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...
Oil steadied after the biggest gain in more than five weeks as the dollar weakened and a risk-on tone swept across wider markets. West Texas Intermediate traded near $69 a barrel after surging 3.2% on Monday, while Brent closed above $73. A gauge of the dollar fell for a second session, making commodities priced in the currency less expensive for most buyers, and Wall Street stocks climbed. Asian shares are poised to track higher. Oil is still lower for the year as concerns around Chinese demand and plentiful global supply weigh on the outlook. The prompt spread...
Gold prices soared on Monday, after six days of losses, as the U.S. dollar's surge stalled and heightened uncertainty over the Russia-Ukraine conflict rekindled safe-haven demand. Spot gold jumped 1.8% to $2,608.19 per ounce by 01:44 p.m. ET (1844 GMT), moving away from a two-month low on Thursday. U.S. gold futures settled 1.7% up at $2,614.60. Gold, which is considered a safe investment during economic and geopolitical turmoil, posted its steepest weekly drop in more than three years last week as President-elect Trump's proposed tariffs are seen as potential drivers of inflation, which...
Gold prices soared on Monday, after six days of losses, as the U.S. dollar's surge stalled and heightened uncertainty over the Russia-Ukraine conflict rekindled safe-haven demand. Spot gold jumped 1.9% to $2,608.88 per ounce by 10:17 a.m. ET (1517 GMT), moving away from a two-month low on Thursday. U.S. gold futures climbed 1.7% to $2,613.40. "Part of it is (President) Biden's announcement of long-range missiles for Ukraine to reach deeper into Russian territory. I think some of it is prompting safe-haven demand for gold," said Daniel Pavilonis, senior market strategist at RJO...
Silver prices climbed above $30.50 per ounce on Monday, recovering from two-month lows as the dollar rally stalled and investors reassessed the outlook for Federal Reserve monetary policy. The dollar faced a wave of profit-taking following its recent rally which was driven by expectations of fewer Fed rate cuts and optimism about US economic outperformance under the incoming Trump administration. Investors are now waiting for more comments from Fed officials this week for further guidance on the US interest rate path. Markets are also focused on China's upcoming LPR decision, with hopes that...
Oil edged higher but remained close to its lowest in almost seven weeks amid concerns about excess supply and weak Chinese demand. Global benchmark Brent inched up, after earlier dipping to its lowest level since the start of October, though it continued to trade below $72 a barrel following its tumble last week. A slower than usual selling pace for Angolan crude was the latest signal of weak Chinese demand, and the International Energy Agency has warned that global oil markets face a sizeable surplus next year. Oil has swung between gains and losses in...
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...