In March, Indonesia’s trade balance exceeded forecasts, recording a surplus of $4.33 billion

    by VT Markets
    /
    Apr 21, 2025

    Indonesia recorded a trade surplus of $4.33 billion in March, surpassing expectations of $2.64 billion. The data reflects a stronger-than-anticipated performance in the country’s trade activities.

    In financial markets, leveraged products like forex trading can present a high level of risk. A substantial percentage, 81.4%, of retail accounts experience losses when trading CFDs with certain providers.

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    Various brokers are assessed on metrics such as account services, tool availability, and trust ratings. XM, Moneta Markets, Trading Pro, and Pepperstone are among those rated, with varying scores across these criteria.

    Concerns over the US economy and geopolitical tensions have been affecting currency dynamics. The US Dollar has weakened, impacting pairs like EUR/USD and GBP/USD, both reaching multi-year highs.

    Gold prices also approached $3,400, responding to market conditions, including issues surrounding US monetary policy. Cryptocurrency markets have seen fluctuations amid policy uncertainties, with major players recovering from recent downturns.

    Broker recommendations for trading EUR/USD and other currencies are available. These aim to assist traders in navigating the complexities of forex markets efficiently.

    The report notes that Indonesia delivered an unexpected surplus of $4.33 billion in March—well ahead of the forecasted $2.64 billion. This kind of robust external performance is worth watching, particularly given the timing. A surplus of this size suggests stronger export resilience or perhaps a temporary drawdown in imports, both of which can contribute to broader currency strength. It’s useful to monitor whether this surplus is an isolated result or the start of a trend. Either way, the market shows that some economies continue to surprise on the upside.

    Market Trends And Implications

    In parallel, risk appetite appears inconsistent across asset classes. With the sharp movement in EUR/USD and GBP/USD to levels not seen in years, the underlying pressure on the Dollar is increasingly evident. It’s not just about the Fed’s inflation narrative working its way through markets—it’s about the dampening impact of uncertain fiscal direction in the US, combined with geopolitical flashpoints that have yet to stabilise.

    As the Dollar continues its slide, it’s not surprising to see gold prices responding the way they have. Edging close to the $3,400 mark, gold is adjusting to hedging flows as well as fund reallocation by institutional desks. This price action, though, doesn’t only come from macro headlines—technical levels are being tested and, in some cases, broken. We see tricks in the order book more frequently which suggests price is being driven more by stop-hunting volatility than fundamentals alone.

    Retail traders continue to face headwinds, especially in a market dominated by headlines and central bank inconsistency. The data shows that upwards of four in five accounts trading derivatives are losing with certain retail providers. That statistic should not be taken lightly. It reinforces the need to size trades more conservatively and to avoid overexposure during volatile sessions.

    Regarding broker metrics, it’s clear that certain firms are better prepared than others when it comes to delivering tools that traders actually use. For instance, ratings based on platform interface, order execution speed, and risk management features have shown disparities across brokerage companies. If you’re comparing spreads or margin policies, this is the right time to reevaluate—while the underlying moves are still driven by macro currents.

    As for digital assets, volatility continues but some stabilisation is visible. It seems that the market absorbed the recent policy wobbles and is beginning to find a short-term rhythm. Although still reactive to external statements, we note some key levels in major tokens are holding up better than last quarter. What’s more interesting is the reduction in panic selling, particularly at the retail level. Positioning may be shifting, albeit slowly.

    Overall, this is not a time for aggressive directional bets. We’ve seen exaggerated reactions stretch across currencies, metals, and digital instruments. So we’re watching for any exhaustion in momentum—especially for EUR/USD, which has crossed into historically thick resistance zones. Reversals from here should not be underestimated. Most traders will benefit from reducing leverage exposure and keeping trade duration tight. Markets are moving further and faster, but clean entries remain rare.

    Broker suggestions for EUR/USD are still circulating. Yet, their reliability is diluted when volatility distorts key metrics. Rather than chasing, we’re adjusting tactics—looking to fade morning strength or sell into exhaustion rallies, while keeping a close eye on rate differentials and options flows. When liquidity becomes uneven and reactionary, execution becomes more important than prediction.

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