Oil prices rose in early trade on Thursday, reversing the previous session's losses, buoyed by stronger-than-expected economic data from the world's top oil consumers and signs of easing trade tensions. Brent crude futures rose 27 cents, or 0.39%, to $68.79 a barrel at 0000 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 31 cents, or 0.47%, at $66.69. Both benchmarks fell more than 0.2% in the previous session. U.S. crude inventories fell by 3.9 million barrels to 422.2 million barrels last week, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday, a steeper decline than...
Gold steadied after a volatile session on Wednesday as traders assessed the outlook for Jerome Powell's tenure as Federal Reserve chair after more speculation that President Donald Trump may ax him. Bullion was below $3,350 an ounce after rising 0.7% in the previous session. The president said he's "not planning on doing anything" to remove Powell, after a White House official said Trump was likely to seek the Fed chair's ouster. Gold surged, and US stocks, the dollar and Treasury yields dropped after the initial speculation before Trump's clarification calmed markets. Still, concerns...
The Japanese yen fell to around 148 per dollar on Thursday, as investors reacted to disappointing trade figures that fueled concerns about a potential technical recession. Japan's trade surplus narrowed to JPY 153.1 billion in June 2025, from JPY 221.3 billion a year earlier and well below market expectations of a JPY 353.9 billion surplus. Exports fell 0.5% yoy to JPY 9,162.6 billion—marking a second straight monthly decline and missing forecasts of a 0.5% gain. The drop was driven by continued pressure from the US tariff campaign, raising fears that Japan's economy may contract again in...
The Australian dollar weakened to below $0.650 on Thursday, pulling back gains from the previous session, as weaker-than-expected labor data reinforced expectations of an RBA rate cut in August. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that the unemployment rate rose to an over three-year high of 4.3% in June, ending its five-month hold and exceeding forecasts of 4.1%, while employment increased by just 2K, well below the expected 20K gain. The soft labor market print added to evidence of a slowing economy, strengthening the case for policy easing. Markets are now pricing in an 89%...
The US dollar index edged up to 98.4 on Thursday, recovering slightly after a volatile previous session that ended lower amid renewed concerns over the Federal Reserve's independence. Reports emerged overnight suggesting US President Donald Trump might fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, though Trump later denied this, saying it was "highly unlikely." On the data front, US producer prices were unexpectedly unchanged in June, supporting the case for Federal Reserve rate cuts later this year. Investors are now awaiting retail sales data, due later today, for further insight. In trade...