Data released on Tuesday, showed the US trade deficit widened in January to a new record high. Analysts at Wells Fargo point out it reflects the relative out-performance of the US economy during a pandemic era characterized by volatile swings but generally an environment of faster growing imports and slower …
Read More »Strong Jobs Data Evidence COVID’s Fading Impact On US Economy
In a buoyant sign for the US economy, businesses stepped up their hiring last month as Omicron faded and more Americans ventured out to spend at restaurants, shops and hotels despite surging inflation.Employers added a robust 678,000 jobs in February, the largest monthly total since July, the Labor Department reported …
Read More »Williams Expects Inflation Retreat, But Stay Above Fed’S 2% Goal
New York Federal Reserve John Williams says that the central bank has to be data-dependent and transparent about its thinking.Williams says officials have to be open to changing course when the data suggests that’s what is needed.Key QuotesSupply chain issues and labour shortages have lasted much longer than expectedThere is …
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 »US: February’s ISM Services PMI Falls Below Expectation
The headline ISM Services PMI figure 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 Institute for Supply Management.Economic activity in the services sector grew in February for the 21st month in a row, with the Services …
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 »Economic Plans, Sanctions In Focus As Biden Delivers First State of the Union Address
US President Biden will deliver his first State of the Union address Tuesday, within a few hours, as he seeks to contain the impact of the running war in Ukraine, guide the US and its economy through the Covid-19 pandemic, and help buoy Democrats in November’s midterm elections.Biden will juggle …
Read More »On Course For Historic Intra-day Rally, WTI Approaches USD 107.50 Highs
The American WTI crude oil surged into the USD 104.00s on Tuesday, up sharply from Monday’s close in the USD 95.00 territories.The 2014 high in the USD 107.50 area has for now acted as a barrier to further upside. The historic intra-day rally has been driven by traders pricing in …
Read More »USD/CAD Reverses Back Amid Energy Prices Rally, Improved Market Mood
The USD/CAD pair has seen two-way trade on Monday but is now back under 1.2700 as risk appetite improves. While geopolitics will be a key determinant of USD/CAD sentiment going forward, this week’s data calendar is also very busy.Highlights include the BoC rate decision on Wednesday, Fed Chair Powell’s testimony …
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 »