US Refinery Activity Ramps Up, Crude Inventories Fall: EIA

US crude oil refinery inputs rose for the week ending May 3, 2024, averaging 15.9 million barrels per day, a gain of 307,000 barrels per day over the previous week, according to the latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). This increased activity pushed refinery utilization to

EIA Forecasts Brent Crude to Remain Near $90 per Barrel in 2024

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that Brent crude oil prices will remain near $90 per barrel for the remainder of 2024, supported by voluntary OPEC+ production cuts and ongoing geopolitical risks. However, the EIA anticipates a gradual decline to an average of $85 per barrel in 2025 as
EIA Forecasts Brent Crude to Remain Near $90 per Barrel in 2024

Jobs Report Fuels Market Optimism: UBS

The weaker-than-expected April jobs report has sparked optimism for a soft landing in the US economy, prompting UBS to reiterate its positive outlook for quality bonds and quality stocks. Friday's report showed a smaller-than-anticipated increase in employment growth, alongside moderating wage growth and a slight uptick in the

Fitch Warns of Elevated Credit Risks as "No-Landing" Scenario Gains Traction

Fitch Ratings has issued a warning about increased credit risks in the US market as the likelihood of a "no-landing" scenario, where economic growth and interest rates remain largely unchanged, gains traction. This shift in expectations is driven by persistent inflation, which has cast doubt on the timing

Advanced Economies Navigate Away from Immediate Stagflation Threat: BNY Mellon

Despite concerns over recent economic data, advanced economies appear to be moving away from the immediate threat of stagflation, according to a new report by BNY Mellon. The report highlights positive trends in real wage growth and productivity, suggesting a more favorable economic environment compared to the previous year. The

Gold ETF Outflows Continue Despite Rising Prices, Driven by Western Profit-Taking

Despite a strong performance in gold prices during the first quarter of 2024, global gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) experienced their eighth consecutive quarter of outflows, according to the latest data released by the World Gold Council (WGC). ETF holdings declined by 114 tonnes, with assets under management (AUM) reaching their

US Economy Shows Signs of Cooling, But Stubborn Inflation Keeps Fed on Hold

The US economy is exhibiting signs of moderation, with a still-robust but cooling labor market and persistent inflation pressures, according to a research report by Wells Fargo. This dynamic supports the Federal Reserve's patient approach to monetary policy, as the central bank opted to keep interest rates unchanged

Slower Rate Cuts Expected Across Asia-Pacific and Emerging Markets

The prospect of delayed US interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve is poised to have significant implications for monetary policy and exchange rates across Asia-Pacific (APAC) and emerging markets (EMs), according to a recent report by S&P Global. Asia-Pacific: Slower Pace of Rate Reductions Central banks in

S&P Global Pushes Back Fed Rate Cut Expectations

S&P Global has revised its forecast for the Federal Reserve's interest rate path, delaying the anticipated timing of the first rate cut to December 2024. This shift in expectations, driven by persistent inflation exceeding the Fed's target, could have significant spillover effects on global
S&P Global Pushes Back Fed Rate Cut Expectations

Souring Profit Outlooks Cast Shadow on S&P 500's Rally: Bloomberg

Despite a strong earnings season with the majority of S&P 500 companies exceeding profit expectations, the sustainability of the recent market rally is being questioned due to increasingly pessimistic profit outlooks, according to a report by Bloomberg. While 79% of S&P 500 firms have beaten profit