Monthly Archives: August 2026
Australian and New Zealand Dollars Retain Strength as Powell Calls for Rate Patience
Written on August 15, 2026 at 10:15 am, by josephine
Jerome Powell, Chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve, has reassured the financial markets by emphasising a likely downward adjustment in future interest rates. This guidance follows a series of inflation reports that had stoked expectations of tighter monetary policy. Picture: AUDUSD prices on the rise as recorded on VT Markets trading app. In the currency Continue Reading
London Metal Prices See Gain; Softer Dollar More Attractive
Written on August 15, 2026 at 10:15 am, by josephine
2nd May 2024 – In this latest trading session, non-ferrous metals on the London Metal Exchange witnessed varying degrees of price increases, primarily driven by a dip in the U.S. dollar. This depreciation has made metals priced in dollars more affordable for holders of other currencies. Copper, a major indicator of economic health, rose by Continue Reading
Australian shares rally before US jobs report release
Written on August 15, 2026 at 10:15 am, by josephine
3rd May 2024 — Australian shares exhibited an observable increase, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index climbing by 42.00 points or 0.6%, to settle at 7,629.00. This rise came as investors positioned themselves ahead of the release of the US jobs report, anticipated to show a decrease in job additions from March to April. SEE: ASX Continue Reading
Russian Rainfall Leads to Drop in Chicago Wheat Futures
Written on August 15, 2026 at 10:14 am, by josephine
30th April 2024 Chicago wheat futures continued to decline on Tuesday, dropping 0.4% to $6.06 a bushel by 0034 GMT. This move follows a significant 2% decrease on Monday, moving away from last week’s four-month high of $6.33-1/2 a bushel, which was the highest since December 29. SEE: Wheat futures experience a downward trend on Continue Reading
MARKETS TODAY: Gold Prices On Pause, What’s Next?
Written on August 15, 2026 at 10:14 am, by josephine
ICYMI – 30 April 2024 – Monday marked a modest retreat in gold prices, with the commodity trading lower as market participants hold their breath for major upcoming economic indicators. The trading community is treading lightly, preferring to wait on the sidelines until the Federal Reserve makes its announcement and the latest U.S. job data Continue Reading
Japan’s Nikkei Tracks Wall Street’s Positive Movement
Written on August 15, 2026 at 10:14 am, by josephine
Japan’s Nikkei 225 index experienced a rise of 1.24%, closing at 38,405.66, driven by an upbeat performance in U.S. markets and investor optimism. SEE: Nikkei sees modest rise on the VT Markets VT Markets app. Despite this daily gain, the Nikkei recorded a 4.99% drop in April, marking its first monthly decline of the year and Continue Reading
Chinese Stocks See Mixed Results Before Labor Day
Written on August 15, 2026 at 10:14 am, by josephine
4 April 2024 – Mainland China’s stock indices experienced slight declines today, with investors adopting a cautious stance in anticipation of the long Labor Day holiday and critical upcoming events. The Shanghai Composite index saw a marginal drop of 0.12% to 3,109.26 points by the midday break, while the blue-chip CSI300 index was down by Continue Reading
MARKETS TODAY: Fed Maintains US Interest Rates
Written on August 15, 2026 at 10:14 am, by josephine
ICYMI – Market Summary for 2 May 2024 Despite market speculations, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has reiterated the central bank’s position, maintaining interest rates at 5.25%-5.50%, levels not seen in 23 years. This comes despite ongoing challenges in achieving the Fed’s 2% inflation target. Volatile Yen The Japanese Yen also witnessed a temporary surge, Continue Reading
Oil Prices Drop in Face of Strong USD and Inflation
Written on August 15, 2026 at 10:13 am, by josephine
Looking at today, 29th April 2024, oil prices moved downward in early Asian trading on Monday. Brent crude futures saw a reduction of 75 cents, or 0.84%, landing at $88.75 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate futures fell 65 cents, or 0.78%, to $83.20 a barrel by 1221 GMT. This decline comes after a period Continue Reading
Australian Shares Rise with an Eye on Upcoming Federal Reserve Meeting
Written on August 15, 2026 at 10:13 am, by josephine
Australian shares climbed on Monday, driven by gains in financial and healthcare sectors. The S&P/ASX 200 index saw an uplift of 0.8%, marking its best performance since April 22, closing at 7,637.4 points. SEE: ASX sees upswing, closing at 7651.75 on VT Markets trading app. This rise mirrored the positive trends on Wall Street as investors Continue Reading
