USA Rare Earth Stock Soars Further on Report Trump to Stockpile Critical Metals



Shares of USA Rare Earth (USAR) surged for a second straight session Tuesday following a report that President Donald Trump intends to stockpile critical deep-sea metals to counter China.

Shares of the Stillwater, Okla.-based company soared 41% yesterday after the Financial Times reported over the weekend that the Trump administration was “drafting an executive order to enable the stockpiling of metal found on the Pacific Ocean seabed, in an effort to counter China’s dominance of battery minerals and rare earth supply chains.”

USA Rare Earth, whose stock jumped a further 26% in intraday trading Tuesday, did not immediately respond to an Investopedia request for comment.

Alexander Gray, an Asia expert who served in the first Trump administration, told the FT that “catalyzing U.S. government focus on the areas of greatest vulnerability to (People’s Republic of China) ambitions is essential,” as China views the deep seabed as “a front line in economic and military competition with the U.S.”

Shares of USA Rare Earth had been down about 28% in 2025 until this week’s surge.



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7 Best Crypto & Bitcoin Casinos for UK Players (2025)


best crypto casinos uk

As the popularity of cryptocurrency gambling continues to surge, the UK has seen a notable rise in cryptocurrency casinos offering diverse gaming experiences, impressive bonuses, and secure transactions. 

However, with the abundance of platforms to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which crypto casino is worth your time and which will fit your needs bets.

In this article, we narrowed down the selection of the best crypto casinos in the UK to 7 platforms that offer rich bonuses, a sleek and modern user experience, and an impressive selection of games.

List of the best Bitcoin casinos in the UK for 2025

  1. JackBit – Diverse gaming options and up to 100 free spins
  2. Flush.com – Over 1,500 games and generous ongoing promotions
  3. 7Bit Casino – Extensive slot games and 75 free spins no deposit
  4. WSM Casino – 200% welcome bonus and exciting promotions
  5. Cryptorino – 100% welcome bonus up to 1 BTC + weekly cashback and sports freebets
  6. BC.Game – Huge welcome package and daily Lucky Spins
  7. Mega Dice – Provably fair gaming with high security

The 7 best casinos for UK players

In the sections that follow, we will examine the best cryptocurrency casinos available in the UK market right now.

1. JackBitDiverse gaming options and up to 100 free spins

jackbit

JackBit is a top crypto casino, known for its comprehensive gaming portfolio, which includes slots, live casino, table games, and a sportsbook. This diversity allows players to enjoy a wide range of gambling activities under one roof. New users can take advantage of up to 100 free spins on the popular slot game “Book of Dead” with a minimum deposit of $50 using the promo code “WELCOME.” This promotion provides an excellent opportunity for players to explore the casino’s offerings and potentially win big without risking too much of their own money.

In addition to its impressive game selection, JackBit offers a seamless user experience with a well-designed website and responsive customer support. The platform supports multiple cryptocurrencies, making it easy for players to deposit and withdraw funds securely. JackBit also features regular promotions and tournaments, ensuring that there are always exciting opportunities to enhance the gaming experience. Whether you’re a fan of sports betting or prefer the thrill of live casino games, JackBit provides a versatile and engaging environment for all types of players​​.

2. Flush.com – Over 1,500 games and generous ongoing promotions

flush.com

Flush.com stands out with its extensive library of over 1,500 games from top providers, catering to a wide array of player preferences. The platform’s game selection includes popular slots, table games, live dealer games, and specialty games. This vast collection ensures that players have access to the latest and most exciting titles in the industry. New players are greeted with a generous welcome bonus of up to 150% on their first deposit, providing a significant initial boost to their bankroll. This welcome bonus is split into two tiers, based on the deposit amount, allowing players to choose the option that best suits their needs.

Flush.com also excels in its ongoing promotions, such as the $2.3M Non-Stop Drop and the $1M Mega Wheel Madness. These promotions keep the excitement alive and offer players numerous opportunities to win big. The casino’s 10-tier VIP program is designed to reward loyal players with exclusive benefits, including free spins, cashback, and personalized support. With its user-friendly interface, robust security measures, and commitment to providing a top-notch gaming experience, Flush.com is a premier destination for Bitcoin casino enthusiasts​​​​.

