U.S. Inflation Beats Forecasts as Powell Stresses Tight Policy

U.S. Inflation Beats Forecasts as Powell Stresses Tight Policy: The annual inflation rate in
the United States accelerated beyond expectations in January,
reinforcing the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will maintain high interest rates for longer.

According to data released on Wednesday, the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rose to 3%,
surpassing forecasts of 2.9%.
Meanwhile, core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices,
remained steady at 3.3%, while expectations pointed to a slowdown to 3.2%.

 

Content

Details
Inflation Data Impact
Fed Decisions

 

 

 

 

Details

On a monthly basis, the CPI increased by 0.5% in January,
compared to gains of 0.4% and 0.3% in the previous two months.
The core index also rose by 0.4%, following a slowdown to 0.2% in December.

Higher housing costs, transportation services, and new and used vehicle prices primarily drove these increases.
In contrast, clothing prices declined, and healthcare costs remained stable.
Meanwhile, food prices increased by 0.4% monthly, compared to 0.3% in December,
while energy prices dropped by 1.1% after rising 2.4% in the previous month.

 

Inflation Data Impact on Interest Rate Expectations

The inflation data affected investor expectations regarding interest rate cuts,
with projections for two rate cuts this year shrinking to just one amid uncertainty over the impact
of President Donald Trump’s trade and immigration policies on the economy.

Futures markets now price in a 40.1% probability of a 0.25% rate cut at the Fed’s December 2025 meeting,
up from 37% the previous day and 28.5% a week earlier.
Meanwhile, expectations for holding rates steady at the September 2025 meeting rose to 41.9%, compared to 29.9% the previous day.

 

 

 

Powell: Fed Decisions Will Not Be Influenced by Trump’s Calls for Rate Cuts

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, speaking before the U.S. Congress on Wednesday,
reaffirmed that Trump’s calls for interest rate cuts will not influence the central bank’s decisions.

“You can trust that we will continue to make decisions based on economic data, not political pressure,
” Powell stated. He emphasized that the Fed’s monetary policy will remain restrictive to curb demand and control inflation,
noting that recent inflation data aligns with progress toward the target but still falls short of the desired level.

Responding to a question from Democratic Representative Maxine Waters,
Powell denied any communication with Elon Musk,
who is leading efforts to cut federal spending as part of the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency.”

Trump had called for interest rate cuts while imposing new tariffs
before the January inflation report confirmed persistent price pressures.

 

U.S. Inflation Beats Forecasts as Powell Stresses Tight Policy

Gold Holds Above $2,900 Amid Rate & Trade Tensions

Gold Holds Above $2,900 Amid Rate & Trade Tensions: Gold prices remained near record levels as traders balanced
rising inflation in the United States with increased demand for safe-haven
assets amid escalating trade tensions following new tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

 

Contents

Rising U.S. Commodity Prices

Gold Could Test the $3,000 Barrier Soon

Strong Inflows into Gold-Backed Funds

Latest Market Moves

 

 

 

Rising U.S. Commodity Prices

Gold traded above $2,900 per ounce after a Wednesday report revealed that
U.S. commodity prices had risen more than expected, leading traders to price in only one interest rate cut by December.
Treasury yields also climbed, increasing pressure on the non-yielding precious metal.
This caused a 1.2% drop before rebounding as market concerns
over Trump’s aggressive trade policies boosted gold buying as a safe-haven asset.

At the same time, investors monitored statements from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell,
who told lawmakers on Wednesday that the central bank
would base its interest rate decisions on economic developments.
He added that the latest data shows the economy is nearing the inflation target but has not yet reached it.
On Tuesday, Powell reiterated before the Senate that the Fed would exercise patience before further easing monetary policy.

 

Gold Could Test the $3,000 Barrier Soon

Gold has seen substantial gains this year, reaching consecutive record highs,
and may soon test the $3,000 per ounce mark.
This surge is driven by growing demand for safe-haven assets
amid rising uncertainty about the U.S. economy and monetary policy.
Investors are evaluating whether the new U.S. administration’s policies
on trade and immigration could reignite inflation and impact economic growth.

 

 

 

Strong Inflows into Gold-Backed Funds

The latest rally in gold has been accompanied by significant inflows into gold-backed exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
According to Bloomberg calculations, global holdings have risen by more than 1% this year,
reaching their highest levels since November.

 

Latest Market Moves

At 8:07 AM Singapore time, spot gold rose 0.1% to $2,907.63 per ounce
after hitting a record high of $2,942.68 on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Bloomberg Dollar Index remained steady, silver and palladium prices increased, and platinum prices remained stable.

