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 Pound Sterling (GBP) trades steady against its major peers at the start of the week as investors turn cautious ahead of the United Kingdom (UK) employment data for three months ending December, which will be released on Tuesday. Investors will pay close attention to the UK labor market data to know whether business owners are still upset with Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves's announcement of raising employers' contribution to National Insurance (NI). In the Autumn Budget, Reeves increased employers' social security contributions by 1.2% to 15%, which will come into effect from...
Gold price (XAU/USD) maintains its bid tone around the $2,900 round-figure mark through the first half of the European session on Monday, though it lacks follow-through and remains below the all-time peak touched last week. Investors remain worried that US President Donald Trump's tariffs could trigger a global trade war. This turns out to be a key factor that continues to benefit the safe-haven bullion. Meanwhile, the growing market acceptance that the Federal Reserve (Fed) would stick to its hawkish stance and keep interest rates on hold for an extended period helps revive the US Dollar...
Silver prices stabilized above $32 per ounce on Monday after experiencing wild swings in the previous session. The metal found support from a weaker dollar, driven by softening US economic data and easing concerns over a global trade war. Investors also kept an eye on US-led efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine, which could reduce demand for safe-haven assets like silver. However, silver reached a three-month high on Friday as strong industrial demand, particularly from the electrification and manufacturing sectors, supported prices. Recent data revealed that China added 357 gigawatts of...
Oil prices were little changed on Monday as investors eyed developments on a potential Russia-Ukraine peace deal that could ease sanctions disrupting global supply flows. Brent crude futures was up 7 cents at $74.81 a barrel at 0430 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was stable at $70.75 a barrel. The market continued to keep an eye on progress of peace talks, after U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration officials announced they had begun discussions with Russia to end the war in Ukraine. "If negotiations lead to a resolution, more Russian barrels would enter global...
Gold price (XAU/USD) kicks off the new week on a positive note following Friday's pullback from the vicinity of the all-time top and climbs back above the $2,900 mark during the Asian session. The US Dollar (USD) selling bias remains unabated in the wake of a delay in US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs. This, along with worries that Trump's policies could trigger a global trade war, turn out to be key factors acting as a tailwind for the safe-haven precious metal. Meanwhile, the growing market acceptance that the Federal Reserve (Fed) would stick to its hawkish stance and keep...
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...