Market Update

Major developed market central banks kept interest rates steady this week, but their tone shifted sharply. With the U.S.-Israeli conflict against Iran driving energy prices higher, policymakers warned they stand ready to act if inflation accelerates. Traders Pivot from Cuts to HikesMarkets, once confident of monetary easing, have reversed course. …

Gold prices remained under heavy pressure, extending their sharp decline as the metal hovered near $4,650 after a steep daily drop of around 3.5%. The latest move reflects a broader shift in market sentiment, with investors stepping back from bullish positions amid rising yields and fading expectations for near-term interest …

U.S. stocks attempted a late-session recovery on Thursday, climbing well off their worst levels of the day. However, the rebound was not strong enough to lift markets into positive territory, leaving major indexes to close with modest losses after a volatile session.Tech Under Pressure Amid Rate ConcernsThe Nasdaq led the …

Oil prices slipped back after briefly crossing the symbolic $100 mark, as markets weighed improved supply prospects against mounting geopolitical tensions. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled near $97 per barrel, reflecting a cautious balance between easing restrictions and persistent risks.The decline followed a partial easing of U.S. sanctions on …

Tesla is stepping into one of the most ambitious chapters in its history, but the price tag attached to its “Terafab” semiconductor project is raising serious financial questions. As the company prepares to push deeper into advanced chip manufacturing, the numbers increasingly point to one conclusion: new funding may soon …

The British Pound showed only limited strength against the US Dollar, even after the Bank of England adopted a more hawkish tone than markets had anticipated. While policymakers signaled a firmer stance on inflation and opened the door to potential rate increases, the currency’s response remained restrained—highlighting the growing influence …

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde reaffirmed the institution’s cautious stance on Thursday, announcing that interest rates will remain unchanged at the March policy meeting. The decision underscores the ECB’s determination to balance inflation control with fragile growth, as geopolitical tensions continue to reshape the global economic landscape. Lagarde emphasized …

U.S. stock futures edged lower on Thursday, as a sharp spike in oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment. By 06:43 ET (10:43 GMT): Dow futures fell 67 points (0.2%) S&P 500 futures declined 0.2% Nasdaq 100 futures dropped 0.3% Oil-driven inflation fears …

Oil prices jumped sharply on Thursday, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) briefly crossing the $100 per barrel mark, as escalating attacks on energy infrastructure heightened fears of prolonged supply disruptions in the Middle East. By 23:57 ET (03:57 GMT), Brent crude surged 4.3% to $111.97 per barrel, while WTI rose …

The UK labour market showed signs of stabilization in February, with steady unemployment and stronger-than-expected job growth, even as rising energy costs threaten to weigh on the economic outlook. Unemployment held at 5.2%, below expectations of 5.3%, while payrolls increased by 20,000, outperforming forecasts for a decline of 5,000. Employment …