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☆ Dollar pulls ahead as markets focus on Trump policies, Fed outlook
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-21 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

After stalling for three sessions, the greenback was back on the march higher, with investors lifting the dollar index measure against its key rivals closer to a one-year high of 107.07 hit last week. The dollar has rallied more than 2% since the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election on bets Trump's policies could reignite inflation and temper the Fed's future rate cuts. The dollar index held steady at 106.56, up from a one-week nadir hit in the previous session. "The Russia-Ukraine conflict is heating up, which is further denting sentiment towards the euro alongside the prospects of trade tariffs," another "bullish cue" for the dollar index given the euro's heavy weighting, City Index's Simpson said. The dollar gave up some gains against the yen, down 0.33% at 154.91 yen , although the Japanese currency remained under pressure.

Persons: Donald Trump's, Matt Simpson, CME's, Michelle Bowman, Lisa Cook, Index's Simpson, Kazuo Ueda, Sterling, bitcoin, Bitcoin Organizations: U.S, Federal Reserve, Wednesday, Storm, ATACMS, Bank of Japan, Bank of England's Locations: Europe, China, Russia, Ukraine, Paris

☆ Gold faces worst week in more than 3 years on bets of slower Fed easing
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-15 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold traded little changed on Friday, but was set for its worst week in more than three years, hurt by a stronger U.S. dollar amid expectations of fewer Federal Reserve rate cuts. Spot gold rose 0.1% to $2,569.69 per ounce by 0308 GMT after a five-session slide. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said on Thursday steady economic growth, a strong job market, and persistent inflation justify caution in cutting rates quickly. With a quiet U.S. calendar next week, gold could rebound, potentially retesting $2,600 level, Simpson said. Spot silver rose 0.2% to $30.52 per ounce, platinum edged up 0.1% to $940.68 and palladium added 0.5% to $946.00.

Persons: Gold, Donald Trump's, Fawad, Jerome Powell, Trump, Matt Simpson, Simpson Organizations: U.S ., Trump, Forex.com

☆ Firm dollar keeps peers on back foot ahead of BOE, Fed decisions
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-07 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Trump's policies on restricting illegal immigration, enacting new tariffs, lowering taxes and deregulation may boost growth and inflation and crimp the Fed's ability to cut rates. Following the election, markets now see about a 70% chance the Fed will also cut rates next month, down from 77% on Tuesday, according to the CME Group's Fed Watch Tool. Anything less than a "dovish cut" from the Fed on Thursday could see traders trim back bets for a December cut and the dollar and yields rising higher, Simpson added. The yen was up 0.22% at 154.30 per dollar, after touching 154.7 on Wednesday, its lowest against the greenback since July 30. The Riksbank is seen easing by 50 basis points, and the Norges Bank is set to stay on hold.

Persons: Donald Trump's, Matt Simpson, Trump, Treasuries, Simpson Organizations: U.S, Federal Reserve, Trump, White, Index, Treasury, Fed, Republicans, CME, Bank of England, Norges Bank, Bitcoin Locations: U.S, Index ., cryptocurrencies

☆ Gold holds steady as market awaits U.S. election outcome
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-06 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold held steady on Wednesday as investors keenly awaited the outcome of a tightly contested U.S. presidential race. Spot gold held its ground at $2,745.42 per ounce, as of 0218 GMT. Gold is considered a hedge against geopolitical and economic uncertainties and tends to thrive in a low-interest-rate environment. Elsewhere, Perth Mint reported a decline in October gold sales, while silver sales slipped to their lowest in four months. Spot silver fell 0.53% to $32.49 per ounce, platinum shed 0.6% to $993.45 and palladium was down 2.17% to $1,052.25.

Persons: Gold, Republican Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Kyle Rodda, Jerome Powell's, Matt Simpson Organizations: Republican, D.C, Edison Research, Federal Reserve, Trump, Traders, Perth Mint Locations: Istanbul, Tuesday's U.S, Washington

☆ Safe-haven gold on track for best month in seven
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-31 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold Bullion from the American Precious Metals Exchange seen in this picture taken in New York on Sept. 15, 2011. Gold prices climbed to a record high on Thursday and were headed for their best month in seven on safe-haven demand ahead of the U.S. presidential election, while investors awaited U.S. inflation report for clues on the interest rate path. Spot gold was steady at $2,786.89 per ounce, as of 0254 GMT, after hitting a record high of $2,790.15 earlier in the session. "Traders want to buy gold whether it rises or falls, and that has kept retracements small and consolidations tight. All three metals were on track for a monthly gain.

