Monthly Archives: August 2026
ECB rate cuts and US jobs data key in deciding market trajectory
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:44 am, by josephine
Key points: The European Central Bank (ECB) is set to cut interest rates by 25 basis points on Thursday. This decision has been highly anticipated by market participants who are now focusing on the potential timing for the next cut, which is predicted to occur either on September 12th or more likely on October 17th. Continue Reading
Gold steady as focus turns to U.S. data
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:43 am, by josephine
Key points: Gold prices were flat in early Asian trading on Tuesday after a sharp gain in the previous session. Investors are bracing for U.S. economic data due later in the week, which could offer more clues to the Federal Reserve’s interest rate path. Picture: Gold prices trading at 2345.28 as seen on the VT Continue Reading
Nvidia nears Apple in market cap as AI dominance drives growth
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:43 am, by josephine
Key points: The stock price of Nvidia (Symbol: NVIDIA) has skyrocketed, with a jump in market cap of nearly $700 billion in May alone. Such growth has put Nvidia on track to become the second largest company in the world, closing in on Apple (Symbol: AAPL). The market cap of Nvidia now stands at approximately Continue Reading
US inflation eases, reigniting interest rate cut hopes
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:43 am, by josephine
Key points: This article is a follow-up to: PCE data to play integral role in Fed rate decisions The markets breathed a sigh of relief as the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index showed a year-over-year increase of 2.7% in April. This print alleviated investor concerns over uncontrollable inflation and strengthened expectations for potential interest rate Continue Reading
Japan’s Nikkei slips as investors seize profits after 2-day rise
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:43 am, by josephine
Key points: Japan’s Nikkei share average fell on Tuesday as profit-taking set in after Japanese equities rebounded close to the 39,000-point mark the previous day. The Nikkei declined 0.45% to 38,749.25, while the broader Topix was down 0.46% at 2785.22. Picture: Nikkei 225 seen trading at 38851.15 on the VT Markets app. Traders capture profits Continue Reading
Oil, treasury yields decline as US sees falling job openings
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:43 am, by josephine
Key points: The U.S. economy’s recently robust performance may be starting to wane, as indicated by the latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). The data revealed that job openings fell to the lowest level in more than three years in April, indicating a softening in the labor market. This unexpected drop in job Continue Reading
Oil prices hovering at lows with rising supply and uncertain demand
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:43 am, by josephine
Key points: WTI crude oil (Symbol: USOUSD) hovered near $73 per barrel on Wednesday, maintaining their position at four-month lows after five consecutive sessions of decline. Brent crude oil (Symbol: UKOUSD) also held around $76 per barrel, near three-month lows. Both benchmarks are weighed down by signs of rising global supplies and an uncertain demand outlook. Continue Reading
US dollar and Singapore dollar trading in consolidation ahead of US economic data release
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:43 am, by josephine
Key points: The USD/SGD pair is consolidating during the Asian session, holding steady at 1.3462 as traders await crucial US economic data. The focus tonight is on the ISM services PMI report, which is particularly noteworthy as the services sector has been a key driver of the US economy. The report will provide critical clues Continue Reading
Path for a lower dollar as economic data deteriorates
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:42 am, by josephine
Key points: The US dollar is experiencing downward pressure as recent economic data reveals a series of setbacks. The GDPNow forecast, which provides an early estimate of the US GDP, indicates an observable downturn in Q2 growth. This shift is compounded by April’s CPI and PCE data, which supports a disinflation narrative, suggesting that inflation Continue Reading
Loonie sees mixed performance as central bank cuts interest rates for homeowners
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:42 am, by josephine
Key points: Homeowners across Canada are breathing a sigh of relief following the decision from its central bank to cut interest rates for the first time in four years. Such a move by the Bank of Canada (BoC) provides much-needed relief for households holding variable-rate mortgages. While a single 25-basis point cut may not significantly Continue Reading
