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☆ Fed watchdog objects to Senate bill overhauling leadership selection
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-27 | by ( Michael S. Derby | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

April 27 (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve's in-house watchdog agency is pushing back against proposed legislation in the U.S. Senate that would overhaul how the government department is led. Scott and Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren have co-sponsored the bill to change how the Fed IG is selected and vetted. The letter also noted that making the Fed IG subject to presidential appointment would cut pay for the job, meaning the person in that position would earn less than the department's current staff. This upside pay arrangement has been faced by other government IGs and it "deters experienced, high-quality candidates from seeking the position." The Fed's IG has garnered the most attention in recent years for its investigations into central bank officials' personal trading activities.

Companies First Republic Bank FollowApril 26 (Reuters) - Oil rose on Wednesday after plunging more than 2% in the previous session as reports of falling U.S. crude oil and fuel inventories refocused investors on robust demand in the world's top oil consumer. Brent crude climbed by 30 cents, or 0.4%, to $81.07 a barrel by 0358 GMT. U.S. crude oil stocks fell by about 6.1 million barrels in the week ended April 21, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute (API) figures on Tuesday. Analysts had expected crude inventories to fall by about 1.5 million barrels. Gasoline inventories fell 1.9 million barrels last week, while distillate inventories rose by 1.7 million barrels, the sources said the API reported.

☆ Gold prices subdued as caution sets in ahead of cenbank meetings
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-24 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold headed for its second decline in three sessions as strength in the dollar and equities diminished demand for the metal as an alternative asset. Gold is highly sensitive to rising interest rates, which raise the opportunity cost of holding non-interest bearing bullion. "Some firming in U.S. Treasury yields following last Friday's flash PMI data are keeping the downward pressure on gold prices," said Yeap Jun Rong, a market analyst at IG. Gold prices dropped by more than 1% on Friday after the release of surveys that showed the U.S. and euro zone business activity gathered pace in April. Moreover, the European Central Bank is expected to hike rates by a quarter percentage point on May 4, with some likelihood for a half-point hike.

☆ A big macro issue is waiting to disrupt markets this summer that could cause the Fed to cut rates
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( Yun Li | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The debt ceiling debacle in Washington has the potential to upend the financial market and prompt the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, Bank of America warned. The warning followed news that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. released his plan to raise the debt ceiling by $1.5 trillion for about a year. "Any economic damage could potentially be offset by earlier and/or larger Fed rate cuts. It recently signaled one more rate hike in 2023, while saying rate cuts are not its base case. Bank of America's economists estimated that federal expenditures would fall by 5% of GDP per year if the debt limit is not lifted.

☆ Stocks dip, yields rise on rate hike expectations
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Chuck Mikolajczak | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The two-year gilt yield was down 0.2 basis points at 3.820% after hitting 3.877%, its highest since March 7. The yield on 10-year Treasury notes was up 3.6 basis points to 3.608% after reaching 3.639%, its highest since March 22. The two-year U.S. Treasury yield, which typically moves in step with interest rate expectations, was up 7 basis points at 4.269%. The dollar also firmed on Fed hike expectations, showing signs of stabilizing after five straight weeks of declines. The dollar strength, in turn, helped curb crude prices, along with concerns that the Fed rate hikes could dent growth and drag demand.

☆ Gold drifts lower on firmer dollar, Fed rate outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Kavya Guduru | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SummarySummary Companies US dollar up 0.1%Markets pricing in 25 bps rate hike by Fed in MayApril 19 (Reuters) - Gold prices edged lower on Wednesday as the U.S. dollar regained some ground, while traders assessed chances of the U.S. Federal Reserve raising interest rates just once more in May before pausing. Spot gold was down 0.1% at $2,003.03 per ounce, as of 0337 GMT. The dollar index was up 0.1%, making gold expensive for buyers holding other currencies. "While that may provide an anchor for gold prices, given the recent rally and overextended technical conditions, the possibility of some unwinding (in prices) upon validation of the Fed's rate outlook may still remain on the table." Gold is considered a hedge against inflation, but higher interest rates dim the non-yielding asset's appeal.

