The Federal Reserve is expected to deliver its first interest-rate cut this year at its September 16-17 meeting, as it moves to counter a cooling labor market even as inflation remains above target. The anticipated quarter-point reduction may not satisfy President Donald Trump, who wants a bigger cut and has named his White House economic advisor, Stephen Miran, in time to be on the Fed Board at the September meeting, pending Senate confirmation. Here is a look at Fed officials' comments since their last policy meeting, sorting them under the labels "dove" and "hawk" as shorthand for their...
The Australian dollar fell to around $0.658 on Friday, extending losses from the previous session as investors remained cautious ahead of key inflation data due next week. Both monthly and quarterly inflation figures are set to be released, which could play a key role in shaping the Reserve Bank of Australia's monetary policy outlook. RBA Governor Michele Bullock recently emphasized that the central bank is reluctant to cut interest rates until there is stronger evidence that inflation is sustainably returning to its 2.5% target, as she defended the RBA's slow and steady...
Gold hovered around $3,360 per ounce on Friday, following two straight sessions of losses amid easing trade tensions and rising risk appetite. Investors continue to monitor progress in tariff negotiations, with the US and EU reportedly nearing an agreement, shortly after Washington announced a separate deal with Japan. On the economic front, US jobless claims fell for the sixth straight week—the longest stretch of declines since 2022—highlighting labor market strength and reinforcing views that the Fed will hold rates steady next week. Markets are now pricing in fewer than two rate cuts...
WTI crude futures climbed above $66 per barrel on Friday, extending gains for a second session as optimism over US trade deals lifted market sentiment. Reports suggest the US and EU are nearing an agreement that would impose a 15% tariff on most EU goods, following a similar pact with Japan. Potential trade agreements with India, Mexico, and Brazil are also on the horizon. Expectations that easing trade tensions could bolster global economic growth helped ease concerns over future oil demand. On the supply side, tightening conditions in the global diesel market added further support. The...
EUR/USD weakened more than 0.20% on Thursday after solid economic data from the United States weighed on the common currency, which benefited from the European Central Bank's (ECB) decision to keep interest rates unchanged. At the time of writing, the currency pair was trading at 1.1749, after hitting a daily high of 1.1789. The US Department of Labor (DoL) reported that the number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell below expectations, a positive sign for a healthy labor market. However, Continuing Claims remained largely unchanged, indicating that the unemployed are...
Oil prices pared gains on Thursday afternoon following a Reuters report that the Trump administration is likely to allow Chevron to resume operations in Venezuela. Brent crude futures rose 26 cents, or 0.38%, to $68.77 per barrel at 1:14 PM CDT (6:14 PM GMT). U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 44 cents, or 0.67%, to $65.69 per barrel. Earlier in the session, WTI had risen more than a dollar, and Brent crude was near that level. "The news that Chevron could return to Venezuela and restore oil production really shook the market," said John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital...
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...