Daily Global Market Update – 28th Feb 2025

Market Update: February 28, 2025Markets are reeling as risk aversion dominates on Friday, February 28, 2025. With key support levels crumbling and critical U.S. data looming, here’s the latest rundown of today’s financial headlines. Equities and Tech Take a HitThe Nasdaq is in freefall, dropping to 20,576 with no buyers stepping in where support was desperately needed—an ugly signal for tech-heavy indices. Nvidia’s upbeat forecast failed to inspire confidence, instead triggering an 8% overnight selloff as investors cashed out, wary of overstretched valuations and a broader risk-off wave. Adding to the tech sector’s woes, Apple faces a lawsuit challenging its ‘carbon neutral’ claims for watches, potentially denting its ESG credentials and investor sentiment. Currency Markets on EdgeThe AUD/USD remains under pressure, eyeing a slide toward 0.6200 as traders await U.S. PCE inflation data, a key gauge of Federal Reserve policy direction. Meanwhile, the USD/JPY is buckling under intense selling, hovering near 149.50. Despite weak Tokyo CPI and Japan’s retail trade figures, the yen is holding firm as a safe-haven amid risk aversion and a sell-off in U.S. Treasury yields. Gold Breaches SupportGold prices have pierced through a critical $2,890 support level, with the precious metal now vulnerable ahead of the U.S. PCE inflation report. A hotter-than-expected reading could further pressure gold as yields rise, while a softer report might offer some relief to bulls. OutlookIt’s a rough day for risk assets, with the Nasdaq’s collapse, Nvidia’s stumble, and gold’s breakdown painting a grim picture. Currency traders are laser-focused on the upcoming U.S. PCE data, which could either deepen the selloff or provide a lifeline. Apple’s legal headache adds another layer of uncertainty to an already shaky tech landscape. With USD/JPY and AUD/USD signaling persistent caution, markets are bracing for a bumpy ride into the weekend.