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☆ Gold prices ease as US dollar regains some ground
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

April 4 (Reuters) - Gold prices edged lower on Tuesday as a steady dollar made bullion more expensive for overseas buyers, while softer U.S. economic data heightened expectations of less-aggressive moves by the Federal Reserve. FUNDAMENTALS* Spot gold was down 0.1% at $1,962.36 per ounce, as of 0103 GMT. * Gold prices had dropped on Monday after a surprise cut in OPEC+ crude production was announced during the weekend. But prices reversed course to rally 1% as the dollar stumbled following the release of softer U.S. economic data. * SPDR Gold Trust , the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, said its holdings rose 0.22% to 930.04 tonnes on Monday from 928.02 tonnes on Friday.

☆ Gold dips as stronger dollar dampens appeal
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

April 3 (Reuters) - Gold prices slipped on Monday as a sturdy dollar made the greenback-denominated metal less affordable for buyers holding other currencies. FUNDAMENTALS* Spot gold was down 0.3% at $1,962.36 per ounce, as of 0049 GMT. * The opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion rises when interest rates are increased to bring down inflation. * Markets see a 48.4% chance of the Fed hiking rates by a quarter point in May, according to the CME FedWatch tool. DATA/EVENTS (GMT)0145 China Caixin Mfg PMI Final0750 France S&P Global Mfg PMI0755 Germany S&P Global/BME Mfg PMI0800 EU S&P Global Mfg Final PMI0830 UK S&P GLBL/CIPS Mfg Final PMI1345 US S&P Global Mfg PMI Final1400 US ISM Manufacturing PMIReporting by Kavya Guduru in Bengaluru; editing by Uttaresh VenkateshwaranOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Gold prices dip as bank angst recedes
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( Kavya Guduru | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SummarySummary Companies Gold down for second sessionGold could decline to $1,920/oz - analystVolumes in SPDR Gold Shares highest since OctMarch 30 (Reuters) - Gold prices edged lower on Thursday as easing concerns about the global banking system fed risk appetite and curbed some safe-haven bullion bids. Spot gold was down 0.2% at $1,960.52 per ounce, as of 0346 GMT, falling for a second session. Volumes in SPDR Gold Shares, the largest gold-backed ETF, have surged to their highest level since October," they said. The opportunity cost of holding non-yielding gold rises when interest rates are increased to bring down inflation. Markets see a 43.2% chance of the Fed raising interest rates by 25 basis points in May, according to the CME FedWatch tool.

☆ Dollar advances as banking crisis fears ease
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

In this photo illustration, 2, 50 and 100 dollar bills are seen displayed. The U.S. dollar was on the front foot on Thursday as receding concerns over the banking sector helped improve risk sentiment, with investors switching their attention to the Federal Reserve's battle against inflation. The dollar index , which measures the currency against six major peers, rose 0.097% at 102.73, after gaining 0.19% overnight. The index though was on course to clock a 2% decline for March due to market tumult induced by problems in the banking industry. "While risk sentiment somewhat continued to hold up this week, we expect month-end flows alongside risk-on, risk-off flows to drive two-way trade."

☆ Asian stocks rally as bank jitters calm, Alibaba lifts mood
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Ankur Banerjee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Alibaba's Hong Kong shares (9988.HK) shot up 15%, while the company's U.S.-listed shares closed 14.3% higher. The news lifted investor confidence in the wider Chinese tech sector, with shares of Alibaba's e-commerce rival JD.com Inc (9618.HK) 7% higher, and gaming giant Tencent Holdings Ltd (0700.HK) jumping 5%. "Alibaba's split may pave the way for other Chinese tech giants to do similar," CMC Markets analyst Tina Teng said. "This helps break down the monopolistic power of these conglomerates, which complies with the Chinese government's regulatory overhaul over antitrust issues." Futures indicated European stocks were set to open higher, with Eurostoxx 50 futures up 0.41%, German DAX futures up 0.38% and FTSE futures up 0.08%.

☆ Asian stocks rally as banking anxiety eases; Alibaba surges
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Ankur Banerjee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS) was 0.82% higher, while Japan's Nikkei (.N225) advanced 0.49%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index surged over 2%, buoyed by Alibaba (9988.HK) after the Chinese e-commerce conglomerate announced its break-up plans. Alibaba's Hong Kong shares (9988.HK) shot up 15%, while the company's U.S.-listed shares closed 14.3% higher. Worries over inflation have prompted investors to recalculate what they expect the Fed to do in its next meeting in May. In the foreign exchange markets, the dollar index , which measures the U.S. currency against six peers, was mostly flat, having eased 0.3% overnight on improving risk appetite.

