Authorized and Regulated Entities: SARACEN MARKETS (PTY) LTD

Author name: Analyst

Market Shifts Gaze from Geopolitics to Economic Signals Amid Central Bank Policy Speculation 1

Market Shifts Gaze from Geopolitics to Economic Signals Amid Central Bank Policy Speculation

Following a tumultuous period dominated by Middle East tensions, market attention has pivoted towards deciphering economic data for insights into central bank policy trajectories. Traders found solace in the absence of further escalation from Iran following Israel’s retaliatory actions, prompting a softening in demand for safe-haven assets. This marks a departure from last week’s volatility, which […]

Market Shifts Gaze from Geopolitics to Economic Signals Amid Central Bank Policy Speculation Read More »

Oil and Gold Surge as Israel Strikes Targets in Iran Amid Escalating Geopolitical Tensions 3

Oil and Gold Surge as Israel Strikes Targets in Iran Amid Escalating Geopolitical Tensions

Oil and gold prices experience sharp gains amidst escalating geopolitical tensions triggered by Israel’s strikes on targets in western Iran in response to recent attacks. Of particular concern is Isfahan, a city housing military bases, facilities, and crucially, nuclear sites including the main technology center, although Iran assures the safety of its nuclear facilities. Brent crude

Oil and Gold Surge as Israel Strikes Targets in Iran Amid Escalating Geopolitical Tensions Read More »

Gold Makes Another Bid for $2,400 Amidst Geopolitical Jitters, Dollar Retraces 5

Gold Makes Another Bid for $2,400 Amidst Geopolitical Jitters, Dollar Retraces

Gold prices embark on another attempt to breach the $2,400 mark as geopolitical tensions loom large. Despite hawkish undertones from the Federal Reserve, the US dollar retraces alongside Treasury yields, fostering a resurgence in risk appetite. Market sentiment prompts profit-taking on long US dollar positions, prompted by the rally spurred by Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s hawkish remarks earlier

Gold Makes Another Bid for $2,400 Amidst Geopolitical Jitters, Dollar Retraces Read More »

Dollar Strengthens on Powell's Hawkish Tone, Eyes on Beige Book for Rate Outlook 7

Dollar Strengthens on Powell’s Hawkish Tone, Eyes on Beige Book for Rate Outlook

The dollar maintains its upward trajectory amid expectations of prolonged higher US interest rates, fueled by hawkish remarks from Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Powell’s indication that policymakers will exercise patience in slashing rates, given persistent high inflation readings, has reinforced market sentiment for a delayed easing cycle. Today’s release of the Beige Book, along with insights

Dollar Strengthens on Powell’s Hawkish Tone, Eyes on Beige Book for Rate Outlook Read More »

US Economy Shows Resilience as Attention Shifts to Inflation Data 9

US Economy Shows Resilience as Attention Shifts to Inflation Data

The latest US jobs report underscores the continued resilience of the American economy despite facing elevated interest rates, prompting investors to turn their focus to the upcoming US Consumer Price Index (CPI) release this week. The CPI data will serve as a crucial gauge to determine whether the recent uptick in inflation is a sustained trend or

US Economy Shows Resilience as Attention Shifts to Inflation Data Read More »

Netanyahu Vows Action Against Iran as Oil Prices Surge Amid Geopolitical Tensions 11

Netanyahu Vows Action Against Iran as Oil Prices Surge Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his country’s commitment to confront Iran and its allies during a security cabinet meeting, asserting that Israel would retaliate against any threats. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden conveyed to Netanyahu during a call that US support for Israel’s actions would hinge on efforts to minimize harm to civilians. The remarks from Netanyahu

Netanyahu Vows Action Against Iran as Oil Prices Surge Amid Geopolitical Tensions Read More »

Powell Reaffirms Rate Cut Outlook, Easing Concerns Amid Inflation Data 13

Powell Reaffirms Rate Cut Outlook, Easing Concerns Amid Inflation Data

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated the central bank’s intention to potentially lower interest rates this year, maintaining a cautious stance while assessing economic conditions. Powell emphasized that recent inflation figures had not significantly altered the overall economic landscape, providing a boost to risk assets. This affirmation suggests that concerns in markets about the economy’s strength potentially

Powell Reaffirms Rate Cut Outlook, Easing Concerns Amid Inflation Data Read More »

Futures Market Signals Shift in US Rate Sentiment as Data Fuels Hawkish Outlook 15

Futures Market Signals Shift in US Rate Sentiment as Data Fuels Hawkish Outlook

Monday’s trading activity in the futures market suggests a potential shift towards a more hawkish sentiment regarding US interest rates. However, it’s important to note that expectations could evolve significantly as more data becomes available. The Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing gauge climbed to 50.3 last month, indicating a halt to 16 consecutive months of contraction, albeit

Futures Market Signals Shift in US Rate Sentiment as Data Fuels Hawkish Outlook Read More »

Fed Chair Powell Signals Caution on Rate Cuts Amid Inflation, Dollar Steady 17

Fed Chair Powell Signals Caution on Rate Cuts Amid Inflation, Dollar Steady

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated on Friday that the central bank’s preferred inflation measure aligned closely with their expectations. Powell emphasized that it would not be prudent to lower interest rates until there is certainty that inflation is under control. Market sentiment suggests investors are anticipating the US central bank to enact its first rate

Fed Chair Powell Signals Caution on Rate Cuts Amid Inflation, Dollar Steady Read More »

Dollar Strengthens Modestly Amid Mixed Market Sentiment 19

Dollar Strengthens Modestly Amid Mixed Market Sentiment

The dollar edged slightly higher against its Group-of-10 counterparts, maintaining a marginal strength, while the offshore yuan saw minimal movement following renewed support from the People’s Bank of China. Meanwhile, the yen faced downward pressure, sliding to its lowest level against the dollar since 1990. This decline followed hawkish remarks from a Bank of Japan board

Dollar Strengthens Modestly Amid Mixed Market Sentiment Read More »