3. 7Bit Casino – Extensive slot games and 75 free spins no deposit

7bit casino

7Bit Casino is renowned for its extensive range of slot games and attractive bonus offers, making it a popular choice among crypto gamblers not only in the UK but also in Australia and other countries. Case in point, 7Bit ranks as one of the top crypto casinos for Australian players. New players are welcomed with 75 free spins without any deposit requirement, simply by using the promo code “75BIT.” This no-deposit bonus provides an excellent opportunity for players to explore the casino and try out various games without any financial commitment. The casino’s welcome package also includes bonuses on the first four deposits, allowing players to receive up to 5 BTC and an additional 160 free spins.

The platform boasts a sleek and user-friendly interface, ensuring a seamless gaming experience across all devices. 7Bit Casino supports various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, offering secure and fast transactions. Regular promotions, such as weekly races and cashback offers, keep the excitement alive and provide players with numerous chances to boost their winnings. With its impressive game selection, generous bonuses, and commitment to player satisfaction, 7Bit Casino remains a top choice for crypto casino enthusiasts​​​​.

4. WSM Casino – 200% welcome bonus and exciting promotions

Wall Street Memes Casino

WSM Casino is a newcomer that has quickly gained traction due to its enticing promotions and user-friendly interface. This platform offers a 200% welcome bonus up to $25,000 and an additional 50 free spins plus 10 free bets. The generous welcome package provides a substantial boost for new players, making it easier to explore the wide range of games available. Players can enjoy a variety of slots, table games, and live dealer experiences, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Additionally, WSM Casino runs several lucrative promotions, which offer ongoing rewards and incentives for frequent players. The platform also has a well-designed VIP program with multiple tiers. Each tier provides increasingly attractive benefits such as weekly cashback, free spins, and dedicated support. With its combination of impressive bonuses, a broad game selection, and a player-centric approach, WSM Casino stands out as a top choice for Bitcoin and crypto gamblers in the UK​​.

5. Cryptorino – 100% welcome bonus up to 1 BTC + weekly cashback and sports freebets

Cryptorino

Cryptorino is a newer crypto casino that’s already making a name for itself in the UK scene. The platform features over 6,000 games, including slots, live dealer tables, jackpots, and a full sportsbook covering both traditional sports and esports. UK players can place bets on football, rugby, F1, tennis, MMA, and more, or explore esports markets like League of Legends, CS:GO, and Valorant. Payments are flexible, with support for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and Tether, along with Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other fiat options.

The casino’s welcome bonus offers 100% up to 1 BTC on the first deposit, and regular users benefit from 10% weekly cashback plus a Thursday sports freebet promo that goes up to $500 based on net losses. While the bonus comes with a steep 80x wagering requirement to be completed in 7 days, the platform makes up for it with fast transactions, an intuitive interface, and no KYC required when playing with crypto. For UK players seeking a clean, crypto-optimized sportsbook and casino hybrid, Cryptorino is a worthy pick.

6. BC.Game – Huge welcome package and daily Lucky Spins

bc.game

BC.Game offers one of the most generous welcome packages in the crypto casino industry, designed to attract and retain new players. New users can receive up to 470% on their first four deposits, totaling up to $1,600 plus an additional 400 spins. This substantial bonus is split into four parts, providing continuous incentives for players to keep depositing and playing. In addition to the welcome bonus, BC.Game features unique promotions such as daily Lucky Spins, where players can earn extra rewards based on their VIP level and wagering activity.

BC.Game’s platform is well-regarded for its wide variety of games, including slots, table games, and a dedicated sportsbook. The casino also offers a distinctive feature where users can earn up to 10% interest on their deposited BCD through the Vault Pro program. This innovative approach allows players to earn passive income while enjoying their favorite games. With its extensive promotional offers, diverse game selection, and innovative features, BC.Game is a standout option for Bitcoin casino enthusiasts looking for a dynamic and rewarding gaming experience​​.

