Australia CFTC AUD NC Net Positions down to $-629K from previous $-84.2K

United States CFTC Oil NC Net Positions climbed from previous 55K to 584K

United Kingdom CFTC GBP NC Net Positions declined to £-755K from previous £-93.2K

United States CFTC Gold NC Net Positions rose from previous $204.6K to $2239K

Eurozone CFTC EUR NC Net Positions up to €1388K from previous €94.1K

Japan CFTC JPY NC Net Positions up to ¥174K from previous ¥26.5K

United States CFTC S&P 500 NC Net Positions: $-1904K vs previous $-155.3K

Gold (XA/USD) surges during the North American session on Friday, up 0.30% despite rising US Treasury bond yields and of the US Dollar, which is poised to finish the week with modest gains of 0.25%. At the time of writing, XAU/USD trades at $4,344 after bouncing off daily lows of $4,309.

The US Dollar Index (DXY) is on a three-day winning streak, although gains are modest, the index is heading into the weekly close near the 98.60 price region, after a softer-than-expected United States (US) Consumer Price Index (CPI) was released on Thursday, briefly weighing on the US Dollar.

The Japanese Yen (JPY) weakens sharply against the US Dollar (USD) on Friday as the Yen slumps across the board following the Bank of Japan’s interest rate decision. At the time of writing, USD/JPY is trading around 157.48, up nearly 1.20%, its highest level since November 21.

United States Baker Hughes US Oil Rig Count down to 406 from previous 414

The Canadian Dollar (CAD) trades little changed against the US Dollar (USD) on Friday, as a rebound in the Greenback keeps USD/CAD confined within its week-old range. At the time of writing, the pair is trading around 1.3784, recovering slightly after dipping to an intraday low near 1.3755.

The GBP/USD hovers around familiar levels yet it has dropped below the 1.3400 mark on Friday after Retail Sales in the UK missed estimates and Fed speakers crossed the wires. At the time of writing, the pair trades at around 1.3370, virtually unchanged.

The Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) 25bp rate hike to a 30-year high of 0.75% failed to support the yen, as cautious guidance from Governor Ueda undercut confidence.

Pound Sterling’s (GBP) post-BoE push through 1.34 has reversed alongside a broader US Dollar (USD) rebound, leaving GBP/USD back near the middle of its recent range.

The Euro (EUR) failed to sustain gains following the European Central Bank (ECB) decision, even as unchanged rates and upgraded growth projections reinforced the view that the easing cycle has ended, Scotiabank's Chief FX Strategists Shaun Osborne and Eric Theoret report.

Dogecoin (DOGE) is edging higher, trading above $0.1300 at the time of writing on Friday, reflecting positive sentiment across the cryptocurrency market.

The Canadian Dollar (CAD) is edging lower in tandem with its peers as the US Dollar (USD) firms into the end of the week, though downside pressure remains contained.

The US Dollar (USD) is closing the week on a stronger footing, rising against all major currencies, with the Japanese Yen (JPY) the clear laggard despite the Bank of Japan’s rate hike to 0.75%.

Eurozone Consumer Confidence below forecasts (-14) in December: Actual (-14.6)

United States UoM 1-year Consumer Inflation Expectations came in at 4.2%, above forecasts (4.1%) in December

United States Michigan Consumer Expectations Index registered at 54.6, below expectations (55) in December

United States UoM 5-year Consumer Inflation Expectation in line with forecasts (3.2%) in December

United States Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index came in at 52.9, below expectations (53.4) in December

United States Existing Home Sales (MoM) below forecasts (4.2M) in November: Actual (4.13M)

United States Existing Home Sales Change (MoM) dipped from previous 1.2% to 0.5% in November

Japan’s House of Councilors Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama spoke at an online meeting with other G7 finance ministers on Friday.