BOJ Hikes to 30-Year High While Wall St Rallies on Soft CPI; Oil Slips   US Equities (Nasdaq/S&P) Wall Street rallied on December 18, driven by a tech-led rebound and a softer-than-expected November CPI print (2.7%). Micron surged on a strong AI-demand outlook, boosting the semiconductor sector. However, Reuters noted data-quality caveats regarding the CPI […]

Bank of England: A “Hawkish” Holiday Cut? The Decision: A Close Call Rate Cut: The BoE has lowered rates to 3.75%, but the move was far from a dovish victory lap. The decision was “more hawkish than expected,” causing market rates to rise and giving Sterling (GBP) a relief rally. The Split: The committee is […]

Global Markets Pause for Central Banks & Data; Commodities Soften U.S. & Global Equities Global markets are trading cautiously as investors await delayed U.S. employment data, which is expected to show a softening labor market. In a significant structural move, Nasdaq plans to seek approval to extend trading hours to 23 hours a day starting […]

Fed Delivers Third Cut, But Asia Fades on ‘Wait and See’ Signal The Federal Reserve delivered its third consecutive rate cut yesterday, but the reaction in global markets has been a “tale of two cities.” While Wall Street celebrated, Asia-Pacific markets couldn’t hold onto their early optimism. The “Hat-Trick” is Complete: As expected, the Fed […]

The Fed’s Rate Cut Hat-Trick: Why 2026 Will Be Different The “Done Deal”: Markets are pricing in a 90% chance of a third consecutive 25bp cut. However, don’t expect a unanimous decision—officials are increasingly divided, and we could see up to four members voting for a “no change” decision. The Labor Market Alarm: The “doves” […]

Market Outlook: Fed Decision Week Raises Volatility Risks Markets enter Fed week in a state of rising anxiety as investors brace for an expected 25 bp rate cut, yet face an unusually divided Federal Reserve and uncertainty over who will replace Chair Powell. While the cut itself is almost fully priced in, the real market […]

Fed-Cut Optimism Buoys Global Equities as Nikkei Outperforms, Oil Extends Rally and Gold Eases from Recent Highs     U.S. equities ended higher, led by the Nasdaq, as softer-than-expected ADP private payrolls and a steady ISM services reading strengthened expectations that the Fed will cut rates next week. This supportive macro backdrop was partially tempered […]

Fed Cut Bets and Calmer JGBs Lift Nasdaq & Nikkei as Oil Climbs, Gas Diverges and Gold Eases Off Highs U.S. equities closed higher on Wednesday, with the Nasdaq supported by softer ADP private payrolls and a steady ISM services print that kept expectations elevated for a Fed rate cut next week. Tech gains were […]

Markets Eye Fed Rate Cut Amid Global Rebound and Peace Talk Optimism Global markets are showing signs of recovery and stability, driven largely by high expectations (89% chance) of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut next week. Nasdaq and US futures are trading higher, boosted by strong tech earnings (Marvell Technology) and renewed risk appetite, […]

Rollercoaster Markets: Why Dollar Downside Risks Are Here to Stay USD: Still Vulnerable Rollercoaster Ride: After a volatile session driven by safe-haven flows, the Dollar remains under pressure. The current environment (both bonds and risky assets falling) is creating mixed signals. Valuation Check: The Greenback looks expensive relative to short-term rate differentials against most G10 […]