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...
EUR/USD declines as the US Dollar strengthens following three consecutive sessions of losses.Fed Governor Michelle Bowman warned that upside inflation risks persist, stressing the need for more clarity before considering rate cuts.The Euro faces downward pressure from the ECB's forecast of three additional rate cuts this year.EUR/USD extends its losses for the second successive session, trading near 1.0460 during the Asian hours on Tuesday. This downside could be attributed to the improved US Dollar (USD) amid rising Treasury yields.The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the US Dollar's...
The Japanese Yen retreats after touching a one-week high against its American counterpart. Rising bets for an imminent BoJ rate rise this year should limit any deeper losses for the JPY. The narrowing US-Japan yield differential might also lend support to the lower-yielding JPY. The Japanese Yen (JPY) attracts some sellers during the Asian session on Tuesday, which, along with a modest US Dollar (USD) uptick, assists the USD/JPY pair in staging a modest recovery from the 151.25 area or over a one-week low. Investors cheered a delay in the implementation of US President Donald Trump's...
The Australian Dollar (AUD) pauses its three-day winning streak against the US Dollar (USD) as traders await the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) policy decision on Tuesday. The central bank is widely expected to lower its Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 25 basis points (bps) to 4.10%, marking the first rate cut in four years. However, policymakers may adopt a cautious stance, as trimmed mean inflation remains above the RBA's 2%-3% target range. Signs of easing inflation in Australia have increased expectations for a rate cut in February. December data indicated slowing price pressures, with...
Oil steadied after an advance as OPEC+ delegates said the group was considering delaying restoring output, and Ukrainian drones attacked a crude-pumping station in Russia. Brent crude traded above $75 a barrel after a modest gain on Monday, while West Texas Intermediate was near $71. The cartel and its allies are considering pushing back a series of monthly supply increases due to start in April, according to delegates. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian strike forced exports through the main pipeline from Kazakhstan to slow. Postponing the 120,000 barrel-a-day hike would...
Gold is steady in the early Asian trade. The precious metal's safe-haven status is even more appealing with a U.S. administration as unpredictable and disruptive as Trump, says Justin Smirk, Westpac Group's senior economist in a report. Traders remain concerned that Trump's reciprocal tariff plan will raise global trade tensions, ANZ Research analysts say noting his latest tariff threat includes levies on automobiles. Spot gold is flat at $2,899.41/oz. Source : Dow Jones Newswires
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...