European markets opened the week in the red, reflecting a subdued trading environment as the Christmas holiday approaches. At 03:13 ET (08:13 GMT), major indices showed minor declines: Germany’s DAX: -0.4% France’s CAC 40: -0.1% UK’s FTSE 100: -0.1% With many markets preparing to close early or remain shut on …
Read More »Oil Prices Edge Higher Amid Cooling Inflation and Supply Resumptions
Oil prices began the week on a positive note, bolstered by data showing cooling U.S. inflation, which revived hopes for monetary policy easing in 2024, supporting global economic growth and oil demand. Brent crude futures rose $0.26 (0.4%) to $73.20 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed $0.31 …
Read More »Weekly Recap: Fed Hawkishness Shakes Stocks, Dollar Strengthens
US stocks had a volatile week, with a sharp decline on Wednesday, followed by recovery on Friday. Volatility followed Fed’s unexpected hawkish stance during the last policy meeting in 2024. While the Fed approved a widely anticipated quarter-point interest rate cut, its projection for fewer rate cuts in 2025 than …
Read More »EUR/USD rebounds following American PCE data
EUR/USD is about 0.70% up, trading at 1.0427 at the time of writing. Earlier on Friday, the EUR/USD pair has rebounded above 1.0400 in the North American session after posting a three-week low near 1.0340 in Asian trading hours. The major currency pair’s growth in the US Personal Consumption Expenditures …
Read More »Crypto Market Reeling following Dampened Rate Cut Expectations, Bitcoin Falls Below $100,000
The cryptocurrency market has experienced a significant downturn, with Bitcoin plunging below $100,000, trading at the time of writing at only $97,173, down some -0.23 on the day, and other major tokens suffering even steeper losses. This sharp correction coincides with a shift in the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy stance, …
Read More »Extensive Efforts to Avert a US Government Shutdown Before Midnight
US House Speaker Mike Johnson will attempt to pass what is known as a “temporary plan” later on Friday, involving a funding bill for the federal government at current debt levels. This plan includes certain provisions aimed at garnering public support and avoiding the US from suspending its debt ceiling …
Read More »PCE DaExplainer: Cooling Inflation Offers Glimmer of Hope, But Fed Remains Cautious
The latest inflation data provides a glimmer of hope in the ongoing battle against rising prices. The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, showed a modest increase of 0.1% in November, translating to an annual rate of 2.4%. This reading, while still above the …
Read More »Russian Central Bank Keeps Rates Steady at 21%, Defying Market Expectations
The Russian Central Bank surprised markets on Friday by maintaining its key interest rate at 21%, contrary to widespread expectations of a 2-percentage-point hike. Analysts had anticipated a rate increase to 23%, but the bank justified its decision by citing the effectiveness of recent tightening measures in curbing inflationary pressures. …
Read More »Gold Prices Struggle Amid Hawkish Fed Outlook and Strong Dollar
Gold prices held near a one-month low in Asian trade on Friday, heading for their third consecutive weekly loss as the Federal Reserve’s slower-than-expected rate cut projections for 2025 weighed on investor sentiment. Gold Performance Spot gold edged up 0.1% to $2,596.82 per ounce, while Gold futures for February delivery …
Read More »European Stocks Slide Amid Trade War Fears and Weak Economic Data
European stock markets ended the week on a downbeat note as concerns about a potential trade war with the U.S. and disappointing economic data weighed on investor sentiment. Indices Under Pressure Germany’s DAX dropped 1.1%, France’s CAC 40 slid 1%, The UK’s FTSE 100 fell 0.4%. Trade Tensions Escalate with …
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