Investors are closely monitoring the release of US producer price data today, seeking insights that could corroborate or challenge the robust Consumer Price Index (CPI) report earlier this week. This anticipation is contributing to a subdued level of volatility in today’s Asian session, particularly given the absence of significant economic data. As market participants await […]

As the Federal Reserve prepares for its upcoming meeting on March 19-20, market analysts widely anticipate that interest rates will remain unchanged for the fifth consecutive session. However, investors are eagerly awaiting insights from the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) quarterly forecasts on rates, particularly in light of recent developments in employment and inflation data.

Following a surge in U.S. stocks to record highs propelled by in-line inflation data, attention turned to the release of the U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) report. Despite expectations, the report failed to alleviate broader concerns regarding disinflationary trends, reinforcing forecasts for potential rate cuts. As anticipation builds for potential rate adjustments in the coming year, discussions

The decline in U.S. stocks on Wednesday followed robust consumer spending data, despite a minor revision to fourth-quarter 2023 U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) growth. The report, released ahead of the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge due Thursday, echoed the cautious sentiments expressed by Fed officials in recent weeks. New York Fed President John Williams emphasized the central

The New Zealand dollar experienced a notable decline, slipping 1% alongside government bond yields following the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s (RBNZ) less hawkish commentary on inflation. The central bank’s remarks highlighted a decrease in most measures of price expectations, leading to a subdued market response. As anticipated by economists, the RBNZ maintained its policy rates unchanged.

During the Asian trading session, markets exhibited a mixed sentiment as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of a flurry of economic data releases and speeches from Federal Reserve officials in the coming days. These events are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the outlook for interest rates. Treasury markets saw minimal movement during Asian

Brent crude oil prices edged lower towards $81 a barrel following a more than 2% decline last week, while its U.S. counterpart West Texas Intermediate hovered above $76. Concurrently, gold saw slight losses, and iron ore dropped to its lowest level since October, echoing last week’s nearly 9% slump. Hopes for a resurgence in Chinese steel demand post-Lunar New Year

Market participants remained relatively unperturbed by hawkish commentary from the Federal Reserve, with Treasury 10-year yields exhibiting minimal change at 4.32% on Thursday. Cash Treasury trading in Asia was halted on Friday due to the observance of a Japanese holiday. The Federal Reserve’s increasing confidence in ongoing and sustainable disinflation may eventually prompt a shift in the

The US dollar saw a decline against a basket of Group-of-10 currencies, while the yen remained relatively stable around the 150 per dollar mark. Treasuries exhibited steadiness in Asian trading following a sell-off on Wednesday, which pushed the 10-year yield up by five basis points. This surge in yields across the curve followed a $16 billion sale

Investors are eagerly anticipating the release of the Federal Reserve’s January meeting minutes on Wednesday, seeking additional insights into the central bank’s stance regarding a potential timeline for interest rate cuts. Concerns over a delay or reduction in rate cuts arose following last week’s unexpectedly rapid inflation figures, causing uncertainty among market participants about the