A rate hike by the US Fed next week is broadely expected, even despite the recent turmoil across financial markets. According to analysts at Wells Fargo, the chance of a 50 bps interest rate hike “has fallen tremendously given the souring outlook to growth amid higher commodity prices.”Economists believe it …
Read More »USD/CAD Jumps After Strong US Jobs Data
USD/CAD sharply reversed direction higher on Friday after the release of what traders described as a bumper US labour market report boosted the US dollar and amid a distinctly risk-off market tone weighed on the more risk-sensitive Canadian dollar.The pair started the session below 1.2700, but at one point had …
Read More »Wells Fargo: NFP, Employment Gains Robust
Employment data released on Friday came in above expectations, but it was mostly ignored by most investors, traders and market participants amid the ongoing Ukraine’s war. War fogs continue as the key market driver.Analysts at Wells Fargo believe that so long as the Russia-Ukraine conflict does not significantly escalate, the …
Read More »Powell: There will be upward pressure on inflation for a while
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, in the second day of his semi-annual testimony before the US Congress, said that the rise in energy prices will work its way through to the US economy and there will subsequently be upwards pressure on inflation for a while. Key Quotes:“We could see people …
Read More »Market Drivers – US Session – 2 March
The most significant driver across financial markets on Wednesday was the testimony by Fed Chair Jerome Powell before Congress. Powell’s testimony will continue on Thursday with hints on determination to adopt QT and decide interest rate hilke in FOMC’s 16 March meeting. Economic DataPrivate employers hired more workers than expected …
Read More »Fed’s Beige Book: Economic Activity Has Expanded Since January
On Wednesday, the Fed’s Beige Book for March 2022 was released citing the word “modest” 52 times, “moderate” mentioned 47 times and “Uncertainty” 11 times. Some traders guess a lot of what happens today and tomorrow will depend on the Fed’s Beige book Key QuotesEconomic activity has expanded at a …
Read More »Bank of Canada Rate Decision Preview
This Wednesday at 1500 GMT, the BOC is expected to raise its benchmark interest rate to 0.50% from 0.25% (an all-time low) for the first time since October 2018. There is no press conference following the March meeting. At its January meeting, the central bank left the key rate unchanged …
Read More »Fed’s Bostic Supports 25 bps Hike At March Meeting
Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic said on Monday that the Fed needs to be “forceful and committed” in getting inflation under control, as reported by Reuters.Key Comments:“For now, inflation expectations in longer-term haven’t moved in a significant way.”“Labor supply is a huge problem.”“Until pandemic is over, there will be effects …
Read More »Stocks, Energy Markets Whipsaw After Russian Assault
Stocks in Europe were sharply lower, but the S&P 500 rebounded after an early decline. Energy markets swung wildly, and shares in Moscow collapsed. Oil prices and global stock markets swung wildly on Thursday after Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine, raising fears of a wider economic crisis that could …
Read More »Fed’s Barkin: Hope Fed can restore rates to pre-pandemic levels quickly
Richmond Fed President and FOMC member Thomas Barkin said on Thursday that he hopes the Fed can restore interest rates back to pre-pandemic levels fairly quickly, reported Reuters. Barkin added that it is timely to normalise rates given strong demand, the tight labour market and high inflation. Barkin said that …
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