The British economy showed no growth in the third quarter, according to revised data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), highlighting economic challenges facing Prime Minister Keir Starmer‘s government. The ONS adjusted its estimate of GDP growth for the July-to-September period to 0.0%, down from an initial projection of …
Read More »Oil Prices Edge Higher Amid Cooling Inflation and Supply Resumptions
Oil prices began the week on a positive note, bolstered by data showing cooling U.S. inflation, which revived hopes for monetary policy easing in 2024, supporting global economic growth and oil demand. Brent crude futures rose $0.26 (0.4%) to $73.20 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed $0.31 …
Read More »Russian Central Bank Keeps Rates Steady at 21%, Defying Market Expectations
The Russian Central Bank surprised markets on Friday by maintaining its key interest rate at 21%, contrary to widespread expectations of a 2-percentage-point hike. Analysts had anticipated a rate increase to 23%, but the bank justified its decision by citing the effectiveness of recent tightening measures in curbing inflationary pressures. …
Read More »Gold Prices Struggle Amid Hawkish Fed Outlook and Strong Dollar
Gold prices held near a one-month low in Asian trade on Friday, heading for their third consecutive weekly loss as the Federal Reserve’s slower-than-expected rate cut projections for 2025 weighed on investor sentiment. Gold Performance Spot gold edged up 0.1% to $2,596.82 per ounce, while Gold futures for February delivery …
Read More »European Stocks Slide Amid Trade War Fears and Weak Economic Data
European stock markets ended the week on a downbeat note as concerns about a potential trade war with the U.S. and disappointing economic data weighed on investor sentiment. Indices Under Pressure Germany’s DAX dropped 1.1%, France’s CAC 40 slid 1%, The UK’s FTSE 100 fell 0.4%. Trade Tensions Escalate with …
Read More »Dollar Strengthens to Two-Year High as Yen and Global Currencies Struggle
The U.S. dollar ended the week on a high note, hitting a two-year peak as hawkish signals from the Federal Reserve continued to bolster its appeal. In contrast, global currencies faced significant pressure, with the yen, sterling, and commodity-linked currencies like the Australian and New Zealand dollars recording steep losses. …
Read More »Bitcoin Falls Below $100,000 Amid Profit-Taking and Hawkish Fed Stance
Bitcoin extended its losing streak to a third day on Friday, retreating 3.7% to trade at $97,002.0 by 00:46 ET (05:46 GMT). The decline comes in the wake of the Federal Reserve’s hawkish monetary policy signals and profit-taking after the cryptocurrency reached record highs earlier in the week. Bitcoin Pullback …
Read More »Asian Markets End the Week Flat-to-Lower Amid Hawkish Fed and Local Headwinds
Asian equities traded within a narrow range on Friday, largely reflecting the region’s cautious sentiment as global and domestic economic uncertainties dampened risk appetite. While Japan’s markets found some respite, most other major Asian indices either edged lower or remained flat, concluding a week marked by steep losses. Japanese Markets …
Read More »Bank of England Holds Rates Steady Amid Persistent Inflation Pressures
The Bank of England (BoE) opted to maintain its Bank Rate at 4.75% on Thursday, reflecting a cautious approach to monetary easing as inflation pressures continue to challenge the central bank’s medium-term objectives. Rate Decision Details Policymakers voted 6 to 3 in favor of leaving rates unchanged, a more decisive …
Read More »U.S. Stock Futures Rebound Amid Fed’s Cautious Rate Path for 2025
U.S. stock index futures edged higher Thursday, recovering some losses from Wednesday’s sharp sell-off after the Federal Reserve signaled a slower pace of rate cuts in 2025. At 06:00 ET (11:00 GMT), Dow Jones Futures rose 140 points (+0.3%), S&P 500 Futures gained 21 points (+0.4%), and Nasdaq 100 Futures …
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