Archive for Economics & Fundamentals – Page 19

FED and Bank of Canada cut rates. ECB decision due today

By JustMarkets 

On Wednesday, US stock indices showed mixed performance. The Dow Jones (US30) Index fell by 0.16%. The S&P 500 (US500) declined by 0.01%. The technology-heavy Nasdaq (US100) closed higher by 0.55%. The Federal Reserve announced a 25 basis point (bps) cut to the federal funds rate, bringing it to 4.00% at its October 2025 meeting, a move that fully aligned with market expectations. This was the second consecutive cut after the September decision. The regulator noted increasing risks in the labor market in recent months, while inflation has accelerated since the start of the year and remains relatively elevated. During the press conference, Chairman Jerome Powell stressed that a rate cut in December is not guaranteed, although investors still price in a high probability of another 25 bps move, consistent with the Fed’s September forecasts. Additionally, the central bank announced that the reduction of its balance sheet (Quantitative Tightening) will conclude on December 1st.

The Bank of Canada (BoC) cut its rate to 2.25% and signaled a potential pause in the easing cycle. The regulator indicated that the easing cycle is likely nearing its end, provided the baseline economic forecast remains unchanged amidst ongoing uncertainty. The Governing Council noted that trade conflict has caused structural damage to the economy, reducing its potential, which aligns with the 1.6% year-over-year GDP decline in the second quarter.

G7 nations plan to establish a critical minerals alliance to counter China’s dominance in global supply chains. The alliance aims to reduce China’s market influence, including its practice of dumping to push out Western projects and the imposition of export controls. Canada, in particular, expects economic benefits, leveraging its domestic resource base and ready-to-go infrastructure projects.

European stock markets traded with mixed dynamics yesterday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) fell by 0.64%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed down 0.19%, Spain’s IBEX35 (ES35) gained 0.39%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed 0.61% higher. Contradictory corporate results amplified uncertainty regarding the region’s economic outlook. The banking sector was the leader of the gains: Santander added 4% after publishing a record nine-month profit, and Deutsche Bank rose by 5% on strong investment division results. Mercedes-Benz climbed 4.3% as growth in premium segment sales ensured margin expansion and compensated for a decline in China revenue.

Today, the ECB will hold its monetary policy meeting. There is an almost 99% probability that the interest rate will remain unchanged at 2.15%. This stands in contrast to the situation at the US Federal Reserve (Fed).

WTI crude oil prices rose on Wednesday to around $60.6 per barrel due to a reduction in inventories. According to the EIA, US crude oil stocks fell by 6.9 million barrels, a more significant drop than expected. Gasoline and distillate inventories also decreased, while stocks at the Cushing, Oklahoma, hub increased. Indian refineries temporarily halted new purchases pending official instructions, though the state-owned IOC confirmed it would continue imports under contractual obligations. However, some analysts doubt that the sanctions will lead to a significant supply reduction, given reports that OPEC+ may consider another production increase at its next meeting to stabilize the market.

Asian markets also traded with mixed results yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) surged 2.17%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) gained 0.10%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) fell by 0.33%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) posted a negative result of 0.96%.

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) kept its key short-term rate at 0.5%, holding borrowing costs at their highest level since 2008 and extending the pause after the January hike. The regulator reiterated its readiness to tighten policy further if the economy evolves within its outlook. In its quarterly projections, the BoJ maintained its core inflation estimate for the 2025 fiscal year at 2.7%, expecting it to slow to 1.8% in 2026. The GDP growth forecast for 2025 was improved from 0.6% to 0.7%, facilitated by a new trade agreement with the US and the policies of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet.

S&P 500 (US500) 6,890.59 −0.30 (−0.01%)

Dow Jones (US30) 47,632.00 −74.37 (−0.16%)

DAX (DE40) 24,124.21 −154.42 (−0.64%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 9,756.14 +59.40 (+0.61%)

USD Index 99.13 +0.47% (+0.47%)

News feed for: 2025.10.30

  • Japan BoJ Interest Rate Decision at 05:00 (GMT+2);
  • Japan BoJ Monetary Policy Statement at 05:00 (GMT+2);
  • Japan BOJ Outlook Report at 05:00 (GMT+2);
  • Switzerland KOF Leading Indicators (m/m) at 10:00 (GMT+2);
  • German Unemployment Rate (m/m) at 10:55 (GMT+2);
  • German GDP (m/m) at 11:00 (GMT+2);
  • Eurozone GDP (m/m) at 12:00 (GMT+2);
  • Eurozone Unemployment Rate (m/m) at 12:00 (GMT+2);
  • German Inflation Rate (m/m) at 15:00 (GMT+2);
  • Eurozone ECB Interest Rate Decision at 15:15 (GMT+2);
  • Eurozone ECB Monetary Policy Statement at 15:15 (GMT+2);
  • Eurozone ECB Press Conference at 15:45 (GMT+2);
  • US Natural Gas Storage (w/w) at 16:30 (GMT+2).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

FED and Bank of Canada cut rates. ECB decision due today

By JustMarkets 

On Wednesday, US stock indices showed mixed performance. The Dow Jones (US30) Index fell by 0.16%. The S&P 500 (US500) declined by 0.01%. The technology-heavy Nasdaq (US100) closed higher by 0.55%. The Federal Reserve announced a 25 basis point (bps) cut to the federal funds rate, bringing it to 4.00% at its October 2025 meeting, a move that fully aligned with market expectations. This was the second consecutive cut after the September decision. The regulator noted increasing risks in the labor market in recent months, while inflation has accelerated since the start of the year and remains relatively elevated. During the press conference, Chairman Jerome Powell stressed that a rate cut in December is not guaranteed, although investors still price in a high probability of another 25 bps move, consistent with the Fed’s September forecasts. Additionally, the central bank announced that the reduction of its balance sheet (Quantitative Tightening) will conclude on December 1st.