7. Mega Dice – Provably fair gaming with high security

mega dice

Mega Dice is a top-tier crypto casino known for its provably fair gaming and high-security standards, ensuring a safe and transparent gambling experience. The casino offers a robust selection of games, including dice games, slots, and live dealer games, catering to a wide range of player preferences. Mega Dice’s commitment to fairness and transparency is evident through its use of blockchain technology, which allows players to verify the fairness of each game outcome.

Mega Dice consistently offers competitive bonuses and maintains a strong reputation in the crypto gambling community. Its promo offering is headlined by the 200% bonus of up to 1 BTC, which comes with 50 free spins as well. The platform’s user-friendly design and responsive customer support make it easy for players to navigate and enjoy their gaming experience. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or new to the world of Bitcoin casinos, Mega Dice provides a secure and enjoyable environment to try your luck and potentially win big.

Conclusion

Choosing the right crypto casino can significantly enhance your online gambling experience. The casinos included on our list each offer unique features and bonuses that cater to different player preferences. Whether you’re a high roller or a casual gamer, these platforms provide excellent opportunities to enjoy secure, entertaining, and rewarding crypto gambling in the UK.



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The Economy Is on Solid Footing Despite Tariff Turmoil, Bank of America CEO Says



Risks are mounting, but the economy is still in a good place, according to Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan. 

Moynihan on the company’s first-quarter earnings call Tuesday morning said the bank’s research team “does not currently believe we’ll see a recession in 2025,” though it has lowered its growth rate estimates for US gross domestic product. The bank doesn’t expect the Fed to cut rates this year, he said.

Bank of America (BAC) topped first-quarter earnings estimates on Tuesday. Other big banks have also reported better-than-expected results for the quarter when market volatility fueled big gains in trading revenue for many. 

Moynihan joined other big bank executives in expressing some concern about economic uncertainty. He noted that the odds of a recession had increased recently, but added it would be “a very slight recession, and we should fare well on that.” 

Moynihan pointed to healthy consumer spending and business data as reasons for optimism. Consumer spending, he said, continued to grow at a strong clip in the first quarter despite concerns that tariffs will force Americans to rein in their spending. Certain retailers may be seeing slower sales, he said, “but in the aggregate, the consumer keeps pushing money into the economy.” 

BofA’s business clients also ended the quarter on stable footing, according to Moynihan. “As we look at our business side and what our business clients are telling [us], in the current setting they remain profitable, liquid and have strong results,” he said.



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Trump Has Hinted At Privatizing Federal Student Loans. What Would That Look Like?



KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • President Donald Trump recently signed an Executive Order initiating the closure of the Department of Education and hinted at privatizing student loans.
  • Federal student loans were privately held with government backing until 2010. Some conservative politicians say privatization would reduce federal spending and encourage borrowers to pay their debt.
  • It may be difficult to convince Congress and lenders to privatize student loans, as the transition would be costly and difficult.

Recent moves suggest President Donald Trump may push to privatize the federal student loan system, but experts say he could have a hard time getting lenders and lawmakers on board.

Trump recently signed an Executive Order initiating the closure of the Department of Education. In the order, the administration said the Department of Eductions handles more than $1.6 trillion in student debt, equating it to the size of one of the U.S.’s biggest banks, Wells Fargo. Yet, the department has fewer than 1,500 employees in the Office of Federal Student Aid, compared to more than 200,000 employees at Wells Fargo, the order said.

“The Department of Education is not a bank, and it must return bank functions to an entity equipped to serve America’s students,” Trump said in the executive order.

In addition, a day after Trump signed the order, he said the Small Business Administration (SBA) will take on the management of federal student loans. The SBA guarantees loans for small businesses issued by private banks and other financial institutions.

These moves could signal a push to privatize student loans, Mark Kantrowitz, a student loan expert, told Investopedia in an email. The White House and Department of Education did not respond to a requests for comment; however, there is a precedent for a private federal student loan system.

What Would Privatizing Students Look Like?

Federal student loans were facilitated privately with the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program until 2010.

When the FFEL program still provided new loans, the Department of Education worked with private lenders to offer student loans with federal government guarantees. Some borrowers still hold FFEL loans, but in many cases, these borrowers are ineligible for most federal student loan relief programs.