☆ Gold slips on firmer dollar, Fed rate outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold prices fell on Wednesday as the U.S. dollar regained some ground, while investors assessed the chances of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates just once more in May before pausing. Higher interest rates dim non-yielding bullion's appeal. The Fed should continue raising rates on the back of recent data showing inflation remains persistent, St. Louis Fed President James Bullard said on Tuesday. But Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic said one more hike "should be enough" before taking a step back to "see how our policy is flowing through the economy." Markets see a 95% chance of the Bank of England raising interest rates next month.

☆ Oil holds above $80/bbl on OPEC+ cuts, traders eye China recovery
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-17 | by ( Florence Tan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SINGAPORE, April 17 (Reuters) - Oil prices edged up on Monday, supported by OPEC+'s plans to cut more output, while investors eyed Chinese economic data for signs of a demand recovery by the world's No. However, the IEA warned in its monthly report that the output cuts announced by OPEC+ producers risk exacerbating an oil supply deficit expected in the second half of the year and could hurt consumers and a global economic recovery. Rising costs for Middle East crude supplies, which meet more than half of Asia's demand, are already squeezing refiners' margins, prompting them to secure supplies from other regions. The greenback has been strengthening alongside interest rate hikes, making dollar-denominated oil more expensive for holders of other currencies. "(That) means some of the supportive tailwinds for crude oil demand from expectations of Fed rate cuts are starting to fade," he added.

☆ Oil holds above $80 per barrel on OPEC+ cuts, traders eye China recovery
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-17 | by ( Florence Tan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

☆ Oil falls as investors cautious about U.S. recession risk
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-13 | by ( Jeslyn Lerh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] The sun is seen behind a crude oil pump jack in the Permian Basin in Loving County, Texas, U.S., November 22, 2019. REUTERS/Angus Mordant/File PhotoSINGAPORE, April 13 (Reuters) - Oil prices retreated on Thursday after rising for two sessions, with investors still showing lingering concern over a possible U.S. recession and weaker oil demand. The Biden administration plans to refill the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve soon, and hopes to do it at lower oil prices, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said on Wednesday. Still, the oil market was jolted higher two weeks ago after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies such as Russia agreed to curtail output. As a result, the global oil market could see tightness in the second half of 2023, which would push prices higher, said Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency.

☆ Gold ticks up as US inflation data fuels bets for rate-hike pause
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-13 | by ( Kavya Guduru | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SummarySummary Companies Gold advances for third consecutive sessionMarkets pricing in 25-bp rate hike in MayApril 13 (Reuters) - Gold prices inched higher for a third consecutive session on Thursday, as cooler-than-expected U.S. inflation data spurred bets that the Federal Reserve might raise rates once more next month before pausing hikes. Spot gold was up 0.1% at $2,016.99 per ounce, as of 0332 GMT. Gold prices rose more than 1% on Wednesday after data showed the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.1% last month, compared with expectations for a 0.2% increase, after advancing 0.4% in February. Gold is considered an inflation hedge, but rising interest rates reduce the appeal of non-yielding bullion. Recession concerns are "allowing gold prices to ride on its safe-haven status... while technical conditions are revealing some moderation in upward momentum on recent highs," IG's Yeap added.

The commodity-heavy FTSE 100 (.FTSE) edged 0.1% lower, while the mid-cap FTSE 250 (.FTMC) was flat as of 0814 GMT. "Gains in homebuilders is being counteracted by ex-dividend moves today," said Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG Group. Even as concerns over a potential U.S. recession have weighed on investor sentiment, defensive stocks such as pharmaceuticals as well as commodity-linked stocks have kept FTSE 100 afloat recently. Shares of Lloyds Group (LLOY.L), Unite Group (UTG.L) and Persimmon (PSN.L) among others were down between 1.7%-3% as the stocks traded ex-dividend. Reporting by Shristi Achar A in Bengaluru; Editing by Sohini Goswami and Janane VenkatramanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Gold ticks up as U.S. inflation data fuels bets for rate hike pause
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-13 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold prices inched higher for a third consecutive session on Thursday, as milder-than-expected U.S. inflation data prompted bets that the Federal Reserve might raise rates just once more before pausing. U.S. gold futures rose 0.3% to $2,031.40. Gold prices rose over 1% on Wednesday after data showed the U.S. Consumer Price Index rose 0.1% last month, compared with expectations of a 0.2% increase, after advancing 0.4% in February. Recession concerns are "allowing gold prices to ride on its safe-haven status ... while technical conditions are revealing some moderation in upward momentum on recent highs," IG's Yeap said. Spot silver fell 0.3% to $25.39 per ounce, platinum lost 0.3% to $1,011.86 and palladium dipped 0.5% to $1,452.08.

