US stocks closed higher on Friday, with the S&P 500 up 0.8%, and the Nasdaq climbing nearly 1%, while the Dow gaining 206 points. Technology shares, led by Apple which surged 4.2% following its announcement of a $600 billion US investment plan helped lift the tech-heavy Nasdaq to new intraday highs. Investor optimism was also fueled by expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts, with President Trump nominating Stephen Miran to the Fed Board, signaling possible shifts in monetary policy, despite concerns over new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imports from multiple...
The dollar held steady against a range of currencies on Wednesday while the yen strengthened, as traders focused on talks over a Ukraine ceasefire and digested the latest round of tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.The pound, meanwhile, got a small lift from a stronger-than-expected UK inflation print.The dollar index last stood at 107.06, up 0.047% after dropping 1.2% last week. The yen was stronger against the dollar , up 0.24% at 151.675.Source: Reuters
Gold's price (XAU/USD) extends this week's bullish momentum and hits a fresh all-time high at above $2,945 during the European trading session on Wednesday. The up-move comes after United States (US) President Donald Trump's harsh words on Ukraine overnight, just hours after first talks between the US and Russia officials raised concerns among traders if a peace deal is even in the cards. Meanwhile, President Trump confirmed again that 25% tariffs on automobile imports are coming, extending to pharmaceutical and semiconductor imports in addition. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve (Fed) is set...
Oil prices edged up on Wednesday amid worries of oil supply disruptions in the U.S. and Russia, and as markets awaited clarity on the Ukraine peace talks. Brent crude futures were up 14 cents, or 0.2%, at $75.98 a barrel at 0450 GMT, and possibly set for a third day of gains. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures for March rose 16 cents, or 0.2%, to $72.01, up 1.8% from the close on Friday after not settling on Monday because of the Presidents' Day public holiday. The March contract expires on Thursday and the more active April contract gained 14 cents, or 0.2%, to $71.97. "The...
Silver prices held above $32.5 per ounce on Wednesday after gaining over 2% over the past two sessions, as global trade uncertainties continued to drive safe-haven demand for precious metals. US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he plans to impose auto tariffs "in the neighborhood of 25%" and similar duties on semiconductors and pharmaceutical imports, raising worries over a wider trade war. Meanwhile, investors kept an eye on US-led efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine, which could reduce demand for safe-haven assets like silver. Last week, silver reached a three-month high as...
USD/CHF weakens to around 0.9030 in Wednesday's early European. Global geopolitical stress boosts the safe-haven flows, supporting the CHF. Fed's Daly said the central bank should keep short-term borrowing costs where they are until the progress is more visible.The USD/CHF pair softens to near 0.9030 during the early European session on Wednesday. Tension-filled negotiations on the Russia-Ukraine conflict boost the safe-haven flows, benefiting the Swiss Franc (CHF). Traders will take more cues from the FOMC Minutes, which will be published later on Wednesday. Ukraine President Volodymyr...