The British pound (GBP) has strengthened against the US dollar (USD) for the second consecutive day. This upward movement follows the delay of US tariff threats on Mexico and Canada. The postponement is due to ongoing negotiations between the involved parties, focused on combating fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration. 1 …
Read More »Oil Prices Surge as Markets Respond to Trump’s Iran Strategy
On February 4, 2025, oil prices saw a notable increase as the markets grappled with President Trump’s escalated “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran. Brent crude prices climbed to $76.34 per barrel, marking a 0.50% rise, while WTI’s earlier loss decreased to a mere 0.31% drop, settling at $72.93 per barrel.Trump’s …
Read More »US JOLTs Decline and Greenback Reacts
US job openings decreased to 7.6 million in December, according to the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This figure fell short of the 8 million forecast and followed 8.15 million openings in November. The BLS also reported that hires and …
Read More »Market Drivers; US Session
US Dollar Strength, Jobs Data, and Fed Speakers in Focus The US dollar (USD) began the week with renewed strength, driven by market reactions to recently implemented US tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. This week’s economic calendar features key US labor market data releases and public appearances by Federal …
Read More »Canadian Dollar’s Plunge As A Result of Trade War’s Toll
The Canadian dollar recently plummeted to a 21-year low against the US dollar, sparking concerns about the escalating trade tensions between the two nations. This dramatic decline followed the imposition of tariffs by the US on Canadian imports, which Canada promptly countered with its own export levies. While markets have …
Read More »Gold’s Ascent: Navigating Tariffs and Economic Indicators
Gold prices have surged to record highs, driven by a confluence of factors, most notably the implications of US tariffs on global trade. This surge reflects gold’s traditional safe-haven appeal amidst economic uncertainty. The precious metal is up +0.77% at the time of writing; trading at 2,818.82 per ounce and …
Read More »Trade Tensions and the Yen: Navigating Uncertainty
Recent trade tensions, exemplified by new tariffs imposed by the U.S., have injected volatility into global markets, impacting the USD/JPY exchange rate. While the dollar initially strengthened, it subsequently retreated as market participants assessed the potential ramifications of these protectionist policies. This analysis examines the interplay of these trade dynamics …
Read More »Walking the Line: Inflation, Growth, and the Fed
Central banks worldwide face the challenge of balancing inflation without causing a severe economic downturn. This requires navigating a complex landscape of interconnected factors, including supply chain disruptions and geopolitical instability. The inflation puzzle has multiple roots, with the war in Ukraine exacerbating the situation by sending energy and food …
Read More »Fed Official Signals Potential Pause as Uncertainty Lingers
The US economy currently presents a complex picture: a robust labor market coupled with the looming shadow of trade tensions. Raphael Bostic, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, recently highlighted this precarious balance, emphasizing the heightened uncertainty surrounding the economic outlook. This uncertainty, largely driven by tariffs, requires …
Read More »Tariff Pause Offers Brief Respite for Oil Markets
Oil prices experienced a volatile start to the week, initially surging on the announcement of US tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, then retreating after a one-month pause on the Mexican tariffs was declared. This brief reprieve offers a glimpse into the complex interplay between geopolitics and commodity markets, highlighting …
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