Morning Оverview of Upcoming Events and What to Expect

Today’s main focus on the economic calendar is on the data coming out of the United Kingdom early in the morning – including monthly GDP, industrial and manufacturing production, as well as the trade balance. These reports will show the current state of the British economy.

From the Eurozone, inflation data from Germany and France is expected, providing insight into price pressures in the two largest European economies.

China is releasing statistics on new loans, an important indicator of credit activity and economic support.

Later in the day, the NIESR will publish its monthly GDP estimate for the UK, while Canada will report building permits and wholesale trade data.

In the United States, the number of active oil and total rigs will be published, which is important for the oil markets. The day ends with the CFTC reports on speculative positions in the British pound and crude oil, showing sentiment among large market participants.

Link to the full calendar:
https://calendar.varchevbrokers.com/calendar.php?lang=bg

Top 5 things to know before European markets open

1. Asian markets are trading higher, led by Hong Kong and Japan. Chinese consumer stocks are rising as the government prioritises boosting domestic demand in the new year. Meanwhile, Japan’s Topix reached a record high, supported by gains in financial companies. European futures are higher, while US futures lag behind.
2. SoftBank is considering potential acquisitions, including the company Switch, according to people familiar with the matter. The owners of Switch are seeking a valuation of around $50 billion, including debt, if a deal is reached.
3. Broadcom shares fell about 5% after Thursday’s close, erasing earlier gains, as the company’s sales outlook in a fast-growing sector failed to meet investors’ high expectations.
4. The US Treasury Department is preparing a new corporate tax relief mechanism that could bring substantial savings to companies. Guidance may be published as early as next week.
5. Oil prices are rising, though they remain lower for the week. The seizure of an oil supertanker off the coast of Venezuela marks a new phase in the Trump administration’s intensified pressure campaign against Nicolás Maduro, according to sources familiar with the operation.

Forex options expiring today

Today’s list of expiring FX options includes significant volumes that may influence short-term price action in major currency pairs. The biggest “magnet levels” appear in EUR/USD, USD/JPY and GBP/USD, where the size of the expiries may impact price behaviour around the New York session.

EUR/USD
Significant expiries are clustered around:
• 1.1600 – €935.93 mln
• 1.1800 – €737.28 mln
• 1.1700 – €664.57 mln

These levels often act as attraction zones, especially if the market is within 30–50 pips ahead of the New York Cut (10:00 ET).

USD/JPY
• 155.00 – $1.52 bln
A very large expiry that may anchor price action near 155.00 if volatility remains moderate.

GBP/USD
• 1.3250 – £781.13 mln
• 1.3415 – £421.17 mln

These levels may influence intraday movement in the pound.

USD/CHF
• 0.8000 – $350.67 mln
• 0.7700 – $300.00 mln

These are key support/resistance levels that may limit price action around expiry.

USD/CAD
• 1.3800 – $652.00 mln
• 1.3940 – $600.00 mln

The expiries are relatively balanced and may dampen sharp moves.

AUD/USD
• 0.6650 – AUD 643.09 mln

EUR/GBP
Significant expiries at:
• 0.8700 – €627.24 mln
• 0.8800 – €486.21 mln
• 0.8650 – €513.20 mln