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 Prices Ease But Outlook Remains Bright

Gold prices pulled back on Tuesday as investors paused and took profits after the recent rally. However, the bullish bias remains as markets cheered the increased likelihood of a Fed cut in September. At the same time, central bank purchases kept demand high. The pause in gold prices might be temporary, as most indicators point Read More…
Fundamental Analysis

Equities Soar on Fed Rate Cut Optimism

Equities closed higher on Monday as investors gained confidence that the Federal Reserve will cut rates sometime this year. Moreover, better-than-expected earnings reports from US companies continued to support the market. S&P 500 (Source: Bloomberg) Since last week, equities have performed well as policymakers and economic reports point to an eventual Fed rate cut this Read More…

Fundamental Analysis

Currency Futures Surge as Dollar Plunges on Poor Jobs Report

Currency futures surged on Friday as the dollar plunged after a poor jobs report. The report revealed a deterioration in the labor market that led to an increase in Fed rate cut expectations. At the same time, data from the US showed a decline in service sector activity, weighing on the dollar. US employment data Read More…

Interest Futures
Fundamental Analysis

Interest Futures Surge as Investors Cheer Powell’s Less Hawkish Tone

Interest futures rose on Thursday as markets applauded Powell’s less hawkish tone after the FOMC policy meeting. At the same time, investors were gearing up for April’s US employment figures, which will give more direction on Fed rate cuts. Going into the FOMC meeting, there were concerns that policymakers would be more hawkish than usual. Read More…

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Fundamental Analysis

Oil Prices Slide as US Crude Inventories Surge Unexpectedly

Oil prices fell on Wednesday after a surprise jump in US crude inventories. Additionally, the Fed policy meeting ended with a hawkish note, meaning more rate-cut delays. At the same time, there was hope in the market of a ceasefire in the Middle East war, which weighed on prices. The EIA reported that US crude Read More…

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Fundamental Analysis

Gold Prices Slide Over 1% on Dollar and Treasury Yield Surge

Gold prices fell over 1% on Tuesday due to a rally in the dollar and Treasury yields. Nevertheless, prices ended a third month of gains amid increased demand. US employment costs (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics) The dollar and Treasury yields soared Tuesday after upbeat employment data. The US Labor Department reported a higher-than-expected Read More…

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Fundamental Analysis

Tesla and Apple Lead Rally as Equities End Higher

Equities ended higher on Monday amid earnings optimism and a rally in Tesla and Apple shares. At the same time, investors were preparing for the FOMC policy meeting and the all-important nonfarm payrolls report.  According to data, 78.1% of the S&P 500 companies that have reported earnings have exceeded expectations on Wall Street, showing better-than-expected Read More…

Fundamental Analysis

Currency Futures Struggle as Core PCE Boosts Dollar

Currency futures fell on Friday as the dollar rose after inflation data in the US led to a drop in Fed’s rate cut expectations. The US released its Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index report, which showed inflation increased by 0.3% in March as expected. This was the same rate of increase in the previous Read More…

Interest Futures
Fundamental Analysis

Interest Futures Slide on Poor GDP Data, Surge in Treasury Yields

Interest futures fell on Thursday after a poor US GDP report. At the same time, downward pressure came from a rally in Treasury yields amid signs that US inflation remains high. Consequently, investors are keen to see the outcome of the core PCE price index report on Friday. US GDP, core PCE price index (Source: Read More…

Fundamental Analysis

Oil Prices Decline as Market Attention Turns Away from Middle East Crisis

Oil prices fell on Wednesday as investors shifted their focus from Middle East tensions to demand concerns. This shift came as the risk of an escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran fell. Meanwhile, poor economic data from the US raised concerns about weak demand in the country.  WTI, crude inventories (Source: Bloomberg, EIA) Read More…