☆ Gold rises on dollar dip, banking optimism limits gains
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Meat bans, soaring gold prices and Britain voting to 'un–Brexit' could be on the cards for 2023, according to Saxo's Outrageous Predictions. Gold prices dropped on Wednesday as easing worries over a potential bigger fallout from the global banking crisis increased appetite for riskier assets and dampened demand for the safe-haven metal. Spot gold was trading 0.4% lower at $1,966.48 per ounce, as of 0356 GMT, after rising 1% on Tuesday. The opportunity cost of holding non-yielding gold rises when interest rates are increased to bring down inflation. Markets are pricing in a nearly 43% chance of the Fed raising interest rates by 25 basis points in May, according to the CME FedWatch tool.

☆ Tech rally leads US stocks higher as investors refocus on rates after bank fears recede
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Matthew Fox | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The technology sector led US stocks higher on Wednesday as investors refocus on interest rates. The 2-year and 10-year US Treasury yields have been steadily declining in recent weeks. Investors are pricing in at least two interest rate cuts by the end of the year. The fall in yields is boosting the types of stocks that were penalized for soaring interest rates, mainly technology stocks. Investors are setting their focus on where interest rates go from here, and according to the CME FedWatch Tool, the answer is lower.

☆ Analysis: Investors seek value in clobbered U.S. regional bank shares
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-28 | by ( David Randall | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The ETF has slumped nearly 26% since March 8, when SVB's troubles became known, while the S&P Regional Banks Select Industry Index (.SPSIRBK) is down around 23%. Concerns over deposit flight are still swirling around some regional banks. He owns shares of large regional banks including Citizens Financial Group Inc (CFG.N), which have fallen about 22% so far this year, and US Bancorp (USB.N), which are down some 18%. Margie Patel, a senior portfolio manager at Allspring Global Investments, has been adding new positions in regional banks over the last few weeks, citing "value." Regional banks "need positive news that shows their deposits are holding firm or growing," said Rick Meckler, a partner at family office Cherry Lane Investments.

☆ Softer dollar buoys gold, but banking optimism limits safe-haven appeal
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-28 | by ( Kavya Guduru | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SummarySummary Companies Gold might retest support at $1,945/oz - technicalsU.S. dollar down 0.2%Global stocks rise on TuesdayMarch 28 (Reuters) - Gold prices rose on Tuesday as the dollar slipped, although an improvement in risk appetite after efforts by regulators to allay fears over the global banking system limited the safe-haven metal's appeal. "The U.S. dollar seems to be stabilising, this should entice fresh buying back into the (gold) market," said Clifford Bennett, chief economist at ACY Securities. However, gold remains the "resolute safe-haven" in a "rolling risk environment" for the banking sector as risks of contagion are far more persistent than the market would like to believe, Bennett added. Gold might retest a support at $1,945 per ounce, a break below could open the way towards $1,927, Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao said. Spot silver eased 0.1% to $23.06 per ounce, while platinum rose 0.5% to $976.87 and palladium added 0.7% at $1,418.44.

☆ Jeffrey Gundlach warns a US recession will strike in a few months - and lays out what stock investors should do
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-28 | by ( Zahra Tayeb | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Veteran investor Jeffrey Gundlach said it's inevitable that a US recession will strike in the near term. "The economic headwinds are building [...] and I think the recession is here in a few months," he said. Gundlach suggested investors should sell into stock market rallies, especially when the S&P 500 reaches a certain level. Gundlach predicts the Fed will cut interest rates "a couple times" this year, given the US economy is "clearly weak." Meanwhile, Gundlach said the best way to navigate financial markets under current conditions is by selling into equity rallies, especially when the S&P 500 reaches a range between 4,200 and 4,300.

☆ Dollar steady as banking crisis fears keep investors jittery
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-27 | by ( Ankur Banerjee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

On Friday, the U.S. Financial Stability Oversight Council said the U.S. banking system was "sound and resilient" despite stress on some institutions. Risk-wary investors sent the yen to a seven-week high of 129.65 per dollar on Friday. "What's unclear for us is how much of these banking stresses are leading to a widespread credit crunch. That credit crunch ... would then slow down the economy," Kashkari said in comments to CCBS show Face the Nation. The Australian dollar rose 0.03% versus the greenback at $0.665.

