Monthly Archives: August 2026
Japan’s Nikkei falls after initial gains ahead of BOJ policy decision
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:39 am, by josephine
Key points: Japan’s Nikkei index reversed its early gains on Thursday, ending the morning session down 0.12% to 38,831.36. This shift occurred ahead of the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) policy decision due on Friday. Earlier in the session, the Nikkei had risen nearly 1%, crossing the 39,000 mark, supported by gains in chip-related stocks. Picture: Continue Reading
The US stock market surges following inflation slowdown
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:39 am, by josephine
Key points: The US stock market rocketed higher as the latest report from the US Federal Reserve was released, with a positive reaction to the latest inflation data. The Fed has decided to keep its benchmark interest rate steady at 5.50%, contrary to prior expectations of three rate cuts for the year, now projecting only one Continue Reading
Thai inflation target review could pave way for rate cuts
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:39 am, by josephine
Key points: The Bank of Thailand, jointly with the finance ministry, is set to review the inflation target range of the country. This is a move that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin believes could enhance the prospects of an interest rate cut. Such a decision to review comes after the central bank decided to keep its Continue Reading
Yen cautious before BOJ meeting; Euro falters with weekly loss in sight
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:39 am, by josephine
Key points: On Friday, the yen was on the defensive as traders awaited the Bank of Japan’s policy decision, while the euro was headed for a weekly loss due to political turmoil in France. The dollar gained strength against both currencies, buoyed by safe-haven bids and eurozone political uncertainties. Yen anticipates BOJ decision Picture: Japanese Continue Reading
Aussie and Kiwi hit multi-month highs on Euro
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:39 am, by josephine
Key points: On Friday, the Australian and New Zealand dollars dipped slightly against the safe-haven U.S. dollar as risk aversion swept through European markets. However, both currencies reached multi-month highs against the struggling euro. The Bank of Japan’s announcement to taper its bond-buying program after its July policy meeting also contributed to gains against the Continue Reading
South African rand strengthens with coalition government talks
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:38 am, by josephine
Key points: The South African rand rose against a broadly stronger US dollar (Currency pair: USDZAR) expecting political parties to agree on the formation of a coalition government. USDZAR pair was lowered to the 18.36540 zone, making the ZAR one of only three G20 currencies to rise against the US dollar, as markets eagerly await Continue Reading
Cocoa prices surge as supply crisis in top producing countries worsens
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:38 am, by josephine
Key points: Cocoa (Symbol: Cocoa-C) prices surged past $10,000 per metric ton driven by escalating concerns over supply shortages from major producers. The market is now focused on the worsening supply crisis, particularly in Ivory Coast and Ghana, as the top cocoa producers in the world. The image above shows cocoa prices rallying, as observed Continue Reading
The rise of Nvidia: Potential risks of a bubble
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:38 am, by josephine
Key points: This article is a follow-up to: Nvidia soars to record highs Nvidia (Symbol: NVDA) has experienced a phenomenal rise in 2024, with its stock price soaring over 140% and its market capitalisation surpassing $3 trillion. This performance has positioned Nvidia as a key player in the artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor markets. However, Continue Reading
Oil prices edge down as demand growth prospects remain uncertain
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:38 am, by josephine
Key points: Oil prices edged down in Asian trade on Tuesday, after rallying in the previous session. Brent crude oil (Symbol: UKOUSD) dropped to $84.13 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil (Symbol: USOUSD) decreased to $80.19 a barrel. The images above show the bullish momentum in oil prices, as observed on the VT Continue Reading
Aussie sees minimal boost from RBA’s hawkish stance
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:38 am, by josephine
Key points: The Australian dollar showed little movement on Tuesday after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) maintained a cautious stance against inflation. The RBA concluded its June policy meeting with rates held at 4.35%, emphasising that household consumption was stronger than initially reported and monthly consumer price figures had not improved. This stance suggested Continue Reading
