Risk aversion has been leading most assets amid the war fogs and indecisive peace talks in Eastern Europe. Economic DataEarlier on Thursday, the headline ISM Services PMI reading slid to 56.5 in February from 59.9 in January, below the expected rise to 61.0, according to the latest release by the …
Read More »WTI Retreats On Back Of Iranian Supply Prospects
US oil price is off by some 3% as WTI crude fell off decade highs on Thursday following reports that a deal to allow the return of Iranian supplies to the global market is near.Traders are looking for supplements that can replace Russian exports that have been cut by sanctions …
Read More »Oil Slides as US Hints Significant Progress in Iran Nuclear Talks
US State Department said on Thursday that there has been significant progress in nuclear talks with Iran and we are close to a possible deal.However, a number of difficult issues remain unresolved and we will not have a deal unless we can resolve the remaining issues quickly. Oil slid 2% …
Read More »3 Charts Explain Gold, Bitcoin Performance Since Russo-Ukrainian War Outbreak
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has undoubtedly had a major influence on major financial markets, as some assets benefited and climbed strongly, while others incurred heavy losses. Bitcoin and gold have had the lion’s share of benefits as investors rush to hedge against the consequences of war.After initially falling to around …
Read More »Europe Can Reduce Gas Imports From Russia by More Than a Third in a Year
The International Energy Agency said on Thursday that Europe could reduce the import of Russian gas by more than a third within a year, and the agency announced a 10-point plan to reduce the European Union’s dependence on Russian gas. “Nobody is under any illusions anymore. Russia’s use of its …
Read More »The European Union Excludes 7 Russian Banks From SWIFT
The European Union has removed seven Russian banks from the Swift messaging system that supports global transactions as part of its sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, the Official Gazette of the European Union said on Wednesday. The banks, which will be given 10 days to phase out …
Read More »Fitch Downgrades Russia’s Sovereign Rating to Junk
Ratings agency Fitch on Wednesday cut Russia’s sovereign rating six notches to junk, saying Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine had made Russia’s debt-servicing uncertainty and would weaken its economy in a “massive shock” to its creditworthiness. Russia’s financial markets have plunged into turmoil over its attack on Ukraine, …
Read More »Moody’s Downgrades Russia’s Rating to B3
Ratings agency Moody’s said Thursday that it has downgraded Russia’s long-term and unsecured credit rating to B3 from Baa3, attributing this to tough sanctions imposed by Western countries on Moscow. The agency added that the ratings are still under review for a further downgrade.
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 »ECB’s Centeno: Ukraine Conflict To Bring About Stagflation Scenario
European Central Bank Governing Council member Mario Centeno said on Wednesday that the Russo-Ukraine war could lead to a stagflation scenario depending on the duration of the conflict and the European response.The exclusion of the Russian economic area via sanctions will have a devastating impact on Russia’s economy, Centeno added.Beyond …
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