US interest futures are showing a cautious view of Federal Reserve policy as geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices change investors’ expectations from both short- and long-term contracts. 30-Day Federal Funds futures (ZQ) track expectations for the Fed’s policy rate. Traders have lowered their hopes for quick rate cuts as energy prices have gone up. Read More…
On Thursday, crude oil futures rose sharply amid more frequent attacks on shipping and energy infrastructure in the Middle East. The situation has raised concerns about long-term supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the most important oil transit routes in the world. During Asian trading hours, Brent crude, the global Read More…
Gold prices moved slowly in Wednesday’s Asian session as investors waited for important US inflation data and watched as tensions rose in the Middle East. Gold futures struggled to rally further after hitting a one-week high earlier. The precious metal stayed just around the $5,200 level during the earlier European session. The metal found mild Read More…
US equities are entering a period of greater uncertainty amid rising tensions in the Middle East and surging oil prices, with market valuations stretched. This makes investors cautious about a probable correction in the S&P 500. On March 9, Wall Street analysts said the conflict in Iran could push the market lower, especially if energy Read More…
Currency futures saw significant volatility at the beginning of the week as the US dollar strengthened amid investor flows toward a haven. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East were the main reason behind the move. Investors turned to the greenback amid rising tensions between the US and Iran. The US Dollar Index (DXY) rose to Read More…
US interest futures didn’t change much on Friday as traders were cautious ahead of the February non-farm payrolls report and also factored in the inflation risks posed by the growing conflict between the US and Iran. Short-term rate contracts linked to the Federal Reserve System’s policy outlook indicate that traders are losing faith in near-term Read More…
Crude oil prices rose further in Thursday’s Asian session as the U.S.-Iran conflict worsened, tightening supply expectations and halting flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose more than 2% and was trading close to $83 per barrel. Meanwhile, WTI rose toward $76.60, adding to an 11% rise earlier in the week. The geopolitical Read More…
Gold futures rose sharply in Wednesday’s Asian session, with April contracts surging by almost 1% to about $5,170, and spot gold stayed above $5,150 per ounce. The recovery comes after a sharp 4% drop earlier in the week, when a stronger US dollar and fading hopes of near-term rate cuts pushed gold to its lowest Read More…
US equities had a rough start to March, swinging back and forth due to rising geopolitical tensions, even though domestic economic data showed economic resilience. Futures fell sharply at first after the US and Israel bombed Iran over the weekend. This caused oil prices to rise sharply, raising fears of a larger regional war. The Read More…
Currency futures remained volatile on Monday morning as tensions in the Middle East rose, pushing safe-haven flows into the US dollar. At the same time, rising oil prices and shifting rate expectations changed the positions of significant contracts. In Asian trading, the US Dollar Index futures (DXY) remained close to 98.00, supported by renewed interest Read More…
