The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) experienced a rollercoaster session on Friday, flirting with the 42,000 mark before settling near its opening level. Investors found themselves navigating a complex landscape marked by a lack of significant economic data and mounting pressures from expiring options contracts. Adding to the uncertainty, U.S. …
Read More »U.S. Dollar Boosted by Rising Market Liquidity
The U.S. dollar rose on Friday by approximately 0.31% against most major currencies, according to levels recorded by the Dollar Index which is standing at 104.114, at the time of writing. This uptick capitalized on a retreat in risk appetite across financial markets, which triggered declines in U.S. stocks and …
Read More »U.S. Bond Yields Rise Ahead of Federal Reserve Decision
On Wednesday, U.S. bond yields began to climb after shedding pressures they had been under, as markets awaited the Federal Reserve’s decision and remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at a press conference following the central bank’s announcement at the conclusion of its two-day meeting.It is widely expected that …
Read More »Market weekly wrap: gold at all-time high amid anticipation of Fed’s decision
Gold concluded the week on a strong upward trajectory, recording significant gains driven by the weakness of the U.S. dollar. This performance was further bolstered by diminished risk appetite in financial markets and reports highlighting a substantial increase in central bank purchases of the precious metal. Several factors contributed to …
Read More »U.S. Producer Price Growth Slows in February, Easing Inflation Concerns
U.S. producer prices rose at a slower-than-expected annualized rate in February, signaling cooling inflation pressures that could influence the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy stance amid economic uncertainty linked to Donald Trump’s trade policies. Key Producer Price Index (PPI) Data: Annual PPI Growth: 3.2% (vs. 3.3% expected), down from 3.7% in …
Read More »Powell’s Path: Steering Through Economic Uncertainty
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell struck a cautious tone on Friday, highlighting the challenges posed by policy uncertainty in shaping monetary policy. He pointed to the unpredictability surrounding the Trump Administration’s policies and their economic implications as a significant factor.Powell emphasized that while long-term inflation expectations remain stable and aligned …
Read More »U.S. Job Growth Provides Dovish Boost Despite Higher Unemployment
The U.S. economy added 151,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in February, a figure that was lower than the 159,000 forecast but marked an improvement from the revised January total of 125,000, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics released on Friday. The unemployment rate edged up to 4.1%, slightly …
Read More »Weekly Market Recap: A Whirlwind of Data, Geopolitics
A complex interplay of economic data, geopolitical developments, and central bank pronouncements prevailed, resulting in shifts across various asset classes. From fluctuating Treasury yields and evolving sector leadership to the resurgence of European equities, the steady ascend of gold prices, and fresh sanctions impacting commodities, investors navigated a landscape rife …
Read More »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 …
Read More »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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