Markets The day we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived. The Federal Reserve is expected to hike interest rates when its two-day policy meeting concludes later today, marking the end of a decade of near zero interest rates. But … Continue reading
Markets World shares are heading into the green (Asia closed lower overnight) despite shaky commodity markets, a junk-bond selloff and a likely Fed rate hike tomorrow. Gold hit six-year lows yesterday and oil fell below $35/bbl, but both are now … Continue reading
Markets Investors start the week with a looming U.S. interest rate hike on the table, a move that will likely set the tone for the markets going into 2016. Not only will the Fed decide whether to raise rates for the … Continue reading
Markets The deepened resolve of OPEC to hold oil output at high levels will help keep the global oil glut in play until late into 2016, according to the International Energy Agency. Though Saudi Arabia and Iraq are already pumping … Continue reading
Markets The Swiss National Bank left its interest rates unchanged in negative territory today, declaring that it would remain active if necessary to weaken the highly-valued Swiss franc. “Despite depreciating somewhat in recent months, the franc is still significantly overvalued,” … Continue reading
Markets Oil prices are recovering slightly, although WTI crude is still below $40 for a fourth consecutive day. “We are in a situation where the market’s had a big fall and speculators have taken a bit off the table,” said … Continue reading
Markets World shares extended a losing streak today as bourses came under pressure from weak Chinese trade data (see below) and fallout from Monday’s oil price rout, which saw crude plunge 6% to its lowest level in almost seven years. … Continue reading
Markets World shares started the week strongly on Monday, buoyed by Friday’s big gains on Wall Street, after upbeat jobs data bolstered investor confidence in the U.S. economy. The sturdy employment report likely means a green light for a Federal … Continue reading
Markets European stocks are lower for a second day after Asian shares tumbled as disappointment with the European Central Bank’s stimulus decision reverberated across global markets. On Thursday, the central bank announced a stimulus plan that was weaker than most … Continue reading
Markets Although the eurozone has its eyes set on fresh stimulus, the U.S. is reinforcing the case for a rate hike later this month. Fed Chair Janet Yellen said yesterday she was “looking forward” to a U.S. interest rate increase … Continue reading