The Bank of Canada (BoC) cut its rate to 2.25% and signaled a potential pause in the easing cycle. The regulator indicated that the easing cycle is likely nearing its end, provided the baseline economic forecast remains unchanged amidst ongoing uncertainty. The Governing Council noted that trade conflict has caused structural damage to the economy, reducing its potential, which aligns with the 1.6% year-over-year GDP decline in the second quarter.

G7 nations plan to establish a critical minerals alliance to counter China’s dominance in global supply chains. The alliance aims to reduce China’s market influence, including its practice of dumping to push out Western projects and the imposition of export controls. Canada, in particular, expects economic benefits, leveraging its domestic resource base and ready-to-go infrastructure projects.

European stock markets traded with mixed dynamics yesterday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) fell by 0.64%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed down 0.19%, Spain’s IBEX35 (ES35) gained 0.39%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed 0.61% higher. Contradictory corporate results amplified uncertainty regarding the region’s economic outlook. The banking sector was the leader of the gains: Santander added 4% after publishing a record nine-month profit, and Deutsche Bank rose by 5% on strong investment division results. Mercedes-Benz climbed 4.3% as growth in premium segment sales ensured margin expansion and compensated for a decline in China revenue.

Today, the ECB will hold its monetary policy meeting. There is an almost 99% probability that the interest rate will remain unchanged at 2.15%. This stands in contrast to the situation at the US Federal Reserve (Fed).

WTI crude oil prices rose on Wednesday to around $60.6 per barrel due to a reduction in inventories. According to the EIA, US crude oil stocks fell by 6.9 million barrels, a more significant drop than expected. Gasoline and distillate inventories also decreased, while stocks at the Cushing, Oklahoma, hub increased. Indian refineries temporarily halted new purchases pending official instructions, though the state-owned IOC confirmed it would continue imports under contractual obligations. However, some analysts doubt that the sanctions will lead to a significant supply reduction, given reports that OPEC+ may consider another production increase at its next meeting to stabilize the market.

Asian markets also traded with mixed results yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) surged 2.17%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) gained 0.10%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) fell by 0.33%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) posted a negative result of 0.96%.

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) kept its key short-term rate at 0.5%, holding borrowing costs at their highest level since 2008 and extending the pause after the January hike. The regulator reiterated its readiness to tighten policy further if the economy evolves within its outlook. In its quarterly projections, the BoJ maintained its core inflation estimate for the 2025 fiscal year at 2.7%, expecting it to slow to 1.8% in 2026. The GDP growth forecast for 2025 was improved from 0.6% to 0.7%, facilitated by a new trade agreement with the US and the policies of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet.

S&P 500 (US500) 6,890.59 −0.30 (−0.01%)

Dow Jones (US30) 47,632.00 −74.37 (−0.16%)

DAX (DE40) 24,124.21 −154.42 (−0.64%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 9,756.14 +59.40 (+0.61%)

USD Index 99.13 +0.47% (+0.47%)

News feed for: 2025.10.30

  • Japan BoJ Interest Rate Decision at 05:00 (GMT+2);
  • Japan BoJ Monetary Policy Statement at 05:00 (GMT+2);
  • Japan BOJ Outlook Report at 05:00 (GMT+2);
  • Switzerland KOF Leading Indicators (m/m) at 10:00 (GMT+2);
  • German Unemployment Rate (m/m) at 10:55 (GMT+2);
  • German GDP (m/m) at 11:00 (GMT+2);
  • Eurozone GDP (m/m) at 12:00 (GMT+2);
  • Eurozone Unemployment Rate (m/m) at 12:00 (GMT+2);
  • German Inflation Rate (m/m) at 15:00 (GMT+2);
  • Eurozone ECB Interest Rate Decision at 15:15 (GMT+2);
  • Eurozone ECB Monetary Policy Statement at 15:15 (GMT+2);
  • Eurozone ECB Press Conference at 15:45 (GMT+2);
  • US Natural Gas Storage (w/w) at 16:30 (GMT+2).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

The British Index UK100 hit a new all-time high. The Australian dollar strengthened, reaching a three-week high

By JustMarkets 

On Tuesday, US stock indices continued their ascent. The Dow Jones (US30) Index rose by 0.34%. The S&P 500 (US500) gained 0.23%. The technology-heavy Nasdaq (US100) closed up by 0.74%. All three indices set new historical highs amid expectations that the Fed would cut its rate by 25 basis points (bps) on Wednesday, a move the markets have almost entirely priced in.

Nvidia climbed 8% after announcing a $1 billion strategic investment in Nokia, which reinforces expectations for continued demand for chips and network infrastructure. UPS rose 8.1% thanks to an earnings report that beat analysts’ expectations. Microsoft jumped 2.3% after securing a landmark agreement with OpenAI, strengthening its commercial position in the AI sector.

