Markets are kicking around the idea of a Federal Reserve rate cut in September, but Morgan Stanley isn't sure, warning that the odds may be closer to 50-50 despite widespread expectations. Strong economic indicators including solid GDP growth, healthy financial conditions, and low volatility stand in the way of a clear case for easing, the bank said in a recent report. Nominal GDP growth remains robust at over 5%, unemployment holds steady at 4.2%, and retail sales continue surpassing expectations, reflecting an economy far from needing stimulus, Morgan Stanley's economists said. "It cannot...
The US dollar started Thursday (August 28th) weakly at $98.13 after market speculation increased that a Fed rate cut would occur in September, following a signal from New York Fed President John Williams that a cut was "possible." Pressure also stemmed from President Donald Trump's increasingly aggressive efforts to influence monetary policy, attempting to fire Fed Chair Lisa Cook and replace her with a more dovish figure. In the foreign exchange market, the DXY held steady at 98.135 after two days of declines. The euro edged up to $1.1646 despite the heated French political situation,...
Gold edges lower in early Asian trade as investors continue to weigh the impact of a legal battle between Trump and Fed governor Lisa Cook. However, gold demand in Asia remains robust, with China's July net imports via Hong Kong more than doubling from June, Traze.com analyst Osama Al Saifi notes. Investors will pay attention to U.S. PCE data due Friday. The data could shape expectations after Powell's dovish tone at Jackson Hole, Al Saifi adds. Spot gold is 0.1% lower at $3,396.56/oz. Source: Bloomberg
Oil edged lower as traders looked past US efforts to force India to quit buying Russian crude, and broader markets carried a risk-off tone. West Texas Intermediate fell below $64 a barrel, while Brent closed above $68. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro stepped up the pressure on New Delhi to halt purchases of Russian energy after Washington doubled a levy on imports from the country to 50%. Calling Indians "arrogant," he cast the conflict in Ukraine as "Modi's war," referencing the Indian prime minister. Financial markets including stocks were softer in...
The US dollar (USD) exchange rate experienced significant pressure in today's trading, following market concerns about the independence of the Federal Reserve (The Fed), the United States' central bank. News of President Trump's plan to dismiss Fed Chair Lisa Cook sparked widespread uncertainty among market participants. Reasons for the Dollar's Decline Political intervention in the Fed is considered to diminish the central bank's credibility and independence in monetary policymaking. This has the potential to impact investor confidence in the Fed's ability to control inflation and...
The USD/JPY pair loses ground to near 147.20 during the early Asian session on Thursday. The US Dollar (USD) weakens against the Japanese Yen (JPY) as worries persist over the Federal Reserve's (Fed) independence. Traders brace for the second estimate of US Q2 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Growth Rate, followed by the weekly Initial Jobless Claims and Pending Home Sales reports. The Greenback remains on the defensive due to US President Donald Trump's attempt on Monday to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook. On Tuesday, Trump said that he will soon have a "majority" of his own nominees on the Fed...
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...