News/Event
The Eurozone’s current account surplus widened to €21.1 billion in February 2026 from €18.1 billion in the same month last year, driven by a stronger services surplus, which rose to €8.6 billion from €4.7 billion, and a shift in the primary income to balance from a previous deficit of €7.7 billion…
Italy recorded a trade surplus of €4.94 billion in February 2026, widening from €4.44 billion in the same month last year and well above expectations of €3.8 billion.This came as a smaller energy deficit offset a narrower surplus in non-energy goods.Exports fell 0.2% year-on-year to €53.8 billion…
Italy recorded a current account surplus of EUR 3.6 billion in February 2026, expanding sharply from EUR 1.1 billion in the same month a year earlier.This was the largest surplus since July 2025, driven by a wider goods surplus (EUR 4.9 billion vs EUR 4.5 billion in February 2025) and a sharp incre…
Italy posted a trade surplus with the rest of the world of 4.944 billion euros ($5.82 billion) in February, compared with a surplus of 4.444 billion euros in the same month of 2025, data showed on Friday.Exports fell 0.2% year-on-year and imports decreased 1.3%, national statistics office ISTAT rep…
By Anjali SinghAustralian shares edged lower on Friday, snapping a three-week winning streak, as investors turned cautious over Middle East developments, while domestic inflation and oil supply concerns weighed on the major fuel-importing nation.The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index ASX:XJO fell 0.1% to…
Slovakia’s current account deficit narrowed to EUR 397.9 million in February 2026 from EUR 564.2 million in the corresponding month in the previous year.This marked the smallest monthly trade deficit since October 2025.The goods account swung to a surplus of EUR 41.7 million from a shortfall of EUR…
The mood in global markets has shifted from alarm to guarded relief.Investors are still watching the Middle East closely, but the tone has changed as ceasefire hopes, diplomatic signals and easing oil prices begin to steady sentiment.At the same time, dealmaking in Europe’s food delivery sector is…
The S&P/ASX 200 edged down 0.1% to close at 8,947 on Friday, extending losses from the prior session as healthcare, logistics, and retail weighed.The index posted its first weekly decline in four, down about 0.2%, with cost concerns lingering after April inflation expectations in Australia hit a th…
Global energy markets are entering a period of prolonged uncertainty as supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict begin to deepen, with recovery expected to take years rather than months.The warning comes from Fatih Birol, who said the full impact of the crisis is only now starting to e…
Hungary’s gross average wages rose by 9.7% year-on-year to HUF 725,500 in February 2026, slowing sharply from a nearly four-year high of 26.3% increase in the previous month, when a one-off boost from service allowances (so-called gun money) for national defense and law enforcement personnel signi…
A signal for the Czech central bank to react to rising inflation would be if it spilled into wages, affected inflation expectations or appeared in faster credit growth, policymaker Jan Kubicek was quoted as saying on Friday.In an interview with daily Mlada Fronta Dnes, Kubicek said the next move in…
New Zealand’s benchmark S&P/NZX 50 Index fell 160 points, or 1.2%, to close at 12,906 on Friday, extending losses from the previous session and marking its lowest level since April 2, ahead of the release of Q1 inflation data next week.Traders remained cautious after fresh data showed petrol and di…
European equity markets were set to open marginally lower on Friday, as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of the weekend while awaiting clearer signals on US-Iran peace negotiations.US President Donald Trump expressed confidence that the conflict with Iran will end soon, saying Tehran had a…
Deutsche Bank expects the U.S. Federal Reserve to keep interest rates unchanged in 2026, citing oil-driven inflation risks linked to the Middle East war, resilient growth and a tight labour market that leave little room to cut.The brokerage had earlier pencilled in a 25-basis-point cut in September…
Eurozone Trade Balance s.a.: €7B (February) vs previous €12.1B
Eurozone Trade Balance n.s.a. registered at €11.5B, below expectations (€11.7B) in February
BNY’s Head of Markets Macro Strategy Bob Savage notes that global equities have rebounded to near-record levels on strong Q1 earnings optimism and a ceasefire-driven improvement in risk sentiment.
Solana (SOL) trades below $90 at press time on Friday, testing grounds above the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at $87.42.
Danske Research Team keeps its EUR/SEK outlook unchanged. The cross is currently trading comfortably around 10.80, with NOK/SEK back above 0.98.
