Market Update

WTI crude oil has rebounded to hold $90/bbl, despite a small drop on Friday. Extended production cuts from OPEC member states are putting a tight squeeze on crude markets, sending US crude to ten-month highs. Saudi Arabia and Russia have recently announced an extension of their current oil production cuts, …

China’s factory output and retail sales grew at a faster pace in August, but tumbling investment in the crisis-hit property sector threatens to undercut a flurry of support steps that are showing signs of stabilising parts of the wobbly economy. Chinese policymakers face a daunting task in trying to revive …

The US Dollar flattens on Friday as investors take profits after a rally on Thursday. The Euro’s lackluster performance after the ECB’s dovish hike has led to traders selling the Euro in the belief the Eurozone economy will crash. Retail Sales data from the US and Producer Price Index numbers …

UoM Consumer Confidence Index declined more than expected in September. In an obvious reaction, the US dollar retreats across the board, DXY hits fresh daily lows under 105.20. Consumer sentiment in the US weakened in August, with the University of Michigan’s (UoM) Consumer Confidence Index declining to 67.7 from 69.5. …

Oil is heading for gains for the third week in a row, as the scarcity of supply resulting mainly from Saudi Arabia’s reduction in production coincides with optimism that the Chinese economy is finally beyond the stage of danger. By 1149 GMT, Brent crude rose 37 cents to $94.07 a …

The Russian Central Bank raised the interest rate by about 100 basis points to 13% levels, contradicting expectations of its stabilization. According to the decision issued today, Friday, September 15, the bank indicated that inflationary pressures are still high, that the growth of domestic demand has exceeded the capacity to …

Gold prices stabilized on Thursday near their lowest levels in three weeks, which they touched in the last session after the release of US inflation data, which reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve will stop raising interest rates next week. By 0747 GMT, spot gold prices stabilized at $1,905.49 per …

Japan’s broader Topix index closed at its highest level in more than 33 years on Friday, supported by Wall Street’s gains overnight, while technology stocks led gains after the strong initial public offering of SoftBank Group Inc’s ARM Holdings. The Topix index rose 0.95 percent to close at 2,428.38 points, …

The dollar stabilized in Asian trading on Friday, retreating slightly from the gains it achieved on Thursday against other major currencies, while the yuan rose following the release of some strong economic data from China. The dollar jumped on Thursday after US retail sales received a boost from a 0.6 …

Oil prices rose to their highest level in 10 months on Friday, after China reduced banks’ cash reserve requirements to boost its economic recovery, and amid expectations that the cycle of raising global interest rates will soon end. By 0027 GMT, Brent crude rose 46 cents, equivalent to 0.5 percent, …