Market Updates
Central bank hawks dominate following inflation fears
1 min readHawkish central bank rhetoric dominated last week, with both the BoE and ECB firmly focused on inflation risks tied to the ongoing Iran conflict and volatile energy markets. The dollar sits in an unusual position: supported by safe-haven flows but held back by a comparatively less hawkish Fed.
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Dollar holds firm as markets digest Fed’s cautious cut
1 min readWith one central bank cutting last week, traders await the decision of another this week. There are no major swings to speak of but rather sterling and dollar holding steady amidst economic uncertainty on both sides of the Atlantic. The risks particularly to the pound ahead of the budget decision has helped the euro to edge higher.
Fed decision looms whilst US China trade talks underway
3 min readIt’s all to play for this week. The US and China are on the verge of a truce and the ECB brace for a crucial health check on the Eurozone economy. Key storylines in the US tariff saga have reached a climax. There’s also some interesting news concerning something of a clean slate for South Africa and Nigeria, as far as money transfers in and out of the country are concerned.
Sterling steady ahead of key inflation test
3 min readInflationary pressures and fragile leadership positions abound this week. Currencies remain stable but there’s tension in the markets. Below we look at sterling’s performance ahead of crucial UK inflation data, the yen softens on expectations of looser policy under Japan’s likely new prime minister, and more.
Trade tensions ease as Trump opens door to China deal
4 min readTrade tensions between the US and China appear to be easing this morning after President Trump signalled openness to talks. There’s still plenty of turbulence there, however. Sterling remains on edge ahead of UK jobs data and November’s Autumn Statement, while in Europe, President Macron’s political gamble to reappoint Sébastien Lecornu is being closely watched by investors seeking signs of stability.
Euro slides as France faces fresh political turmoil
3 min readPolitical upheaval is the flavour of the week, with fiscal strain providing a bitter aftertaste. France sees yet another prime minister resign and the euro falls, while Washington’s budget deadlock continues to weigh on the dollar. The Yen also reacted to news of a new leader in Japan. Volatility is very much here to stay.
US government shutdown fears result in euro and pound gains
3 min readIt really is a house of cards. Deadlock over a short-term funding bill could trigger a US government shutdown this week, delaying Friday’s jobs data and weighing on the dollar. Sterling and other majors have firmed, though Reeves’ upcoming speech and downbeat OECD forecasts could temper sentiment.
Dollar steady as markets await Fed speakers
2 min readDollar holds ahead of Fed speakers, euro strength worries the ECB, and UK borrowing climbs to a five-year high, underscoring the challenge for central banks balancing currencies, inflation, and fiscal credibility.
Fed decision to test dollar’s direction
3 min readThe week ahead sees the Fed poised for its first rate cut since December, Fitch’s downgrade of France raising euro-zone concerns, and calls for the BoE to slow quantitative tightening amid rising borrowing costs.
France heads for political upheaval following no-confidence vote
3 min readFrench PM François Bayrou may rue his own decision to hold a confidence motion in his premiership this evening. The outcome is looking increasingly certain. We look at what the fallout from that will be, how it might affect ECB interest rate decisions later this week and more.