This would be more widespread if student loans were privatized. Borrowers would likely lose federal forgiveness and discharge programs, in addition to flexible repayment options, Kantrowitz wrote in an article for The College Investor.

Some conservative politicians criticize the student loan program for spending too much on forgiveness programs and not incentivizing borrowers to pay back their debt. According to a report from the Government Accountability Office, federal student loans cost the federal government $197 billion as of fiscal year 2021.

“Since private lenders would take financial losses if they lend to students…they have an incentive to steer students toward institutions and programs whose graduates typically earn enough to repay their debts,” said fellows from think tank American Enterprise Institute in a report. “Privatizing the federal student loan program would save taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars.”

Will Trump Be Able To Privatize Student Loans?

Student loans could return to a privatized system, but it would need Congressional approval, and private servicers may not be willing to take the large student loan portfolio, experts said.

To privatize existing student loans, the federal government would likely need to sell the existing portfolio to private lenders. However, private loan servicers are unlikely to be able to fund more than a trillion dollars through capital markets and bond issues, Kantrowitz said.

“Even with a steep haircut, discounting the portfolio by 50%, they just don’t have the money,” Kantrowitz said. “If they were to try to sell the portfolio for that, how will Congress be able to fund such a huge write-down?”

The federal government would need to provide guarantees or subsidies to make the loans attractive to private lenders. Yet, even with this, private lenders may not have the administrative capacity to manage all student loans and would likely resort to working with existing loan servicers, Kantrowitz wrote.



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Citigroup Q1 Results Top Estimates; CEO Fraser Says She’s Bullish on US Dollar



Citigroup (C) shares rose in early trading Tuesday after the bank reported better-than-expected first-quarter results as volatile markets boosted equities trading.

The firm reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.96 on revenue of $21.60 billion, while analysts surveyed by Visible Alpha expected $1.84 and $21.19 billion, respectively. Markets revenue rose 12% year-over-year to $6.0 billion, powered by a 23% jump in equities trading revenue to $1.5 billion.

Citigroup shares advanced 2.4% soon after the opening bell Tuesday. They entered Tuesday down 10% in 2025.

Since bank earnings began last Friday, Morgan Stanley (MS), JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Wells Fargo (WFC), and Goldman Sachs (GS) all posted results that beat analysts’ estimates, but executives have struck a cautious tone about the rest of the year due to uncertainty caused by tariffs.

Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser said she was bullish about the prospects for the U.S. dollar, which is on track to have its worst two-month stretch since 2002.

“When all is said and done, and longstanding trade imbalances and other structural shifts are behind us, the U.S. will still be the world’s leading economy, and the dollar will remain the reserve currency,” Fraser said.

UPDATE—April 15, 2025: This article has been updated to include refreshed share prices.



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Allegro MicroSystems Stock Slumps as Onsemi Pulls Nearly $7B Acquisition Offer



Key Takeaways

  • Shares of Allegro MicroSystems fell Tuesday after ON Semiconductor said it has withdrawn an acquisition offer.
  • Last month, Onsemi increased its offer to $35.10 per share, but said they have determined there is “no actionable path forward.”
  • Onsemi’s CEO said the company believes the deal would be “beneficial to all stakeholders,” but said the “reluctance” of Allegro’s board led it to pull the offer.

Shares of Allegro MicroSystems (ALGM) tumbled 8% in premarket trading Tuesday after chipmaker ON Semiconductor (ON) announced that it has pulled its offer to acquire the circuit manufacturer.

ON Semiconductor, or Onsemi, last month upped its offer to $35.10 per share, valuing Allegro at roughly $6.9 billion. Allegro rejected the offer, calling it “inadequate.”

Onsemi said Tuesday that it has withdrawn its offer after determining that there is “no actionable path forward.”

“While we continue to believe that a combination with onsemi would be beneficial to all stakeholders of both companies, after careful consideration, we have decided to withdraw our acquisition proposal given the reluctance of Allegro’s Board of Directors to fully engage and explore our proposal,” Onsemi CEO Hassane El-Khoury said.

In February, Onsemi’s fourth-quarter results fell short of estimates as El-Khoury said the firm continues “to navigate this market downturn,” calling 2025 an “uncertain” year. Shares of Onsemi were down less than 1% about 30 minutes before the opening bell.



