The ISM Manufacturing PMI fell to 48 in July 2025 from 49 in June, missing expectations of a rise to 49.5. This figure marked the fifth consecutive month of contraction in the manufacturing sector and was the weakest since October of last year. The largest negative contributions came from declines in supplier deliveries (45.7 vs. 46.7) and employment (43.4 vs. 45.0). On the positive side, production increased (51.4 vs. 50.3), while declines in new orders (47.1 vs. 46.4) and backlogs (46.8 vs. 44.3) eased. Price pressures also eased, with the price index falling to 64.8 from 69.7. Source:...
The US dollar weakened against most major currencies as traders continued to assess the risk of an imminent trade war. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index fell 0.4% to its lowest in more than a week, with the greenback continuing to weaken from its strongest level in more than two years hit on Monday. Traders recalibrated their outlook for the world's reserve currency after US President Donald Trump delayed the imposition of levies on Mexico and Canada. That returned the focus to market fundamentals, with weaker US jobs data on Tuesday leading to increased bets on interest rate cuts. "The...
The pound (GBP) strengthened near 1.2500 against the US dollar in the European session on Wednesday (5/2). The GBP/USD pair strengthened as the US dollar gave up its initial weekly gains due to the loss of risk premium after US President Donald Trump suspended tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Market participants have interpreted this scenario as a negotiating tactic by President Trump to close a better deal with its major trading partners. Trump called for an immediate suspension of the 25% tariff order on his North American counterparts after they agreed to cooperate on criminal law...
The AUD/USD pair surged near the key 0.6300 level in the European session on Wednesday (February 5). The Australian currency pair strengthened as investors' risk appetite improved amid expectations that the trade war would not be global and would be confined to the United States (US) and China. S&P 500 futures fell slightly during European trading hours but have recovered their losses significantly. The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the greenback against a basket of six major currencies, fell sharply to near 107.50, its lowest level in more than a week. Market participants are...
EUR/USD strengthened above 1.0400 in the European session on Wednesday (5/2). The major currency pair strengthened as the US Dollar (USD) extended its decline for the third trading day. The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the Greenback against six major currencies, fell near 107.50 as it lost some risk premium, with investors assuming that the scope of the trade war will not widen. Market participants expect the trade war to be mainly between the United States (US) and China because China has retaliated with 10% tariffs on various US exports, including farm equipment, some cars, and...
Gold's price (XAU/USD) has no limit and rallies for a fifth consecutive day in a row on Wednesday, accounting for more than 2% of gains this week and hitting fresh all-time highs near $2,870. Softer economic data from the United States (US), which further supports the case for another rate cut from the Federal Reserve (Fed), together with quickly fading tariff fears, is lifting Gold to higher levels day by day. On the economic data front, the calendar could become an additional tailwind for Gold to stretch even higher. This Wednesday, US Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) data for January will...
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.
It...
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...
The U.S. will levy a 30% tariff on South African exports next week, after Pretoria failed to reach a trade deal before President Donald Trump's deadline. The new rate is part of a broader executive...