Fresh data reveals a surge in initial applications for unemployment benefits in the United States last week, reaching the highest levels witnessed since August and surpassing market expectations. This development, indicative of a cooling jobs market, bolsters the argument for potential interest rate cuts in the near future.
In light of these figures, Mary Daly, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, remarked on the current stance of interest rates, suggesting that they are currently acting as a restraint on economic activity. However, she cautioned that achieving the central bank’s inflation target might require “more time” than initially anticipated.
While investors may have come to terms with the prospect of the Federal Reserve delaying any interest rate adjustments until September, there remains a lingering discomfort regarding the indefinite wait for policy action. This sentiment underscores the delicate balance policymakers must strike in managing market expectations and economic realities.
Meanwhile, oil prices continued their ascent for a third consecutive day, buoyed by the presence of crucial technical support levels that helped mitigate potential losses. Investor sentiment was further influenced by a mixed report on US inventories, as they weighed the implications for supply and demand dynamics in the oil market.
In the realm of precious metals, gold maintained its upward trajectory, building on the momentum generated by a notable surge of over 1% observed on Thursday. This rise reflects investors’ ongoing interest in safe-haven assets amid prevailing economic uncertainties and market volatility.