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5 Things to Know Before the Stock Market Opens



U.S. stock futures are little changed after investors started the week on a positive note amid announcements of exemptions on some U.S. tariffs; Boeing (BA) stock is moving lower in premarket trading after China reportedly ordered carriers to not take deliveries of more jets; Netflix (NFLX) shares are rising on a report that the company revealed rosy financial projections to staff; Bank of America (BAC) shares are gaining after the financial giant topped first-quarter profit and revenue estimates; and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) reported better-than-expected results and lifted its sales forecast for the full year. Here’s what investors need to know today.

1. US Stock Futures Little Changed as Investors Watch Tariffs, Earnings

U.S. stock futures are little changed after indexes rose to start the trading week on news of some tech tariff exemptions. Nasdaq futures are 0.1% higher after the tech-focused index gained 0.6% in the prior session. S&P 500 futures and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures are barely changed after both advanced by 0.8% Monday. Bitcoin (BTCUSD) is up 1% to trade at around $85,500, while the 10-year Treasury yield is ticking higher at near 4.4%. Oil futures are declining while gold futures are up slightly.

2. Boeing Stock Falls as Beijing Reportedly Forbids Carriers From Accepting Deliveries

Boeing (BA) stock is falling about 3.5% in premarket trading on a report that Chinese officials told its airlines not to take deliveries of the American company’s jets amid an escalating trade war with the U.S. After President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, China responded with a 125% tariff on U.S. products, which Beijing argued now made Boeing planes too expensive, according to a Bloomberg report. China also ordered carriers to halt purchases of U.S.-made parts and equipment, the report said.

3. Netflix Stock Rises on Report of Rosy Financial Projections

Netflix (NFLX) shares are more than 2% higher in premarket trading after a report that the streaming giant has laid out a goal to double its revenue by 2030. The Wall Street Journal reported that executives shared the company’s financial goals with senior staff in a meeting, which included reaching a market capitalization of $1 trillion and reaching $9 billion in global ad sales. Netflix, which currently has a market capitalization of around $400 billion, is scheduled to report first-quarter earnings Thursday.

4. Bank of America Stock Gains as Results Surpass Expectations

Bank of America (BAC) stock is rising almost 2% in premarket trading after the financial firm reported better-than-expected quarterly results. The banking giant recorded earnings per share (EPS) of $0.90 on revenue of $27.37 billion. Analysts were projecting $0.82 and $26.80 billion, respectively, per Visible Alpha. CEO Brian Moynihan said the firm is well-positioned to continue growing even “though we potentially face a changing economy in the future.” Entering Tuesday, Bank of America shares had lost roughly 17% of their value this year.

5. Johnson & Johnson Tops Estimates, Raises FY Operational Sales Outlook

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) reported better-than-expected first-quarter results and lifted its operational sales forecast for the full year. The pharmaceutical and medical technology firm posted adjusted EPS of $2.77 on revenue of $21.89 billion, ahead of Visible Alpha consensus estimates of $2.56 and $21.56 billion, respectively. The company lifted its projected 2025 operational sales range to $91.0 billion to $91.8 billion, up from $89.2 billion to $90.0 billion previously. Johnson & Johnson shares are down about 1% in premarket trading after entering Tuesday up about 7% this year.



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Bearish Dollar views linger – United States


Written by the Market Insights Team

Dollar faces mounting pressure

George Vessey – Lead FX & Macro Strategist

The dollar remains notably stretched within the G10 basket, trading over two standard deviations above its long-term average. This context highlights the complexities behind the latest phase of dollar weakness, not merely tied to rate differentials or recession risks, but fundamentally to valuation concerns. Concurrently, the yen and Swiss franc are strengthening amid haven demand, while the euro’s resilience persists, bolstered by stable policies and consistent inflows.

The dollar is expected to face continued pressure due to mounting US growth worries and expanding speculative shorts, potentially funnelling flows into its G10 counterparts. On a broader scale, a weaker US dollar continues to ease global financial conditions, supporting risk sentiment over the long term.