Today, the US Federal Reserve (Fed) will hold its monetary policy meeting. The market is almost certainly expecting a 25 bps cut to the key interest rate. However, this decision is already priced in, so the main focus for investors will be on Powell’s press conference and the updates to the dot plot. A downward shift in the median outlook for the year-end rate level would increase the probability of additional cuts.

The Canadian dollar strengthened above 1.40 CAD per USD, remaining near its monthly highs. Markets have already priced in a 25 bps rate cut from both the Fed and the Bank of Canada (BoC) this week. Despite the overall easing, Canada maintains an advantage in real yield. Analysts believe that today’s BoC cut could be the final one in the current cycle, and the regulator’s rhetoric is likely to be neutral or slightly “hawkish” to keep inflationary expectations under control and support confidence amid an unemployment rate of 7.1%.

European stock markets traded with mixed dynamics yesterday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) fell by 0.12%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed down 0.27%, Spain’s IBEX35 (ES35) gained 0.54%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed 0.44% higher. The FTSE 100 set a new record high on Tuesday, supported by a rally in the banking, commodity, and defence sectors. HSBC led the gains, adding over 4% following strong quarterly results and a raised profitability outlook.

WTI crude oil declined for a third straight day amid sanctions and supply concerns. Last week, Washington imposed sanctions on major Russian oil companies (Rosneft and Lukoil) which led traders to closely monitor for potential supply disruptions. Indian refiners temporarily paused new orders for Russian oil. However, doubts persist in the market that the restrictions will be able to offset the oil surplus, as OPEC+ is considering another production increase at its upcoming meeting.

Asian markets were mostly down yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) dropped 0.58%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) rose by 0.75%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) fell by 0.33%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) posted a negative result of 0.48%.

The Australian dollar strengthened, reaching a three-week high, after fresh inflation data came in noticeably higher than prognoses and reduced expectations for an imminent policy easing by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Annual inflation accelerated to 3.5% in September, up from 3% in August and above the consensus projection of 3.1%, marking the highest level since July 2024. Against this backdrop, traders sharply cut bets on interest rate cuts. Markets are now pricing in a 90% probability that the RBA will keep the key interest rate at 3.6% on November 4th.

S&P 500 (US500) 6,890.89 +15.73 (+0.23%)

Dow Jones (US30) 47,706.37 +161.78 (+0.34%)

DAX (DE40) 24,278.63 −30.15 (−0.12%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 9,696.74 +42.92 (+0.44%)

USD Index 98.72 -0.06% (-0.06%)

News feed for: 2025.10.29

  • Australia Consumer Price Index (m/m) at 02:30 (GMT+2);
  • New Zealand RBNZ Gov Hawkesby Speaks (m/m) at 05:30 (GMT+2);
  • Japan Consumer Confidence (m/m) at 07:00 (GMT+2);
  • Canada BoC Interest Rate Decision at 15:45 (GMT+2);
  • Canada BoC Monetary Policy Statement at 15:45 (GMT+2);
  • US Pending Home Sales (m/m) at 16:00 (GMT+2);
  • Canada BOC Press Conference at 16:30 (GMT+2);
  • US Crude Oil Reserves (w/w) at 16:30 (GMT+2);
  • US Federal Funds Rate at 20:00 (GMT+2);
  • US FOMC Statement at 20:00 (GMT+2);
  • US FOMC Press Conference at 20:30 (GMT+2).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

The US and China representatives reached a preliminary trade agreement. Saudi Arabia is once again leaning towards increasing oil production

By JustMarkets 

The Dow Jones Index (US30) rose by 0.71% by the end of Monday. The S&P 500 Index (US500) gained 1.23%. The Technology Index Nasdaq (US100) closed higher by 1.86%. Major Wall Street indices finished Monday with sharp gains after US and Chinese officials reported reaching a preliminary trade agreement during talks held over the weekend in Malaysia. The final details of the deal are expected to be agreed upon on Thursday at a summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping during the ASEAN conference. The US Treasury Secretary stated that the agreement means removing the threat of introducing 100% tariffs on Chinese imports, which were supposed to take effect on November 1, from the agenda. In turn, China agreed to refrain from restricting the export of rare earth metals for at least one year.

European stock markets were mostly up yesterday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) rose by 0.28%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed with a gain of 0.16%, Spain’s IBEX35 (ES35) climbed by 0.87%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed up 0.09%. Negotiations between the European Union and a Chinese delegation regarding Beijing’s new restrictions on rare earth metal exports will take place in Brussels this week, as Europe seeks to protect its industrial base and reduce dependence on Chinese raw materials. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU will accelerate efforts to diversify supplies and conclude new critical mineral supply agreements with partners, including Ukraine, to reduce dependence on China and protect strategic industries.

WTI crude oil prices fell on Tuesday, marking the third consecutive session of decline, as concerns about market oversupply intensified following signals that OPEC+ might consider increasing production as early as December. Saudi Arabia is leaning towards a moderate production increase, aiming to regain market share, while the group of oil producers is set to meet on Sunday.

