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 USD/CHF pair extends its recovery to around 0.9030 during the early European session on Tuesday, bolstered by a firmer US Dollar (USD). Investors brace for the release of the NY Empire State Manufacturing Index for February, which will be published later on Tuesday. Also, the Federal Reserve's (Fed) Mary Daly is scheduled to speak later in the day. Last week's data showed U.S. consumer prices climbed at the highest pace in almost 18 months in January, highlighting the Fed's message that it was not in a hurry to continue reducing rates despite rising economic uncertainties. This, in...
Silver prices held steady around $32.4 per ounce on Tuesday, remaining in a sideways trading range for the past two weeks as global trade uncertainties continued to drive safe-haven demand for precious metals. US President Donald Trump recently announced plans to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries taxing US imports, raising worries over a wider trade war. Meanwhile, investors kept an eye on US-led efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine, which could reduce demand for safe-haven assets like silver. Last week, silver reached a three-month high as strong industrial demand, particularly from...
Brent crude oil prices advanced on Tuesday adding to gains in the previous session after a drone attack on an oil pipeline pumping station in Russia reduced flows from Kazakhstan, but gains were capped on the prospects of supply rising soon. Brent crude futures gained 15 cents, or 0.2%, to $75.37 per barrel at 0454 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 67 cents from Friday's close at $71.41 a barrel. There was no settlement for WTI on Monday due to the U.S. Presidents' Day holiday. "The overriding theme driving oil prices lately has been around supply expectations. With...
Gold price (XAU/USD) trades with a mild positive bias above the $2,900 mark during the Asian session on Tuesday, though it lacks bullish conviction and remains confined in a familiar range that has held over the past week or so. Investors remain worried that US President Donald Trump's threat of reciprocal tariffs would trigger a global trade war. This turns out to be a key factor that continues to underpin demand for the safe-haven bullion. Adding to this, expectations that the Federal Reserve (Fed) might cut interest rates further this year, bolstered by the unforeseen drop in US Retail...
GBP/USD declines ahead of UK labor data set to be released on Tuesday.UK PM Starmer said that any peace agreement for Ukraine would need a "US backstop" to deter further Russian attacks.Fed Governor Michelle Bowman warned that upside inflation risks persist, stressing the need for more clarity before considering rate cuts.GBP/USD breaks its five-day winning streak, trading around 1.2600 during Tuesday's Asian session. Traders are awaiting UK employment data set to be released later in the day. The Claimant Count Change for January is expected to rise to 10K new unemployment benefit...
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...