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 »Fed Official Flags Upside Inflation Risks, Warns of Stagflation Threat
St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem expressed concerns Thursday about the potential for persistent inflation and the risk of stagflation, posing a dual challenge to the US economy. He emphasized the need for confidence that inflation is headed back to the Fed’s 2% target before any further policy adjustments are …
Read More »Explainer: What the loss of Fed’s independence could mean
Trump as well as other Wall Street forces attempt to limit the Fed’s independence. Though it refrains from attempting to sway interest rate decisions, the White House wants more authority over Fed operations, including financial regulation. On February 12, Fed Chair Jerome H. Powell gave a testimony before the House …
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 »European Markets Mixed as Investors Digest Corporate Earnings
European stock markets traded in a mixed fashion on Thursday, as investors closely monitored corporate earnings reports from major firms. As of 03:21 ET (08:21 GMT): Germany’s DAX edged up 0.2%. France’s CAC 40 gained 0.3%. UK’s FTSE 100 slipped 0.3%. Key Corporate Earnings Highlights Schneider Electric Exceeds Expectations French …
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 »Canadian Dollar Under Pressure Amidst Inflation Concerns and Trade Tensions
The Canadian dollar (CAD) has weakened against the US dollar (USD), with the USD/CAD pair holding above 1.4200. This depreciation stems from a combination of factors, including concerns about US trade policy, uncertainty surrounding the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) interest rate decisions, and the US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) stance on …
Read More »FOMC Minutes Reveal Discussions on Balance Sheet, Inflation Risks
The minutes from the Federal Reserve’s January 28-29 meeting, where the FOMC unanimously decided to maintain the target interest rate range at 4.25%-4.5%, revealed discussions surrounding the balance sheet and potential risks to the inflation outlook.Balance Sheet Discussions and Debt Ceiling ConcernsThe minutes disclosed that Fed officials debated the timing …
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 »FOMC Minutes reflect concerns over Trump’s policies
At January’s meeting, Fed officials debated whether it might be wise to slow or even pause the reduction of their balance sheet holdings, given that renewed concerns over the federal debt ceiling have come back into play. In addition, the Minutes showed the staff’s economic outlook remained largely unchanged from …
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