Market Update

US Market Activity Stalls Ahead of NFP ReleaseTrading volumes in the US market were subdued on Thursday, as market participants braced for the upcoming Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report scheduled for release on Friday, January 10th.The US Dollar Index (DXY) displayed modest gains amidst a generally tepid market environment. The observance …

The Canadian Dollar continued its downward spiral on Thursday, losing another 0.1% against the US Dollar. This decline occurred despite the US market being closed for a national day of mourning, a stark reminder of the Loonie’s ongoing struggle against the Greenback. With limited trading activity due to the holiday, …

Bank of England (BoE) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) member and Deputy Governor for Financial Stability Sarah Breeden noted that it might finally be time for the BoE to start loosening policy rates now that UK economic data has effectively begun to crumble.Key HighlightsThere is some tentative evidence that activity is …

Philadelphia Federal Reserve President Patrick Harker reiterated his belief that the U.S. central bank will eventually lower interest rates, but emphasized the need for a cautious approach given current economic uncertainty.In a speech to the National Association of Corporate Directors New Jersey Chapter, Harker stated that while he anticipates a …

Gold prices extended their rally for a third consecutive day, surpassing $2,675, as investor concerns about rising inflation intensified. This surge in gold prices coincides with a spike in global yields, driven by anxieties that recent stimulus packages and potential tariff increases could reignite inflationary pressures. Traders are increasingly viewing …

Oil prices rose slightly on Thursday, with Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gaining 0.5% and 0.4%, respectively, as traders balanced strong winter demand expectations against rising U.S. fuel inventories and macroeconomic uncertainties. Key Market Drivers Demand Expectations and Supply Concerns Brent crude futures increased by 35 cents to …

Shares in leading UK retailers fell sharply on Thursday, erasing £2 billion ($2.45 billion) in market value, as concerns about weakening consumer confidence and mounting economic pressures overshadowed strong Christmas trading results. Key Highlights Pressure on Consumer Sentiment Retailers are bracing for higher employer taxes and minimum wage increases starting …

The U.S. dollar held firm on Thursday, bolstered by hawkish Federal Reserve minutes and strong economic data that fueled expectations of a slower pace of rate cuts in 2025. Global currencies, however, faced mixed fortunes due to varying economic and policy dynamics. Key Highlights Dollar Holds Ground Amid Strong Yields …

Germany, the eurozone’s largest economy, delivered better-than-expected export and industrial production data for November. However, underlying indicators suggest that the outlook remains subdued. Key Data Highlights Exports: German exports rose by 2.1% in November, slightly exceeding the forecasted 2.0% increase. Trade with non-EU countries was the primary driver, with exports …

European stock markets traded slightly lower on Thursday, as investors evaluated economic data and retail sector earnings. At 03:05 ET (08:05 GMT), Germany’s DAX slipped 0.2%, France’s CAC 40 fell 0.2%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 remained flat. Trading volumes are expected to be muted, with U.S. markets closed to …