☆ Gold inches lower on steady dollar, with focus on banking risks
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-27 | by ( Kavya Guduru | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SummarySummary Companies Gold down for 2nd session in a rowGrowth worries, banking stresses could benefit gold- analystMarch 27 (Reuters) - Gold prices edged down for a second straight session on Monday as the U.S. dollar firmed, while authorities attempted to assuage investor fears of a widespread crisis in the global banking sector. Spot gold was down 0.1% at $1,975.59 per ounce, as of 0350 GMT. Recent stress in the banking sector and the possibility of a follow-on credit crunch brings the United States closer to recession, Minneapolis U.S. Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari said on Sunday. While gold is considered a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainties, higher interest rates tend to discourage investment in non-yielding bullion. Spot silver fell 0.6% to $23.08 per ounce, platinum was 0.2% lower at $974.60 and palladium slipped 0.7% to $1,405.48.

☆ Dollar steady as banking crisis fears linger
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-27 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The dollar was steady on Monday, while the yen hovered near its seven-week peak as investors assessed moves made by authorities and regulators to rein in worries over the global banking system. Minneapolis Fed president Neel Kashkari said on Sunday the recent stress in the banking sector and the possibility of a follow-on credit crunch has brought the U.S. closer to recession. "What's unclear for us is how much of these banking stresses are leading to a widespread credit crunch. That credit crunch ... would then slow down the economy," Kashkari said in comments to CBS show Face the Nation. The Australian dollar rose 0.09% to $0.665.

After some speculation that they might spike back up above 7%, mortgage rates have dropped significantly in recent weeks. If inflation remains stubbornly high, the Fed will likely hike rates again, which would push mortgage rates back up. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage Refinance Rates TodayMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesThe average 15-year fixed mortgage rate is 5.68%, a decrease from the prior week, according to Freddie Mac data.

☆ The Street awaits key inflation report next week as banking worries persist
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-25 | by ( Zev Fima | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

The personal spending and income report, out this coming Friday, has the Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation: the core personal consumption expenditure (PCE) price index. In comparison, the consumer price index (CPI), released this past week, only tracks price changes over time. It was a positive week for the major averages, despite some midweek volatility driven by comments from Treasury officials. The PCE price index and other inflation reports face heightened scrutiny in the coming months as the market is becoming more at odds with the Fed's base case. ET: Gross Domestic Product; Price Index Friday, March 31 Before the bell: 8:30 a.m.

☆ Key US bond yields drop to their lowest in 6 months as global banking worries boost bets the Fed is heading toward a rate cut
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-24 | by ( Carla Mozée | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Odds of a pause in rate hikes in May soared to 90% and investors are pricing in potential for a June rate cut. The 2-year yield dropped to 3.59% and sharp moves of 20 basis points have "become the norm," said one investment firm. The 2-year Treasury yield, which is highly sensitive to views on US monetary policy, sank 22 basis points to 3.598%, hitting levels not seen since mid-September. Bets that the Fed will pause rate hikes then turn to cutting rates this summer jumped Friday. It opted to raise rates by 25 basis points to signal its commitment to lowering inflation to its 2% target.

☆ Rally splutters as Europe ploughs on with rate hikes
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( Marc Jones | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The European-wide STOXX 600-share index (.STOXX) fell 0.75% with banks and insurers the main culprits again, suffering 1.6%-2% drops. Norway had also hiked, although MSCI's main world share index (.MIWD00000PUS) was still in positive territory after overnight gains in Asia. Focus now shifts to the Bank of England, with investors expecting a quarter-percentage-point increase in its main rate after a surprise jump in inflation squashed hopes of it pausing its tightening campaign. /FRXElsewhere in the bond markets, although UK yields were up those on German Bunds were down at 2.281%, happy to match the falls seen on 10-year U.S. Treasuries yields that had taken them to 3.440%. Germany's European Central Bank rate setter Joachim Nagel had even said he now thought the ECB was "approaching restrictive territory" with its rates, referring to a level that curtails growth.

