Gold prices briefly strengthened after the release of US economic data, which sparked an initial market reaction. The data fueled speculation that economic pressures persisted, prompting investors to temporarily turn to gold as a safe haven. This increase was short-lived, especially in early trading after the data was released. However, entering the US session, gold prices came under pressure again. The strengthening US dollar and rising bond yields diminished gold's appeal. Furthermore, profit-taking following the initial surge also weighed on prices, causing gold to reverse its decline...
The University of Michigan (UoM) is expected to release the preliminary reading of its monthly Consumer Confidence Index for September on Friday. This survey captures US consumers' views on their personal finances, business conditions, and purchasing plans, and is typically released alongside the University of Michigan Consumer Expectations Index and the University of Michigan Consumer Inflation Expectations Index. Consumption is a major contributor to US Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The UoM Consumer Sentiment Index and Inflation Expectations Index have a solid reputation as...
Asia-Pacific markets traded higher, tracking Wall Street gains overnight. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 0.41% after hitting a fresh record high on Thursday, while the Topix added 0.61%. South Korea's Kospi climbed 0.83%, and the small-cap Kosdaq jumped 0.65%. Australia's benchmark S&P/ASX 200 added 0.41%. Futures for Hong Kong's Hang Seng index stood at 26,464, higher than its last close of 26,086.32. Equities in several parts of the world have been rallying as easing inflation pressures and expectations for U.S. rate cuts boost investor sentiment. "Momentum and the promise of...
United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's tour of Gulf countries is aimed at coordinating positions after Tuesday's Israeli attack on Hamas leaders in Doha, his diplomatic adviser said on Thursday. "The President's Gulf tour reflects a deep conviction in strengthening coordination and cooperation, and in reinforcing the concept of a common destiny," Anwar Gargash said in a post on X. Israel attempted on Tuesday to kill Hamas political leaders in an airstrike on the Qatari capital, escalating its military campaign in the Middle East and prompting a flurry of...
The U.S. economy is showing some strains after years of resilience, with domestic demand moderating and job growth slowing, the International Monetary Fund said on Thursday. IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said inflation was on a path to meet the Federal Reserve's 2% target, but there were some risks that could push it higher, largely as a result of tariffs imposed on imports by the Trump administration. "What we've seen over the past few years is that the U.S. economy has proven to be quite resilient. We do see now that some strains are beginning to show," she told a regular briefing....
The United States was rocked by another political tragedy after Charlie Kirk, a conservative figure and close supporter of Donald Trump, was shot dead while attending an event at Utah Valley University. This incident immediately sparked national outrage, given that Kirk was known as an influential young figure in the conservative movement and a frequent mobilizer of Trump's voter base. The shooting is feared to deepen political polarization in the US, with Republicans viewing it as an attack on free speech, while the issue of gun control has resurfaced. This political uncertainty has the...
Initial jobless claims in the US surged by 27,000 from the previous week to 263,000 in the first week of September, the highest single-week figure since October 2021, and well above market consensus of 235,000 initial claims. This finding aligns with a series of downbeat labor market surveys released since the beginning of the month, adding to evidence of worsening employment conditions in the US. (alg) Source: Trading Economics
Annual inflation in the United States (US), as measured by changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose to 2.9% in August from 2.7% in July, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported on Thursday. This figure was in line with market expectations. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose 0.4% after a 0.2% increase in July. Follow our live coverage of US inflation data and market reaction Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose 3.1% annually in August, in line with July data and analyst estimates. (alg) Source: FXstreet
The European Central Bank (ECB) announced on Thursday that it kept its key interest rates unchanged after its September policy meeting, as expected. With this decision, the main refinancing operations rate, the marginal lending facility rate, and the deposit facility rate remained at 2.15%, 2.4%, and 2%, respectively. (alg) Source: FXstreet
Gold rises in the early Asian trade. There's a broad commodities uptrend, driven by macro uncertainty, a weaker dollar, and persistent demand for "hard" assets, says Fawad Razaqzada, market analyst...
Oil extended declines after OPEC+ agreed to a bigger-than-expected production increase next month, raising concerns about oversupply just as US tariffs fan fears about the demand outlook.
Brent...
The Japanese Yen (JPY) weakened against its US counterpart and reversed part of Friday's recovery from the lowest level since July 23 following Bank of Japan (BOJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda's remarks....