Deutsche Bank expects the U.S. Federal Reserve to keep interest rates unchanged in 2026, citing oil-driven inflation risks linked to the Middle East war, resilient growth and a tight labour market that leave little room to cut.The brokerage had earlier pencilled in a September interest-rate cut by…
Italy Trade Balance EU increased to €-0.652B in February from previous €-1.138B
United Overseas Bank’s (UOB) strategists Quek Ser Leang and Lee Sue Ann highlight that EUR/USD failed to break clearly above 1.1825 and has slipped into consolidation after a sharp pullback from 1.1823 to 1.1766.
Eurozone Current Account n.s.a: €21.09B (February) vs €13B
Eurozone Current Account s.a below forecasts (€29.8B) in February: Actual (€25B)
A unit of Indonesian state energy firm PT Pertamina has signed a production sharing contract for the Lavender gas block located in onshore and offshore Sulawesi island, the company said in a statement on Friday.The contract uses a cost recovery scheme and will last for 30 years. The block has estim…
Philip Wee at DBS Group Research observes that GBP/USD has struggled to extend its rise, stalling just below 1.36 as Bank of England (BoE) officials signal no urgency to raise rates at the April meeting.
Commerzbank economists Jörg Krämer and Bernd Weidensteiner argue that despite a sharper fall in global oil production than during the 1970s crises, advanced economies should suffer less this time.
The GBP/JPY cross attracts fresh sellers following an intraday uptick to the 215.65-215.70 region and retreats to the lower end of its daily range during the early European session on Friday.
The yield on the US 10-year Treasury note remained above 4.3% on Friday after advancing for two consecutive sessions, as still-elevated oil prices kept inflation risks in focus even as growth concerns tempered sentiment.Markets have now shifted to pricing in the Federal Reserve holding interest rat…
Silver price (XAG/USD) trades calmly near $78.70 during the European trading session on Friday. The white metal is broadly sideways as investors await the announcement of a timeline for another round of talks between the United States (US) and Iran.
Asian markets traded mixed on Friday as investors balanced optimism over a tentative ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon and the prospect of renewed US-Iran talks against lingering concern about energy supply and the durability of the recent equity rally.The key change from earlier in the week is…
The USD/CAD pair extends its downside to around 1.3685 during the early European trading hours on Friday. Reports of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon reduce safe-haven demand for the US Dollar (USD).
United Overseas Bank’s (UOB) strategists Quek Ser Leang and Lee Sue Ann note AUD/USD has retreated from a spike to 0.7197, with intraday action expected to stay in a 0.7130–0.7180 band.
Rabobank strategist Molly Schwartz highlights that European Union (EU) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) officials see a potential US–Iran deal taking up to six months, which pushed Crude Oil futures back to around $98/bbl.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Oil price pares its recent gains from the previous day, trading around $89.60 per barrel during the Asian hours on Friday.
Commerzbank’s Michael Pfister highlights that the US Dollar (USD) was a key short‑term beneficiary of the Middle East conflict, even if much of that strength has since reversed.
The GBP/USD pair trades with mild losses near 1.3520 during the early European trading hours on Friday. The Cable softens against the US Dollar (USD) despite the stronger-than-expected UK economic data.
The Australian Dollar (AUD) trades higher against its major currency peers, is up 0.1% around 0.7170 against the US Dollar (USD) during the early European trading session on Friday.
The New Zealand dollar fell to around $0.588 as softer food inflation and moderating consumer spending reinforced expectations that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand may keep interest rates unchanged for now.Food prices, which account for nearly 19% of the CPI basket, rose 3.4% year-on-year in March…
Pi Network (PI) holds steady around $0.1730 at press time on Friday, securing its 3% gains from the previous day. The push from the Pi Core Team (PCT) to upgrade the mainnet to enable smart contract functionality is a near-term catalyst.
The Indian Rupee (INR) opens higher against the US Dollar (USD) on Friday, as the opening of special credit lines for state-run oil buyers to meet their foreign exchange needs has strengthened the Asian currency.
Asian equities decline on Friday as investor sentiment turned cautious regarding the prospects of a lasting US–Iran ceasefire agreement. Additionally, traders engaged in profit-taking after a strong rally fueled by increasing optimism about a potential resolution to the US–Iran conflict.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) Chief Fatih Birol said on Friday that if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened, we must prepare for significantly higher energy prices. Birol added that release of more emergency oil reserves is under consideration
The USD/JPY pair is seen building on the previous day's goodish rebound from the 158.25 region, or over a one-week low, and gaining some follow-through positive traction on Friday. This marks the third straight day of a move up and lifts spot prices to mid-159.00s during the Asian session.