The pause in reciprocal tariffs has only partially mitigated the turmoil in financial markets. Rising Treasury yields coupled with a weakening dollar reflect shifts away from USD assets. With the escalating US-China trade war fuelling global growth anxieties, attention remains fixed on negotiations and prospective central bank actions.

In the next 90 days, significant bilateral negotiations are anticipated. Japan will be the initial focus, with South Korea, Vietnam, and India – key neighboring countries of China – also prioritized. While these negotiations may eventually replace the current 10% universal tariff system, expectations are that the US weighted average tariff (excluding China) will likely remain near its present level.

This ongoing US-China trade conflict also prompts critical questions: How will the US substitute goods previously imported from China? And where will China’s redirected exports find new markets? Until markets achieve greater clarity and confidence, rebounds in risk appetite may continue to be limited in scale and duration.

Chart of dollar index mean

Tread lightly around the bond market

Kevin Ford – FX & Macro Strategist

Remember Liz Truss, the shortest-serving Prime Minister in UK history? Her political career took a dramatic hit under the pressure of the bond market.

Truss succeeded Boris Johnson in September 2022, unveiling a bold plan to slash taxes and ramp up borrowing in hopes of spurring faster growth. But markets weren’t impressed. Her budget proposal, which would have widened the fiscal deficit, sent shockwaves through the economy. The Pound nearly hit parity with the US dollar, Gilts came under immense pressure, and the pension fund system teetered on the brink of collapse. After just 49 days of battling the bond market, Truss resigned.

Fast forward to today, and the US administration has its sights set on the 10-year Treasury yield. Scott Bessent, Howard Lutnick, and the entire economic cabinet are aligned on pushing the yield down to influence mortgages—and voters. But taming the bond market is no easy feat. Erratic policymaking, constant flip-flops, and inconsistent handling of short-term inflation expectations breed uncertainty. And when uncertainty reigns, the bond market speaks loud and clear. Tread lightly.

The 90-day pause initiated by Trump & Co. appears to echo lessons learned from Truss’s missteps. Acting swiftly, they likely recognized the impact of their strong message to global markets regarding reciprocal tariffs. But the moment arrived when they had to face reality: easing off the gas pedal was essential. Without the pause, markets could have spiraled into collapse, taking midterm ambitions down with them.

So, what’s next? Markets are waiting for President Trump and Scott Bessent to deliver tangible wins amid the chaos. If Trump aims to reduce the trade deficit, his economic team will need to bring key trading allies, such as the European Union and Japan to the table for concise trade agreements that lower effective tariff rates.

For Canada and Mexico, the waters remain murky. In two weeks, Canadians head to the polls to choose their next leader. Until then, there’s little clarity on when USMCA/CUSMA negotiations might resume to pave the way for a revamped trade deal.

Chart US Dollar vs MOVE

Euro emerges as an attractive alternative

George Vessey – Lead FX & Macro Strategist

The euro is experiencing its fastest rally in 15 years, with some FX traders eyeing a move to $1.20. Last week, the common currency reached its strongest level in three years, fuelled by economic uncertainty stemming from US tariff policies, which have cast doubt on the dollar’s traditional haven status.

The euro has emerged as a key beneficiary of the dollar’s weakness, as investors reassess the dollar’s role in the global financial system. President Trump’s tariff rollout and escalation of the US-China trade war have further shaken market confidence. The unexpected multi-standard deviation spike in EUR/USD occurred despite higher US yields and widening real yield differentials between the US and eurozone. This movement has also driven a broad rally across most EUR crosses.

While it’s too early to declare the end of dollar dominance, recent shocks to US economic confidence have created opportunities for the euro as a cheap, liquid alternative. Risk reversal, a sentiment gauge measuring demand for currency contracts, surged last week, with one-week contracts showing the strongest bias toward a euro rally in five years. Volatility also spiked, reaching its third-highest level since 2010.

Meanwhile, on the tariff front, in response to the US administration’s 90-day pause, the European Commission delayed implementing its steel and aluminium countermeasures. However, President von der Leyen warned that if negotiations fail, the EU’s countermeasures will proceed, with preparatory work already underway.

