Asian markets opened the week on a positive note, buoyed by stronger-than-expected economic data from China and optimism surrounding Beijing’s latest efforts to boost domestic consumption. Investors welcomed China’s “special action plan” aimed at stimulating household spending, which aligns with Premier Li Qiang’s government report last week that named consumption growth as a top priority. […]
Forex markets are holding steady in Asian session today, with major currency pairs and crosses all confined within yesterday’s ranges. This lack of movement comes despite a significant escalation in the US-led trade war, as newly effective 25% tariffs on all imported steel and aluminum products have prompted swift retaliation from key trading partners. In
The risk-off sentiment that triggered the biggest US stock market selloff in months has spilled over into Asian markets, leading to broad declines across the region. The currency markets reflect this shift too, with traditional safe havens such as Japanese Yen and Swiss franc leading gains in Asia, while risk-sensitive currencies like the Australian and
Forex markets are trading quietly in the Asian session, remaining within Friday’s range and showing little impetus to move decisively in either direction. Dollar is staying on the back foot, with a lack of substantial buying interest to sustain a meaningful rebound. While last week’s non-farm payroll data helped calm fears of a rapid labor
The sharp contrast between Europe’s newfound unity and the ongoing tariff chaos in the US has been a defining theme in the financial markets. Euro’s extraordinary strength last week reflected growing investor confidence in the region’s strategic shift toward fiscal expansion and defense spending. From the formation of the “Coalition of the Willing” to the
Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman, regarded as one of the bank’s most hawkish policymakers, indicated that she might place greater emphasis on labour market indicators when considering future policy decisions. Key Quotes Labor market, economic activity will become a larger factor in US central bank policy discussions going forward. Shocks, structural changes since Covid-19 pandemic
The US Dollar Index depreciates as market expectations grow for more aggressive Fed rate cuts amid US growth concerns. President Trump exempted Mexican and Canadian goods under the USMCA from his proposed 25% tariffs. The US Nonfarm Payrolls is projected to show job growth, with employment rising to 160K in February. The US Dollar Index
Risk sentiment in the forex markets appears to be tilting towards risk aversion in Asian trading, marking a shift from the broad Dollar selloff earlier in the week. Overnight, US President Donald Trump granted temporary tariff exemptions for Canadian and Mexican goods under the USMCA, delaying a full-scale implementation until April 2. While this provided
Risk sentiment is mildly positive in Asian session today, as investors digest the latest developments in US trade policy and Chinese economic measures. Markets welcomed the news that the US has granted a one-month exemption for imports from Mexico and Canada for auto makers. The decision came after US President Donald Trump met with executives
Despite the steep selloff on Wall Street overnight, sentiment appears to have improved somewhat in Asia. Investors found reasons for optimism as China set a 2025 GDP growth target of around 5% and announced stimulus measures to counter escalating tensions with the U.S. In a notable shift, Beijing raised its budget deficit target to roughly
Dollar fell broadly today, an unusual development in contrast to recent rallies on escalating trade tensions and tariff announcements. Market sentiment soured as traders began to weigh the risks of a “Trumpcession,” a new term coined to describe the potential for US President Donald Trump’s policies to drive the economy into contraction or a full-blown
The Pound Sterling rises to near 1.2650 against the US Dollar due to positive developments in the Russia-Ukraine peace truce. Fears of US President Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China loom large. The BoE is expected to follow a careful and gradual policy-easing approach. The Pound Sterling (GBP) trades higher against its major peers, except
Market sentiment took a decisive turn for the worse last week, with risk aversion dominating across asset classes. The combination of deteriorating domestic economic conditions in the US and heightened global uncertainties has fueled concerns that risk appetite could weaken further. Equities faced renewed selling pressure, yields dropped sharply. Domestically, US economic data painted a
Global stock markets are under heavy selling pressure as risk-off sentiment dominates the final trading day of February. The selloff intensified across major indices, with Japan’s Nikkei plunging -3% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index down -2.8%, following the steep declines in US equities overnight. Investors are increasingly wary of escalating trade tensions, which could
BP has released what it calls its reset, with a renewed focus on oil and gas, reallocated capital and more cost cutting. All of this is aimed at driving shareholder returns in the long term. Unfortunately, this means reduced shareholder returns in the short term, which has triggered a small sell off in the stock
Dollar remains stuck in a tug-of-war of conflicting forces. On one side, extended decline in US Treasury yields is pressuring the greenback, while on the other, risk aversion is offering some support. 10-year Treasury yield fell to its lowest level since December, looks on track to test the next Fibonacci support at 4.2%. Bond markets
Dollar gained slightly overnight, buoyed by mild risk aversion and ongoing tariff threats from President Donald Trump. However, the lack of follow-through momentum in the greenback suggests traders remain hesitant to commit to large directional bets amid persistent policy uncertainty. US stock market weakness has been most pronounced in the NASDAQ, which fell by more
