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Oil and Gold Surge as Israel Strikes Targets in Iran Amid Escalating Geopolitical Tensions 1

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 […]

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Gold Makes Another Bid for $2,400 Amidst Geopolitical Jitters, Dollar Retraces 3

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

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Dollar Strengthens on Powell's Hawkish Tone, Eyes on Beige Book for Rate Outlook 5

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

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US Economy Shows Resilience as Attention Shifts to Inflation Data 7

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

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Netanyahu Vows Action Against Iran as Oil Prices Surge Amid Geopolitical Tensions 9

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

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Powell Reaffirms Rate Cut Outlook, Easing Concerns Amid Inflation Data 11

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

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Futures Market Signals Shift in US Rate Sentiment as Data Fuels Hawkish Outlook 13

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

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Fed Chair Powell Signals Caution on Rate Cuts Amid Inflation, Dollar Steady 15

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

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Dollar Strengthens Modestly Amid Mixed Market Sentiment 17

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

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Traders Caution Heightens Amid Upcoming Risk Events 19

Traders Caution Heightens Amid Upcoming Risk Events

As traders brace for a flurry of risk events in the days ahead, caution prevails across global markets. A key focal point is the upcoming release of the US government’s personal consumption expenditures price index, scheduled for Good Friday, coinciding with the closure of local markets. The anticipation is further fueled by an address from Federal Reserve Chair

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