FX option expiries for Feb 2 NY cut

Coming on the day right after Thanksgiving in the United States, Back Friday marks the start of the holiday shopping season. Sales data from this shopping frenzy day reflects investor confidence and consumer trends. The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts that holiday season (Nov and Dec) retail sales in 2025 will likely exceed $1 trillion for the very first time, which represents a year-over-year increase of 3.7 to 4.2 percent. Historic data from the past decade show that the retail sector has generally outperformed the S&P 500 during the weeks before and after Black Friday. The following retailing companies are expected to be big winners:

Bitcoin price action shows signs of a potential short squeeze as it hovers near $88,000, with analysts watching liquidity dynamics that could push it toward $89,000 or retrace to $85,000.

Bitcoin (BTC) price continues to trade in green above $91,500 at the time of writing on Thursday after rebounding from the key support level.

Bitcoin holds steady above $90,000 as traders eye $100,000, buoyed by Thanksgiving market lull.

Gold (XAU/USD) attracts fresh buyers during the Asian session on Friday and climbs to a two-week high, with bulls now eyeing to reclaim the $4,200 mark amid dovish US Federal Reserve (Fed) expectations.