Former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on members of the BRICS group of nations on Friday, warning the alliance would quickly collapse if it ever becomes a significant economic force. "When I heard about this group from BRICS, six countries, basically, I hit them very, very hard. And if they ever really form in a meaningful way, it will end very quickly," Trump said without specifying which nations he was referring to. The BRICS group currently includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and has recently expanded to include other nations. In addition to...
Oil prices rose on Tuesday for a fifth day on expectations that global supply may tighten after the U.S. announced tariffs on countries that buy Venezuelan crude, although OPEC+ plans to go ahead with an output hike in May limited gains. Brent crude futures were up 46 cents, or 0.6%, at $73.46 a barrel by 1023 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude climbed 41 cents, also 0.6%, to $69.52. Both benchmarks rose more than 1% on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on countries importing oil and gas from Venezuela. Oil is Venezuela's main export and China, which is...
The Pound Sterling (GBP) trades with caution against its major peers on Tuesday. The British currency struggles as United Kingdom (UK) Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is prepared to unveil the Spring Statement on Wednesday. It would be interesting to watch how Reeves will promote economic prosperity, given his pledge of no more taxes and the maintenance of fiscal rules. After the Autumn Budget, Chancellor Reeves told at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) conference in November that public services have to survive on their own means. Reeves clarified that the government...
The Australian Dollar (AUD) remained steady after Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers presented the 2025/26 budget and the Treasury's key economic forecasts before Parliament on Tuesday, including new tax cuts, with two rounds totaling approximately A$17.1 billion. Australia's budget deficit is projected at A$27.6 billion for 2024-25 and A$42.1 billion for 2025-26. Australia's GDP is expected to grow by 2.25% in fiscal year 2026 and 2.5% in fiscal year 2027. The tax cuts are likely aimed at bolstering political support. The AUD finds support as investors anticipate the Reserve Bank of...
Gold price (XAU/USD) struggles to build on modest intraday gains, though it manages to hold above the $3,000 psychological mark through the first half of the European session on Tuesday. The global risk sentiment remains well supported by hopes for less disruptive US trade tariffs, optimism over the Russia-Ukraine peace deal, and China's stimulus measures. Furthermore, the US Dollar (USD) preserved its recent recovery gains to a near three-week high touched on Monday, which, in turn, acts as a headwind for the precious metal. However, the growing acceptance that the Federal Reserve (Fed)...
Silver prices stabilized above $33 per ounce on Tuesday, recovering from recent declines as trade uncertainties and broader economic concerns fueled demand for safe-haven assets. Hopes that US President Donald Trump may take a more targeted approach to tariffs ahead of the April 2 deadline provided some market relief. However, his pledge on Monday to impose levies on automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and other industries added to uncertainty. Meanwhile, expectations of further interest rate cuts from the US Federal Reserve also supported silver prices. Traders are currently pricing in two...
China's official NBS Manufacturing PMI increased to 49.7 in June 2025 from May's 49.5, matching market expectations while marking the third consecutive month of contraction in factory activity.
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Both the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 hovered around the flatline on Friday, as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of further developments in trade talks between US President Trump and Chinese...
President Donald Trump said Wednesday he plans to send a single letter to over 150 countries outlining the tariff rate they will face, saying, "It's all going to be the same for everyone, for that...