Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy: Russian military strikes energy facility in Kherson

FXStreetApr 7, 2025 12:17 AM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said late Sunday that the Russian military struck an energy facility in Kherson on Friday.

Russians shelled more than 30 localities in the Kherson region, including residential areas of Kherson. Seven people were wounded, the Kherson regional military administration Oleksandr Prokudin reported.

Key quotes

The US is close to taking steps to pressure Russia into adhering to a cease-fire
there is no sense for Ukraine to have direct talks with Russia unless it adheres to the unconditional cease-fire.
Met with French and British military choose to discuss foreign contingent appointment.
Military working to convene weekly to work on plan for contingent.
It should take no longer than one month to reach understanding on a plan for the appointment of the contingent.
US tariffs are not a problem for Ukraine due to small level of trade.
Ukraine's proposals for new draft minerals deal with US will be ready next week.

Market reaction

At the time of writing, the Gold price (XAU/USD) is trading 1.92% lower on the day to trade at $2,979.

Risk sentiment FAQs

What do the terms"risk-on" and "risk-off" mean when referring to sentiment in financial markets?

In the world of financial jargon the two widely used terms “risk-on” and “risk off'' refer to the level of risk that investors are willing to stomach during the period referenced. In a “risk-on” market, investors are optimistic about the future and more willing to buy risky assets. In a “risk-off” market investors start to ‘play it safe’ because they are worried about the future, and therefore buy less risky assets that are more certain of bringing a return, even if it is relatively modest.

What are the key assets to track to understand risk sentiment dynamics?

Typically, during periods of “risk-on”, stock markets will rise, most commodities – except Gold – will also gain in value, since they benefit from a positive growth outlook. The currencies of nations that are heavy commodity exporters strengthen because of increased demand, and Cryptocurrencies rise. In a “risk-off” market, Bonds go up – especially major government Bonds – Gold shines, and safe-haven currencies such as the Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc and US Dollar all benefit.

Which currencies strengthen when sentiment is "risk-on"?

The Australian Dollar (AUD), the Canadian Dollar (CAD), the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) and minor FX like the Ruble (RUB) and the South African Rand (ZAR), all tend to rise in markets that are “risk-on”. This is because the economies of these currencies are heavily reliant on commodity exports for growth, and commodities tend to rise in price during risk-on periods. This is because investors foresee greater demand for raw materials in the future due to heightened economic activity.

Which currencies strengthen when sentiment is "risk-off"?

The major currencies that tend to rise during periods of “risk-off” are the US Dollar (USD), the Japanese Yen (JPY) and the Swiss Franc (CHF). The US Dollar, because it is the world’s reserve currency, and because in times of crisis investors buy US government debt, which is seen as safe because the largest economy in the world is unlikely to default. The Yen, from increased demand for Japanese government bonds, because a high proportion are held by domestic investors who are unlikely to dump them – even in a crisis. The Swiss Franc, because strict Swiss banking laws offer investors enhanced capital protection.

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