Platinum prices pulled back slightly from the three-week high reached in mid-October. Pressure on the metal came from a decrease in demand for safe-haven assets, as signs of progress in US-China trade negotiations boosted investors’ risk appetite. Despite the correction, platinum has appreciated by nearly 50% since the start of the year, outperforming gold and silver, thanks to constrained supply, robust industrial demand, and growing interest from investors seeking diversification amid geopolitical uncertainty.

Asian markets traded with mixed dynamics yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) rose by 2.46%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) gained 1.10%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) was up 1.05%, while Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) showed a negative result of 0.19%.

US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signed a framework agreement on securing the supply of critical minerals and rare earth elements, aimed at reducing dependence on China and strengthening strategic supply chains. The agreement is part of a broader Washington initiative to reduce reliance on China, which controls over 90% of global rare earth element processing. On Thursday, Donald Trump will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss trade relations and strategic stability issues.

The Australian dollar reached its highest level in nearly three weeks on Tuesday, thanks to a weaker US dollar. The American currency declined as markets had almost fully priced in an expected 25 basis point rate cut by the Fed, while optimism surrounding a potential US-China trade deal reduced demand for safe-haven assets. Domestically, investors’ attention is focused on the upcoming release of third-quarter inflation data and the monthly Consumer Price Index for September, due out on Wednesday, which may provide new signals regarding future moves by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). RBA Governor Michele Bullock warned that a sudden reversal of optimism in global financial markets could trigger financial instability and accelerate the process of cutting interest rates.

S&P 500 (US500) 6,875.16 +83.47 (+1.23%)

Dow Jones (US30) 47,544.59 +337.47 (+0.71%)

DAX (DE40) 24,308.78 +68.89 (+0.28%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 9,653.82 +8.20 (+0.09%)

USD Index 98.80 -0.15% (-0.15%)

News feed for: 2025.10.28

  • German GfK German Consumer Climate (m/m) at 09:00 (GMT+2);
  • US CB Consumer Confidence (m/m) (tentative).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

US stock indices set price records amid soft inflation data

By JustMarkets 

On Friday, the Dow Jones Index (US30) rose by 1.01% (for the week, +1.93%). The S&P 500 Index (US500) gained 0.79% (for the week, +1.52%). The Technology Index Nasdaq (US100) closed higher by 1.04% (for the week, +1.47%). All three stock indices closed at new record highs on Monday, after soft US inflation data fueled expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts later in the year and injected optimism into investor sentiment. The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for September (+0.3% m/m and +3.0% y/y) was slightly weaker than market expectations (+0.4% m/m and +3.1% y/y). Furthermore, the core CPI report for September (+0.2% m/m and +3.0% y/y) was also weaker than market expectations (+0.3% m/m and +3.1% y/y). A decline in inflation “without sacrificing growth” is perceived as the ideal scenario for a bull market.

On the corporate front, shares of AMD and IBM jumped by 7.5% and 8.8% respectively, following the announcement of the successful launch of IBM’s quantum error correction algorithm on AMD chips, a major step for the development of quantum computing that sparked a positive reaction across the sector. Intel rose by 1.6% after returning to profitability and publishing an optimistic prognosis. The banking sector also strengthened amid expectations that monetary policy easing would stimulate lending activity.

US President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that he is raising tariffs on goods from Canada by another 10%, over and above what they currently pay. The US Department of Commerce, the White House, and the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office have not yet commented on the situation. Experts note that this move could complicate bilateral trade relations, especially amidst existing disputes.

European equity markets were mostly up on Friday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) rose by 0.13% (for the week, +0.85%), France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed down by 0.01% (for the week, +0.15%), Spain’s IBEX35 Index (ES35) gained 0.44% (for the week, +0.79%), and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed 0.70% higher (for the week, +3.11%).

WTI crude oil prices reached their highest level in over two weeks on Monday, as an improved outlook for a US-China trade deal raised expectations for an increase in global energy demand. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that negotiations with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng had led to “substantial progress,” which would be solidified at a meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping at the end of the week. Beijing confirmed that a preliminary consensus was reached on a number of key topics. Oil prices received additional support from supply concerns regarding Russia, following the sanctions imposed last week against Rosneft and Lukoil, which together account for about 50% of oil production in Russia and around 25% of its exports.

Asian markets traded with mixed dynamics last week. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) rose by 2.00%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) gained 3.23%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) was up by 1.07%, while Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) showed a negative result of 0.07% for the past week. Asian stocks opened with solid gains on Monday. Negotiators from the US and China stated that they had reached a consensus on key issues, including export controls. Further support for the market came from data published on Monday showing that China’s industrial profits grew by 21.6% y/y in September, the fastest growth since November 2023, strengthening investor confidence in a sustained recovery of the industrial sector.

In Australia, investors focused on the anticipated Q3 inflation data and the monthly CPI for September, which could be pivotal for the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) next steps. Analysts estimate that the RBA is close to achieving its inflation and employment targets, but new data might reveal persistent price pressures. If the figures confirm sustained growth in consumer prices, it could lead the central bank to refrain from further policy easing at its meeting next week.

