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 price (XAU/USD) sticks to modest intraday gains near a two-day high, above the $2,650 level, through the first half of the European session as geopolitical risks and US President-elect Donald Trump's tariff plans drive haven flows for the second straight day. Furthermore, sliding US Treasury bond yields keep the US Dollar (USD) depressed near the weekly trough and assist the commodity in building on the overnight bounce from the $2,600 neighborhood, or a one-week low. Apart from this, a weaker tone around the European equity markets turns out to be another factor that benefits the...
Gold (XAU/USD) prices attracted some follow-through buying during the Asian session on Wednesday and seemed to firm on the overnight uptick from the $2,600 range, or a one-week low. Ongoing geopolitical risks stemming from the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war, along with concerns over US President-elect Donald Trump's tariff plans, drove some haven flows towards the precious metal for the second straight day. Meanwhile, the US Dollar (USD) consolidated near the lower end of its weekly range despite upbeat US macro data on Tuesday which turned out to be another factor supporting Gold prices....
The Japanese yen strengthened past 152.5 per dollar on Wednesday, reaching its highest level in over two weeks, fueled by speculation that the Bank of Japan may raise interest rates in December. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda recently hinted at the possibility of a rate hike next month, citing concerns over the yen's weakness. Investors are now awaiting Tokyo's inflation data later this week, which could offer further clues on the outlook for monetary policy. The yen also received support from increased safe-haven demand following US President-elect Donald Trump's threat of tariffs on China,...
Silver (XAG/USD) price remains stable near $30.50 per troy ounce during the Asian trading hours on Wednesday (11/27). The daily chart analysis suggests a possible shift in momentum from bearish to bullish as the currency pair has been moving down along the upper boundary of the descending channel pattern. However, the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) is currently below the 50 level, indicating the prevailing bearish sentiment. Moreover, the XAG/USD currency pair remains below the 14- and nine-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMA), which signal a bearish outlook and indicate weakening...
The dollar index held steady around 106.9 on Wednesday as investors prepared for the release of the latest US PCE price index report, the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure. Market participants are also looking ahead to other key data, including initial jobless claims, a second reading of GDP, and figures on personal income and spending. Minutes from the FOMC's November meeting revealed that officials were optimistic about easing inflation and the strength of the labor market, which supports the case for further rate cuts. However, they indicated a preference for gradual...
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...