Stellar (XLM) price trades slightly down at $0.167 on Friday, after breaking above the descending trendline and rallying over 10% so far this week. The bullish sentiment builds as XLM’s network transactions reach a quarterly high, alongside positive funding rates and bullish momentum indicators.
The AUD/JPY cross trades in positive territory for the fifth consecutive day around 114.30 during the early European session on Friday. The Australian Dollar (AUD) strengthens against the Japanese Yen (JPY) on a hawkish stance of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA).
The Australian dollar held above $0.71, sitting near its highest level since May 2022 and headed for its third straight weekly gain, supported by improving risk sentiment amid hopes for a potential de-escalation in the Middle East war.US President Trump continued to signal progress toward a deal wi…
Australian shares slipped 37 points, or 0.4%, to 8,918 in early Friday trade, extending losses for a second session and heading toward the first weekly decline in four, down 0.5% so far.Sentiment continued to weaken on soft domestic data: April inflation expectations surged to a three-year high whi…
Gold prices remained broadly unchanged in India on Friday, according to data compiled by FXStreet.
The broader cryptocurrency market steadies as US President Donald Trump hints that the ceasefire is “going to be a good deal.” Bitcoin (BTC) holds above $74,000 at press time on Friday, while the total market liquidations exceed $400 million, signaling increased volatility.
The USD/IDR pair catches aggressive bids during the Asian session on Friday and advances to a fresh all-time peak, around 17,1885-17,190 region in the lar hour. Spot prices remain on track to register strong weekly gains and seem poised to appreciate further.
Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP) rose by over 5%, 6% and 7%, respectively, so far this week as risk sentiment improved amid hopes of a US-Iran extension of the 2-week truce and a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
Annual food inflation in New Zealand slowed to 3.4% in March 2026 from 4.5% in the previous month, marking the first monthly moderation in three months.The latest figure also represented the lowest level since February 2025.The meat, poultry, and fish group rose 7.3%, making the largest contributio…
Seasonally adjusted electronic card transactions in New Zealand increased 0.7% month-over-month in March 2026, following a 1.4% rise in the previous month.It marked the second straight month of growth, although the pace eased compared to the previous month.On an annual basis, total electronic card…
GBP/USD loses ground for the third successive day, trading around 1.3520 during the Asian hours on Friday. The Pound Sterling (GBP) remains under pressure as traders pare back expectations for a Bank of England (BoE) rate hike, amid increasing optimism that tensions in the Middle East may be easing.
Bank of Japan (BoJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda said that a decision on how soon to raise interest rates must take into account the fact that the nation's real interest rate is low, Reuters reported on Friday.
The AUD/USD pair holds steady above mid-0.7100s during the Asian session on Friday and for now, seems to have stalled the previous day's modest pullback from its highest level since June 2022. Spot prices remain on track to register strong weekly gains amid a supportive fundamental backdrop.
On Friday, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) sets the USD/CNY central rate for the trading session ahead at 6.8622 compared to the previous day's fix of 6.8616 and 6.8206 Reuters estimate.
By Nicole GoodkindThe Trump administration spent months demanding the Federal Reserve cut interest rates. This week, two people with close ties to the White House said waiting to move makes some sense.Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran, speaking at an economic forum in Washington, D.C., said Th…
West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude oil benchmark, is trading around $89.00 during the Asian trading hours on Friday. The WTI price edges higher after reports that Lebanon's army accuses Israel of violating the ceasefire.
Silver (XAG/USD) is seen consolidating around the 50% Fibonacci retracement level of the March downfall and trading just below the $79.00 mark during the Asian session on Friday, up 0.50% for the day.
NZD/USD remains subdued for the second successive day, trading around 0.5890 during the Asian hours on Friday. The pair weakens as the US Dollar (USD) edges higher, supported by cautious market sentiment ahead of the upcoming meeting between the United States (US) and Iran scheduled for the weekend.
The Lebanese army said that it recorded multiple ceasefire violations by Israel after the truce went into effect, CNN reported on Friday.
The EUR/USD pair trades in negative territory near 1.1780 during the early Asian session on Friday. The major pair retreats from eight-week highs as traders remain cautious ahead of the next meeting between the United States (US) and Iran, scheduled for the weekend.
Bitcoin has moved back toward the $76,000 resistance zone, renewing expectations of a short-term recovery after an extended period of bearish pressure.
