Market Analysis

February, 2025

  • 20 February 2025 9:21 pm

    Fed Official Flags Upside Inflation Risks, Warns of Stagflation Threat

    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 …

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  • 20 February 2025 8:28 pm

    Explainer: What the loss of Fed’s independence could mean

    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 …

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  • 20 February 2025 7:43 pm

    Dollar Wobbles After Jobless Claims Disappoint, China Deal Hints Emerge

    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 …

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  • 20 February 2025 3:34 pm

    Oil Prices Steady After Recent Gains, U.S. Crude Stockpiles Weigh on Market

    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 …

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  • 20 February 2025 1:30 pm

    European Markets Mixed as Investors Digest Corporate Earnings

    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 …

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  • 20 February 2025 11:35 am

    Bitcoin Holds Steady Amid Market Uncertainty, Awaiting Directional Catalyst

    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 …

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  • 20 February 2025 10:42 am

    Gold Prices Surge to Record High Amid Safe-Haven Demand, but Dollar Strength Caps Gains

    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 …

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  • 20 February 2025 2:15 am

    Wall Street Rebounds, Gold Dips After FOMC Minutes

    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 …

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  • 20 February 2025 1:56 am

    Canadian Dollar Under Pressure Amidst Inflation Concerns and Trade Tensions

    The Canadian dollar (CAD) has weakened against the US dollar (USD), with the USD/CAD pair holding above 1.4200. This depreciation stems from a combination of factors, including concerns about US trade policy, uncertainty surrounding the Bank of Canada’s (BoC) interest rate decisions, and the US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) stance on …

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  • 20 February 2025 12:11 am

    FOMC Minutes Reveal Discussions on Balance Sheet, Inflation Risks

    The minutes from the Federal Reserve’s January 28-29 meeting, where the FOMC unanimously decided to maintain the target interest rate range at 4.25%-4.5%, revealed discussions surrounding the balance sheet and potential risks to the inflation outlook.Balance Sheet Discussions and Debt Ceiling ConcernsThe minutes disclosed that Fed officials debated the timing …

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  • 19 February 2025 11:39 pm

    Review of Risks Pinpointed by Recent FOMC Minutes

    The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes highlighted several risks in the current economic and monetary landscape:Monetary Policy Framework Review: The Fed’s monetary policy framework is under review, focusing on the Committee’s Statement on Longer-Run Goals and Monetary Policy Strategy, and policy communication practices. However, the 2 percent longer-run inflation …

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  • 19 February 2025 11:08 pm

    FOMC Minutes reflect concerns over Trump’s policies

    At January’s meeting, Fed officials debated whether it might be wise to slow or even pause the reduction of their balance sheet holdings, given that renewed concerns over the federal debt ceiling have come back into play. In addition, the Minutes showed the staff’s economic outlook remained largely unchanged from …

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  • 19 February 2025 9:54 pm

    Gold Slides from Peak, but Still Above $ 2,920 Ahead of FOMC Minutes

    Gold’s Trajectory Amidst Geopolitical Tensions and FOMC MinutesGold prices have recently retreated from a peak of $2,947.06, reached during European trading hours, but remain elevated above $2,920. This movement occurs against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty and anticipation for the release of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes from …

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