The Ai Group Industry Index indicates that Australia’s manufacturing sector continued to experience contraction through December and January, reflecting persistently weak conditions overall. Mixed trends were observed across the sector: subdued demand, tariffs, rising input and wage costs, poor cash flow, and labor constraints continued to suppress output. Nevertheless, there were limited areas where improved […]
Markets: Gold up $271 to $4935 WTI crude up $1.85 to $64.01 US 10-year yields flat at 4.26% S&P 500 down 0.8% AUD leads, JPY lags It was another day of huge market moves and volatility. It started out once again in precious metals as gold and silver bounced back in a big way. Silver
Zain Vawda Market Analyst Zain is an experienced financial markets analyst and educator with a rich tapestry of experience in the world of retail forex, economics, and market analysis. Initially starting out in a sales and business development role, his passion for economics and technical analysis propelled him towards a career as an analyst. He
Market Insights Podcast (03/02/2026): Join TraderNick and podcast host Jonny Hart as they discuss the latest market headlines, including a recent trade deal struck between the United States and India, developments in the precious metal markets, and a choice by the BLS to postpone Friday’s NFP report. Join Nick Syiek (TraderNick) and podcast host Jonny
• Walmart becomes the first retailer to reach $1 trillion market capitalization, joining an elite club dominated by tech giants. • Palantir surges over 10% after delivering blockbuster fourth-quarter results and raising 2026 revenue guidance well above Wall Street expectations. • PayPal plunges 18% following disappointing earnings and CEO Alex Chriss’s immediate departure, with HP’s
Current macro outlook The macro backdrop remains supportive for equities despite the strong run. Inflation is easing across the US, United Kingdom (UK) and Europe, giving central banks confidence that rate hikes are finished and cuts are likely later in 2026. That shift has reduced downside risks to growth and improved visibility for earnings. The
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Forex markets are trading relatively steady as the US session gets underway, with no strong directional conviction emerging. Early risk-on momentum from Asia has faded, leaving major pairs consolidating rather than extending moves. The initial lift in sentiment came from Asia following the announcement of a US–India trade deal, which helped support higher-beta currencies. Australian
High risk warning: Foreign exchange trading carries a high level of risk that may not be suitable for all investors. Leverage creates additional risk and loss exposure. Before you decide to trade foreign exchange, carefully consider your investment objectives, experience level, and risk tolerance. You could lose some or all your initial investment; do not
France’s inflation eased more than expected in January, preliminary data from the statistical office INSEE revealed on Tuesday. The consumer price index logged a 0.3 percent annual rise in January, slower than the 0.8 percent increase seen in December. Inflation was expected to slow moderately to 0.6 percent. Similarly, EU harmonized inflation softened to 0.4
2026.02.03 2026.02.03 Gold Plunges Into Bear Market. Forecast as of 03.02.2026 Dmitri Demidenkohttps://www.litefinance.org/blog/authors/dmitri-demidenko/ There were several signs of a bubble in the gold market. These included demand for ETFs that could not keep pace with prices, explosive volatility, and a break in correlations with other assets. As a result, the precious metal collapsed. Let’s discuss
The Pound Sterling (GBP) trades broadly higher against its major currency peers on Tuesday as traders shift their focus to the Bank of England’s (BoE) monetary policy announcement on Thursday. The BoE is expected to leave interest rates unchanged at 3.75%, with a 7-2 majority, suggesting that the decision will be almost unanimous this time
Macro update Asian and global equities rally: Asian markets surged, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 and South Korea’s Kospi hitting record highs as tech and artificial intelligence (AI)-linked stocks advanced, while United States (US) futures pointed to a positive tone. Korea tech stocks power gains: Samsung Electronics jumped 11% and SK Hynix rose more than 9%, lifting
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Australian Dollar surged broadly in Asia session, drawing fresh strength from a hawkish RBA rate hike that reinforced expectations of further tightening later this year. The move gave the Aussie an extra tailwind on top of an already constructive regional backdrop. Risk appetite in Asia has been firm, with the latest boost to sentiment coming
The Reserve Bank of Australia raised its benchmark rate for the first time since November 2023 as inflation picked up materially. The policy board governed by Michele Bullock decided to lift the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 3.85 percent. “The Board judged that inflation is likely to remain above target for some
We are still looking to bring inflation down without sacrificing much The economy is actually in a really good position The labour market is really strong and domestic demand is recovering But it is just that we’re supply constrained, and it might be more so than what we thought a while back We’re still adopting