HEADLINESOutlook for Canada Existing-Home Sales Deteriorates on War-Fueled Jump in RatesThe Canadian Real Estate Association sharply downgraded its sales forecast for the remainder of 2026, with mortgage rates headed higher as bond traders anticipate an acceleration in inflation from the war in Ira…
Gold price (XAU/USD) posts modest gains near $4,795 during the early Asian session on Friday. Traders weigh signs of easing geopolitical tensions against persistent inflationary pressures. The next meeting between the United States (US) and Iran may take place over the weekend.
By Karen BrettellU.S. Treasury yields rose on Thursday as climbing oil prices kept inflation fears elevated, leaving traders and Federal Reserve policymakers to navigate the competing risks of stubbornly high price growth and a slowing economy.War-driven disruptions in the Middle East have pushed o…
OCBC’s strategists Sim Moh Siong and Christopher Wong observe USD/MYR nearing key support as markets price optimism over US–Iran negotiations and a softer US Dollar (USD).
GBP/USD gave up recent gains on Thursday, falling around 0.25% to settle close to 1.3525 after slipping back below the 1.3550 handle. Price drifted lower through the European and North American sessions in a steady grind rather than an impulsive move, with sellers leaning against intraday rallies.
The USD/JPY reclaims the 159.00 figure after reaching a weekly low of 158.26 amid mixed economic data in the US, strengthening the US Dollar, which rose to a two-day high of 98.29 according to the US Dollar Index (DXY). At the time of writing, the pair trades at 159.17, up 0.11%.
The NZD/USD pair is trading with a muted tone around the 0.5890 area on Thursday, April 16, as the US Dollar (USD) continues to benefit from safe-haven flows driven by escalating geopolitical uncertainty and ongoing disruptions in global energy routes.
Commerzbank’s Volkmar Baur says China’s 5.0% growth, despite weak investment and retail sales, underscores reliance on external demand, keeping authorities wary of strong CNY appreciation.
AUD/USD snapped a three-day winning streak on Thursday, finishing nearly flat close to 0.7165 after failing to clear the 0.7200 handle earlier in the session.
Standard Chartered economists Jonathan Koh and Edward Lee now expect Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to keep its policy rate at 4.25% in April, delaying a previously anticipated 25 bps hike to June.
A senior official at the US Federal Reserve signalled a more cautious stance on interest rate cuts, as inflation remains persistent and geopolitical tensions add uncertainty to the economic outlook.Stephen Miran, widely seen as one of the most dovish policymakers at the central bank, said on Thursd…
Recent U.S. homebuying demand is unseasonably low, Redfin says. Higher mortgage rates and economic uncertainty are delaying big purchases for some Americans. Pending home sales fell 4.1% from a year earlier during the four weeks ending April 12, Redfin says, the biggest decline in over a year. Sale…
Silver price loses 0.30% on Thursday as the Greenback stages a comeback and as the white metal fails to clear key resistance at $81.00. At the time of writing, XAG/USD trades at $78.73 after hitting a daily high of $80.85.
Mortgage rates fell for the second straight week, averaging 6.30% as of April 16, down from 6.37% last week, easing borrowing costs during the peak homebuying season.Rates hit a one-month low amid easing geopolitical fears and a record S&P 500, as strong bank and tech earnings overshadowed Middle E…
By Lucia MutikaniNew applications for U.S. unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week, suggesting labor market conditions remained stable, though employers are cautious about increasing headcount as the war with Iran casts a shadow over the economy.A surge in oil prices and the accompa…
The average rate on the popular U.S. 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to a four-week low this week, but remained well above its pre-war level.The 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 6.30%, down from 6.37% last week, mortgage finance agency Freddie Mac said on Thursday. It averaged 5.98% on the eve…
By Matt GrossmanThe number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week, a sign that layoffs have remained limited even in a labor market that has cooled.In the week through April 11, 207,000 people filed new jobless claims, down from 218,000 a week earlier. Economists po…
The US Dollar Index (DXY) is trading near the 98.20 price region on a firm footing amid a complex geopolitical backdrop. The Strait of Hormuz remains partially blocked, with reports of a “double blockage” disrupting flows even as some tankers manage to pass.