☆ Oil edges up as market awaits key US inflation data
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( Muyu Xu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

April 12 (Reuters) - Oil prices edged up on Wednesday as the market waited for U.S. inflation data later in the day that will likely influence the Federal Reserve's policy on future interest rate hikes. The U.S. consumer price index is expected to show March core inflation rose 0.4% on a monthly basis (USCPF=ECI) and 5.6% year-on-year (USCPFY=ECI), according to a Reuters poll of economists. In another negative for oil demand, the International Monetary Fund on Tuesday trimmed its 2023 global growth outlook, citing the impact of higher interest rates. In addition to the inflation data, the market is waiting for more clarity on oil demand and supply with monthly reports from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the International Energy Agency due on Thursday and Friday respectively. The U.S. Energy Information Administration on Tuesday cut its forecast for oil production by OPEC countries by 0.5 million barrels-per-day for the rest of 2023 and cut its 2023 world oil demand growth forecast by 40,000 bpd.

☆ Oil steady as market awaits key US inflation data
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( Muyu Xu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

April 12 (Reuters) - Oil prices were mostly steady on Wednesday as the market waited for U.S. inflation data later in the day that will likely influence the Federal Reserve's policy on future interest rate hikes. The U.S. consumer price index is expected to show March core inflation rose 0.4% on a monthly basis (USCPF=ECI) and 5.6% year-on-year (USCPFY=ECI), according to a Reuters poll of economists. In another negative for oil demand, the International Monetary Fund on Tuesday trimmed its 2023 global growth outlook, citing the impact of higher interest rates. In addition to the inflation data, the market is waiting for more clarity on oil demand and supply with monthly reports from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the International Energy Agency due on Thursday and Friday respectively. The U.S. Energy Information Administration on Tuesday cut its forecast for oil production by OPEC countries by 0.5 million barrels-per-day for the rest of 2023 and cut its 2023 world oil demand growth forecast by 40,000 bpd.

☆ INDIA RUPEE Rupee to inch up ahead of key US inflation data
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( Nimesh Vora | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The non-deliverable forwards indicate the rupee will open at around 82.06-82.10 to the U.S. dollar compared with 82.12 in the previous session. Heading into the data, investors are pricing in a 70% chance that the Fed will raise rates by 25 bps points at the May meeting. The India inflation data is due a few hours before the U.S. number. India's consumer inflation rate likely softened in March to 5.80%, dipping below the Reserve Bank of India's upper tolerance limit of 6% for the first time this year, according to a Reuters poll. "India inflation is way less important (than U.S.) for how the rupee will open tomorrow," the spot trader said.

☆ Asian stocks slide, bond yields depressed as recession worries weigh
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-06 | by ( Kevin Buckland | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The Asia-wide index had surged more than 5% since mid-March to close at a 1 1/2-month high on Tuesday. E-mini futures for the broader S&P 500 indicated a 0.24% decline at the reopen, extending Wednesday's 0.25% slide. As signs have built this week for a sharp U.S. slowdown, traders have been pricing for a more dovish Fed. That helped the yen, which is highly sensitive to U.S. yields, gain against fellow safe haven the greenback. The dollar index rose 0.12% to 101.99, continuing its bounce from a two-month low.

☆ Oil prices rise as investors move focus from OPEC+ cuts to demand outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Companies Goldman Sachs Group Inc FollowBEIJING, April 4 (Reuters) - Oil prices posted gains in Asian trade on Tuesday after OPEC+ plans to cut more production jolted markets the previous day, with investors' attention shifting to demand trends and the impact of higher prices on the global economy. The latest pledges bring the total volume of cuts by OPEC+ to 3.66 million bpd including a 2 million barrel cut last October, according to Reuters calculations - equal to about 3.7% of global demand. "In the short term, demand is expected to rise for the summer driving season, but higher oil prices may intensify inflationary pressures and prolong interest rate hikes in many countries, which could dampen demand," he said. The OPEC+ production curbs led most analysts to raise their Brent oil price forecasts to around $100 per barrel by year-end. "But for anything more than that something has to change dramatically from the demand side of the equation," he added.

