Latest Finance-Economy News
Gold Plunges 17% from Record Highs After New Fed Chair Nomination
Gold fell 17% from its peak of $5,596 following Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh as Fed chair, marking the steepest decline since 1980. The hawkish expectations boosted the US dollar, triggering margin calls and intensified selling. Silver dropped even more sharply by 36%.
AUD/USD Breaks Above 0.70 for First Time in Three Years
The Australian dollar surged past 0.70 amid US dollar weakness from Trump's currency comments and rising RBA rate hike expectations. It broke out from an uptrend since May 2025 but pulled back to 0.6960 due to overbought RSI. Robust Australian employment supports potential RBA hike to 3.85%.
RBA Poised for Rate Hike as Markets Price in 70% Probability
The Reserve Bank of Australia meets this week with over 70% odds of raising rates to 3.85%, driven by strong jobs data and sticky inflation. This follows persistent economic resilience down under. A hike could further bolster the AUD.
ECB Expected to Hold Rates Steady Near 2% Inflation Target
The European Central Bank convenes this week and is likely to keep rates unchanged as inflation stabilizes around its 2% goal. Policymakers assess ongoing disinflation trends. No major shifts anticipated.
Bank of England to Maintain Rates at 3.75% Post-Hawkish Cut
The BoE policy meeting this week expects rates to hold at 3.75% after December's hawkish reduction, evaluating lagged effects on inflation and growth. Caution prevails amid mixed signals. Decision due soon.
US Jobs Data Takes Center Stage This Week
Critical US employment figures headline the economic calendar, potentially influencing Fed policy expectations post-chair nomination. Markets await non-farm payrolls amid recent equity retreats. Volatility likely.
US Equities Retreat After New Highs with Russell 2000 Down 2%
S&P 500 edged up 0.3% last week but Nasdaq and Dow fell 0.2-0.4%; small caps in Russell 2000 dropped 2% most sharply. Pullback follows prior gains amid Fed uncertainty. Broader caution sets in.
Trading Platforms Hike Margins on Volatile Precious Metals
CME Group raised Comex silver futures margins from 9% to 11% amid extreme volatility post-gold peak. Leveraged positions faced margin calls, amplifying the selloff. Global platforms followed suit.
Alphabet and Amazon Earnings to Drive Tech Sector Focus
Major earnings from Alphabet and Amazon lead corporate highlights this week, potentially swaying Nasdaq amid recent dips. Investors eye guidance post-equity highs. Key for tech sentiment.
Credit Rating Actions Tilt Positive for Third Straight Week
S&P Global reports positive outlook revisions and CreditWatch placements outnumbered negatives, including actions on Greek entities. This signals improving credit sentiment broadly. Third consecutive positive week.