Persons: Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Kyle Rodda, Matt Simpson, Bullion Organizations: Precious Metals, U.S, Republican, Democratic, Trump, Capital.com, Index Locations: New York, U.S, United States, Index ., China

☆ Fed outlook pushes dollar to 2-1/2 month peak; yen under pressure
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-23 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The U.S. dollar hovered at a 2-1/2-month peak on Wednesday as investors adjusted bets toward a gradual reduction of interest rates while keeping an eye on a close presidential election race. The yen remained under pressure as the dollar and U.S. Treasury yields marched higher, pushing it to a three-month low. That less dovish outlook for the Fed has helped buoy Treasury yields. The dollar index , which measures the U.S. currency against six others, was last up 0.11% at 104.18 after ticking up to 104.19, its highest since Aug. 2. The rise in U.S. Treasury yields kept the heat on the yen which sank to a three-month low of 151.72 against the greenback.

Persons: Matt Simpson, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, there's, Index's Simpson, Komeito, Sterling Organizations: U.S, Treasury, Federal Reserve, Fed, Republican, Reuters, Democratic U.S, Markets, Trump, greenback, Liberal Democratic Party, of, European Central Bank Locations: Harris, U.S, Japan

☆ Gold lacks momentum as investors brace for Fed minutes
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-09 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold prices slipped on Thursday as investors booked profits after a sustained rally and pressure from institutional investors looking to raise cash, while focus shifted to U.S. economic data for clues on the Federal Reserve's rate path. Gold prices were subdued on Wednesday as investors strapped in for minutes from the Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting for insights into the U.S. central bank's interest rate trajectory. "Gold prices seem to be seeing a much-needed retracement lower. Boston Fed President Susan Collins said on Tuesday that weakening inflation trends make it likely the U.S. central bank can implement further interest rate cuts. Zero-yield bullion tends to thrive in a low interest rate environment.

Persons: I'm, Matt Simpson, Simpson, Susan Collins Organizations: Federal, Index, Traders, U.S . Consumer, Boston, Gold Locations: U.S, North America

☆ Gold prices flat as dollar strength counters safe-haven demand
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-02 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold bar bullions ingot, selective focus, crisis safe haven for investment or reserve for country economics. Gold prices were flat on Wednesday, as a firmer dollar partially offset safe-heaven demand amid heightened Middle East tensions, while investors awaited U.S. data for further economic cues. Spot gold held its ground at $2,659.79 per ounce, as of 0325 GMT, after rising more than 1% in the previous session. "Gold benefited from safe-haven demand during a risk-off session on Tuesday. Meanwhile, physical demand for gold in key markets has dropped due to high prices, with some retail consumers selling their holdings to lock in profits, industry players and analysts said.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Bullion, Matt Simpson, payrolls, Simpson Organizations: Israel, Index, Federal Reserve, NFP, Traders Locations: Iran, Tehran

☆ Gold flat as investors focus on Fed
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold prices were flat on Wednesday as investors weighed chances of an outsized interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve later in the day. Gold prices were flat on Wednesday as investors weighed chances of an outsized interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve later in the day. The Fed is expected to announce a cut to interest rates for the first time in more than four years at 1800 GMT. Markets are now pricing in a 65% chance of a 50-basis-point rate cut, compared with 34% a week earlier, according to the CME FedWatch tool. Zero-yield bullion tends to be a preferred investment in a lower interest rate environment and during geopolitical turmoil.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Matt Simpson, let's Organizations: Federal Reserve, Index Locations: ., Lebanon

☆ Gold prices holds steady with U.S. CPI data on radar
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold bars and gold coins of different sizes lie in a safe on a table at the precious metal dealer Pro Aurum. Gold prices steadied on Wednesday, as investors keenly awaited the U.S. inflation data for hints on the size of the Federal Reserve's potential interest rate cut next week. The U.S. Consumer Price Index data is due at 1230 GMT, while the Producer Price Index reading and initial jobless claims are due on Thursday. The Fed will lower interest rates by 25 basis points at each of the three remaining policy meetings in 2024, according to a majority of economists in a Reuters poll. Zero-yield bullion tends to be a preferred investment amid lower interest rates and geopolitical turmoil.

