The dollar hovered near its weakest level in close to a week on Wednesday with traders expecting two more U.S. interest rate cuts this year, even after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell struck a cautious tone on further easing. The dollar index , which measures the U.S. currency against six major rivals, languished 97.230 as of 2305 GMT, after earlier touching the lowest since Thursday at 97.198. The index has dropped 0.5% so far this week on market bets for quarter-point rate cuts at each of the remaining two Fed policy meetings this year. Another is expected in the first quarter of...
Gold prices steadied in Asian trade on Wednesday, remaining close to recent record highs as overnight comments from U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell sparked heightened caution over growth, inflation, and interest rates. Gold and other precious metals benefited from increased haven demand, while sustained weakness in the dollar also kept metals mostly well-bid. Anticipation of more key economic readings this week also kept markets cautious, as did weak U.S. purchasing managers index data. Spot gold rose 0.3% to $3,776.20 an ounce, while gold futures fell 0.2% to $3,808.50/oz by...
EUR/USD has pulled back to the 1.1800 area at the time of writing on Wednesday, from weekly highs near the 1.1820. The pair, however, remains looking for direction within a tight range, both sides of the 1.1800 level for the second consecutive day, as investors remain reluctant to take excessive risks. US data released on Tuesday revealed that business activity slowed down for the second consecutive month in September, in line with expectations. The S&P Global's report suggested that tariffs are pushing costs higher, while a weak demand and fierce competition limit firms' ability to...