Dollar Surges as Hot Inflation Data Extends Rate Hike Bets

The US dollar soared to a one-week high against the Japanese yen on Wednesday, fueled by stronger-than-expected inflation data for January, as reported by Reuters. This unexpected jump in consumer prices is prompting markets to recalibrate their expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, potentially delaying the anticipated easing of

Trump's Tariff Trick: Stealthy Shift to Consumption Tax?

US President Donald Trump's persistent claim that China is footing the bill for his tariffs is facing significant scrutiny, with economists consistently refuting the assertion. However, some analysts speculate that Trump may be employing a calculated tactic, using the "foreigners are paying" narrative to advance a

Fed to Hold Rates "Quite a While" Despite Hot Inflation, El-Erian Says

Mohamed El-Erian, President of Queens’ College, Cambridge, and Bloomberg Opinion columnist, says the Federal Reserve will likely hold interest rates steady for a significant period following the release of a hotter-than-expected inflation report. In an interview on Bloomberg Television, El-Erian stated that the Fed, if truly committed to its 2%

US Inflation Unexpectedly Heats Up, Reinforcing Fed Pause

US inflation unexpectedly accelerated in January, further dampening hopes for near-term interest rate cuts, Bloomberg reports. The news, which follows a Wednesday report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is likely to keep the Federal Reserve on hold for the foreseeable future. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.5%

Markets Weekly: Gold Keeps Climbing

Gold is on a tear. The precious metal hit record highs this week and is already up 8% year-to-date. Initial forecasts from major banks and economists pointed to the possibility of gold breaking the USD 3,000/oz level amid escalating geopolitical tensions and strong central bank buying. Yet the
Markets Weekly: Gold Keeps Climbing

ECB Walks Fine Line on Inflation as US Tariffs Loom

European Central Bank (ECB) Chief Economist Philip Lane warned against excessive caution in cutting interest rates, while simultaneously expressing concern over the persistence of below-target inflation, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. Speaking in Washington, D.C., Lane emphasized the need for a "middle path" in monetary

Fed Officials Express Growing Unease Over Trump's Tariff Impact on Inflation

Federal Reserve officials are increasingly vocal about their concerns over the potential inflationary impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs, CNBC reports. While the Fed typically avoids commenting on fiscal policy, the scale and breadth of the tariffs have prompted central bankers to highlight the potential risks. Speaking at

China's Services Growth Slows as Trump Tariffs Weigh on Sentiment

China's services sector growth slowed in January, according to a private sector survey released Wednesday by Caixin and S&P Global, Reuters reports. The purchasing managers' index (PMI) dipped to 51.0, down from 52.2 in December, although it remained above the 50-mark that indicates

US Can Double LNG Exports to Japan, Oklahoma Governor Says

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has stated that the US can more than double its liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Japan, providing an alternative to Japan's existing Russian supply, Nikkei Asia reports. The governor, speaking in an interview in Oklahoma City, touted the US's burgeoning energy

Traders Fear Tariff Turmoil as Inflation, Volatility Dominate 2025 Outlook

Global traders are bracing for a year of market turbulence, with tariffs and inflation emerging as the biggest potential market movers, according to a new survey by JPMorgan Chase. The bank’s annual poll, as reported by Reuters, revealed that 51% of its 4,233 respondents named the twin threats