The Australian dollar strengthened to around $0.661 on Thursday, extending its five-session rally to hit its highest level since November last year, fueled by optimism over latest global trade developments. The US and EU are reportedly close to a trade deal that would impose 15% tariffs on most imports while waiving duties on select items, according to European Commission officials. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also confirmed that US and Chinese officials will meet in Stockholm next week for further talks. These developments follow a recent US–Japan tariff agreement that helped ease...
The US dollar index slipped toward 97 on Thursday, nearing a three-week low, as progress in trade talks with major partners lifted rival currencies. Reports indicated that the US and EU are moving closer to a deal, with discussions centered around a 15% baseline tariff on EU goods and possible exemptions. Earlier this week, Japan agreed to a similar 15% tariff on its exports to the US, a reduction from the 25% previously threatened by President Donald Trump. Additionally, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled that the current tariff truce with China is likely to be extended beyond its...
The Japanese yen strengthened past 146 per dollar on Thursday, reaching a two-week high as optimism surrounding the new US-Japan trade deal lifted demand. The agreement sets a 15% tariff on Japanese exports to the US, notably lower than the 25% previously threatened by President Donald Trump. Broader risk sentiment also improved amid reports of progress in US-EU trade talks. On the domestic front, Japan's private sector growth held steady in July, supported by solid services activity, though manufacturing slipped into contraction. However, the yen faces potential downside pressure from...
Gold hovered below $3,390 per ounce on Thursday, holding on to losses of over 1% from the previous session, as optimism over further trade deals between the US and key partners weighed on the metal's safe-haven appeal. The European Union is moving toward a trade agreement with Washington that would impose a broad 15% tariff on EU goods entering the US, avoiding a steeper 30% levy scheduled to take effect on August 1. The tariff, which could also apply to cars, would mirror the framework of a similar US-Japan deal. However, some caution remained amid ongoing threats of 15% to 50% tariffs on...
Silver price (XAG/USD) extends its losses for the second successive session, trading around $39.10 per troy ounce during the Asian hours on Thursday. The price of Silver struggles due to weakened safe-haven demand, driven by the optimism over further trade deals between the US and key partners. The Financial Times reported that the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) are closing in on a deal that would impose 15% tariffs on EU goods imported into the US. Additionally, US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday a major tariff deal with Japan, which includes a 15% tariff on...