The FTSE 100 moved higher on Thursday as investors looked for progress toward a longer-term peace deal in the Middle East. Energy stocks led gains with BP rising around 3.6% and Shell adding 1.2% as crude climbed back above $97 per barrel.Also, Rio Tinto was up 1.8%, and Anglo American gained 0.6…
By Howard SchneiderU.S. Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran said he might further scale back the rate cuts he feels are appropriate for the year given inflation that had become more persistent than expected even before the start of the current Middle East war drove up oil prices."If I were writi…
Commerzbank’s Michael Pfister notes that G10 and Gelişen Piyasalar (EM) carry trades have delivered strong paper gains, helped by Iran-related market moves and high-yield currencies like the Brazilian Real and Mexican Peso.
The Australian Dollar (AUD) trades under pressure against the US Dollar (USD) on Thursday, as the Greenback steadies after recent weakness, allowing AUD/USD to snap a four-day winning streak.
Gold (XAU/USD) price edges lower on Thursday during the American session as geopolitical tensions are tempered amid negotiations to resume US-Iran talks and a likely ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, brokered by US President Donald Trump.
Drift Protocol has entered into a strategic collaboration with Tether to support the reimbursement of funds stolen in an April 1 exploit.
Speaking to reporters outside of the White House on Thursday, US President Donald Trump made a series of statements surrounding the ongoing confrontation with Iran.
DATA MISHMASH: JOBLESS CLAIMS, INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT, PHILLY FEDInvestors sat at the summit of record closing highs on Thursday, with three disparate economic reports to chew on.Last week, 207,000 U.S. workers joined the queue outside the unemployment office (USJOB=ECI), down 5.0% from the previous wee…
U.S. liquefied natural gas exports will grow through 2027 as new projects increase production, the Energy Information Administration said in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook on Thursday.Overall, U.S. net natural gas exports are forecast to grow 18% to 18.7 billion cubic feet per day in 2026 and…
Standard Chartered Bank economists Madhur Jha and Ethan Lester assess how the Middle East conflict could affect global remittances.
By Paul VieiraOTTAWA--The Canadian Real Estate Association sharply downgraded its sales forecast for the remainder of 2026, with mortgage rates headed higher as bond traders anticipate an acceleration in inflation from the war in Iran.The association added that sales in March fell for a fifth strai…
US capacity utilization fell to 75.7% in March 2026, down from a downwardly revised 76.1% in February and below market expectations of 76.3%.The rate stands 3.7 percentage points below its long-run average for 1972–2025, with declines broad-based across sectors.The utilities sector saw the sharpest…
By Ashitha ShivaprasadGold prices moved higher on Thursday as hopes for a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran helped ease inflation concerns and improved prospects for lower interest rates.Spot gold TVC:GOLD rose 0.6% to $4,816.14 per ounce as of 9:00 a.m. ET (1300 GMT), after hitting a one-month…
Manufacturing output in the United States decreased 0.1% month-over-month in March 2026, missing market expectations for a 0.1% gain and after moving up 0.4% in February.In March, a decrease of 0.2% in the production of durable goods reflected weaker output of motor vehicles and parts, which fell 3…
By Jessica CoacciU.S. industrial production fell in March, according to data published by the Federal Reserve.Production fell by 0.5% last month, after increasing by an upwardly revised 0.7% in February. Analysts polled by The Wall Street Journal expected the reading to remain unchanged.Manufacturi…
By Karen BrettellU.S. Treasury yields dipped slightly on Thursday as traders assessed the likely path of interest rates, with policymakers weighing competing risks to inflation and growth. The caution came after a three-week rally fueled by optimism over a potential ceasefire in the U.S.-Israeli co…
By Lucia MutikaniNew applications for U.S. unemployment benefits fell last week, suggesting labor market conditions remained stable, though employers are cautious about increasing headcount as the war with Iran casts a shadow over the economy.A surge in oil prices and the accompanying rise in infla…
The dollar index edged up above 98 on Thursday but remained near the pre-war lows seen in the previous session, as investors grew increasingly optimistic that the US and Iran could soon reach an agreement to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, reducing safe-haven demand.US President T…
Industrial production in Belarus fell 3.4% year-on-year in the first three months of 2026, a slight improvement from a 3.7% drop in the first two months.Mining and quarrying increased 2.2% and electricity, gas, steam, hot water and air conditioning supply increased 8.2%.In contrast, manufacturing a…
Industrial production in the United States dropped 0.5% month-over-month in March 2026, missing market expectations for a 0.1% gain and after moving up 0.7% in February.It marks the biggest fall in industrial activity since September 2024.Manufacturing output, which makes up about 78% of total indu…
The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week, pointing to continued resilience in the labour market even as businesses remain cautious about hiring amid rising geopolitical risks.Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped by 11,000 to a seasonally a…
The European Central Bank entered the current inflation shock in a strong position as the bloc managed to resolve many of its economic and financial imbalances over the past decade, ECB board member Isabel Schnabel said on Thursday.The economy has grown increasingly resilient, imbalances have dissi…
By Jessica CoacciU.S. industrial production fell in March, according to data published by the Federal Reserve.Production fell by 0.5% last month, after increasing by an upwardly revised 0.7% in February. Analysts polled by The Wall Street Journal expected the reading to remain unchanged.Manufacturi…
Deutsche Bank economists Marc Schattenberg and colleagues discuss how higher Oil and gas prices linked to the Middle East conflict are weighing on the German economy.
