After 25 basis-point rate cut decisions by the ECB and BoC, the Fed left rate unchanged (within 5.25%: 5.5% range) with one possible cut before yearend. This decision bodes well for holders of assets in money market funds that provide returns exceeding dividend stocks and REITs, while their performance is …
Read More »Asian Markets Hold Steady, Awaiting U.S. Policy Signals and Key Central Bank Decisions
Asian stocks maintained their position near a two-year peak on Thursday, as traders eagerly awaited further guidance on U.S. monetary policy. The Bank of England (BoE), Swiss National Bank (SNB), and Norges Bank (Norway’s central bank) were all set to announce their policy decisions, further shaping the global interest rate …
Read More »Sterling rises as UK CPI interacts ahead of BoE decision
As expected, UK inflation continues to fall following the release of economic data on Wednesday. This data pushed the pound sterling above 1.2700. However, steady growth in the UK services sector may lead the Bank of England to hold interest rates steady at its meeting today, June 20. Disappointing retail …
Read More »Oil Markets in Flux: Balancing Geopolitical Tensions with Demand Concerns
Oil prices maintained a delicate equilibrium on Wednesday, caught between escalating geopolitical tensions in Europe and the Middle East and growing apprehension over a surprising build in U.S. crude inventories. The market remained cautiously optimistic, with Brent crude futures edging up by a marginal 2 cents to $85.35 a barrel, …
Read More »Data remains prerequisite for easing among cautiously optimistic Fed officials
Six senior Federal Reserve officials from various regions made important statements today, Tuesday, adding to the ongoing discussion about future U.S. monetary policy. The economic agenda also featured presentations and discussions with Fed officials, including two voting members of the Federal Open Market Committee. The next Federal Open Market Committee …
Read More »Forex Overview: Dollar Firms Ahead of Retail Sales Data and Fed Speeches
The U.S. dollar gained ground on Tuesday, buoyed by anticipation of key retail sales data and speeches from Federal Reserve officials. Traders sought insights to better understand the potential timing and pace of future interest rate cuts. The Dollar Index, measuring the greenback against a basket of major currencies, rose …
Read More »Oil Prices: Driving Season Outlook Amid Initial Optimism
Investors and traders are paying attention to oil prices ahead of the summer driving and travel season amid a mix of optimistic expectations, well-founded fears and high demand for fuel.Optimism about OPEC+ trendsOil recently achieved its first weekly gains in a month, supported by reports and data that injected more …
Read More »US Economy: From Recession Fears to Growth, What’s Next?
The US economy surprised many analysts and investors in 2024 by shifting from early fears of a potential recession into a period of resilience and growth. The Federal Reserve, which initially expected to cut rates multiple times this year, has revised its stance to just one cut. So, what does …
Read More »Dollar Dips as Traders Weigh Fed’s Hawkish Tone Against Benign Inflation
The U.S. dollar retreated on Thursday, as market participants wrestled with the contrasting signals of subdued U.S. inflation and a more hawkish stance from the Federal Reserve. The Dollar Index, measuring the greenback against a basket of major currencies, dipped 0.3% to 104.340, easing from its recent mid-May peak. This …
Read More »Fed does not rule out two rate cuts in 2024
Fed Chairman Jerome Powell noted that the revised forecast is a conservative approach and left open the possibility of additional rate reduction. Federal Reserve officials released a startling change to their estimates for the number of interest rate cuts this year.Following the two-day monetary policy meeting in Washington on Wednesday, …
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