Chart of EURUSD

Pound steady after jobs report

George Vessey – Lead FX & Macro Strategist

Sterling continues to flirt with $1.32 versus the US dollar, up over 2% so far this month, though GBP/EUR is down over 2% due to the huge inflows into the common currency. Sterling may find further support from here given the UK’s greater resilience to direct tariffs than the Eurozone. Indeed options traders boosted their bets on how far the British pound will rise over the coming week and month to the highest level since March 2020.

On the macro front, data this morning showed UK wage growth remained sticky in the three months leading to February, but job losses added complexity to the Bank of England’s (BoE) strategy for cutting interest rates amid the economic fallout from US tariffs. According to the Office for National Statistics, pay excluding bonuses increased to 5.9% during this period, up slightly from 5.8% through January. Private-sector wage growth, a key metric monitored by the BoE for underlying inflation pressures, came in slightly below forecasts at 5.9%.

Moreover, the labour market showed signs of softening as employers adjusted to the impact of Labour’s first budget and a bleaker economic outlook. Tax records revealed a significant decline of 78,000 payroll jobs in March, marking the most substantial drop since the pandemic.

These developments leave the BoE navigating a precarious situation, balancing persistently high wage inflation against the growing necessity to support the UK economy, as US trade policies disrupt global markets. With pay growth still exceeding the 3% level required for inflation to stabilize at the 2% target, pressure mounts even as the labour market shows signs of cooling.

Chart of UK wage growth

GBP/USD up 3.5% in seven days

Table: 7-day currency trends and trading ranges

Table rates

Table: 7-day currency trends and trading ranges

Key global risk events

Calendar: April 14-17

Table macro releases

All times are in ET

Have a question? [email protected]

*The FX rates published are provided by Convera’s Market Insights team for research purposes only. The rates have a unique source and may not align to any live exchange rates quoted on other sites. They are not an indication of actual buy/sell rates, or a financial offer.



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Bank of America Surpasses Estimates as CEO Notes Possible ‘Changing Economy’



Shares of Bank of America (BAC) rose in premarket trading Tuesday after the financial giant’s first-quarter results came in better than expected.

The firm recorded earnings per share (EPS) of $0.90 on revenue of $27.37 billion. Analysts were projecting $0.82 and $26.80 billion, respectively, per Visible Alpha.

Bank of America reported net interest income (NII) of $14.44 billion, in line with the analyst consensus.

Despite largely stronger-than-expected Q1 results thus far, a number of executives at big banks have been less bullish on the macroeconomic outlook for 2025 amid uncertainty about how the Trump administration’s tariffs will impact the economy.

“Our business clients have been performing well; and consumers have shown resilience, continuing to spend and maintaining healthy credit quality,” Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan said. He added that Bank of America is well-positioned to continue growing even “though we potentially face a changing economy in the future.”

Shares of Bank of America, which topped estimates in each quarter of 2024, were up about 2% immediately following the report. They entered the day down roughly 17% since the start of the year.



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Johnson & Johnson Tops Q1 Estimates, Lifts Full-Year Sales Outlook



Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) on Tuesday reported better-than-expected first-quarter results and lifted its sales forecast for the full year.

The pharmaceutical and medical technology firm posted adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.77 on revenue of $21.89 billion. Analysts had expected $2.56 and $21.56 billion, respectively, according to estimates compiled by Visible Alpha.

Johnson & Johnson shares were up about 1% immediately following the report. They entered the day up about 7% since the start of the year.

The company lifted its projected sales range to $91.0 billion to $91.8 billion, up from $89.2 billion to $90.0 billion previously. It also held its adjusted EPS forecast steady at $10.50 to $10.70, “including tariff costs, dilution from the Intra-Cellular Therapies acquisition, and updated foreign exchange.”

Since reporting a disappointing 2025 sales outlook in January, the company closed its nearly $15 billion acquisition of Intra-Cellular Therapies and announced plans to lift its U.S. investment to more than $55 billion over the next four years.

Johnson & Johnson stock slipped earlier this month after a judge rejected its proposed “prepackaged bankruptcy plan” for a subsidiary that would settle thousands of claims alleging its talc products caused cancer.



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