S&P 500 (US500) 6,791.69 +53.25 (+0.79%)

Dow Jones (US30) 47,207.12 +472.51 (+1.01%)

DAX (DE40) 24,239.89 +32.10 (+0.13%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 9,645.62 +67.05 (+0.70%)

USD Index 98.94 +0.27% (+0.27%)

News feed for: 2025.10.27

  • Australia RBA Gov Bullock Speaks at 10:15 (GMT+2);
  • German ifo Business Climate (m/m) at 11:00 (GMT+2);
  • US Durable Goods Orders (m/m) (tentative).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

US government shutdown enters fourth week. Oil jumps amid new sanctions against Russia

By JustMarkets 

The Dow Jones Index (US30) rose by 0.31% by the end of Thursday. The S&P 500 Index (US500) gained 0.58%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Index (US100) closed higher by 0.89%. US stock indices advanced on Thursday, bolstered by a rally in energy stocks after WTI crude oil prices jumped more than 5%. The sharp rise in oil quotes followed the US decision to blacklist Russia’s largest oil producers, raising fears about a reduction in global crude supply.

The US government shutdown continues into its fourth week. Due to the shutdown, the release of official reports is frozen, including weekly data on initial jobless claims for the past four weeks and the September employment report. The September consumer price report, which was scheduled for release last Wednesday, will only be published this Friday if the government resumes operations. Economists note that the prolonged shutdown could severely impact consumer spending and economic growth in Q4, increasing pressure on the Fed and the White House to quickly resolve the budget crisis.

According to preliminary data, Canadian retail sales in September 2025 fell by 0.7% compared to the previous month, marking the third-largest drop this year. This followed a 1% growth in August.

European stock markets rose on Thursday. The German DAX (DE40) advanced by 0.23%, the French CAC 40 (FR40) closed higher by 0.23%, the Spanish IBEX35 Index (ES35) gained 0.07%, and the British FTSE 100 (UK100) closed up by 0.67%.

Silver (XAG/USD) fell to $48.6 per ounce on Friday, losing more than 6% over the week. Investors were booking profits after the rapid rise in recent weeks. Earlier, silver prices had reached multi-year highs amid strong demand for safe-haven assets and optimism about long-term industrial use.

WTI crude oil prices hit a two-week high on Thursday. The increase was driven by the US and the European Union intensifying sanctions against Russian energy and infrastructure, which caused severe disruptions to Russia’s oil production and exports and fueled concerns about a potential reduction in global supply. The new restrictions limited Russia’s access to offshore drilling technology and equipment, which could lead to a long-term decline in production.

US natural gas prices (XNG/USD) fell below $3.4 per MMBtu on Thursday amid EIA data pointing to excess supply. For the week ending October 17, the storage injection volume was 87 billion cubic feet (bcf), significantly exceeding market expectations (83 bcf). As a result, total inventories are now substantially above normal (4.5% above the five-year average), creating a bearish sentiment in the market.

Asian markets were mostly higher yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) fell by 1.35%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) rose by 0.24%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) gained 0.72%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) showed a positive result of 0.03%. Investor sentiment improved after the White House confirmed that US President Donald Trump would meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on October 30. On the mainland market, stocks rose for a second consecutive session after the Chinese Communist Party pledged to step up measures to stimulate domestic demand, improve living standards, and support the country’s technological independence. In Hong Kong, data showed that annual inflation remained at 1.1% in September, with authorities noting stable prices and a moderate inflation outlook.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday urged Asian countries to reduce non-tariff barriers and strengthen regional trade integration to boost the region’s resilience to US tariffs. The report stated that trade remains a key driver of the region’s economic growth, and China plays a central role in global manufacturing supply chains, which, however, makes Asia vulnerable to geopolitical and trade risks.

S&P 500 (US500) 6,738.44 +39.04 (+0.58%)

Dow Jones (US30) 46,734.61 +144.20 (+0.31%)

DAX (DE40) 24,207.79 +56.66 (+0.23%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 9,578.57 +63.57 (+0.67%)

USD Index 98.94 +0.04 (+0.04%)

News feed for: 2025.10.24

  • Australia Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 01:00 (GMT+3);
  • Australia Services PMI (m/m) at 01:00 (GMT+3);
  • Japan National Core CPI (m/m) at 02:30 (GMT+3);
  • Japan Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 03:30 (GMT+3);
  • Japan Services PMI (m/m) at 03:30 (GMT+3);
  • UK Retail Sales (m/m) at 09:00 (GMT+3);
  • German Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 10:30 (GMT+3);
  • German Services PMI (m/m) at 10:30 (GMT+3);
  • Eurozone Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 11:00 (GMT+3);
  • Eurozone Services PMI (m/m) at 11:00 (GMT+3);
  • UK Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 11:30 (GMT+3);
  • UK Services PMI (m/m) at 11:30 (GMT+3);
  • US Consumer Price Index (m/m) at 15:30 (GMT+3), (Tentative);
  • US Manufacturing PMI (m/m) at 16:45 (GMT+3), (Tentative);
  • US Services PMI (m/m) at 16:45 (GMT+3), (Tentative);
  • US New Home Sales (m/m) at 17:00 (GMT+3), (Tentative);
  • US Michigan Inflation Expectations (m/m) at 17:00 (GMT+3).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

Oil prices surged following new sanctions against top Russian oil companies. The Mexican peso remains in demand

By JustMarkets 

The Dow Jones Index (US30) fell by 0.71% by the end of Wednesday. The S&P 500 Index (US500) declined by 0.53%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Index (US100) closed lower by 0.93%. Investors evaluated mixed corporate earnings reports and new trade risks following reports that the White House is considering restricting the export of American software to China.

