Market Update

The Federal Reserve faces a complex economic landscape. Recent statements from Fed Governors Kugler and Goolsbee highlight the challenges in achieving price stability while maintaining healthy economic growth. Their remarks underscore the delicate balancing act the Fed must perform as it navigates uneven progress on inflation, a robust labour market, …

In a series of statements on social media on Friday, US President Donald Trump announced that his intentions to impose broad tariffs on the majority of US trading allies are once again being considered as a way to reduce the US government deficit. Under President Trump’s leadership, the US budget …

The University of Michigan’s (UoM) Consumer Sentiment Index has revealed a decline in consumer confidence, primarily driven by rising inflation fears. The preliminary UoM Sentiment Index for January fell to 67.8, compared to investor forecasts of 71.8 and December’s reading of 71.1. This marks the lowest point in the index …

WTI crude oil prices rose to around $70.80 per barrel on Friday, driven by renewed optimism about energy demand stemming from the latest US labor market report. While January’s Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) fell short of expectations at 143,000 new jobs, the continued resilience of the labor market and strong wage …

The U.S. economy added fewer jobs than expected in January, signaling a potential slowdown in labor demand. However, analysts cautioned that the figures may be distorted by annual revisions and extreme weather conditions. Nonfarm payrolls: 143,000 (below the forecast of 169,000). December jobs revised upward: 307,000 (previously reported as 256,000). …

U.S. stock index futures steadied on Friday, as investors awaited the crucial nonfarm payrolls report while digesting Amazon’s weaker-than-expected revenue outlook. Stock Market Overview Dow Jones Futures: Up 16 points (0.1%) S&P 500 Futures: Down 3 points (0.1%) Nasdaq 100 Futures: Down 15 points (0.1%) On Thursday, the NASDAQ Composite …

The U.S. dollar held steady on Friday as traders awaited key U.S. payroll figures, while the yen climbed to a nine-week high on expectations of further rate hikes in Japan. Key Currency Movements Dollar Index: Flat at 107.63, down 2.1 percent from Monday’s high of 109.88, as global trade tensions …

Germany’s industrial production saw a significant decline in December 2024, marking the steepest drop in five months as the manufacturing sector continued to face challenges despite signs of stabilization in other parts of the economy. Key Figures and Sector Impact Industrial output fell by 2.4 percent from the previous month, …

Gold prices rose in Asian trading on Friday, staying close to recent record highs as investors sought safe-haven assets amid global uncertainty ahead of key U.S. labor market data. Key Gold Price Movements Spot gold: $2,862.67 per ounce (+0.2%) Gold futures: $2,884.81 per ounce (+0.3%) Weekly gain: +2.4% Gold was …

Oil prices remained largely unchanged in Asian trading on Friday but continued to be on track for their third consecutive weekly decline, driven by concerns over a supply glut and U.S.-China trade tensions. Brent Oil Futures: $74.27 per barrel (flat) U.S. Crude (WTI) Futures (March): $70.33 per barrel (flat) Weekly …