The U.S. economy contracted at an annual rate of 0.5% in the first quarter of 2025, marking a worse-than-expected decline, according to the latest data released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) on Thursday. This figure was a revision downward from the previously reported -0.2%, signaling a more …
Read More »Gold Prices Steady Amid Weaker Dollar; Trump Criticizes Fed Chair Powell as Israel-Iran Ceasefire Holds
Gold prices found some support in Asian trade on Thursday, as a weaker dollar helped to stabilize bullion prices. Spot Gold remained largely unchanged at $3,336.65 an ounce, while Gold Futures for August rose 0.1% to $3,347.45/oz by 01:08 ET (05:08 GMT). Earlier in the week, gold saw sharp losses …
Read More »Oil Prices Edge Up Amid Strong U.S. Demand Data
Oil prices made modest gains in Asian trade on Thursday, boosted by a larger-than-expected draw in U.S. oil inventories, which sparked some optimism around demand. However, the potential for further increases remained tempered by the sustained ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which has reduced concerns over potential disruptions in Middle …
Read More »Can UK, Eurozone Avoid Defense Spending Crisis Post-NATO Summit?
The NATO summit in The Hague on June 24-25, 2025, has thrust defense budgets into sharp focus, with allies pledging to raise spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, up from the prior 2% target. Fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for equitable contributions and escalating Russian threats, this …
Read More »Fed’s Plan to Ease Bank Leverage Rules Sparks Debate
The Federal Reserve’s proposal to loosen leverage rules for major banks has ignited controversy, with some policymakers signaling opposition. This move, announced on June 25, 2025, aims to adjust the enhanced Supplementary Leverage Ratio (eSLR), a post-2008 crisis measure to bolster banking stability. The debate centers on balancing financial resilience …
Read More »EUR/USD Price Forecast: Euro Nears 2025 Highs Amid Ceasefire Optimism and Fed Caution
The EUR/USD pair extended its bullish run for a fifth straight day on Wednesday, nearing its year-to-date high around 1.1660, up 0.44% during the North American trading session. The euro’s strength was driven by renewed optimism over a U.S.-brokered Middle East ceasefire, which, despite its fragility, fueled risk-on sentiment and …
Read More »Market Drivers — US Session: Upon US Dollar’s Retreat, What’s Next for Currencies and Commodities?
The US dollar’s recent retreat has stirred global markets, spotlighting tensions in currency pairs, gold prices, and the Canadian dollar’s struggle to hold ground. A ceasefire in the Middle East and cautious remarks from Federal Reserve’s Jerome Powell have shaped this shift, raising questions about what lies ahead for monetary …
Read More »Yen’s Slide: Is Japan’s Caution Costing Too Much?
The Japanese Yen’s recent slide against the US Dollar sparks a question: is the Bank of Japan (BoJ) too cautious for its own good? The USD/JPY pair climbed 0.45% to 145.75 on Wednesday, rebounding from the 21-day EMA support near 144.60. Meanwhile, the BoJ’s latest Summary of Opinions reveals a …
Read More »Powell’s Watchful Eye on Inflation Signals Cautious Policy Path Forward
The Federal Reserve’s approach to monetary policy remains steady yet vigilant, as highlighted by Chairman Jerome Powell during his recent testimony on the Semi-Annual Monetary Policy Report before the Senate Banking Committee. The focus? Inflation trends and the enduring strength of the U.S. dollar as the global reserve currency. Here’s …
Read More »Calming Tensions: Ceasefire and Powell’s Insights Lead to Gains in Stocks and Oil
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Up Amid Ceasefire and Powell’s Testimony U.S. stock futures traded modestly higher on Wednesday as investors cautiously responded to the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, while also digesting the latest commentary from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. This shift in sentiment comes after a positive …
Read More »