Monthly Archives: August 2026
ECB set to cut interest rates following inflation confidence in inflation data
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:42 am, by josephine
Key points: The European Central Bank (ECB) is poised to make its first interest rate cut since 2019, with a 25-basis point reduction anticipated on Thursday. This move comes from increased confidence that inflation will return to the level targeted by the ECB. Such a decision to cut rates signals a shift in its monetary Continue Reading
S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit record highs on Fed easing hopes
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:42 am, by josephine
Key points: On Wednesday, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indexes soared to record closing highs, spurred by technology stocks. Economic data hinting at Federal Reserve easing measures provided additional momentum to the market. Picture: Bullish bias above 5338.00 for S&P500. Download the VT Markets app. Technology stocks led the charge, with the S5INFT sector seeing Continue Reading
Strong ISM services data indicates robust US business activity
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:42 am, by josephine
Key points: The latest Institute for Supply Management (ISM) services report revealed a surge in US business activity, surpassing market expectations. This positive data is reflective of an increase in business activity and new orders growth, suggesting a thriving service sector. However, the report also pointed out ongoing challenges, including slower supplier deliveries and continued Continue Reading
Dollar remains close to an 8-week low as payroll test approaches
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:42 am, by josephine
Key points: The dollar hovered close to an eight-week low on Friday, with market participants keenly awaiting the U.S. jobs report. This report is expected to provide important clues on the timing of potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. The euro retained its overnight gains after the European Central Bank (ECB) reduced rates in a Continue Reading
Gold set for first weekly gain in three weeks as US dollar, yields decline
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:42 am, by josephine
Key points: Gold prices held steady on Friday and were on track for their first weekly gain in three weeks. Traders are betting that the U.S. Federal Reserve will start cutting rates soon, which has sent the dollar and Treasury yields lower. Spot gold was little changed at $2,377.13 per ounce as of 0321 GMT, Continue Reading
Nvidia soars to record highs, eyes top spot by market cap
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:41 am, by josephine
Key Points: This article is a follow-up to: Nvidia nears Apple in market cap as AI dominance drives growth The stock price of Nvidia (Symbol: NVDA) has been on an unstoppable ascent, recently reaching record highs and positioning itself as the second-largest US company by market capitalisation. On February 19, Nvidia surpassed Amazon (Symbol: AMZN), Continue Reading
Oil prices rebound following OPEC+ reassurance, but set for weekly decline
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:41 am, by josephine
Key points: This article is a follow-up to: Oil prices hovering at lows with rising supply Supply chain disruption in the WTI oil sector Oil prices ticked higher on Friday, supported by reassurance from key OPEC+ members Saudi Arabia and Russia about their readiness to adjust output agreements. However, despite these gains, markets are heading Continue Reading
Strong nonfarm payrolls report throws rate cut timeline of the Federal Reserve into question
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:41 am, by josephine
Key points: The Federal Reserve’s rate cut timeline has been thrown back into uncertainty after the latest US nonfarm payrolls report significantly exceeded expectations. Analysts had predicted 180,000 to 185,000 new jobs for May, but the actual figure came in at a robust 272,000, far surpassing 175,000 in April. This unexpected strength in job gains Continue Reading
Oil prices dip due to uncertainty on OPEC+ cuts and strengthening of USD
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:41 am, by josephine
Key points: Oil prices nudged lower for the second consecutive session on Monday, pressured by a stronger dollar as expectations for US interest rate cuts were delayed following robust nonfarm payrolls data released on Friday. Brent crude oil futures (Symbol: UKOUSD) slipped to $79.58 a barrel, while US WTI crude oil futures (Symbol: USOUSD) fell 4 Continue Reading
Euro hits one-month low following Macron’s snap French election call
Written on August 20, 2026 at 2:41 am, by josephine
Key points: The Euro experienced a decline, reaching a one-month low, as French President Emmanuel Macron announced a snap legislative election, stirring political uncertainties. Concurrently, the dollar gained strength, buoyed by an unexpectedly strong U.S. jobs report last Friday, which tempered expectations for imminent rate cuts. Picture: The downside prevails for EUR/USD pairs. Download the Continue Reading
