Market Update

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported Friday that annual inflation, measured by the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, remained at 2.6% in July, in line with market expectations. Core PCE Inflation Core PCE, which strips out volatile food and energy prices, rose to 2.9%, slightly higher than …

U.S. stock index futures slipped on Friday evening, retreating from recent record highs as investors awaited key inflation data for more clarity on the Federal Reserve’s interest rate plans. Dow Jones Futures: -155 points (-0.3%) S&P 500 Futures: -18 points (-0.3%) Nasdaq 100 Futures: -108 points (-0.5%) August monthly gains …

Gold prices eased slightly on Friday but remained on track for strong gains in August, driven by growing expectations of a September rate cut by the Federal Reserve. Spot gold: $3,409.89/oz (-0.2%) Gold futures (October): $3,469.92/oz (-0.1%) August performance: Up 3.7%, approaching April record highs Drivers of gold strength: Dollar …

Gold prices eased slightly on Friday but remained on track for strong gains in August, driven by growing expectations of a September rate cut by the Federal Reserve. Spot gold: $3,409.89/oz (-0.2%) Gold futures (October): $3,469.92/oz (-0.1%) August performance: Up 3.7%, approaching April record highs Drivers of gold strength: Dollar …

German retail sales plunged 1.5% in July compared with the previous month, far below the 0.4% decline expected, signaling a slowdown in domestic consumption and clouding the outlook for third-quarter growth. Germany’s economy contracted 0.3% in Q2, further dimming hopes for a sustained recovery in Europe’s largest economy. Analysts note …

The U.S. dollar wavered on Friday, heading for a 2% decline in August against major currencies, as markets weighed rising expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut next month against concerns over the central bank’s independence. President Donald Trump’s attempts to influence monetary policy, including firing Fed Governor Lisa …

Oil prices fell in Asian trading on Friday, reversing some of Thursday’s gains, amid fading hopes for a Russia-Ukraine peace deal and renewed focus on U.S. tariffs on India. Brent October futures dropped 0.8% to $68.10/barrel. WTI crude futures fell 0.7% to $64.14/barrel. Both contracts are on track for monthly …

Q2 Earnings Season Wraps Up with Mixed Results and AI-Driven Shifts The second quarter earnings season is drawing to a close, delivering a largely positive set of results for Corporate America. Over 92% of S&P 500 companies have reported, with earnings per share projected to rise by 11% compared to …

Inflation likely remained higher than the Federal Reserve’s target in July, according to a survey of economists. The widely watched report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis is expected to show that consumer prices, as measured by the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, rose by 2.6% over the past year—the …

A curious paradox exists in modern economic reporting: rising consumer debt is often presented as a sign of economic confidence. Analysts and media outlets frequently cheer as households borrow more, framing it as a signal of optimism and a willingness to spend. However, a closer look at the data reveals …