Market Outlook

Flight to Safety Boosts Yen, Swiss Franc, and Gold Investor anxiety over a slowing US economy has triggered a shift into traditional safe havens, lifting the yen and Swiss franc while keeping the dollar near its weakest level since November. Gold inched higher as traders sought refuge from rising economic uncertainty, while oil prices slumped […]

Volatility Grips Markets Amid Policy Uncertainty Financial markets have experienced sharp swings this week as investors navigate heightened geopolitical risks and conflicting signals from Washington regarding trade policy. Confusion surrounding the Trump administration’s stance on tariffs has added to market uncertainty, keeping traders on high alert. With sentiment shifting rapidly, all eyes are now on

Global Bond Rout Deepens Amid Tariff and Geopolitical Uncertainty Financial markets remain on edge as traders navigate a landscape dominated by geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies. The latest market turmoil comes as the US signals wavering support for Ukraine while delivering mixed messages on tariff policy. These uncertainties have fueled volatility across asset classes,

Relief Rally Unfolds as Washington Hints at Softening Trade Stance Markets rallied after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested that the Trump administration may reconsider certain tariffs, offering a glimmer of hope to investors rattled by prolonged trade tensions. US Treasuries held onto Tuesday’s losses, while the dollar strengthened against all G-10 peers as President

Financial markets braced for heightened volatility as US President Donald Trump unveiled plans to impose 25% tariffs on the European Union, with previously announced duties on Mexico and Canada set to take effect on April 2. However, inconsistent messaging from the administration has left investors grappling with uncertainty, fueling swings across currency and equity markets.

Crude oil edged higher as traders assessed the impact of fresh US sanctions on Iran, adding another layer of complexity to global supply dynamics. Meanwhile, gold hovered near its all-time high, fueled by ongoing demand for safe-haven assets amid economic uncertainty. Treasury 10-year yields slipped three basis points to 4.4% in Asia, tracking the flight

Treasury futures declined as trading resumed on Monday, though cash Treasuries remained inactive in Asia due to Japan’s market holiday. The US dollar softened in early Asian trading, while the euro led gains among G-10 currencies, rising 0.5% against the greenback. The move came after Germany’s conservative leader Friedrich Merz signaled his intent to swiftly

Japan’s inflation picked up more than expected in January, with core consumer prices excluding fresh food rising 3.2% year-on-year, marking the sharpest gain since June 2023. The data reinforced expectations for a policy shift from the Bank of Japan, with traders now pricing in an 84% probability of a 25-basis-point hike by July, up from

Minutes from the Federal Reserve’s January meeting underscored policymakers’ preference for maintaining current interest rate levels amid persistent inflation and lingering economic uncertainty. Officials also signaled potential adjustments to the pace of quantitative tightening (QT), indicating they may hold off on further balance-sheet reductions until the ongoing US debt-ceiling debate is resolved. Geopolitical Tensions Rise

Investors are closely monitoring trade developments as President Donald Trump prepares to unveil new tariffs as early as April 2, adding to previously announced 25% levies on steel and aluminum set to take effect in March. His latest comments provided the clearest signal yet on expanding protectionist measures across additional sectors. Meanwhile, Japan’s exports surged,