Recent data reveals a mixed picture of US economic activity. The S&P Global Composite PMI for February dipped to 50.4, signaling a slight weakening in overall private sector activity compared to January’s 52.7. However, within this composite, the Manufacturing PMI bucked the trend, edging up from 51.2 to 51.6, indicating …
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 »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 »Gold Prices Surge to Record High Amid Safe-Haven Demand, but Dollar Strength Caps Gains
Gold prices climbed in Asian trading on Thursday, briefly reaching a record high as escalating trade tensions fueled demand for safe-haven assets. However, gains were limited by a stronger U.S. dollar, following hawkish signals from the Federal Reserve’s January meeting minutes. Gold Hits Record High Before Retreating Spot gold rose …
Read More »Review of Risks Pinpointed by Recent FOMC Minutes
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes highlighted several risks in the current economic and monetary landscape:Monetary Policy Framework Review: The Fed’s monetary policy framework is under review, focusing on the Committee’s Statement on Longer-Run Goals and Monetary Policy Strategy, and policy communication practices. However, the 2 percent longer-run inflation …
Read More »Gold Slides from Peak, but Still Above $ 2,920 Ahead of FOMC Minutes
Gold’s Trajectory Amidst Geopolitical Tensions and FOMC MinutesGold prices have recently retreated from a peak of $2,947.06, reached during European trading hours, but remain elevated above $2,920. This movement occurs against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty and anticipation for the release of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes from …
Read More »Federal Reserve Weighs Risks of Tariffs on Inflation and Economic Outlook
U.S. Federal Reserve officials remain divided on the potential inflationary impact of President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs, but growing concerns are emerging regarding their effects on supply chains, public expectations, and pricing dynamics. As the scope of the administration’s trade policies expands, policymakers are reassessing the broader economic risks associated …
Read More »U.S. Stock Futures Decline as Investors Weigh Fed Minutes and Trade Tensions
U.S. stock futures turned lower on Wednesday, erasing earlier gains as investors assessed geopolitical risks, trade uncertainties, and the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting minutes. Market Snapshot (as of 11:17 GMT): Dow futures fell 66 points (-0.2%). S&P 500 futures declined 6 points (-0.1%). Nasdaq 100 futures slipped 11 points (-0.1%). …
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