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 fell about 1% on Wednesday (July 16), as signs of rising Chinese crude consumption were offset by investor caution about the broader economic impact of U.S. tariffs. Prices have fluctuated within a tight range, as signs of steady demand from increased travel during the Northern Hemisphere summer season have competed with concerns that U.S. tariffs on trading partners will slow economic growth and fuel consumption. Brent crude futures fell 63 cents, or 0.9%, to $68.08 a barrel at 11:50 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 69 cents, or 1%, to $65.83. U.S. President...
Gold strengthened on Wednesday (July 16th) on a weaker dollar, while investors awaited further clarity on trade talks between the US and its trading partners, with fresh inflation data due to provide further direction on the US Federal Reserve's policy outlook. Spot gold rose 0.6% to $3,341.29 per ounce, as of 09:10 GMT. US gold futures edged up 0.3% to $3,348.20. The US dollar (.DXY), opens a new tab, fell 0.1%, making gold cheaper for buyers holding other currencies. "The dollar is currently weakening ahead of the US PPI data as traders are taking a cautious stance after the recent...
Oil prices were steady on Wednesday (July 16), as signs of rising Chinese crude consumption were offset by investor caution about the broader economic impact of US tariffs. Prices have fluctuated within a tight range, as signs of steady demand from increased travel during the Northern Hemisphere summer season have competed with concerns that US tariffs on trading partners will slow economic growth and fuel consumption. Brent crude futures fell 17 cents, or 0.3%, to $68.54 a barrel at 08:44 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 11 cents, or 0.2%, to $66.41. US President Donald...
The pound (GBP) attracted buying interest against other major currencies on Wednesday (July 16th) following the release of higher-than-expected UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for June. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that headline inflation rose to 3.6% year-on-year, the highest level since January 2024. Economists had expected a steady 3.4% growth. Core CPI – which excludes volatile items such as food, energy, alcohol, and tobacco – rose 3.7%, faster than expectations and the previous figure of 3.5%. On a monthly basis, headline CPI grew by 0.3%, also faster than...
The U.S. dollar drew support from elevated Treasury yields on Wednesday, which in turn kept pressure on the yen after the latest U.S. inflation report showed signs that President Donald Trump's tariffs were beginning to feed into prices. Rising prices on goods as varied as coffee, audio equipment and home furnishings pulled the inflation rate higher in June, with substantial increases in prices of heavily imported items. That shored up the dollar and pushed bond yields higher on Wednesday as investors pared back expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts this year. Against the...
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...