Oil prices closed higher as traders positioned ahead of the U.S. holiday weekend, with lingering geopolitical tensions continuing to underpin sentiment. Caution over developments in the Middle East encouraged buying interest, even as the broader supply outlook limited the scope of gains.Modest Gains Keep Prices Near Recent HighsBrent crude ended …

President Donald Trump signaled fresh uncertainty over the future leadership of the Federal Reserve after expressing reluctance to nominate Kevin Hassett as the next central bank chair, a move that could significantly reshape the succession race.Speaking Friday, Trump suggested that keeping Hassett in his current role as head of the …

The US dollar struggled to find clear direction over the past week, caught between geopolitical tensions and domestic uncertainty that kept investors cautious. While President Donald Trump renewed warnings of potential military action against Iran—later softening his tone toward the end of the week—he stressed that all options remain open. …

U.S. equity futures traded tentatively ahead of the opening bell, reflecting investor unease as fresh bank earnings failed to provide clear reassurance and a heavier slate of reports looms. While futures pointed modestly higher, the tone remained fragile after early-week selloffs in major benchmarks, with only small-cap stocks showing convincing …

The Japanese yen strengthened on Friday, with USD/JPY slipping to 158.02, down 0.35%, as markets reacted to renewed signals that authorities are prepared to step in if volatility accelerates. The move reinforced expectations that policymakers may seek to steer the pair back toward a more controlled range, lending near-term support …

In an extraordinary and rare move, top central bankers from around the world issued a joint statement expressing their support for U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The declaration comes as Powell faces both a criminal investigation and mounting political pressure from President Donald Trump, who has pushed for his …

Gold dipped slightly to around $4,615 in the latest session, but the move is best seen as a brief pause rather than a retreat. After months of steady gains, investors are taking profits while maintaining confidence in the precious metal’s long-term appeal. Even amid daily fluctuations, gold continues to hover …

Oil prices ended Thursday with a steep decline, snapping a multi-day rally as easing geopolitical tensions and signs of rising supply shifted market sentiment. Crude had climbed to recent highs earlier in the week, fueled by fears of potential disruptions, but those concerns faded quickly as the outlook softened.Political Signals …

European corporations are heading into the latest earnings season under growing pressure, with forecasts pointing to the weakest profit performance in almost two years. Rising geopolitical uncertainty, fragile economic growth, and unresolved trade questions are weighing heavily on expectations for the final quarter of 2025, setting a cautious tone across …

Wall Street endured a volatile session on Thursday, January 15, 2026, as strong corporate earnings clashed with renewed pressure on technology stocks and rising geopolitical unease. Markets opened on a confident footing, lifted by impressive results from major banks and record inflows at asset managers. However, by the closing bell, …