Gold prices were stable in Tuesday-Wednesday morning trading, with bullion trading around US$4,135 per troy ounce. Market participants were weighing two key sentiments: hopes for a US interest rate cut and the possibility of a peace agreement in Ukraine. Delayed US economic data supported speculation that the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates at its next meeting, after retail sales rose only slightly in September and consumer confidence recorded its deepest decline since April.The prospect of a lower interest rate environment was also reinforced by reports that Kevin Hassett, Director...
The dollar index held below 100 on Wednesday, continuing its decline from the previous session. Pressure stemmed from weak US economic data, reinforcing market confidence that the Fed will cut interest rates at its December meeting. Data showed that US retail sales rose less than expected in September, while consumer confidence fell sharply in November. This indicates that consumer spending is beginning to slow after months of strong demand. Currently, market participants estimate an 84% chance of a 25 basis point Fed rate cut next month, up sharply from around 50% a week earlier. This...
The Japanese yen held its recent advance to around 156 per dollar on Wednesday, hovering at one-week highs and benefiting mainly from dollar weakness as traders ramped up bets on a US Federal Reserve rate cut in December. Those expectations grew after the latest US data pointed to softening consumer spending, while reports suggested that a dovish candidate is being considered for the next Fed chair. The yen also found support amid rising speculation that Japanese authorities could intervene in currency markets, with the US Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday creating a potential window for...