☆ Asian shares surge, dollar slips after Fed hints at rate pause
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( Ankur Banerjee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

SINGAPORE, March 23 (Reuters) - Asian shares spiked on Thursday and the dollar slid after the U.S. Federal Reserve hinted it could pause interest rate rises following turmoil in the banking sector, though it also reiterated its commitment to fighting sticky inflation. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS) rose 1% to touch a two-week high of 515.62. Wall Street ended sharply lower overnight as investors digested the Fed's policy statement and comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell's press conference. In the currency market, the dollar index , which measures the dollar against other major currencies, fell nearly 0.5% to fresh seven week low of 101.92. The two-year U.S. Treasury yield, which typically moves in step with interest rate expectations, was down 10 basis points at 3.881%.

☆ Asian shares subdued after Fed hints at rate pause
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-23 | by ( Ankur Banerjee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

SINGAPORE, March 23 (Reuters) - Asian shares inched higher on Thursday after the Federal Reserve hinted it could pause interest rate hikes following turmoil in the banking sector, though it also reiterated its commitment to fighting sticky inflation. In a widely expected move, the Fed raised interest rates by 25 basis points but recast its outlook to a more cautious stance as a result of the banking stress. In the currency market, the dollar index fell 0.137%, with the euro up 0.25% at $1.0882. The yield on 10-year Treasury notes was down 3.2 basis points at 3.468%, while the 30-year Treasury bond was down 1.5 basis points to 3.682%. The two-year U.S. Treasury yield, which typically moves in step with interest rate expectations, was down 1.1 basis points at 3.970%.

☆ Dollar eases as investors ponder outlook for Fed rates
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-22 | by ( Amanda Cooper | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Markets are pricing in about a 15% chance of the Fed not increasing rates, with a roughly 85% chance of a 25 basis point hike, according to the CME FedWatch tool. Just a month earlier, the market was pricing in a 24% chance of a 50 basis point hike. The Fed meeting concludes on Wednesday with the 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) release of a policy statement followed half an hour later by a news conference by Powell. "This wish list should see dollar trade on the softer profile and risk proxies trade steadily". The euro was last down 0.4% against sterling at 87.81 pence, while gaining 0.2% against the dollar to trade at $1.079.

☆ Dollar muted as traders await Fed rate decision
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-22 | by ( Ankur Banerjee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The U.S. dollar index , which measures the currency against six peers, was at 103.19, just above the five-week low of 102.99 touched overnight. Markets are now pricing in about a 15% chance of the Fed not increasing rates, with a roughly 85% chance of a 25 basis point hike, showed the CME FedWatch tool. Just a month earlier, the market was pricing in a 24% chance of a 50 basis point hike. Such circumstances would usually be ripe for a return to a 50 basis point hike were it not for worries over financial stability, he said. The Australian dollar rose 0.36% to $0.6694, while the New Zealand dollar gained 0.11% to $0.6199.

☆ Dollar subdued ahead of Fed rate decision
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-22 | by ( Ankur Banerjee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The U.S. dollar index , which measures the currency against six peers, was at 103.22, just above the five-week low of 102.99 touched overnight. Markets are now pricing in about a 14% chance of the Fed not increasing rates, with a roughly 86% chance of a 25 basis point hike, showed the CME FedWatch tool. Just a month earlier, the market was pricing in a 24% chance of a 50 basis point hike. Such circumstances would usually be ripe for a return to a 50 basis point hike were it not for worries over financial stability, he said. The Australian dollar rose 0.04% to $0.667, while the New Zealand dollar fell 0.16% to $0.618.

☆ Gold listless as investors strap in for Fed rate
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-22 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold bullion bars are pictured after being inspected and polished at the ABC Refinery in Sydney on August 5, 2020. Gold prices traded in a narrow range on Wednesday as some investors stayed on the sidelines ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate decision and policy outlook. Spot gold was flat at $1,939.59 per ounce, as of 0318 GMT, after dropping 2% on Tuesday. Investor attention is now on the Fed's decision scheduled at 1800 GMT, followed by a press conference by Fed Chair Jerome Powell. "If we do get higher dots plot, then that represents a still-hawkish Fed that is determined to fight inflation ... a potential hawkish repricing could undermine gold prices."

Mortgage rates are slightly higher today, but remain low compared to when they spiked earlier this month. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. 30-year Fixed Mortgage RatesThe current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.6%, according to Freddie Mac. 15-year Fixed Mortgage RatesThe average 15-year fixed mortgage rate is 5.9%, a slight decrease from the prior week, according to Freddie Mac data. But average 30-year fixed rates will likely remain somewhere in the 6% to 7% range throughout 2023.

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