Global equity markets have climbed back to record highs after a volatile six-week period dominated by geopolitical tensions.Investor sentiment has improved on signs of easing conflict risks and renewed focus on economic fundamentals.Fresh optimism has emerged around potential US-Iran peace talks, w…
By Michael S. DerbyFederal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams said Thursday that the Middle East war is already driving up inflationary pressures, in remarks that noted the central bank is in position to respond to whatever the economy might deliver.“Developments in the Middle East ar…
The number of people claiming for unemployment benefits in the US fell to 207K in the week ended April 11th 2026 from a downwardly revised 218K in the previous week which was the highest value since early February.The figure came in below forecasts of 215K, marking the largest weekly decline since…
The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index climbed to 26.7 in April 2026 from 18.1 in the prior month, hitting its strongest level since January 2025.The data surprised analysts on the upside, comfortably exceeding expectations for a drop to 10.The current shipments index rose 12 points to 34.0, whil…
ECB policymakers acknowledged that the war in the Middle East had made the outlook significantly more uncertain, creating upside risks for inflation and downside risks for growth, although the central bank was well positioned to navigate this uncertainty, minutes from the March ECB meeting showed.T…
Chicago Board of Trade corn futures touched their highest price in more than a week on Wednesday as rains disrupted early plantings and field work in the U.S. Midwest, analysts said.
By Michael S. DerbyFederal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams said Thursday that the Middle East war is already driving up inflationary pressures, in remarks that noted the central bank is in position to respond to whatever the economy might deliver.“Developments in the Middle East ar…
April 16 (Reuters) - U.S. Labor Department report of initial state joblessbenefit claims, seasonally adjusted.Insured Unemployment Week Ended Initial Claims 4-Week Avg. Continued Claims rate (pct) 04/11/26 207,000 2…
The number of Americans filing claims for unemployment benefits fell last week, suggesting labor market conditions remained stable, though employers are cautious about hiring new workers as the conflict in the Middle East casts a shadow over the economy.Initial claims for state unemployment benefit…
Charles Schwab, a brokerage and investment company, announced on Thursday a phased launch of spot crypto trading offers, targeting its retail clients over the coming weeks.
PepsiCo reported better-than-expected earnings and revenue for the first quarter, signalling early success in efforts to revive its underperforming snacks business even as broader economic uncertainty persists.The food and beverage giant said net income rose to $2.33 billion, or $1.70 a share, for…
April 16 (Reuters) - For the U.S. Labor Department report of initial state jobless benefit claims, see:https://www.dol.gov/ui/data.pdf((Washington newsroom))
By Ishaan AroraGold prices rose on Thursday as growing optimism about a possible end to conflicts in the Middle East calmed inflation worries and improved prospects for lower interest rates.Spot gold TVC:GOLD rose 0.6% to $4,819.66 per ounce by 1207 GMT, after rising to a one-month high in the prev…
USD/CAD trades with a negative bias on Thursday, extending losses for a fourth straight day as elevated Oil prices support the commodity-linked Canadian Dollar (CAD), even as the US Dollar (USD) strengthens against most of its peers.
United States (US) President Donald Trump just announced through Truth Social a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, to start on Tuesday at 5 pm Eastern time.
