The U.S. economy added fewer jobs than expected in January, signaling a potential slowdown in labor demand. However, analysts cautioned that the figures may be distorted by annual revisions and extreme weather conditions. Nonfarm payrolls: 143,000 (below the forecast of 169,000). December jobs revised upward: 307,000 (previously reported as 256,000). …
Read More »U.S. Stock Futures Steady as Investors Await Jobs Report, Amazon Drops on Weak Outlook
U.S. stock index futures steadied on Friday, as investors awaited the crucial nonfarm payrolls report while digesting Amazon’s weaker-than-expected revenue outlook. Stock Market Overview Dow Jones Futures: Up 16 points (0.1%) S&P 500 Futures: Down 3 points (0.1%) Nasdaq 100 Futures: Down 15 points (0.1%) On Thursday, the NASDAQ Composite …
Read More »Dollar Steady Ahead of U.S. Jobs Data, Yen Gains on Rate Hike Bets
The U.S. dollar held steady on Friday as traders awaited key U.S. payroll figures, while the yen climbed to a nine-week high on expectations of further rate hikes in Japan. Key Currency Movements Dollar Index: Flat at 107.63, down 2.1 percent from Monday’s high of 109.88, as global trade tensions …
Read More »German Industrial Production Declines Sharply in December
Germany’s industrial production saw a significant decline in December 2024, marking the steepest drop in five months as the manufacturing sector continued to face challenges despite signs of stabilization in other parts of the economy. Key Figures and Sector Impact Industrial output fell by 2.4 percent from the previous month, …
Read More »Gold Prices Rise, Near Record Highs as Safe-Haven Demand Strengthens
Gold prices rose in Asian trading on Friday, staying close to recent record highs as investors sought safe-haven assets amid global uncertainty ahead of key U.S. labor market data. Key Gold Price Movements Spot gold: $2,862.67 per ounce (+0.2%) Gold futures: $2,884.81 per ounce (+0.3%) Weekly gain: +2.4% Gold was …
Read More »Oil Prices Steady but Headed for Third Weekly Decline Amid Oversupply Fears and Trade Tensions
Oil prices remained largely unchanged in Asian trading on Friday but continued to be on track for their third consecutive weekly decline, driven by concerns over a supply glut and U.S.-China trade tensions. Brent Oil Futures: $74.27 per barrel (flat) U.S. Crude (WTI) Futures (March): $70.33 per barrel (flat) Weekly …
Read More »European Stocks Rise as Investors Await BoE Rate Decision and Earnings Reports
European stock markets advanced on Thursday, with investors keeping a close watch on the Bank of England’s (BoE) upcoming rate decision and digesting a wave of corporate earnings reports. Germany’s DAX: +0.8% France’s CAC 40: +0.6% UK’s FTSE 100: +1.2% Bank of England Expected to Cut Rates The BoE is …
Read More »Oil Prices Recover Slightly After Saudi Price Hike
Oil prices edged up on Thursday, partially recovering from the previous day’s drop, after Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company raised its March crude prices sharply. However, the gains barely made a dent in the significant decline of Brent crude the day before. Oil Price Movements Brent Crude Futures: $74.89 (+0.4%) …
Read More »Gold Prices Hold Steady Amid U.S.-China Trade Tensions
Gold prices maintained a steady upward trajectory in Asian trade on Thursday, staying close to their record highs as fears surrounding the U.S.-China trade war continue to fuel demand for safe-haven assets. Gold Market Update Spot Gold: $2,869.17 (+0.1%) Gold Futures (April): $2,887.90 (-0.2%) Record High: $2,882.53 (hit on Wednesday) …
Read More »Bitcoin Holds Steady as U.S.-China Trade Tensions Weigh on Market
Bitcoin remained largely stable on Friday, reflecting muted risk appetite amid escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China. Meanwhile, MicroStrategy (NASDAQ:MSTR) reported its fourth consecutive quarterly loss, though it continued expanding its Bitcoin holdings. Bitcoin Market Update Bitcoin (BTC/USD): $97,742.7 (-0.3%) as of 00:35 ET (05:35 GMT) Market Sentiment: …
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