Geopolitical Escalation and Weather Disruptions Support the Rise in Oil Prices
Crude oil prices rose to USD 75.58 per barrel yesterday, marking their highest level since August 1, 2025. Prices are up around 13% from the beginning of the year to date, after recording a negative performance last year with a decline of nearly 19%. Crude oil is currently trading near the USD 69 per barrel […]
How did financial markets react to yesterday’s Federal Reserve decision?
The Federal Open Market Committee decided at its meeting yesterday to keep interest rates unchanged, in line with market expectations, within a range of 3.50% to 3.75%. The voting results showed that two out of the 12 members favored a 25-basis-point rate cut at this meeting, while the remaining members voted in favor of keeping […]
The Swiss franc at historical levels as the US dollar continues to retreat
The US dollar declined against the Swiss franc, recording a level of 0.7601 today, its lowest since 2011, or nearly 15 years. The pair is currently trading near 0.7650 and has fallen by around 4% since the beginning of the year to date. The Swiss franc’s outperformance against the US dollar is mainly attributed to […]
Silver Breaks Above $110 as Momentum Signals Further Upside
Silver prices recorded a new all-time high yesterday at $117.74 and are currently trading above $110. Prices have surged by around 54% year-to-date, outperforming all other commodities—most notably gold (+18%) and platinum (+36%). Market expectations point to a continuation of this upward trend, driven by several key factors: First, the strong positive correlation between gold […]
Brief Overview of Key Economic Events from Last Week
Last week saw mixed global economic data. The United States showed strong economic performance, supported by solid GDP growth, accelerating consumer spending, improved consumer confidence, and continued resilience in the labor market, despite a rise in crude oil inventories. In contrast, the Eurozone recorded a relative slowdown, with weaker services sector activity and easing inflation, […]
US Stocks Rise as Volatility Eases and Small Caps Lead Gains
All major US equity indices closed higher yesterday, including the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, Dow Jones, and Russell 2000. Meanwhile, the VIX volatility index declined for the second consecutive session by nearly 25%, falling from around 21 points on Tuesday to approximately 15.63 points yesterday, signaling improved investor sentiment and increased risk appetite toward US […]
Global Market Volatility Amid Geopolitical Escalation and Early Elections in Japan
Global financial markets are experiencing heightened volatility amid escalating geopolitical tensions between allies, particularly between the United States and the European Union, over the issue of “Greenland.” U.S. President Donald Trump has insisted on annexing the island to the United States on the grounds of “national security,” a move that has been firmly rejected by […]
Mixed Chinese Data Reflect an Unbalanced Economy as the Yuan Strengthens to Its Highest Level Since May 2023
Recent Chinese economic data have shown a clear divergence in performance. Retail sales declined on a year-on-year basis in December, recording growth of just 0.9%, below market expectations of 1.1% and the previous reading of 1.3%. Fixed asset investment also weakened, contracting by 3.8% year-on-year, worse than expectations of -3.1% and the prior reading of […]
Brief Overview of Last Week’s Key Economic Events
Last week saw the release of relatively strong economic data across most major economies. In the United States, crude oil inventories rose by more than expected, alongside increasing price pressures reflected in higher headline and core Producer Price Index readings, while consumer inflation remained stable. Manufacturing activity indicators (Philadelphia Fed and Empire State) came in […]
FTSE 100 Hits a Record High Supported by Economic Data and Banking Sector Momentum
The UK’s FTSE 100 index continues its upward trend, reaching 10,251 points yesterday, its highest level on record. The index has risen by around 3% since the beginning of the year to date, outperforming major US equity indices such as the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100. The notable rise in the FTSE 100 is […]
