The US dollar continued to weaken, approaching its lowest level in a week as uncertainty over a possible US government shutdown looms. If the US government does shut down, the release of key data, such as Friday's jobs report, could be delayed, heightening market caution. US President Donald Trump warned that a shutdown would force the government to take "irreversible" steps, including shutting down critical programs. Meanwhile, recent data showed the US labor market is starting to weaken, with a decline in the number of workers employed despite a slight increase in job openings. In the...
The Australian dollar edged lower to around $0.660 on Wednesday, ending its three consecutive session of gains, as investors digested soft economic data. Australia's manufacturing sector continued to expand in September, though at a slower pace, while industry activity showed slight improvement but remained in contraction, with weak demand, rising costs, and labor shortages weighing on firms. Additionally, global sentiment remained cautious amid concerns over a potential US government shutdown after the Congress's failure to pass funding bills. The commodity-linked Aussie also came under...
Gold surged above $3,890 an ounce on Wednesday (October 1), hitting a new record high as the US government shutdown boosted demand for safe-haven assets. Washington has suspended most operations after a partisan standoff prevented a funding deal between Congress and the White House, triggering a potentially prolonged impasse that threatens thousands of federal jobs. Traders are closely monitoring the duration of the government shutdown, as it threatens to delay key economic data, including Friday's nonfarm payrolls report, which is seen as crucial ahead of the Fed's policy meeting in late...
Oil prices stabilized on Wednesday (October 1) after two days of declines as investors considered OPEC+ plans for a larger production increase next month, while data from the US and Asia showed signs of declining demand. Brent crude for December delivery rose 6 cents to $66.09 a barrel at 08:35 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude rose 4 cents to $62.41 a barrel. On Monday, Brent and WTI both closed down more than 3%, their sharpest daily declines since August 1. On Tuesday, both fell 1.5% each. "After two days of selling, triggered by reports of an OPEC+ production increase and the...
The dollar index fell to its lowest level in the session as U.S. corporate payrolls unexpectedly fell in September and traders increased bets on two interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve this year. The yen outperformed other Group of 10 currencies on Wednesday. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index fell 0.2% to its lowest level since September 24, heading for a fourth straight day of declines and the longest losing streak in a month. The U.S. government shutdown has begun and risks delaying key economic reports. Private-sector payrolls fell by 32,000 after a revised 3,000 decline a month...