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...
Gold (XAU/USD) prices maintained its bid tone through the first half of the European session on Monday (2/12) and is currently trading around the $2,630 region, or the lower end of its daily range. The US Dollar (USD) bounced back after its recent decline to a near three-week low amid a healthy uptick in the US Treasury bond yields and turned out to be a key factor weighing on the precious metal. Furthermore, expectations that US President-elect Donald Trump's tariff plans and expansionary policies will boost inflation, setting the stage for the Federal Reserve (Fed) to halt interest rate...
Silver prices fell nearly $30 an ounce on Monday, extending losses from last week as the U.S. dollar strengthened on optimism about the U.S. economic outlook. The dollar also gained after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatened BRICS nations on Saturday with 100% tariffs if they create or support a new currency that could replace the dollar. A stronger dollar makes dollar-denominated commodities more expensive for buyers holding other currencies, dampening demand. Meanwhile, data showed that Chinese manufacturing activity expanded for a second straight month in November, following a...
Gold (XAU/USD) prices remained strongly offered through the early European session on Monday (2/12) and is currently trading near the lower end of its daily range, around the $2,629 region. This marked the first day of a negative move in the previous five and was sponsored by a combination of factors. Investors now seem convinced that US President-elect Donald Trump's tariff plans could reignite inflation and limit the scope for the Federal Reserve (Fed) to cut interest rates. This, in turn, triggered a fresh leg up in the US Treasury bond yields and drove flows away from the non-yielding...
The dollar rose on Monday amid a weaker euro and yen, as market participants continued to assess political tensions in France and a rebound in Treasury yields. The Bloomberg Dollar Index rose as much as 0.5%, while the euro fell after a far-right French party threatened to overthrow the government amid a budget impasse. Futures on the Euro Stoxx 50 fell 0.9%, indicating a weak open. French bond futures fell. The euro fell as much as 0.6%. The single currency may see further weakness after Governing Board member Martins Kazaks told broadcasters the European Central Bank should continue to...
Oil prices rose on Monday, supported by upbeat factory activity in China, the world's second-largest oil consumer, and as Israel pressed ahead with its offensive against Lebanon despite a ceasefire pact, stoking tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude futures rose 34 cents, or 0.47%, to $72.18 a barrel by 0452 GMT while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $68.32 a barrel, up 32 cents, or 0.47%. "Oil prices have managed to stabilize into the new week, with continued expansion in Chinese manufacturing activity reflecting some degree of policy success from recent stimulus efforts,"...
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...