By Balazs KoranyiThe European Central Bank cannot take an April 30 interest rate hike off the table just yet, even if energy prices are not far from the baseline forecast and there are no big second-round impacts from the energy surge, policymaker Martins Kazaks said.With inflation rising quickly a…
United States 4-Week Bill Auction climbed from previous 3.56% to 3.595%
By Ed FranklInflation in the eurozone was a bit higher in March than previously thought, as the energy shock from the Iran war proved more pronounced than expected.Consumer prices were up 2.6% on year last month, the highest level since July 2024 and up from 1.9% in February. It was also an upward…
By Pawel FlorkiewiczUncertainty over the energy shock triggered by the conflict in the Middle East and its impact on inflation in Poland has increased the likelihood of the central bank leaving interest rates unchanged or even raising them, policy setter Marcin Zarzecki said.The central bank left i…
A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Gregor Stuart HunterGlobal equities are setting new records and the dollar is down for a ninth consecutive day to its weakest levels since the Iran war began as traders ramped up bets the conflict in the Middle East may end soon.Adding to…
By Ed FranklInflation in the eurozone picked up in March a little more than previously thought, as the energy shock from the Iran war proved more pronounced than expected.Consumer prices were up 2.6% on year last month, the strongest level since July 2024 and up from 1.9% in February. It was also h…
By Ed FranklThe U.K. economy grew for the second straight month in February, but any long-awaited recovery will likely be derailed by the conflict in the Middle East, which has pushed energy prices sharply higher.U.K. gross domestic product growth was 0.5% in the middle of the first quarter, compar…
The Euro Area’s annual inflation rate was revised higher to 2.6% in March 2026, the highest level since July 2024, up from a preliminary estimate of 2.5% and accelerating from 1.9% in February.The increase was largely driven by energy, with prices rising 5.1%, the first annual gain in nearly a year…
By Fergal SmithCanadian home sales edged lower in March from February and prices declined as global economic uncertainty and higher borrowing costs weighed on activity, data from the Canadian Real Estate Association showed on Thursday.The data extended a slow start to the year for the housing marke…
The Swiss franc hovered around 0.78 per USD, near its highest since July 2011, as optimism over a permanent truce between the US and Iran has diminished safe-haven demand for the greenback.Easing geopolitical concerns reduced fears of a prolonged energy and inflationary shock, while also dampening…
Italy’s 10-year bond yield hovered around 3.8%, staying only slightly below the 2023-highs reached earlier this month, as persistent inflation concerns continued to anchor borrowing costs at elevated levels.Optimism over diplomatic progress in the US–Iran conflict has done little to ease pressure o…
Eurozone inflation is headed for 3%, and could settle at this level for some time, Claus Vistesen at Pantheon Macroeconomics says in a note. Inflation rose to 2.6% in March, above the first estimate of 2.5%. While financial markets are expecting an end to the conflict in Iran in due course, a signi…
The Office for National Statistics said the British economy expanded more than expected in February, offering a brief boost to growth before rising energy prices and geopolitical tensions cloud the outlook.Gross domestic product grew by 0.5% in February, significantly above economists’ expectations…
Australian employment rose broadly in line with expectations in March as firms hired more full-time workers, while the jobless rate held steady, data showed on Thursday.Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed net employment increased 17,900 in March from February, when it rose a rev…
New Zealand home prices fell slightly in March with seasonally adjusted figures indicating a modest softening in underlying demand in the face of the Iran conflict and a sharp rise in petrol prices, the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) said on Thursday.
European equity markets were poised for a firmer open on Thursday, tracking gains across global markets as optimism over renewed US-Iran negotiations and the prospect of a broader peace deal boosted sentiment.Reports indicated Washington and Tehran are considering extending their two-week ceasefire…
By Ed FranklInflation in the eurozone was a bit higher in March than previously thought, as the energy shock from the Iran war proved more pronounced than expected.Consumer prices were up 2.6% on year last month, the highest level since July 2024 and up from 1.9% in February. It was also an upward…
0934 GMT - Goldman Sachs economists raise their forecast for U.K. first-quarter growth to 0.57% quarter-on-quarter, up from an earlier forecast of 0.22% growth, following stronger-than-expected GDP growth for February. U.K. monthly GDP expanded 0.5% in February, above the consensus forecast of 0.2…
France’s 10-year OAT yield fell below 3.7%, but remained close to 2009-highs reached in March, as persistent inflation concerns continued to anchor borrowing costs at elevated levels.Optimism over diplomatic progress in the US–Iran conflict has done little to ease pressure on bond markets, with inv…
Italian EU-harmonised consumer prices (HICP) rose 1.7% month-on-month in March, and were also up 1.6% from the year earlier, official statistics agency ISTAT said on Thursday, revising up its preliminary data.The preliminary estimate had pointed to +1.6% month-on-month and +1.5% year-on-year.March’…
