Author
Saqib Iqbal
Bio

Saqib Iqbal is a financial market analyst, serving the industry since 2011. The author is a mentor, providing training to individuals and organizations. Moreover, Saqib is a successful proprietary funds trader, managing a six-figure sum with an average annual ROI of 45%.

Fundamental Analysis

Gold Futures Test New Highs Amid China’s Stimulus

Gold prices eased slightly on Wednesday after reaching new highs in the previous session. The rally came after the People’s Bank of China announced stimulus measures to support the economy. At the same time, the dollar dropped after economic data revealed that US consumer confidence missed forecasts. China’s stimulus package, announced on Tuesday, boosted commodities Read More…

Fundamental Analysis

Equities Climb Amid Growing Confidence in Fed’s Soft Landing

Equities edged higher on Tuesday after closing strong in the previous session amid optimism for a soft Fed landing. Furthermore, dovish comments from policymakers increased expectations for more rate cuts in 2024.  The Fed kicked off its easing cycle on Wednesday last week, triggering a rally in equities. Most policymakers voted to cut rates by Read More…

Fundamental Analysis

Currency Futures Pare Gains Slightly as Dollar Recovers After BoJ

Most currency futures fell on Friday as the US dollar rebounded after an unexpectedly cautious Bank of Japan policy meeting. Meanwhile, the pound remained an outlier as UK data revealed better than expected sales figures. Japanese Yen (Source: Bloomberg) Market participants expected a more hawkish tone from the Bank of Japan. Before the meeting, policymakers Read More…

Interest Futures
Fundamental Analysis

Interest Futures Slide as Risk Appetite Grows Post-Fed Rate Cut

Interest futures fell on Thursday and Friday as investors preferred riskier assets like equities after the Fed delivered a massive rate cut. Moreover, a significant drop in US jobless claims increased risk appetite, sending more investors to Wall Street. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 50-bps, ending months of speculation on the Read More…

Fundamental Analysis

Oil Prices Rebound Above $70 After Fed’s 50-bps Cut

Oil prices recovered on Thursday after falling in the previous session due to a super-sized Fed rate cut. However, Middle East tensions kept a floor on price declines. At the same time, crude inventory data showed a bigger-than-expected decline. WTI futures (Source: Bloomberg) On Wednesday, the US central bank cut interest rates by 50-bps, catching Read More…

Fundamental Analysis

Gold Fluctuates Ahead of FOMC as Data Supports a Small Rate Cut

Gold prices recovered on Wednesday after falling in the previous session as US data supported the case for a gradual pace of Fed rate cuts. Initially, prices rose as the likelihood of a 50-bps rate cut rose last week. However, despite the slight pullback, investors remain optimistic about a looming Fed rate cut. Data on Read More…

Fundamental Analysis

Equities Split as Tech Stocks Slide Ahead of FOMC Policy Meeting

Equities had a mixed day on Monday. Major tech stocks dragged the Nasdaq lower, while the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq gained ahead of an anticipated rate cut at the FOMC meeting on Wednesday.  Tech stocks performance (Source: Bloomberg) Apple shares dropped by 2.7% after an analyst noted that demand for the iPhone 16 models Read More…

Fundamental Analysis

Currency Futures Rise Amid Growing Fed Rate Cut Expectations

Currency futures extended Friday’s rally on Monday as the dollar fell to an almost nine-month low due to increased Fed rate cut expectations. The outlook for rate cuts shifted suddenly, with market participants moving to price a higher chance of a 50-bps rate cut.  Earlier last week, a set of inflation reports convinced markets that Read More…

Interest Futures
Fundamental Analysis

Interest Futures See-Saw as Fed Rate Cut Sentiment Shifts

Interest futures fell on Thursday before recovering on Friday due to fluctuations in Fed rate cut expectations. Market participants went from expecting a 25-bps rate cut next week to pricing a higher likelihood of a more significant rate cut.  US wholesale inflation (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics) Investors were initially more convinced that the Fed Read More…

Fundamental Analysis

Oil Prices Surge on US Supply Worries Amid Hurricane Francine Sparks

Oil prices rose Wednesday and Thursday as Hurricane Francine ripped through the US, raising fears of supply disruptions. At the same time, investors remained concerned about demand after OPEC trimmed its forecasts for this year and 2025. Hurricane Francine has caused a lot of supply disruptions that have put a premium on oil prices. The Read More…