The Federal Reserve is likely to start a series of interest-rate cuts next week and keep going through the end of the year, traders bet on Wednesday after tamer-than-expected producer price inflation last month calmed worries that price pressures would hold the central bank back from policy easing. Traders stuck to bets the Fed will start with a quarter-point reduction at its meeting next week, and continue with same-sized cuts through year-end, based on pricing of futures contracts that settle to the Fed's policy rate. The producer price index increased 2.6% in August from a year earlier,...
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...
Gold prices edged higher in Asian trade on Tuesday, staying below recent record highs as concerns eased over the severity of U.S. President Donald Trump's planned trade tariffs. However, demand for the safe-haven asset remained relatively high amid uncertainty over what tariffs will be imposed by Trump's April 2 deadline. Investors are also cautious ahead of a series of key economic readings this week. Gold and other precious metals pulled back from recent peaks this week, as risk appetite improved on reports that Trump's tariffs would not be as severe as feared. However, a weaker dollar...
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...