Persons: Matt Simpson, Price, Jerome Powell's, Peter Fung, Yoav Gallant Organizations: Aurum, Federal, Index, U.S, Consumer, Metals Locations: Gaza, Lebanon

☆ Gold scales 2-week high as Fed nods to likely Sept rate cut
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-01 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold prices climbed to a two-week high on Thursday as U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell opened the door to cutting interest rates as early as September. Gold prices climbed to a two-week high on Thursday as U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell opened the door to cutting interest rates as early as September. Prices were just about $35 shy of the record high of $2483.60 scaled on July 17. "Gold bulls couldn't resist the urge to buy more gold after the Fed effectively signaled the beginning of its rate-cut cycle. "If the data comes in much hotter than expected, that could dent gold as we head towards the weekend," Simpson added.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Matt Simpson, Simpson, Ismail Haniyeh, Nicky Shiels Organizations: Federal, Index, MKS PAMP SA Locations: U.S, Tehran, Israel, Gaza

☆ Dollar, yen hold tight ranges ahead of BOJ, Fed
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-30 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The dollar and yen kept within close ranges on Tuesday as traders awaited a barrage of key central bank decisions, kicking off with midweek monetary policy meetings from the Bank of Japan and Federal Reserve. The dollar and yen kept within close ranges on Tuesday as traders awaited a barrage of key central bank decisions, kicking off with midweek monetary policy meetings from the Bank of Japan and Federal Reserve. The Japanese currency was taking a breather from its recent rally as the BOJ began its two-day meeting on Tuesday, having surged over 2% against the dollar last week. The Fed is widely expected to stand pat this week, but markets are betting the U.S. central bank will begin cutting rates at the following meeting in September. Investors will be listening for any hints that Fed Chair Jerome Powell may drop on how soon policymakers are prepared to cut rates at his press conference.

Persons: Matt Simpson, Jerome Powell, Powell, Jackson, Index's Simpson, Sterling, bitcoin Organizations: Bank of Japan, Federal Reserve, Index, Fed, Treasury, Bank of England's Locations: U.S

☆ Gold eases, investors seek more cues on Fed's rate path
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-15 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A selection of gold bars and one-ounce gold coins at Gold Investments Ltd. bullion dealers in London, UK, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Gold prices dipped on Monday as the dollar held firm, while investors awaited comments from Federal Reserve officials and economic data for further cues on U.S. interest rate trajectory. The dollar rose on safety bids after an attempted assassination of former U.S. President Donald Trump, which raised his odds of winning. Data sets due this week include U.S. retail sales, industrial output for June and weekly jobless claims. "If we get another big miss on retail sales, it will reinforce there is a sense of urgency to cut rates, which could help gold.

Persons: Donald Trump, I'm, Trump, Matt Simpson, Jerome Powell, Ilya Spivak Organizations: Gold Investments, Federal Reserve, Trump, Index Locations: London, Beijing

☆ Volatile yen keeps markets on edge as intervention risks swirl
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-12 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

A sheet of newly-designed Japanese 10,000 yen banknotes at the National Printing Bureau Tokyo plant in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday, June 28, 2023. The Japanese currency swung between gains and losses in early trading before trading slightly weaker. It spiked nearly 3% to as high as 157.40 immediately after the consumer inflation report on Thursday. "Currency interventions should certainty be rare in a floating rate market, but we'll need to respond appropriately to excessive volatility or disorderly moves," Kanda said. Tokyo intervened at the end of April and in early May, spending roughly 9.8 trillion yen ($61.55 billion) to support the currency.

Persons: Masato Kanda, Kanda, It's, Siong Sim, Charu Chanana, Matt Simpson, Menon, Donald Trump, Sterling Organizations: National Printing Bureau, Asahi, Nikkei, Bank of Singapore, U.S, CPI, Saxo, Federal Reserve, City, Traders, Presidential, Trump Locations: National Printing Bureau Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, U.S

☆ Gold eases from May peak on profit taking
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-08 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A view of ingots of 99.99 percent pure gold, which are placed in a workroom, at Novosibirsk Refining Plant, Russia's leading gold refining and bar manufacturing plant, in Novosibirsk, Russia on Sept. 15, 2023. Spot gold fell 0.4% at $2,382.17 per ounce as of 0346 GMT, after rising to its highest level since May 22 on Friday. Traders are also pricing in a rising chance of a second rate cut in December. Elsewhere, top consumer China's central bank refrained from gold purchases to its reserves for a second consecutive month in June. "China may have paused their gold purchases, but it remains in demand overall.

