The Japanese Yen (JPY) edges lower during the Asian session on Wednesday in reaction to weaker-than-expected domestic data, though it lacks follow-through selling as traders seem reluctant ahead of the Bank of Japan (BoJ) decision. The Japanese central bank is widely anticipated to keep the short-term interest rate steady at 0.50% amid the uncertainty over US President Donald Trump's trade policies and their impact on the economy. Hence, investors will look for signals on the timing and the scope of future rate hikes by the BoJ. The focus will then shift to the outcome of a two-day FOMC...
Gold edges lower in early Asian trade, after touching another record-high on Tuesday. Investors await the Federal Reserve's rate decision, where interest rates are widely expected to be kept on hold. The central bank's economic projections will also be closely monitored, says Bas Kooijman, CEO and asset manager at DHF Capital S.A. in a note. Any dovish signals may strengthen the precious metal's momentum, while a more cautious stance could limit its upside, Kooijman adds. Gold typically has an inverse relationship with interest rates, with high rates damping demand for the...
Oil prices slid on Wednesday after Russia agreed to U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal that Moscow and Kyiv stop attacking each other's energy infrastructure temporarily, which could lead to more Russian oil entering global markets. Brent crude futures were down 12 cents, or 0.2%, at $70.44 a barrel by 0106 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) lost 15 cents, or 0.2%, to $66.75. Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on Tuesday to stop attacking Ukrainian energy facilities but stopped short of endorsing a full 30-day ceasefire that Trump hoped for. Russia is one of the...
GBP/USD traded thinly on Tuesday, but still inched back into the 1.3000 handle, chalking in a fresh 19-week high ahead of high-impact rate calls from both the Federal Reserve (Fed) and the Bank of England (BoE). The Fed is widely expected to hold steady on rates this week, but a fresh update to the Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) interest rate expectations will draw plenty of eyes. The Federal Reserve's (Fed) latest rate call is due on Wednesday. According to the CME's FedWatch Tool, rate markets broadly anticipate the Fed to stand pat on rates for the next two meetings, with the...