As the countdown draws closer to the key US jobs report later today (Friday, August 4), investors may already be keeping a close eye on what’s to come in the week ahead.

Sterling could kick off the new trading month with a bang as focus falls on the Bank of England rate decision.

The mood across Asian markets brightened on Tuesday as China’s pledge to shore up its weak economy lifted sentiment and boosted Chinese shares.

After touching the year-to-date bottom from early February at 100.82 last week, the DXY has rebounded this week. If it holds onto its gains and prints a positive, green candle, that will at least stop a run of five consecutive weeks of losses.