The GBP/USD pair experienced a pullback after reaching a year-to-date high of 1.2678 and testing the 100-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) at 1.2658. The pair subsequently stabilized near 1.2660. This movement occurred despite positive UK retail sales data for January, which showed a 1.7% month-over-month increase, exceeding expectations. US economic …
Read More »Wall Street Slips as Walmart Warning, Jobless Claims Spark Economic Fears
The Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted over 1.40% to 43,980 on Thursday as investors grappled with a mix of concerning economic data and Federal Reserve commentary. A disappointing forecast from retail giant Walmart, citing “uncertainties related to consumer behavior and global economic and geopolitical conditions,” sent shockwaves through the market. …
Read More »Market Drivers and Update; US Session: PMIs in Focus
The US dollar weakened significantly, reaching a two-month low despite no changes in US tariffs or progress in Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Friday’s key events include:US: The US Dollar Index (DXY) fell to around 106.40 due to lower US yields, a stronger Japanese yen, and increased risk appetite. The focus will …
Read More »Looming Impact of Fresh EU Sanctions on Commodities Expected
The European Union’s latest round of sanctions against Russia, the sixteenth since the invasion of Ukraine, focuses on energy and metals, specifically targeting oil exports and aluminum imports. These measures introduce new complexities to already volatile commodity markets, raising questions about their ultimate impact.Energy Market Under PressureThe EU’s move to …
Read More »Fort Knox’s US Gold Reserve to be Audited, Administration Says
The US Administration announced plans to audit the nation’s gold reserves stored at Fort Knox in Kentucky. “We’re going to go to Fort Knox, the fabled Fort Knox, to make sure the gold is there,” the Administration stated.This move follows recent calls for an audit, fueled in part by comments …
Read More »Fed Official Flags Upside Inflation Risks, Warns of Stagflation Threat
St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem expressed concerns Thursday about the potential for persistent inflation and the risk of stagflation, posing a dual challenge to the US economy. He emphasized the need for confidence that inflation is headed back to the Fed’s 2% target before any further policy adjustments are …
Read More »Explainer: What the loss of Fed’s independence could mean
Trump as well as other Wall Street forces attempt to limit the Fed’s independence. Though it refrains from attempting to sway interest rate decisions, the White House wants more authority over Fed operations, including financial regulation. On February 12, Fed Chair Jerome H. Powell gave a testimony before the House …
Read More »Dollar Wobbles After Jobless Claims Disappoint, China Deal Hints Emerge
The US dollar stumbled on Thursday, giving up Wednesday’s gains and falling below 107.00 on the US Dollar Index (DXY). Hopes of a potential trade agreement with China, however, provided a glimmer of optimism for markets worried about tariffs. The DXY, measuring the dollar against six major currencies, currently sits …
Read More »Wall Street Rebounds, Gold Dips After FOMC Minutes
Wall Street’s stock market indices saw modest gains after the Federal Reserve released the results of its January meeting. Investors analyzed the results for clues about the future of interest rates and monetary policy. The general takeaway was that the meeting reiterated previous statements from the Fed and Chairman Jerome …
Read More »Canadian Dollar Under Pressure Amidst Inflation Concerns and Trade Tensions
The Canadian dollar (CAD) has weakened against the US dollar (USD), with the USD/CAD pair holding above 1.4200. This depreciation stems from a combination of factors, including concerns about US trade policy, uncertainty surrounding the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) interest rate decisions, and the US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) stance on …
Read More »