Keywords: Federal Reserve


South African rand gains as stronger gold prices offset global market caution

The South African rand strengthened modestly in early trading on Friday, supported by rising gold prices as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of the release of key U.S. employment data expected to influence global interest rate expectations. The currency's advance reflects the close relationship......

US reportedly backed yen in rare market intervention, Financial Times says

The United States may have taken part in an unusually coordinated effort to stabilize the Japanese yen, according to a report by the Financial Times, signaling what could be the first joint currency intervention between Washington and Tokyo in nearly three decades. Citing anonymous sources familiar......

Global markets remain on edge as Middle East tensions and interest rate outlook drive investor sentiment

Global financial markets continue to navigate a period of heightened uncertainty as geopolitical developments in the Middle East and expectations surrounding central bank policies shape investor sentiment. Fluctuating oil prices, shifting monetary policy expectations, and corporate earnings have contributed......

U.S. Weekly Jobless Claims Rise Slightly as Labor Market Remains Resilient

New applications for unemployment benefits in the United States increased slightly during the final week of July, signaling a modest slowdown in hiring activity while continuing to reflect the overall strength of the country's labor market. Despite the weekly increase, layoffs remain historically......

US economy cools in second quarter as consumer spending and AI investment sustain growth

The U.S. economy lost momentum during the second quarter of 2026, expanding at a slower pace than economists had anticipated. However, resilient consumer spending and continued investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure suggest that domestic demand remains strong despite mounting external pressures. According......

Bank Of England holds rates steady as growing Hawkish bloc signals inflation concerns

The Bank of England opted to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Thursday, maintaining the policy rate at 3.75%, but the latest vote revealed a stronger push within the central bank for tighter monetary policy as geopolitical risks threaten to reignite inflationary pressures. While financial......

South African rand holds steady as investors await Federal Reserve rate decision

The South African rand traded in a narrow range on Wednesday as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's latest monetary policy announcement, with global markets looking for fresh guidance on inflation and the future path of interest rates. In early trading, the rand......

US Labor Market Defies Expectations with a Record Drop in Weekly Unemployment Claims

The United States labor market has once again demonstrated remarkable resilience against ongoing macroeconomic pressures. Weekly initial jobless claims experienced a sharp decline during the week ending July 18, reaching their lowest levels in decades. This unexpected performance highlights the sustained......

Cryptocurrencies edge higher as Bitcoin ETFs attract fresh investor inflows

Cryptocurrency markets posted modest gains on Tuesday, showing resilience despite rising geopolitical tensions and higher energy prices that have renewed concerns about global inflation and the outlook for interest rates. Investors continue to monitor developments in the Middle East, where geopolitical......