Persons: We're, Kyle Rodda, CME's, Jerome Powell's, Powell, Matt Simpson, bullish, Simpson Organizations: Novosibirsk Refining Plant, Capital.com, Federal, Fed Locations: Novosibirsk, Russia, China

☆ Gold inches up after weak data fuels U.S. rate cut bets
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-04 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Gold prices drifted higher on Thursday after softer-than-expected U.S. economic data fueled hopes that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates as soon as September. Spot gold was up 0.3% at $2,362.10 per ounce, as of 0200 GMT after hitting a near two-week high in the previous session. U.S. economic data on Wednesday, including a weak services and ADP employment reports, showed a slowing economy. "A softer-than-expected ISM services report was the gift that Fed doves have been waiting for ahead of a NFP. Markets are now pricing in a 74% chance of the Fed cutting interest rates at its September meeting, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.

Persons: Matt Simpson Organizations: Federal, Traders, NFP, U.S Locations: U.S

☆ Gold set for third quarterly gain; traders await US inflation data
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-28 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold prices eased on Friday, but were set for a third straight quarterly rise, while investors looked forward to U.S. inflation data due later in the day for more clarity on the Federal Reserve's interest rate-cut timeline. After adding to its gold reserves for 18 consecutive months, official data from the People's Bank of China (PBOC) showed its holdings were flat in May. A survey by the World Gold Council, however, found that more central banks may increase gold reserves within 12 months. Gold rose more than 1% in the previous session after data showed a continued, though moderate, slowdown in U.S. economic activity. A soft set of PCE figures is required to keep hopes of Fed easing alive and further support gold, City Index senior analyst Matt Simpson said.

Persons: Ilya Spivak, Michelle Bowman, Matt Simpson Organizations: Heraeus, Solar, People's Bank of China, World Gold Council, City Index Locations: Budapest, Hungary, U.S, China

☆ Dollar firm as euro wallows; yuan brushes aside China data
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-17 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The dollar was firm on Monday as the euro hovered near a more than one-month low amid continued concerns about the political outlook in Europe. The yuan held close to a multi-month low after China released a slew of economic data that pointed to an uneven recovery in the world's second-largest economy. A Reuters poll published last week showed 63 of 65 economists thought a first cut would not come until Aug. 1. Elsewhere, the yuan was mostly flat at 7.2550 per dollar after domestic data showed a mixed economic picture in China. China's central bank left a key policy rate unchanged as expected on Monday as the weak yuan continued to hamper policy easing.

Persons: Emmanuel Macron's, Matt Simpson, Neel Kashkari, Index's Simpson, Sterling, Kazuo Ueda, bitcoin Organizations: U.S, Gazprom, European Central Bank, Reuters, Index, . Minneapolis Federal, Bank of England, Bank of Japan Locations: Poland, Bulgaria, Europe, China, U.S

☆ Gold slips as markets eye outcome of Fed meet, CPI data
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-11 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

India is one of the largest markets for gold as the precious metal plays an important role in the country's culture. Gold prices fell on Tuesday with investors awaiting key U.S. inflation data and the outcome of the Federal Reserve's policy meeting for details of the central bank's plans to cut interest rates against its inflation target. And that could see gold take another dent or two amid rising yields and the U.S. dollar," said City Index senior analyst Matt Simpson. The May consumer price index inflation report due on Wednesday will be the next major data point along with the Fed concluding their two-day meeting on the same day. "The fact that we'll see inflation data just hours ahead of the Fed's interest rate decision means we might see a last-minute panic and elevated levels of volatility should inflation come in hot," Simpson said.

Persons: Matt Simpson, Simpson Organizations: U.S ., Index Locations: India

☆ Gold rangebound as traders seek more U.S. data for Fed cues
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Gold bars arranged at the Korea Gold Exchange store in Seoul, South Korea, on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. Gold prices rose slightly on Wednesday helped by lower Treasury yields, but were stuck in a tight range as investors waited for more U.S. data to gauge the Federal Reserve's next step on monetary policy. U.S. gold futures rose 0.3% to $2,354.50. Benchmark 10-year Treasury yields lingered near their lowest level in almost three weeks hit on Tuesday, making bullion more attractive to investors. The U.S. services data is due at 1400 GMT.

