Market Update

The European Union’s latest round of sanctions against Russia, the sixteenth since the invasion of Ukraine, focuses on energy and metals, specifically targeting oil exports and aluminum imports. These measures introduce new complexities to already volatile commodity markets, raising questions about their ultimate impact.Energy Market Under PressureThe EU’s move to …

The US Administration announced plans to audit the nation’s gold reserves stored at Fort Knox in Kentucky. “We’re going to go to Fort Knox, the fabled Fort Knox, to make sure the gold is there,” the Administration stated.This move follows recent calls for an audit, fueled in part by comments …

St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem expressed concerns Thursday about the potential for persistent inflation and the risk of stagflation, posing a dual challenge to the US economy. He emphasized the need for confidence that inflation is headed back to the Fed’s 2% target before any further policy adjustments are …

Trump as well as other Wall Street forces attempt to limit the Fed’s independence. Though it refrains from attempting to sway interest rate decisions, the White House wants more authority over Fed operations, including financial regulation. On February 12, Fed Chair Jerome H. Powell gave a testimony before the House …

The US dollar stumbled on Thursday, giving up Wednesday’s gains and falling below 107.00 on the US Dollar Index (DXY). Hopes of a potential trade agreement with China, however, provided a glimmer of optimism for markets worried about tariffs. The DXY, measuring the dollar against six major currencies, currently sits …

Oil prices were little changed on Thursday, as a rise in U.S. crude inventories pressured the market after prices had climbed to a near one-week high in the previous session. As of 09:16 GMT: Brent crude fell 15 cents to $75.89 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined 34 …

European stock markets traded in a mixed fashion on Thursday, as investors closely monitored corporate earnings reports from major firms. As of 03:21 ET (08:21 GMT): Germany’s DAX edged up 0.2%. France’s CAC 40 gained 0.3%. UK’s FTSE 100 slipped 0.3%. Key Corporate Earnings Highlights Schneider Electric Exceeds Expectations French …

Bitcoin traded in a tight range on Thursday, as investors remained cautious amid ongoing U.S. tariff concerns and uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve’s interest rate outlook. The cryptocurrency lacked clear momentum, struggling to break out of its recent consolidation phase. Bitcoin Stagnates Despite Diplomatic Developments As of 01:15 ET (6:15 …

Gold prices climbed in Asian trading on Thursday, briefly reaching a record high as escalating trade tensions fueled demand for safe-haven assets. However, gains were limited by a stronger U.S. dollar, following hawkish signals from the Federal Reserve’s January meeting minutes. Gold Hits Record High Before Retreating Spot gold rose …

Wall Street’s stock market indices saw modest gains after the Federal Reserve released the results of its January meeting. Investors analyzed the results for clues about the future of interest rates and monetary policy. The general takeaway was that the meeting reiterated previous statements from the Fed and Chairman Jerome …