☆ Retail traders 'truly trust' Apple and Microsoft, says IG North America CEO JJ Kinahan
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailRetail traders 'truly trust' Apple and Microsoft, says IG North America CEO JJ KinahanJJ Kinahan, IG North America CEO, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the stocks that will lead the tech sector higher, how Kinahan would characterize the last three sessions, and more.

☆ Oil prices climb in relief rally as banking concerns ease
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-27 | by ( Florence Tan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SINGAPORE, March 27 (Reuters) - Oil prices climbed in early trade on Monday as concerns over turmoil in the banking sector eased, while comments by Russian President Vladimir Putin over the weekend ratcheted up geopolitical tensions in Europe. The rise in oil prices was more a relief rally and part of a correction after a 16% fall in the prior two weeks, he added. Prices were also supported after President Vladimir Putin said he will station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, escalating geopolitical tensions in Europe over Ukraine. Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Friday that Moscow was very close to achieving its target of cutting crude output by 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) to around 9.5 million bpd. Despite lowering output, Russia is expected to maintain crude oil exports by cutting refinery output in April, data from industry sources and Reuters calculations showed on Friday.

☆ SVB deal helps to steady banks amid credit crunch concerns
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The sudden collapse of tech-focussed SVB earlier this month destabilised the sector and drew some of Europe's biggest banking names into investors' focus. In March, the Stoxx index of European bank shares .SX7P is down more than 18% and the U.S. KBW regional bank index .KRX has lost 21%, with investors on edge about what's next. In Europe, bank bonds are under pressure and credit default swaps, or the cost of insurance against defaults, uneasily high. First Citizens said it would take on assets of $110 billion, deposits of $56 billion and loans of $72 billion, and expand in California. It will share further potential losses with the FDIC and the FDIC retains some $90 billion in securities held for disposal.

☆ Oil dips after Fed comments, U.S. crude stock build
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( Jeslyn Lerh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"Economic risks were being flagged out in the Fed meeting, while higher-than-expected U.S. crude oil stockpiles also dampened some optimism around demand outlook," said Yeap Jun Rong, market strategist at IG. However, the weakness in the dollar has been a bright spot in promoting some resilience in oil prices, Yeap said, adding that there was still some upside room left in oil prices. Goldman Sachs said on Thursday that Chinese demand continued to surge across the commodity complex, with oil demand topping 16 million barrels per day. Crude inventories (USOILC=ECI) rose in the week to March 17 by 1.1 million barrels to 481.2 million barrels, the highest since May 2021. Gross U.S. exports of crude oil and oil products hit a new high just shy of 12 million barrels per day, way above any other country's supply levels, the analysts added, citing EIA data.

"Economic risks were being flagged out in the Fed meeting, while higher-than-expected U.S. crude oil stockpiles also dampened some optimism around demand outlook," said Yeap Jun Rong, market strategist at IG. However, the weakness in the dollar has been a bright spot in aiding to drive some resilience in oil prices, with some room left for upside in oil prices amid dip-buying seen at the start of this week, Yeap added. Meanwhile, U.S. crude oil stockpiles rose unexpectedly last week to their highest in nearly two years, latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed. Crude inventories (USOILC=ECI) rose by 1.1 million barrels in the week to March 17 to 481.2 million barrels, the highest since May 2021. Gross exports of crude oil and oil products hit a new high just shy of 12 million barrels per day, way above any other country's supply levels, the analysts added, citing EIA data.

☆ Exclusive: Republican U.S. Senator Rick Scott, Democrat Warren unveil Fed oversight bill
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-22 | by ( David Morgan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Republican Rick Scott and Democrat Elizabeth Warren blamed the collapse of the two banks on regulatory failures at the U.S. central bank, which has operated up to now with an internal inspector general who reports to the Fed board. "Our legislation fixes that by establishing a presidentially-appointed, Senate-confirmed inspector general at the Fed, like every other major government agency," Scott said in a joint release with Warren. Warren said this month's banking upheavals "have underscored the urgent need for a truly independent inspector general to hold Fed officials accountable for any lapses or wrongdoing." She sits on both the Senate Banking Committee and the Senate Finance Committee, and chairs subcommittees of both panels. Reporting by David Morgan and Heather Timmons; Editing by Scott Malone and Jonathan OatisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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