Among corporate results: Netflix (NFLX) lost 10% after publishing results that were pressured by a tax dispute in Brazil. Tesla (TSLA) fell by 1.4% ahead of its earnings report following reports that some new models might suddenly lose battery charge.

The Mexican peso (MXN) continues to be in demand among investors, despite a slowdown in economic activity. Even after the latest key rate cut, the country continues to offer one of the highest real yields among emerging markets, which supports the carry trade and stimulates the inflow of foreign portfolio investments.

European stock markets traded mixed on Wednesday. The German DAX (DE40) dropped by 0.74%, the French CAC 40 (FR40) closed lower by 0.63%, the Spanish IBEX35 Index (ES35) rose by 0.09%, and the British FTSE 100 (UK100) closed up by 0.93%. The EU is preparing to approve the 19th package of sanctions against Russia, while the US is also preparing to strengthen sanctions due to Russia’s unwillingness to enter into peace negotiations.

WTI crude oil prices rose by more than 2% on Wednesday and gained another 3% on Thursday following reports of new US sanctions against Russian oil companies. Washington imposed a ban on cooperation with Rosneft and Lukoil, increasing pressure on Moscow for refusing to participate in peace negotiations on Ukraine. These companies account for about half of Russia’s oil exports, and energy export revenues form about a quarter of Russia’s federal budget.

Asian markets declined yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) fell by 0.02%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) rose by 0.01%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) fell by 0.94%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) showed a negative result of 0.70%.

Bank Indonesia (BI) unexpectedly left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4.75% after its October 2025 meeting, following three consecutive cuts. The decision reflects the central bank’s confidence that inflation in 2025-2026 will remain within the target range of 1.5-3%, supported by a stable Rupiah exchange rate. According to the latest data, Indonesia’s GDP grew to 5.12% y/y in Q2, the fastest pace in two years, while annual inflation accelerated to 2.65% in September, the highest since May 2024.

S&P 500 (US500) 6,699.40 −35.95 (−0.53%)

Dow Jones (US30) 46,590.41 −334.33 (−0.71%)

DAX (DE40) 24,151.13 −178.90 (−0.74%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 9,515.00 +88.01 (+0.93%)

USD Index 98.90 −0.03 (−0.03%)

News feed for: 2025.10.23

  • Hong Kong Inflation Rate (m/m) at 11:30 (GMT+3);
  • Mexico Retail Sales (m/m) at 15:30 (GMT+3);
  • Canada Retail Sales (m/m) at 15:30 (GMT+3);
  • US Initial Jobless Claims (w/w) at 15:30 (GMT+3), (Tentative);
  • US Existing Home Sales (m/m) at 17:00 (GMT+3), (Tentative);
  • US Natural Gas Storage (w/w) at 17:30 (GMT+3);
  • China Communist Party Fourth Plenum (All Day).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

The new Prime Minister of Japan supports a loose monetary policy. Canada sees rising inflation

By JustMarkets 

The US stock indices closed higher for the third consecutive session. By the end of Tuesday, the Dow Jones Index (US30) had grown by 0.47%. The S&P 500 Index (US500) rose by 0.01%. The technological Nasdaq Index (US100) closed lower by 0.16%. A strong start to the corporate earnings season outweighed the lingering uncertainty surrounding US-China trade relations. Overall, more than 75% of companies that have already reported quarterly results exceeded analysts’ prognoses, which supported the overall rally on Wall Street.

Canada’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 2.4% year-over-year in September, compared to an outlook of 2.3%, which was the highest reading since February. The median core inflation remained near a one-year high at 3.1%, surpassing the consensus of 3%, which narrows the space for policy easing by the Bank of Canada. On the trade front, the situation was supported by reports that a US-Canada trade agreement, covering steel, aluminum, and energy, might be ready for approval by leaders at the upcoming APEC summit.

European stock markets mostly rose on Tuesday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) grew by 0.29%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed higher by 0.64%, Spain’s IBEX35 Index (ES35) fell by 0.39%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed up 0.25%.

WTI oil prices rose to $57.4 per barrel on Tuesday. However, the supply surplus has not disappeared. According to Vortexa, the volume of crude oil and condensate in tankers worldwide reached a record 1.24 billion barrels. The IEA warned that the global oil market could face a record surplus next year as OPEC+ and other producers increase output volumes even amid slowing demand growth.

Asian markets grew confidently yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) rose by 0.27%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) grew by 1.79%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) was up by 0.65%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) showed a positive result of 0.70%.

Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi instructed her cabinet to prepare a package of economic stimulus measures to ease the burden of household expenses. Against this backdrop, the government is increasing fiscal stimulus to support the economy, including energy subsidies, payments to low-income families, and tax breaks for businesses affected by tariffs. This also suggests that the Bank of Japan (BoJ) will not tighten its monetary policy in the near future.

Malaysia’s annual inflation rate rose to 1.5% in September 2025 from 1.3% in the previous month, marking the highest reading since February and slightly exceeding market estimates of 1.4%. Core inflation, which excludes volatile prices of fresh food and regulated prices, rose to 2.1% year-over-year, the highest reading since October 2023. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 0.2% after a 0.1% increase in the previous five months, indicating the fastest growth in seven months.

