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Risk appetite limited on cautious Fed, rising Middle East worries
‘Someone has to pay,’ said Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell at yesterday’s post-decision presser, after the Fed kept rates unchanged as widely expected – and priced in – by global markets. Stocks fell despite lower yields.
The US dollar was in doji mode yesterday but is stronger this morning, perhaps supported by a relatively cautious Fed tone and some flight to safety. There are rumours the US could become directly involved in Middle East tensions as soon as this weekend. That alone could attract defensive flows into the dollar ahead of a potentially critical weekend – regardless of Fed...
Fed decides amid uncertain trade outlook, tense Middle East
US stocks sold off, oil and natural gas rallied, and the US dollar gained as US Treasuries and gold attracted safe-haven flows. Mounting tensions between Israel and Iran, alongside Donald Trump’s early departure from the G7 meeting, spurred concerns that the US could become involved in the Middle East crisis.
Investors are taking risk off the table, bracing for further escalation and a potential prolongation of tensions with Iran.
All this sets the stage for the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) latest policy decision and the release of its updated dot plot later today. The Fed is not expected to change rates...
How could Middle East tensions impact oil prices?
Stocks in Europe and the US rallied as oil and gold retreated yesterday on news that Iran is willing to resume talks on its nuclear program. The market interpreted this as a sign that Iran either has no intention — or possibly no means — to escalate the war, easing concerns about potential disruption to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which around 20% of global oil and gas flows transit.
However, this is not a classic de-escalation story. While Iran appears to be signalling restraint, former President Donald Trump urged the evacuation of Tehran, and Israel has...
Market mood surprisingly positive amid mounting Middle East tensions
Headlines were busy over the weekend as hostilities between Iran and Israel continued. An Iranian gas field in the Persian Gulf was hit on Saturday, fueling concerns that the escalation could spill over into global energy markets.
US crude opened the week above $76 per barrel, and Brent crude briefly pushed above $84 per barrel. However, both benchmarks quickly gave back gains. Natural gas also spiked at the open, breaking above its 100-day moving average, before retreating. The US dollar edged higher on haven flows, while gold, which opened at record levels, is also paring gains. The early trading reaction...
Oil jumps as Middle East boils
Israel attacks Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran sends 100s of drones on Israel. Oil jumps, the US dollar and safe haven assets rally as equities come under pressure as geopolitical tensions mount.
What’s next?
Back in October 2024, Israel had launched a major strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. At the time, Iran responded with drone attacks that were mostly intercepted and perceived more as a warning than a retaliation. Tensions eventually eased and markets quickly settled. A similar de-escalation is possible now—but not guaranteed. Judging by the price action, the market’s response to last night’s attack has been very strong.
Listen...
Nvidia’s next big revenue stream could be quantum computing
The relief that the US and China is replaced by rumours that the EU will hardly ink a deal before the July deadline, and Trump has threatened other Asian nations with fresh tariffs—saying his administration will send letters within two weeks to inform them of unilateral tariffs as a pressure tactic.
So, optimism is waning. Investors are also focused on the upcoming US 30-year bond auction to get a feeling of how well the latest US debt news have been digested.
The US dollar is significantly lower following the CPI release and renewed tariff and debt concerns. The EURUSD finally...
Chainlink leading the DeFi pack? | Crypto Talk | Swissquote
The SEC chair met with the crypto task force pushing the DeFi industry in the US.
00:00 Intro
00:24 Disclaimer
00:28 Preview
00:49 Bitcoin
02:59 Ethereum
05:41 Chainlink
06:56 Aave
08:30 Subscribe & Good bye
#crypto #cryptonews #cryptotrading #swissquote
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Major indices are flirting with record highs. US inflation in focus
Trade headlines are striking an optimistic tone this week. According to Bloomberg, US and Chinese officials have agreed on a plan ‘to ease trade tensions,’ a move that could revive the flow of sensitive goods between the world’s two largest economies. Meanwhile, the US and Mexico appear close to finalising a deal that would lift the 50% tariffs on steel imports.
Risk sentiment across Asian markets is broadly positive, but US and European equity futures are modestly lower this morning, likely reflecting some disappointment over the lack of concrete detail in trade negotiations. Officials are now expected to present the...
Gold rally extends to silver, platinum
The week started on a quiet note in the US and with some weakness in Europe, where many were off due to a religious holiday. But futures are in positive territory this morning as traders return to their desks.
One of the main drivers of optimism is the renewed momentum in US/China trade talks. The first day of the second round of negotiations reportedly went relatively well. There hasn’t been a breakthrough yet, and the talks in London continue today. Still, rumours are circulating that the US may be willing to make concessions on tech exports in exchange for China...