Fundamental Analysis

Gold Prices Edge Up Ahead of Key US Economic Reports

On Tuesday, gold prices rose slightly as investors awaited a series of US economic data releases this week. The data is expected to provide insights into the Federal Reserve’s plans for interest rate cuts. Daniel Pavilonis, senior market strategist at RJO Futures, commented that the gold market is hovering just above the $2,000 mark, with Read More…

Fundamental Analysis

Equities Rally as S&P 500 Hits Another Record High

On Monday, equities rallied as the S&P 500 set another record high, driven by gains in tech stocks. Meanwhile, investors awaited corporate reports for insights into this year’s profit outlook. Additionally, on Friday, the S&P 500 confirmed its bull market status since its low on October 12.  Top tech companies like Microsoft and Apple will Read More…

Fundamental Analysis

Currency Futures End Mixed in Response to Friday’s Economic Reports

Currency futures were mixed on Friday amid varied economic reports. At the same time, the dollar ended its recent winning streak. Still, it was a bullish week for the dollar because Fed rate cut bets went down with more positive data and hawkish remarks from Fed officials.  US consumer sentiment (Source: University of Michigan) The Read More…

Fundamental Analysis

IEA and OPEC’s Upbeat Predictions Lift Oil Prices

On Thursday, oil prices rose as the International Energy Agency and the OPEC producer group predicted robust growth in global oil demand. At the same time, severe winter weather disrupted US crude output. Moreover, the government reported a significant weekly decrease in crude inventories. There was a larger-than-expected draw in crude inventories, totaling 2.5 million Read More…

Fundamental Analysis

Equities Dip as December Retail Sales Exceed Forecasts

On Wednesday, Wall Street equities closed lower as December US retail sales data beat expectations. These sales figures dampened hopes for an early start to the Fed’s rate-cut campaign in March.  The optimistic sales report on Wednesday prompted economists to revise upward their growth estimates for the fourth quarter. Moreover, the report comes after solid Read More…

Fundamental Analysis

Equities Retreat on ECB’s Rate Cut Warning

On Monday, European equities closed lower as government bond yields increased, following warnings from ECB officials against premature rate cuts. Meanwhile, the US equity market was closed due to a public holiday.  Government bond yields rose across the region after ECB’s chief economist Philip Lane cautioned on Saturday that rapid rate cuts could lead to Read More…