Oil prices remained little changed on Thursday, as markets assessed the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canada and Mexico, while awaiting the upcoming OPEC+ ministerial meeting. Brent crude futures fell 7 cents (-0.09%) to $76.51 per barrel. U.S. crude futures inched up 2 cents (+0.03%) to $72.64 per barrel by …
Read More »Gold Prices Steady as Markets Weigh Fed’s Hawkish Stance, Trade War Risks
Gold prices held steady in Asian trading on Thursday, as investors evaluated the Federal Reserve’s firm stance on interest rates alongside rising uncertainty over U.S. tariffs. Spot gold (XAU/USD) edged 0.1% higher to $2,765.64 per ounce. Gold futures (February contract) climbed 0.3% to $2,803.39 per ounce by 01:45 ET (06:45 …
Read More »Market Drivers; US Session
The Federal Reserve’s recent decision to hold interest rates steady sent ripples through financial markets, with gold prices experiencing a brief wobble. While the headline might suggest a dovish stance, the Fed’s accompanying statement and Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference revealed a more nuanced picture: a “hawkish hold.” The central …
Read More »ECB Navigates Choppy Seas: Monetary Policy Easing As Growth Worries Persist, US Uncertainty In Play
ECB members have strongly hinted at a 25 basis point rate cut at the upcoming meeting. This likely stems from a series of public statements and interviews where Governing Council members discussed the need to support economic growth, expressed concerns about slowing economic activity, and acknowledged that inflation may not …
Read More »The Fed Pauses, Nvidia Slumps: US Stock Market Faces Pressures
The S&P 500 retreated on Wednesday following the Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain interest rates. Nvidia shares continued their downward spiral amid growing scrutiny over its AI technology. This confluence of events underscores the delicate balance facing markets: navigating inflationary pressures, grappling with the evolving landscape of AI, and contending …
Read More »Chair Powell: The Fed will keep its inflation goal
The Federal Reserve held its key interest rate steady on Wednesday, maintaining the Federal Funds Target Range at 4.25% to 4.50%. This decision aligns with market expectations and follows a 25-basis-point rate cut in December. The Fed continues to grapple with balancing economic growth and inflation control. The Fed’s …
Read More »Federal Reserve left its interest rates unchanged in line with expectations
The Federal Reserve (Fed) announced on Wednesday that it has kept its Federal Funds Target Range (FFTR) unchanged at 4.25%–4.50%, in line with broad market expectations. This decision follows the 25 basis point rate cut in December as the Fed continues to navigate the delicate balance between supporting economic growth …
Read More »Fed Walks a Tightrope Between Job Growth and Stubborn Inflation
The Federal Reserve faces a delicate balancing act; maintaining a robust labour market while simultaneously taming inflation. While the US boasts a red-hot job market with strong employment gains and healthy wage growth, persistent inflation remains a concern.Investors are closely watching the Fed’s stance on interest rates. Bond markets currently …
Read More »Fed Poised to Pause Interest Rate Cuts as Trump Policies Influence Economic Outlook
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to hold its current monetary policy stance following the January meeting.Fed Chairman Powell’s press conference will be crucial in providing insights into the future direction of interest rates.The US Dollar could weaken if the Fed maintains the possibility of a rate cut in March.The …
Read More »Canadian Dollar Weakens After BoC Cuts Rate, Ends QT
The Canadian Dollar declined 0.25% against the US Dollar on Wednesday following the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) decision to cut interest rates by another 25 basis points to 3%. This move, the third consecutive rate cut, comes after the BoC raised rates aggressively in 2023, reaching a peak of 5% …
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