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...
The dollar weakened against longer-dated U.S. Treasury bonds as President Donald Trump's attempt to oust Federal Reserve Chair Lisa Cook fueled concerns about the long-term outlook for inflation. The yield on the 30-year U.S. Treasury bond rose two basis points to 4.91% as the move against Cook fueled concerns that price pressures could intensify if Trump reshuffles the Fed's policymaking committee. The yield on the two-year Treasury bond fell on speculation of lower interest rates. The dollar weakened 0.2%, while S&P 500 futures fell 0.1%. Nvidia Corp. rose 0.4% in pre-market trading...
Oil prices plunged more than 1% on Tuesday (August 26th) after surging nearly 2% in the previous session as traders monitored developments surrounding the war in Ukraine and potential disruptions to Russian fuel supplies. Brent crude fell $1.08, or 1.57%, to $67.72 per barrel at 10:40 GMT, after hitting its highest level since early August in the previous session. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell $1.13, or about 1.74%, to $63.67. "Today's moderate decline is driven by risk aversion, with equity markets trading lower," said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo. "Geopolitical factors need...
Gold prices rose to a more than two-week high on Tuesday (August 26th), after US President Donald Trump said he would fire Federal Reserve Chairwoman Lisa Cook, a move widely seen as eroding the central bank's independence and undermining confidence in US assets. Spot gold rose 0.4% to $3,379.05 an ounce at 08:03 GMT, after hitting its highest level since August 11th earlier in the session. US gold futures for December delivery rose 0.3% to $3,425.80. On Monday, Trump took the unprecedented action of firing Cook over claims of mortgage loan abuse. "Investors view Trump's move as an attempt...
Silver (XAG/USD) recovered from an initial decline and traded 0.33% higher near $38.80 during the European trading session on Tuesday (August 26th). The precious metal strengthened as market sentiment shifted slightly toward risk aversion following US President Donald Trump's firing of Federal Reserve (Fed) Governor Lisa Cook over mortgage allegations. S&P 500 futures fell 0.15% during European trading hours. US equities continued to weaken after a weak session on Monday, indicating cautious market sentiment. Demand for safe-haven assets, such as silver, increased amidst the risk-averse...
The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the US dollar (USD) against six major currencies, stabilized after recovering from a daily decline and traded around 98.40 during the European session on Tuesday (August 26th). The US dollar is likely to strengthen further as rising US yields can attract foreign capital to US bonds and other USD-denominated assets. The yields on 2-year and 10-year US Treasury bonds were at 3.70% and 4.30%, respectively, at the time of writing. However, the US dollar weakened as comments by US President Donald Trump raised concerns about the independence...
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...