The International Monetary Fund on Thursday said the Federal Reserve has scope to lower interest rates because of the weakening U.S. labor market, but the central bank should move cautiously with a close eye on emerging economic data. "Our overall sense is that, given the downside risks to full employment, there is scope for the Fed to begin to lower policy rates," IMF spokeswoman Julie Kozack said in a regular briefing. "We also would say that the Fed should proceed cautiously, of course in a data-dependent way, in the coming months." The Fed is expected to lower its benchmark interest...
Oil prices steadied on Tuesday but remained near four-year lows as a recovery in equity markets was outweighed by recession fears exacerbated by trade conflict between the United States and China, the world's two biggest economies. Brent futures were up 24 cents, or 0.4%, at $64.45 a barrel at 1224 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 31 cents, or 0.5%, to $61.01. The two benchmarks had slumped by 14% and 15% respectively on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump's April 2 announcement of "reciprocal tariffs" on all imports. On Tuesday Beijing vowed not to bow to what it...
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the performance of the US Dollar (USD) against six major currencies, trades above 103.20 at the time of writing on Tuesday, slightly lower in the day while risk on is trying to take over market sentiment. Over the past few days, the overall risk-off sentiment had rather devalued the Greenback substantially, though since the strong Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) released on Friday, the DXY has been climbing back. The question will be if the index can hold on to this recovery when more US data comes in. On the economic calendar front, some light data is set to...
The Pound Sterling (GBP) bounces back to near 1.2800 against the US Dollar (USD) in Tuesday's European session from over a month's low of 1.2708 posted on Monday. The GBP/USD pair recovers as the US Dollar resumes its downside move after a short-lived recovery in the last two trading days. The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the Greenback's value against six major currencies, tumbles to near 102.90. The Greenback remains on the backfoot as traders have become increasingly confident that the Federal Reserve (Fed) could reduce interest rates earlier this year to offset fears of potential...
Silver prices stabilized above $30 per ounce on Tuesday, following a bout of heightened volatility as investors continued to navigate shifting global trade dynamics and their impact on economic and inflation expectations. The metal came under pressure last week amid broad risk-off sentiment, as fears of a tariff-induced global recession triggered a wave of liquidations across asset classes. However, sentiment has since improved slightly after US President Donald Trump signaled a willingness to engage in trade negotiations with key partners, raising hopes for a potential easing of global...
Oil prices were up around 1% on Tuesday, rebounding from a near four-year low in the previous session on concerns that U.S. tariffs might depress demand and lead to a global recession, though analysts warned downside risks remain. Brent futures were up 66 cents, or 1%, at $64.87 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 67 cents, or 1.1%, to $61.37, at 0650 GMT. As of Monday, Brent and WTI had slumped 14% and 15% respectively following U.S. President Donald Trump's April 2 announcement of "reciprocal tariffs" on all imports. Oil prices recouped some of those losses...
President Donald Trump said he would fire Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors if she does not resign her post over mortgage-fraud accusations from a top...
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) maintained its cash rate at 4.1% during its April meeting, holding borrowing costs unchanged after slashing 25 bps in the February meeting, aligning with market...