Monthly Archives: August 2026
Strong ISM services data indicates robust US business activity
Written on August 15, 2026 at 10:33 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 maintains strength as market watches inflation and Fed rate moves
Written on August 15, 2026 at 10:32 am, by josephine
Key points: The dollar remained stable on Monday as traders speculate that U.S. inflation may have stabilised enough for the Federal Reserve to consider rate cuts later in 2024. Meanwhile, the euro held firm ahead of an anticipated rate cut by the European Central Bank (ECB) this week. Emerging markets continue to see rise Among Continue Reading
Gold steady as focus turns to U.S. data
Written on August 15, 2026 at 10:32 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 15, 2026 at 10:32 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 15, 2026 at 10:32 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 15, 2026 at 10:32 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
Dollar steadies before inflation test; Yen unaffected by Tokyo CPI
Written on August 15, 2026 at 10:31 am, by josephine
Key points: On Friday, the dollar was recovering after a challenging session against other major currencies. This reaction followed a downward revision to U.S. GDP for the first quarter, suggesting potential for rate cuts later this year. Investors are now turning their attention to upcoming inflation data for further clues on monetary policy. Recent data Continue Reading
NZD rises against slow economic growth in the U.S.
Written on August 15, 2026 at 10:31 am, by josephine
Key Points: The New Zealand dollar (NZD) climbed to around $0.612 on Thursday with the support from revised economic data indicating that the US economy grew at a slower pace than previously estimated in the first quarter. This has increased speculation that the Federal Reserve may have room to cut interest rates later this year. Continue Reading
Gold edges higher ahead of key inflation report, poised for monthly gain
Written on August 15, 2026 at 10:31 am, by josephine
Key points: Gold prices showed a slight increase on Friday, marking a potential fourth consecutive monthly gain. Investors are keenly awaiting the U.S. inflation data which is expected to shed light on the Federal Reserve’s future moves. Picture: Gold price shows slight increase on the VT Markets app. Market fundamentals: Federal Reserve policymakers maintain a Continue Reading
Hong Kong stocks surge on rate cut prospects; mixed performance in China
Written on August 15, 2026 at 10:31 am, by josephine
Key points: On Monday, Hong Kong’s stock market experienced an observable surge, with the benchmark Hang Seng Index posting its best daily performance in a month. This optimism was largely driven by the anticipated rate cut from the European Central Bank (ECB), which is expected to trim rates by a quarter point to 3.75% on Continue Reading
