The British Pound has rallied against the US Dollar, surpassing the 1.2600 mark. This surge is primarily attributed to unexpectedly weak US retail sales data, which suggests a pullback in consumer spending. The Pound’s upward momentum has also been bolstered by positive UK economic indicators. US Retail Sales DisappointUS retail …
Read More »Decoding the January Retail Sales Dip
January’s US retail sales figures revealed a surprising 0.9% month-over-month decline, the sharpest drop in nearly two years. This figure initially sparked concerns about the economy’s health. However, a closer examination reveals a more nuanced picture, suggesting that the drop may not signal a significant shift in consumer spending. Several …
Read More »Russia Holds Interest Rate at 21% as Rouble Strengthens
The Russian central bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 21% during its board meeting on Friday, maintaining a tight monetary stance despite recent economic optimism fueled by improving U.S.-Russia relations. Key Takeaways from the Decision: The rate remains at 21%, a level set in October 2024 to combat …
Read More »European Stocks Slip as Investors Lock in Gains
European stock markets edged lower on Friday, with investors taking profits after a strong week of gains. Despite this pullback, sentiment remained positive following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to delay reciprocal tariffs on major trading partners, including the European Union. As of 03:15 ET (08:15 GMT): Germany’s DAX fell …
Read More »Gold Prices Hold Near Record Highs as Dollar Weakens, Haven Demand Persists
Gold prices remained steady during Asian trading hours on Friday, hovering close to record highs despite a shift towards riskier assets after U.S. President Donald Trump postponed plans for reciprocal tariffs. However, steep losses in the U.S. dollar provided support for gold, as the greenback erased most of its recent …
Read More »Dollar Retreats Despite Price Pressures and Labour Market Conditions
The US dollar’s recent performance presents a puzzle. Despite robust Producer Price Index (PPI) data and a resilient labour market, the dollar has weakened, underscoring the powerful influence of geopolitical events and shifting market sentiment. This dynamic suggests that traditional economic indicators may, at times, take a backseat to broader …
Read More »Market Drivers; US Session: Sticky Inflation and Trade War Concerns In Focus
The signing of a reciprocal tariff order has injected further uncertainty into global trade. The potential for escalating trade tensions increases investor nervousness, prompting a flight to safe-haven assets. Gold prices have surged, approaching record highs, driven by a confluence of factors including US dollar weakness, trade anxieties, and robust …
Read More »Economic Data Matters: Fed’s Hawkish Stance Poised To Remain In Place Till September 2025
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated that President Trump’s calls for lower interest rates won’t change the central bank’s rate decisions. Powell stated that the Fed will continue to make decisions based on the economy’s situation, despite Trump’s social media comments suggesting lower interest rates. The Fed has cut its …
Read More »U.S. Dollar Retreats as Euro Rallies on Ukraine Peace Hopes
The U.S. dollar weakened on Thursday, while the euro gained, as optimism grew over a potential resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict following discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and the leaders of both nations. As of 09:25 GMT, the Dollar Index, which measures the greenback’s performance against a basket of …
Read More »Gold Prices Stay Near Record Highs Amid Peace Talks and Economic Uncertainty
Gold prices rose in Asian trade on Thursday, holding close to record levels despite a broader risk-on sentiment in financial markets fueled by renewed hopes for a peace treaty between Russia and Ukraine. The yellow metal’s strength was primarily driven by a weaker U.S. dollar, which declined even after January’s …
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