By Ishaan AroraGold prices rose on Thursday as growing optimism about a possible end to conflicts in the Middle East calmed inflation worries and improved prospects for lower interest rates.Spot gold TVC:GOLD rose 0.5% to $4,815.15 per ounce by 0926 GMT, after rising to a one-month high in the prev…
Czech defence group CSG has secured a nearly €300 million ($353.97 million) contract to supply artillery ammunition to a European customer, underscoring the sharp rise in global military demand.The latest agreement comes months after the company disclosed a separate deal in February to deliver larg…
The FTSE 100 edged slightly higher on Thursday but remained largely unchanged for a sixth straight session as investors weighed an uncertain outlook for the Iran conflict and ongoing peace talks.On the economic front, the UK economy grew 0.5% in February, well above expectations of 0.1%.Tesco gaine…
Industrial production in the UK rose 0.5% month-on-month in February 2026, exceeding market expectations of a 0.2% increase and rebounding from a 0.1% fall in January.Output in mining and quarrying recovered sharply (3.9% vs -5.3% in January), driven by increased extraction of crude petroleum and n…
By Paul VieiraOTTAWA--The Canadian Real Estate Association sharply downgraded its sales forecast for the remainder of 2026, with mortgage rates headed higher as bond traders anticipate an acceleration in inflation from the war in Iran.The association added that sales and home prices in March fell s…
UK construction output dropped 1.0% year-on-year in February 2026, slowing from a revised 1.9% decline in the previous month but underperforming market estimates for a 0.5% fall.The latest reading marked the fourth straight month of yearly decline, with new work down for the fifth month running (-4…
The UK posted a trade deficit of £0.72 billion in February 2026, shifting from a downwardly revised surplus of £3.12 billion in the previous month, as exports fell while imports rose.Exports dropped 1.5% month-on-month to £80.20 billion, while imports grew 3.2% to a three-month high of £80.92 billi…
The Netherlands’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down to 4.0% in March 2026 from 4.1% in the previous month.The number of unemployed people decreased by 9 thousand from the previous month to 407 thousand, while 3.2 million people were outside the labor force as they had not recently sou…
European companies are expected to report resilient first-quarter earnings despite escalating tensions in the Middle East, though investors caution that these results may conceal growing risks tied to higher energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and weakening economic growth.Market sentiment has…
By Anjali SinghAustralian shares inched lower on Thursday, dragged by banks and miners, as investors assessed the impact of the Middle East war on domestic inflation and the labour market, and a fire at a major refinery stoked worries over fuel scarcity.The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index ASX:XJO slip…
The annual inflation rate in Austria rose to 3.2% in March 2026, slightly higher than preliminary estimates of 3.1% and up from 2.2% in the previous month.This marked the highest reading since December 2025, driven largely by a sharp 6.4% rise (vs 0.9% in February) in transport costs.Prices also in…
Germany’s 10-year Bund yield hovered around 3%, staying close to the 15-year highs reached earlier this month, as persistent inflation concerns continued to anchor borrowing costs at elevated levels.Optimism over diplomatic progress in the US–Iran conflict has done little to ease pressure on bond m…
The S&P/ASX 200 slipped 24 points, or 0.3%, to close at 8,955 on Thursday, reversing morning gains and a two-day advance as weakness in process industries, non-energy minerals, logistics, and financials weighed.Sentiment soured after April data showed inflation expectations in Australia jumped to t…
Switzerland’s producer and import prices declined by 2.7% year-on-year in March 2026, the same pace as in the previous month.It remained the sharpest drop in producer prices since November 2020, driven by ongoing deflation in producer prices (-2.4% vs -2.3% in February) and import costs (-3.2% vs…
By Summer Zhen The yuan edged up against the U.S. dollar on Thursday after China reported first-quarter economic growth of 5%, beating market expectations. Analysts said uncertainties about the economic outlook and the lower yuan fixing rate capped some upward sentiment.The onshore yuan FX_IDC:U…
0515 GMT - Higher fuel prices since early March have lifted average household fuel spending to 74.7 Australian dollars per week, around A$18 more than would have been spent in the absence of the conflict, according to research by the ANZ Bank. If retail gasoline and diesel prices remain at current…
Employment in Australia rose by 17,900 to a record 14.76 million in March 2026, slowing sharply from an upwardly revised 49,600 increase in the previous month and missing market expectations for a 20,000 gain.The softer outcome marked the weakest job growth since a contraction last November.Full-ti…
Australia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 4.3% in March 2026, unchanged from the previous month and in line with market forecasts.Still, the latest reading remained at the highest level since last November, even as the number of unemployed fell by 3,700 to 656,300 from 660,100 in F…