S&P 500 (US500) 6,735.35 +0.22 (+0.01%)

Dow Jones (US30) 46,924.74 +218.16 (+0.47%)

DAX (DE40) 24,330.03 +71.23 (+0.29%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 9,426.99 +23.42 (+0.25%)

USD Index 98.97 +0.38 (+0.39%)

News feed for: 2025.10.22

  • Japan Trade Balance (q/q) at 02:50 (GMT+3);
  • UK Consumer Price Index (m/m) at 09:00 (GMT+3);
  • Eurozone ECB President Lagarde Speaks at 15:25 (GMT+3);
  • US Crude Oil Reserves (w/w) at 17:30 (GMT+3);
  • China Communist Party Fourth Plenum (All Day).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.

Why higher tariffs on Canadian lumber may not be enough to stimulate long-term investments in US forestry

By Andrew Muhammad, University of Tennessee and Adam Taylor, University of Tennessee 

Lumber, especially softwood lumber like pine and spruce, is critical to U.S. home construction. Its availability and price directly affect housing costs and broader economic activity in the building sector. The U.S. imports about 40% of the softwood lumber the nation uses each year, more than 80% of that from Canada.

President Donald Trump says that the U.S. has the capacity to meet 95% of softwood lumber demand and directed federal officials to update policies and regulatory guidelines to expand domestic timber harvesting and curb the arrival of foreign lumber.

On Sept. 29, 2025, he announced new tariffs on imported timber and wood products, including an additional 10% tariff on Canadian lumber. Those were added to 35% tariffs imposed on Canadian lumber in August. It was the latest phase in a long-standing dispute over the supply of lumber to builders in the U.S., which dates back to the 1980s, when U.S. producers began arguing that Canadian companies were benefiting from unfair subsidies from their government. Starting on Oct. 15, Canadian softwood lumber imports could face tariffs exceeding 45%.

As researchers studying the forestry sector and international trade, we recognize that the U.S. has ample forest resources. But replacing imports with domestic lumber isn’t as simple as it sounds.

There are differences in tree species and quality, and U.S. lumber often comes at a higher cost, even with tariffs on imports. Challenges like limited labor and manufacturing capacity require long-term investments, which temporary tariffs and uncertain trade policies often fail to encourage. In addition, the amount of lumber imported tends to mirror the boom-and-bust cycles of housing construction, a dynamic that tariffs alone are unlikely to change.

Trump’s moves

To boost U.S. logging, in March, Trump issued an executive order telling the departments of Interior and Agriculture to ease what he called “heavy-handed” regulations on timber harvesting. The executive order and a follow-up memo from Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins do not spell out specifics, but officials say more details are in the works that will simplify the timber harvesting process, with the goal of boosting domestic timber production by 25%.

That same month, Trump ordered the Commerce Department to assess how imports of timber, lumber and related wood products affect U.S. national security.

While that assessment was underway, in July, the Commerce Department published findings from a trade review of 2023 Canadian lumber imports. That inquiry alleged that Canadian companies were selling lumber to the U.S. at unfairly low prices, potentially leaving U.S. producers with lower sales or depressed prices. That finding was cited as the basis for the 35% August tariff announcement.

In its national security investigation initiated in March, the Commerce Department concluded that an overreliance on imported wood products means “the United States may be unable to meet demands for wood products that are crucial to the national defense and critical infrastructure.” The September tariff announcement is based on those findings.

Canadian lumber in the US market

In 1991, the U.S. imported 11.5 billion board feet (27 million cubic meters) of Canadian lumber. Those imports rose to a high of 22 billion board feet (52 million cubic meters) by 2005.

But as housing construction declined – especially during the Great Recession from 2007 to 2009 – imports dropped sharply, to less than 8.4 billion board feet (20 million cubic meters) in 2009. The current volume has not recovered to prerecession levels, rising only to 12 billion board feet (28 million cubic meters) in 2024.

The value of Canadian lumber has also fluctuated. Historically, prices for Canadian lumber have averaged about US$330 per thousand board feet ($140 per cubic meter). During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, import prices soared to almost $800 per thousand board feet ($340 per cubic meter). But since peaking in 2021 and 2022, prices have dropped significantly to $436 per thousand board feet ($185 per cubic meter) by 2024.

In total, in 2024, the U.S. imported more than $11 billion in forest and wood products from Canada. Softwood lumber accounted for almost half of that.

Lumber and housing

As personal income rises and populations grow, people seek to build new homes. As new home construction – called “housing starts” in economic data – increases, so does demand for softwood lumber to build those homes. And when housing starts slow, so does lumber demand.

For instance, housing starts fell during the Great Recession. They declined from a January 2006 peak of 2.3 million to less than 500,000 in January 2009 – a decrease of nearly 80%. In that same period, imports of Canadian lumber fell by more than 60%. Domestic softwood lumber production fell by more than 40%.

Both domestic and imported lumber prices can directly influence the overall cost of building homes, which in turn affects housing affordability. That said, lumber used for framing usually accounts for less than 10% of the total cost to build a new home. The effects of tariffs on new home construction may be significantly less than other factors, such as rising labor costs.

There are different kinds of wood commonly used in building lumber.

A matter of choice

The U.S. has a lot of potential lumber available. Especially in the South, the inventory of harvestable lumber has grown significantly over many years.

