In June 2025, U.S. consumer sentiment showed signs of life. The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index climbed 16.3% to 60.7, up from May but still 18% below December 2024 levels. A Modest Upturn Amid Economic uneaseThis uptick, though notable, reflects cautious optimism rather than robust confidence. Consumers remain wary, …
Read More »Dollar Rides High on Trade Deal Optimism
Trade Talks Fuel Dollar’s Rise: In June 2025, the U.S. dollar got a shot in the arm from growing optimism over trade negotiations. Reports of nearing agreements between the United States and key trading partners pushed the dollar index, which tracks the greenback against major currencies, to 97.27 points on …
Read More »U.S. Inflation Stays Cool in May: Calm Before the Storm?
Inflation Meets Expectations: In May 2025, U.S. inflation aligned closely with forecasts, offering a moment of stability amid economic uncertainty. The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, favored by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for its reliability, rose 0.1% month-over-month, matching both the prior reading and market expectations. Annually, the PCE …
Read More »Explainer: Europe’s Trade Concessions Versus Trump’s Tariff Threat
The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed readiness to strike a trade deal with the Trump administration, but with caveats. Facing U.S. threats of 50% tariffs by July 9, the EU is open to concessions, particularly on autonomous vehicle regulations, to protect key sectors like autos and steel. …
Read More »U.S. Inflation Data Shows Modest Price Gains in May, Fed’s PCE Index Reflects Stability
The U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure, showed a slight increase in May, indicating stable price gains despite ongoing concerns about the economic impact of sweeping U.S. tariffs. The headline PCE inflation for May rose by 0.1% on a month-on-month basis, matching the …
Read More »PCE Price Index Set to Offer Key Clues on Fed’s Next Move
The upcoming release of the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index data for May is expected to provide valuable insights into inflationary pressures and influence market expectations about the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy. According to forecasts, the core PCE Price Index—considered the Fed’s preferred measure of inflation—will increase by …
Read More »ECB Confident in Meeting Inflation Target, Eyes Pause After Recent Rate Cuts
The European Central Bank (ECB) is on track to meet its 2% inflation target, according to Vice President Luis de Guindos, who expressed confidence in the ECB’s monetary policy approach. In a statement to Spanish broadcaster Antena 3 on Friday, de Guindos reaffirmed the ECB’s commitment to bringing inflation to …
Read More »European Stocks Gain on Easing Trade Tensions, Auto and Media Sectors Lead
European stocks rose on Friday, buoyed by signs of de-escalating trade tensions between the United States and China, boosting optimism for further trade deals before the deadline for the U.S. tariff pause in July. The pan-European STOXX 600 index advanced by 0.6%, reaching 540.67 points as of 07:07 GMT, positioning …
Read More »French Consumer Prices Rise Faster Than Expected in June, Exceeding Forecasts
French consumer prices saw a modest increase in June, surpassing economist expectations, according to preliminary data released Friday by the national statistics agency INSEE. The harmonised inflation rate, which adjusts for comparisons with other eurozone countries, rose by 0.8% year-on-year in June. This marked a slight acceleration compared to previous …
Read More »Gold Prices Slide as Stable Ceasefire Eases Geopolitical Tensions, Investors Await Inflation Data
Gold prices slipped to their lowest levels in nearly four weeks during Asian trading on Friday, as the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Iran weakened demand for the precious metal, traditionally considered a safe-haven asset during times of geopolitical unrest. Spot gold fell 1% to $3,293.79 an ounce, its lowest …
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