Persons: Matt Simpson Organizations: Korea Gold Exchange, Federal, Index, Gold Locations: Seoul, South Korea, U.S

☆ Dollar steadies before inflation test; yen brushes off Tokyo CPI
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The dollar was licking wounds against peer currencies on Friday after a downward revision to U.S. GDP for the first quarter suggested room for rate cuts this year, while investors braced for inflation data. The dollar index , which measures the currency against six major peers, consolidated around 104.82 after dipping as low as 104.63 overnight. Softer U.S. consumer price inflation data earlier in May rekindled rate cut expectations for this year, weakening the dollar across the board and setting it on track to post its first monthly losses in 2024. "All told, the Tokyo CPI leaves us confident that nationwide underlying inflation will fall below 2% as soon as July." Price data for the euro zone is due on Friday, following a stronger-than-expected April inflation reading for Germany on Wednesday.

Persons: John Williams, Matt Simpson, Index's Simpson, Marcel Thieliant, Sterling, bitcoin Organizations: Treasury, greenback, New York Fed, Index, PCE, Capital Economics, Japan's Ministry of Finance, Germany Locations: U.S, Tokyo, Asia

☆ This signal could be good news for the stock market
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-29 | by ( Nicole Goodkind | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Some analysts think that means good news for stocks in the second half of the year. While [gross domestic product] and the labor market seem to be slowing, earnings are accelerating,” wrote the Bank of America analysts. That means an improving manufacturing cycle but slowing services can lead to a divergence between market performance and economic performance. “We’ve witnessed records repeatedly break in both stock and housing markets over the past year.”In addition to unrelentingly high home prices, the housing market is also grappling with a chronic lack of homes on the market and elevated mortgage rates. Put together, it has resulted in a tough housing market, especially first-time buyers.

Persons: Dow, PMIs, ”, Brian Luke, “ We’ve, Read, Apple’s Siri, Siri, Samantha Murphy Kelly, Tim Cook, ” Read Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, New York CNN, Federal Reserve, Institute for Supply Management, PMI, Bank of America, Dell, Marvell, Costco, Dow Jones, Developers Conference, Google, Samsung, ” Apple Locations: New York, San Diego , New York, Cleveland, Los Angeles

☆ US home prices hit another record high in March
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-28 | by ( Bryan Mena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Washington CNN —US home prices reached a record high in March, reflecting the housing market’s persistent affordability crisis. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller US National Home Price Index, a measure of home prices across the country, jumped 6.5% in March from a year earlier to a record high. It is the sixth time the index has reached a new record high over the past year. Persistent challenges, but some slight improvementsHousing affordability, which factors in incomes, home prices and mortgage rates, remains in the doldrums. Annual home price growth is down from a record high of 20.8% in March 2022, but it has picked up steam in the past several months.

Persons: ”, Brian Luke, Dow, “ We’ve Organizations: Washington CNN, Dow Jones, Federal Reserve, Treasury, National Association of Realtors Locations: San Diego , New York, Cleveland, Los Angeles

☆ Gold recoups from 2-week low as traders eye U.S. inflation data
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-27 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Ingots of 99.99 percent pure gold are placed in a workroom at Novosibirsk Refining Plant, Russia on Sept. 15, 2023. Gold prices on Monday drifted higher from a two-week low hit in the previous session as traders gauged fading hopes of U.S. interest rate cuts ahead of a key inflation report due later this week. The core personal consumption expenditures price index, the preferred inflation measure for the U.S. Federal Reserve, is due on Friday. Bullion is known as an inflation hedge, but higher rates increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding gold. Minutes from the Federal Reserve's meeting published last week showed the central bank's path to 2% inflation could take longer than expected.

Persons: Matt Simpson, Bullion, Index's Simpson Organizations: Novosibirsk Refining Plant, Index, U.S . Federal, Traders Locations: Novosibirsk, Russia

☆ Dollar holds firm as traders trim U.S. rate cut bets
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-24 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

"The carry of holding dollars is far juicier," he said, while policymakers' rhetoric has also made traders nervous about inflation and the risk rate cuts would be distant or small. Traders have pushed out the timing of the first Fed rate cut to December. Thursday's business surveys from S&P Global supported the conviction among many traders that the Fed may keep rates higher for longer. But not for traders who are positioned for Fed cuts. Rates markets still price a near 90% chance the ECB cuts rates next month.

Persons: Martin Whetton, Matt Simpson, Sterling, Christopher Waller Organizations: U.S, Westpac, Federal, Traders, P Global, European Central Bank, Federal Reserve Locations: Sydney

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