negative consequences for both national and global economic growth.

This week, employment-related data will be released, including the ADP report on private-sector job creation on Wednesday and the official US Department of Labor employment report on Friday. Current forecasts suggest that private-sector employment may increase in May, while the official report is expected to show a decline in overall job growth.

Given the substantial influence of the Middle East crisis, can employment data still trigger a meaningful appreciation or depreciation of the US dollar?

Observing market behavior since March, during which traders have repeatedly ignored most fundamental data releases—except, perhaps, inflation figures—it is difficult to expect a significant change in market sentiment. The Middle East conflict remains characterized by a high degree of uncertainty and fragile conditions. As a result, most financial markets, with the notable exception of the US equity market, continue to exhibit largely sideways price action.

What, then, can be expected from today's trading session?

The market reaction to either stronger- or weaker-than-expected US employment data is likely to remain limited. This could further reinforce the current lack of directional momentum across markets. As for US equities, the exceptionally strong investor interest in the artificial intelligence sector may begin to fade by autumn, potentially exposing valuations that have expanded significantly in recent years.

Forecast of the Day:

GOLD

Gold is trading above the support level of 4,490.00. Reduced geopolitical tensions related to the Middle East conflict could contribute to a continuation of the decline toward 4,400.00. Under this scenario, short positions may be considered from the 4,483.20 level.

#USDX

The US Dollar Index remains within the 98.00–99.40 range amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding developments in the Middle East crisis. A downside breakout from this range could lead to a decline toward 98.50. Short positions may be considered from the 98.87 level.