However, the types of wood available in the U.S. are not always the same as what’s available from Canadian imports. For framing, contractors may prefer spruce, northern pines and fir, naturally abundant in Canada, because they are lighter and less likely to warp than southern yellow pine, which is abundant in the southern U.S. Southern yellow pine is more commonly used to make utility poles and preservative-treated lumber for outdoor construction projects, such as decks.

Lumber from Idaho, eastern Oregon and eastern Washington, however, does share characteristics with Canadian species and could take the place of at least some Canadian lumber.

As the Trump administration seeks to boost domestic lumber, buyers will be looking not only at where their lumber came from, but what it costs and what type of lumber is best for what they need to accomplish.The Conversation

About the Authors:

Andrew Muhammad, Professor of Agriculture and Resource Economics, University of Tennessee and Adam Taylor, Professor of Natural Resources, University of Tennessee

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

 

Strong corporate reports support stock indices. EU countries supported a plan to phase out imports of Russian oil and gas

By JustMarkets 

By the end of Monday, the Dow Jones Index (US30) had grown by 1.12%. The S&P 500 Index (US500) rose by 1.07%. The technological Nasdaq index (US100) closed higher by 1.30%. On Monday, US stock indices closed with notable gains amid optimism surrounding upcoming corporate reports and a new wave of support for the banking sector, while investors continued to assess the prospects for easing trade restrictions between the US and China. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones reached new historical highs.

Wells Fargo and Citigroup jumped by 3.3% and 2.3% respectively, and other major banks also strengthened noticeably as investors reassessed the credit stress risks that had been pressuring the sector since the beginning of the month. Apple’s stock rose by 4.4%, setting a new historical high amid signals of high iPhone 17 sales in the US and China.

European stock markets went mostly up on Monday. Germany’s DAX (DE40) grew by 1.80%, France’s CAC 40 (FR40) closed higher by 0.39%, Spain’s IBEX35 Index (ES35) rose by 1.46%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) closed up 0.52%. European stocks in the financial and defense sectors showed strong growth, but BNP Paribas dropped sharply after a US court ruling. BNP Paribas plummeted by 7.7% after a US court ordered the bank to pay $20.75 million in connection with alleged ties to war crimes in Sudan.

On Monday, EU energy ministers supported a plan to phase out imports of Russian oil and gas by January 2028. The bill must still be negotiated with the European Parliament before final adoption. The goal of the initiative is to reduce Russia’s energy revenues, which help finance its war against Ukraine. Russia currently supplies about 12% of the EU’s gas, whereas the share was 45% before the 2022 invasion. Among the countries that still import Russian gas are Hungary, France, and Belgium.

On Tuesday, WTI oil prices continued to fall for the second consecutive session. Market pressure was intensified by fears of a global supply surplus and uncertainty surrounding the upcoming trade negotiations between the US and China. The volume of oil in marine transit rose to a record 1.24 billion barrels, indicating a worsening supply-demand imbalance and supporting bearish sentiment.

Asian markets rose steadily yesterday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) grew by 3.37%, China’s FTSE China A50 (CHA50) rose by 0.74%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) was up by 2.42%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) showed a positive result of 0.41%. Positive sentiment was supported by a strong rally in US futures after President Donald Trump stated that he might lower tariffs on Chinese goods if Beijing took reciprocal steps, including resuming purchases of US soybeans. Optimism was reinforced by expectations of additional stimulus from Chinese authorities following the release of Q3 GDP data, which showed growth of 4.8%  the lowest in a year. This week, China’s political leadership is holding meetings to prepare a new Five-Year Plan ahead of the December Politburo and Central Economic Work Conference meetings. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Hong Kong rose to 3.9%. Looking ahead, authorities expect that certain sectors will continue to face labor market difficulties due to structural changes in the economy and external risks.

On Tuesday, the Australian dollar broke its two-day rally, despite optimism fueled by a breakthrough in the trade agreement between the US and Australia. The two countries recently signed a critical minerals partnership.

The New Zealand dollar fell on Tuesday, losing its gains from the previous session amid expectations of further rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Although third-quarter inflation data showed price growth reaching a yearly maximum of 3%, which is at the upper limit of the RBNZ’s target range, the bank’s preferred inflation indicator remained at its lowest level since the beginning of 2021, and other core indicators also point to restrained price pressure. Futures swaps fully price in a 25 basis point rate cut in November.

S&P 500 (US500) 6,735.13 +71.12 (+1.07%)

Dow Jones (US30) 46,706.58 +515.97 (+1.12%)

DAX (DE40) 24,258.80 +427.81 (+1.80%)

FTSE 100 (UK100) 9,403.57 +49.00 (+0.52%)

USD Index 98.59 +0.16 (+0.16%)

News feed for: 2025.10.21

  • New Zealand Trade Balance (q/q) at 00:45 (GMT+3);
  • Switzerland Trade Balance (m/m) at 09:00 (GMT+3);
  • Eurozone ECB President Lagarde Speaks at 14:00 (GMT+3);
  • Canada Consumer Price Index (m/m) at 15:30 (GMT+3);
  • China Communist Party Fourth Plenum (All Day).

By JustMarkets

 

This article reflects a personal opinion and should not be interpreted as an investment advice, and/or offer, and/or a persistent request for carrying out financial transactions, and/or a guarantee, and/or a forecast of future events.