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...
Silver price (XAG/USD) extends its losses for the second consecutive day, trading around $29.90 per troy ounce during the Asian session on Thursday. The decline in Silver prices can be attributed to safe-haven flows diminishing amid easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. A ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah was successfully upheld on Wednesday, following a deal mediated by the United States (US) and France. This truce has allowed people in the border areas, devastated by 14 months of conflict, to begin returning to their homes. Source: FXStreet
The Japanese Yen (JPY) weakens slightly against its American counterpart during the Asian session on Thursday and erodes a part of the recent strong gains to a five-week top touched the previous day. In the absence of a fresh fundamental catalyst, the intraday JPY slide is more likely to remain limited amid speculation that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) may hike interest rates again in December. Furthermore, US President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threats and geopolitical risks could underpin the safe-haven JPY. Meanwhile, traders have been dialling back on the so-called "Trump trades"...
The Australian Dollar (AUD) holds steady against the US Dollar (USD) following the release of stronger-than-expected Private Capital Expenditure on Thursday. Australia's total new capital expenditure rose by 1.1% quarter-on-quarter in the third quarter, surpassing market expectations of a 0.9% increase and rebounding from a 2.2% decline in the previous quarter. However, the AUD/USD pair may face downward pressure as the United States (US) is set to unveil additional measures on Monday aimed at curbing China's ability to advance in artificial intelligence technology. Given the close trade...
The dollar index held its recent decline around 106.1 on Thursday, with trading volumes remaining low due to the Thanksgiving holiday in the US. The index fell 0.8% on Wednesday after US PCE inflation data matched expectations, suggesting little change in the Federal Reserve's interest rate outlook. Markets are currently pricing in a 66.5% chance that the Fed will cut rates by 25 basis points in December, up from 55.7% a week earlier. The dollar also faced pressure earlier this week following the nomination of Scott Bessent as US Treasury Secretary, which provided a sense of stability to...
Gold held steady for a second day, as investors weighed the outlook for U.S. interest rates after inflation data that supported the case for a rate cut next month. Bullion traded near $2,635 an ounce, with pressure on the metal easing as the U.S. dollar rally lost steam. The U.S. dollar, which gained after President-elect Donald Trump's victory, has weakened this week against other currencies amid month-end flows. A stronger dollar makes the metal more expensive for many buyers. Traders also weighed Wednesday's core personal consumption expenditures price index — the Federal Reserve's...
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...