Indices and stocks
US markets have recorded another strong week, with all three major indices residing in
green, boosted by the positive earnings report of giant chip maker Nvidia. S&P 500 closed at
an all-time high of 5088.8, adding gains of 1.7% over the week. The Dow Jones Industrial
Average advanced 1.3%, closing at 39131.53, while the tech heavy Nasdaq Composite
gained more than 1.4% over the last week, reaching 17937.61. The Japanese market also
recorded growth, as the Nikkei 225 reached a new record after 34 years, advancing to
39098.68 on Thursday, also influenced by robust corporate earnings.   

Rates and bonds
During the week, the US treasury rates saw a slight increase, fueled by new information
released from the January Fed meeting. The minutes support the idea that politicians are
careful not to rush into rate cuts before significant easing in inflation data. On Friday, both the
10-year and the 2-year treasury yields dipped, currently standing at 4.25% and 4.69%,
respectively. 
Commodities
In the realm of commodities, gold closed the week with a gain of 1.1% currently standing at
2035.43. The increase in the price of the metal was influenced by a weaker dollar, making
gold more affordable to international buyers. Crude oil prices have been sliding throughout
the week, as US exports hit new highs in this month. Currently the WTI stands at 76.54 USD
per barrel. 

Cryptocurrencies
Bitcoin had the first week of decrease in over a month, dropping 1.12%, currently standing at
51543. Analysts believe this might be a short-term setback in the cryptocurrency that
recorded significant gains over the last month, influenced by the introduction of bitcoin ETF
and excitement about halving. Some attribute this setback to a period of profit-taking, rather
than a sign of a slowing down crypto market. 
Forex
The Fed’s cautioning words against a premature rate cut has led to a weakening dollar, the
DXY currently standing at 103.96. This move has allowed room for the EURUSD to regain
some lost ground, increasing 0.41%, reaching 1.082 by the end of the week. Similarly, the
GBPUSD also recorded gains, standing at 1.27 at the moment. The USDJPY tweaked
upward slightly, currently standing at 150.48.

Flow Traders Investment Competition

To start off the 15th week of this years' Flow Traders Investment Competition there has been a change in the competition's top 3, as Metrics Fund has surpassed Negotium Novum in the ranking! Furthermore, Heeren XIII experienced a significant drop last week, now in twenty-ninth place, reflecting a substantial decrease in return but an increased volatility... Both Aurelia and Bullseye International have experienced a better week! They both climbed 7 spots in this weeks' ranking by respectively having a 4.17% and 1.46% return!