Part 1: Previous Session Review

Yesterday was a strong but unusually stretched session for the book. We closed 2 trades, both winners, for a reported net result of 1974.7 pips across XAUUSD and BTCUSD. The important point is not just the number, but the quality of execution: both markets offered directional movement without forcing repeated entries.

XAUUSD remained the cleaner tactical market, with volatility supporting continuation once price accepted above short-term levels. BTCUSD also provided opportunity, but the crypto leg still requires more discipline around entry timing because liquidity can thin quickly during impulsive moves.

After a day like that, the main risk is overconfidence. A clean prior session does not reduce today’s event risk. It usually means we should be more selective, not more aggressive.

Part 2: Today’s Outlook & Watchlist

The focus today is the 08:30 UTC labour market block: Canadian Employment Change, Canadian Unemployment Rate, US Average Hourly Earnings, US Non-Farm Employment Change, and US Unemployment Rate. This is a high-impact cluster, so the first reaction can be noisy and spreads may widen before the real direction is clear.

XAUUSD is the primary watch. Gold should react sharply to the US jobs data, especially if wages or payrolls change expectations around the dollar and yields. A weaker US employment print could support gold, while a hotter report may pressure it lower. We will avoid chasing the first candle and instead watch whether price holds or rejects the initial breakout zone.

USDCAD is also on the watchlist because both sides of the pair have labour data at the same time. That can create a messy initial spike if US and Canadian numbers conflict. The cleaner setup would come after the first reaction, once the market decides whether the stronger impulse is USD-driven or CAD-driven.

Plan for today: reduce size around the release, wait for liquidity to normalize, and prioritize confirmed structure over headline impulse. If the data creates a clean break and retest, we can engage. If it turns into a two-way chop, sitting out is a valid trade decision.