Gold prices are set to end the week on a positive note, up by over 2.79% as the precious metal enjoyed a $90 US Dollar (USD) rally due to the latter weakness sponsored by uncertainty about global trade. At the time of writing, XAU/USD trades at $3,326.

The Euro (EUR) advances against the US Dollar (USD) in muted trading as financial markets are closed on Good Friday. At the time of writing, EUR/USD trades at 1.1385, up 0.21%, lacking the strength to break the elusive 1.14 mark.

India Bank Loan Growth remains unchanged at 11% in March 31

India FX Reserves, USD rose from previous $676.27B to $677.84B in April 7

Silver prices (XAG/USD) broadly unchanged on Friday, according to FXStreet data.

Italy Trade Balance EU up to €-0.361B in February from previous €-0.635B

Italy Trade Balance EU declined to €-361B in February from previous €-0.635B

European Central Bank (ECB) policymaker Madis Muller explained on Friday that their decision to cut key rates by 25 basis points at the April policy meeting was supported by the drop in energy prices, and tariffs.

Italy Global Trade Balance came in at €4.466B, above forecasts (€3.31B) in February

European Central Bank (ECB) policymaker Francois Villeroy de Galhau said on Friday that the inflation risk from trade tensions seems weak and could even be downward, per Reuters.

AUD/JPY retraces its recent gains from the previous session, trading around 90.80 during the European hours on Friday. The currency cross remains under pressure as the Australian Dollar (AUD) weakens in light trading, with local markets closed for the Good Friday holiday.

Here is what you need to know on Friday, April 18:

The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the US Dollar (USD) against a basket of six major currencies, is remaining below 99.50 during the early European hours on Friday. The Greenback remains subdued amid growing concerns over the economic impact of tariffs on the United States (US).

The EUR/JPY cross trades flat near 161.85 during the early European session on Friday. US President Donald Trump's trade war remains a source of deep uncertainty. However, Trump on Thursday offered some encouraging signals that negotiations with other countries could lead to lower tariffs.

USD/JPY inches lower after registering gains in the previous session, trading around 142.40 during the Asian session on Friday. An analysis of the daily chart showed the pair moves downward within a descending channel, indicating a confirmed bearish bias.

The Australian Dollar (AUD) remains subdued on Friday following a seven-day winning streak. However, the AUD/USD pair may regain its ground as the US Dollar (USD) weakens amid growing concerns over the economic impact of tariffs on the United States (US).

The Gold price (XAU/USD) holds steady on Friday after retreating from an all-time high of $3,358 as investors book profits during a long Easter weekend.

USD/CHF slipped slightly during Friday’s Asian trading hours, hovering around 0.8180, after posting gains in the previous session. The pair is under pressure as the US Dollar weakens amid mounting concerns over the economic fallout from US tariffs.

The EUR/USD pair strengthens to around 1.1370 during the early European trading hours on Friday. Hopes for a trade deal between the United States (US) and the European Union (EU) provide some support to the Euro (EUR). Trading volume is likely to be lightened on Good Friday.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude oil benchmark, is trading around $63.50 during the Asian session on Friday. The WTI price edges higher to a two-week high amid hopes for a trade deal between the United States and the European Union and fresh US sanctions on Iran.

USD/CAD halts its two days of losses, trading around 1.3860 during the Asian hours. However, market activity is expected to remain subdued due to the Good Friday holiday.

NZD/USD is trading subdued around 0.5970 during Friday’s Asian session, holding near Thursday’s five-month high of 0.5979 after seven consecutive days of gains. The pair could see further upside as the US Dollar (USD) weakens amid rising concerns over the economic fallout from US tariffs.

GBP/USD continues its upward momentum from April 8, trading near 1.3280 during Friday's Asian session. The pair is buoyed by a weakening US Dollar (USD), as concerns grow over the economic impact of tariffs on the United States.

Japan’s Finance Minister Shunichi Kato said on Friday that the country does not manipulate the foreign exchange (FX) market to weaken the Japanese Yen. 

The USD/JPY pair softens to near 142.25 in a thin trading volume session on Friday. The US Dollar (USD) edges lower against the Japanese Yen (JPY) amid concerns over the economic impact of tariffs. 

Japan’s National Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 3.6% YoY in March, compared to the previous reading of 3.7%, according to the latest data released by the Japan Statistics Bureau on Friday.

Japan National Consumer Price Index (YoY) fell from previous 3.7% to 3.6% in March

Japan National CPI ex Fresh Food (YoY) in line with forecasts (3.2%) in March

Japan National CPI ex Food, Energy (YoY) up to 2.9% in March from previous 2.6%

The EUR/USD pair attracts some buyers to near 1.1370 during the early Asian session on Friday. The concerns over the economic impact of tariffs continue to drag the US Dollar (USD) lower against the Euro (EUR). Traders will closely monitor the developments surrounding US trade talks.