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...
USD/JPY pair rebounds to near 149.30 during the Asian trading hours on Wednesday. However, the global risk-off sentiment and rising bet of more interest-rate hikes from the Bank of Japan (BoJ) might boost the Japanese Yen (JPY) and cap the upside for the pair. The BOJ is anticipated to raise rates from 0.50% to 0.75% this year, which could influence investor sentiment and support the JPY. Overnight index swaps are fully pricing an increase in borrowing costs by September and pricing in a 50% odd move as soon as June, according to Bloomberg. Japan's Services Producer Pricing Index (PPI)...
The Gold price (XAU/USD) recovers some lost ground after reaching a one-week low in the previous session. The uncertainty and ongoing fears of instability around US President Donald Trump's tariff plans provide some support to the yellow metal, a traditional safe-haven asset. Nonetheless, analysts believe that Trump's plans for higher tariffs have raised inflation worries at the US Federal Reserve (Fed), which might convince the US central bank to keep interest rates higher for longer. This, in turn, might cap the upside for the precious metal as higher interest rates tarnish non-yielding...
The U.S. dollar sagged near an 11-week low against its major peers on Wednesday, under pressure from sliding short-term Treasury yields after a run of weak economic data. The safe-haven yen strengthened towards its highest level since October with investor sentiment fragile amid the threat of new rounds of tariffs from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, whereas the Canadian dollar hovered near a two-week trough with additional levies due to hit next week. "U.S. data flow on net is now disappointing expectations, calling into question the U.S. exceptionalism narrative that...
Gold edges higher in early Asian trade likely due to a technical recovery after front-month Comex gold futures fell sharply overnight. However, demand for safe-haven assets could keep gold prices near record levels, FlowCommunity's Ruben Ferreira says in an email. Market volatility has increased after U.S. President Trump said tariffs on Mexico and Canada were set to move forward next week, the head of Portuguese Operations says. This has damped hopes for an easing in trade tensions and could drive more bullish sentiment for the precious metal, Ferreira adds. Spot gold is 0.2% higher at...
Silver prices plunged over 1.80% on Tuesday (25/2), which saw the grey metal hit an intraday peak of $32.48, before dipping below the $32.00 mark on risk aversion and traders booking profits amid uncertainty over US trade policy. XAG/USD was trading at $31.73 unchanged as Wednesday's Asian session began. (Newsmaker23) Source: FXstreet
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...