Abstract:Global Risk Aversion Deepens: Yen Surges, Pound Softens, Gold SteadiesGlobal equities came under renewed selling pressure on Thursday, erasing the brief rebound seen in the previous session. All three
Global Risk Aversion Deepens: Yen Surges, Pound Softens, Gold Steadies
Global equities came under renewed selling pressure on Thursday, erasing the brief rebound seen in the previous session. All three major U.S. indices closed lower — the Nasdaq dropped 1.90%, the S&P 500 lost 1.12%, and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell 2.39%, reflecting rising concerns over the AI-related sector.
In Asia, major indices showed resilience on Thursday, though Japans Nikkei 225 had already pulled back earlier in the week, signaling a cautious risk tone in regional markets.
Safe-Haven Bid Dominates FX
The Japanese yen remains the focal point in FX markets, as renewed global risk aversion has reignited its safe-haven appeal.
The yen strengthened notably on Thursday amid the equity market sell-off — a move consistent with previous risk-off episodes. This renewed demand also reflects ongoing carry trade unwinding, as leveraged positions built on Japans ultra-low rates continue to be unwound.

USDJPY, H4
USD/JPY is facing heavy resistance near 154.40, with recent price action suggesting fading bullish momentum.
Outlook: A sustained close below 153.00 would confirm a short-term bearish reversal, exposing the next downside target at 152.00. Such a move would highlight that risk aversion — rather than the dollars policy strength — is now becoming the dominant market driver.
BoEs Dovish Hold May Pressure Pound
The Bank of England (BoE) kept rates unchanged at 4.00% on Thursday, in line with market expectations. However, the 5–4 vote split revealed a close call, signaling a dovish hold as several members favored an immediate rate cut.
While the pound initially strengthened against the dollar — partly due to the greenbacks pullback — this move may prove temporary. As markets digest the dovish tone, sterling could come under renewed pressure, particularly against safe-haven currencies.
This dynamic places the GBP/JPY pair in a challenging position, facing dual pressure from a softer pound (driven by the BoEs dovish stance) and a stronger yen (supported by risk-off sentiment).

GBPJPY, H4 Chart
Technically, GBP/JPY has broken decisively below the 201.50–201.00 zone, confirming a clear reversal pattern.
In the near term, failure to recover above this key area would reinforce bearish sentiment, suggesting that markets are pricing in a faster pace of BoE easing while simultaneously seeking safety in the yen.
This leaves the pair vulnerable to further downside, with upcoming Japanese economic data or potential BoJ policy signals likely serving as catalysts for the next leg lower.
Gold Holds Its Ground Amid Safe-Haven Rotation
Interestingly, despite the broad risk-off sentiment, gold prices have shown only modest reaction so far. While the metal has not experienced the typical safe-haven surge seen in JPY, it appears to have found firm support near recent lows, suggesting consolidation before the next directional move.
If market volatility persists and yields soften, gold could regain its safe-haven appeal in the coming sessions.

XAU/USD, H4 Chart
From a technical perspective, while gold appears to have broken out from its recent converging triangle pattern, the move lacks clear momentum and confirmation.
Traders are now eyeing the $4000–$4030 resistance zone as the key threshold for a decisive bullish breakout. Conversely, the $3930–$3900 region serves as the lower boundary of the current range — a break below which could reopen the path toward deeper correction.
Bottom Line: Fragile Sentiment Amid Market Uncertainty
Market sentiment remains on edge as the U.S. government shutdown drags on, adding to the sense of uncertainty already weighing on risk assets. The ongoing political gridlock, coupled with concerns over tech sector overvaluation, continues to pressure investor confidence. Unless there is a clear improvement — such as progress on the U.S. political front or stronger-than-expected tech earnings in the coming week — market volatility is likely to persist.
Meanwhile, the data blackout caused by the shutdown has led to the cancellation of the Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) report for a second consecutive month, further clouding the outlook for the Federal Reserves policy path. This lack of clarity heightens investor caution, leaving markets sensitive to any policy-related or sentiment-driven developments.
Overall, the market tone today is expected to remain defensive and cautious.
Safe-haven flows continue to favor the Japanese yen, while risk assets, including equities, stay under pressure.