Forex Signals April 21: GE Aero, UnitedHealth UNH, RTX and UAL Earnings Preview

Quick overview

Key companies including GE Aerospace, UnitedHealth Group, and RTX Corporation headline Tuesday’s earnings calendar across industrial, healthcare, and travel sectors.

Markets Move Higher Despite Uncertainty

Markets pushed higher during the US session, with stocks, gold, and Bitcoin all gaining ground. Oil, however, edged slightly lower after briefly surging close to $100 earlier in the week.

The overall tone suggested cautious optimism, or at least relief that the geopolitical situation had not deteriorated further.

Key Questions Still Unanswered

Several critical issues remain unresolved. Markets are watching closely whether Iran will formally engage in negotiations. Current signals suggest participation is likely, though rhetoric may be aimed at domestic audiences.

There is also uncertainty around US diplomatic engagement, particularly whether officials are actively heading into talks. While earlier statements created confusion, expectations now point toward movement in the coming days.

Deal Prospects and Hormuz Concerns

The potential for a deal remains unclear. While President Trump has suggested progress and hinted at a framework better than the JCPOA, concrete details are still lacking.

Another sticking point is whether the Strait of Hormuz will reopen ahead of negotiations. A mutual easing of restrictions would signal de-escalation, but for now, both sides appear cautious.

Oil Reflects Short-Term Risk

Oil markets remain the most sensitive to developments. Prices recovered roughly half of Friday’s decline, reflecting ongoing uncertainty tied to supply risks.

For now, broader markets appear relatively unshaken, with investors adopting a wait-and-see approach as geopolitical developments continue to unfold.

Earnings Calendar Highlights Tuesday

Tuesday’s earnings will offer a broad snapshot of the economy, spanning industrials, healthcare, and travel
Strong results could reinforce confidence in economic resilience, especially in defensive and cyclical sectors
However, guidance will be critical, as markets look for signals on cost pressures and demand sustainability
Overall, these reports may help shape near-term market sentiment and sector rotation trends

Before Market Open (BMO)

GE Aerospace

• Expected EPS: $1.60

Focus areas:

• Aircraft engine demand and aftermarket services
• Defense exposure and order backlog
• Margin expansion amid supply chain normalization

UnitedHealth Group

• Expected EPS: $6.61

Focus areas:

Medical cost trends and insurance margins

Membership growth and pricing power

Guidance amid healthcare cost pressures

RTX Corporation

• Expected EPS: $1.52

Focus areas:

• Defense spending outlook and global demand
• Supply chain recovery and execution
• Commercial aerospace recovery

After Market Close (AMC)

United Airlines

• Expected EPS: $1.09

Focus areas:

• Travel demand and passenger yields
• Fuel cost impact and margins
• Forward booking trends and guidance

Key Themes to Watch

• Industrial Strength: GE Aerospace and RTX provide insight into global manufacturing and defense demand
• Healthcare Stability: UnitedHealth offers a read on defensive sector resilience and cost pressures
• Consumer & Travel Trends: United Airlines reflects global mobility demand and discretionary spending
• Margins vs Costs: Rising input costs (fuel, healthcare) remain a key challenge across sectors

Gold Rebounds Off the 200 SMA

Although demand for safe haven assets is still high, gold fell precipitously from record highs following the Fed’s most recent rate cut comments, as profit-taking was prompted by Powell’s cautious tone. In December, gold jumped above $4,380 following the Federal Reserve’s announcement of a 25 basis point rate decrease. But the impetus soon waned, and prices dropped back to $4,004. The 20o daily SMA (red) held as support this week and buyers returned and pushed XAU above the $4,800 and above the 100 SMA (green).

USD/JPY Rebounds

USD/JPY – Daily Chart

Cryptocurrency Update

Bitcoin Climbs Above the 100 SMA

Cryptocurrencies remained highly active over the summer. Bitcoin (BTC) climbed to fresh highs of $123,000 and $124,000 in July and August, supported by institutional inflows and technical strength. However, remarks from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent ruling out U.S. increases to BTC reserves triggered a steep pullback, sending the coin down to $80K before finding support at the 100 weekly SMA (green). A rebound followed, sending BTC near $100 is the first major text for Bitcoin buyers. However BTC returned lower and fell below $80K, breaking below the but the 100 weekly SMA (green) but the decline stopped at the $60K support where the 200 weekly SMA (purple) stands and rebounded above $76K but returned to $70K again.

BTC/USD – Daily Chart

Ethereum Returns to $2,000

Ethereum (ETH) has been similarly strong, surging toward $4,800, its highest since 2021 and near its all-time peak of $4,860. Despite a dip last week, ETH found support at the 20-day SMA, with retail enthusiasm and renewed institutional participation driving fresh upside momentum. Last week we saw a dive below $2,000 but buyers returned n d pushed the price above $2K again.

ETH/USD – Weekly Chart

ABOUT THE AUTHOR See More

Skerdian Meta

Lead Analyst

Skerdian Meta Lead Analyst. Skerdian is a professional Forex trader and a market analyst. He has been actively engaged in market analysis for the past 11 years. Before becoming our head analyst, Skerdian served as a trader and market analyst in Saxo Bank's local branch, Aksioner. Skerdian specialized in experimenting with developing models and hands-on trading. Skerdian has a masters degree in finance and investment.

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