 

Gold Holds Above $2,900 Amid Rate & Trade Tensions

How to Buy TripAdvisor Stocks: A Comprehensive Guide for Investors

How to Buy TripAdvisor Stocks: A Comprehensive Guide for Investors

If you are interested in investing in the travel and tourism sector,
TripAdvisor (TRIP) stocks might be an exciting option.
As one of the largest travel review platforms globally,
the company offers investment opportunities in a dynamic and ever-growing market.
In this article, we will explain step by step how to buy TripAdvisor stocks.

 

Content

Understanding TripAdvisor and Its Stock

Research and Analysis Before Buying

Analyzing TripAdvisor Stock Performance

The Future of Investing in TripAdvisor Stocks

Executing the Purchase Process

Monitoring the Stock and Managing Your Investment

 

 

 

 

Understanding TripAdvisor and Its Stock

Before investing, it is essential to know some fundamental information about the company:

  • Stock Symbol: TripAdvisor stocks are traded on the Nasdaq under the ticker TRIP.
  • Business Model: TripAdvisor is a global platform offering reviews, recommendations,
    and bookings for hotels, restaurants, and tourist activities.
  • Financial Performance: Reviewing financial reports and quarterly earnings can help you understand future stock trends.

 

 

Research and Analysis Before Buying

Before purchasing the stock, analyze the following factors:

  • Company’s Financial Performance: Check quarterly reports and net earnings.
  • Market Competition: Compare TripAdvisor with similar companies like Booking.com and Expedia.
  • Market Trends: Ensure the travel and tourism industry is experiencing growth, especially after economic crises.

 

 

Analyzing TripAdvisor Stock Performance

TripAdvisor (TRIP) faces both challenges and opportunities in the stock market,
heavily relying on the travel and tourism sector, which is influenced by various economic factors.
Despite the global travel recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic,
the company faces intense competition from platforms like
Booking.com and Expedia,
which could impact its revenue growth. Additionally, the company significantly depends on digital advertising,
a sector undergoing constant changes in privacy policies, potentially affecting its cash flow.
Investors should monitor how TripAdvisor diversifies its revenue sources,
particularly as it moves toward enhancing direct booking services and improving user experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Future of Investing in TripAdvisor Stocks

From a long-term investment perspective, the success of TRIP stock depends on the company’s ability to adapt to new trends in the travel industry,
such as increased use of artificial intelligence for personalized recommendations and expanding its premium subscription services.
However, any decline in consumer spending due to global economic conditions could negatively impact stock performance.
Therefore, investors are advised to monitor
quarterly financial data,
follow the company’s future plans, and rely on both technical and fundamental analysis before making buying or selling decisions.

 

 

Executing the Purchase Process

Once you are ready, follow these steps to buy TRIP stock:

  1. Search for the Stock: Enter the TRIP symbol on your trading platform.
  2. Choose the Order Type:
    • Market Order: Buy the stock at the current market price.
    • Limit Order: Set a specific price for the purchase, and the trade will only be executed when the stock reaches that price.
  3. Determine Quantity: Select the number of shares you want to buy.
  4. Confirm Order: Review the details and click “Buy.”

 

Monitoring the Stock and Managing Your Investment

After purchasing TripAdvisor stocks, make sure to monitor their performance through:

  • Following News Updates: Stay informed about company news and financial updates.
  • Using Stop-Loss Orders: Protect your investment from significant losses.
  • Diversifying Your Portfolio: Avoid putting all your money into a single stock; instead, diversify your investments to reduce risks.

 

Conclusion

Buying TripAdvisor stocks can be a good investment if done after thorough research and market analysis.
Conduct your research, develop a clear investment strategy,
and ensure you are making informed decisions for the best possible returns.
Are you considering investing in this stock?
Be sure to consult a financial advisor before making any final decisions.

 

 

 

How to Buy TripAdvisor Stocks: A Comprehensive Guide for Investors

 

Tesla Stock Drops for Fifth Session Amid BYD Competition

Tesla Stock Drops for Fifth Session Amid BYD Competition: Tesla’s stock continued declining for the fifth consecutive session
as markets assessed the demand outlook for its products.
This follows BYD’s announcement that it will provide autonomous driving technology in most of its vehicles at no additional cost,
increasing pricing pressure and competition in the electric vehicle market.


Content

Tesla

Intel

Japan

 

 

Tesla Stock Continues to Decline for the Fifth Session Amid Competitive Pressure from BYD

Tesla’s stock continued declining for the fifth consecutive session as markets assessed the demand outlook for its products.
This follows BYD’s announcement that it will provide autonomous driving technology in most
of its vehicles at no additional cost, increasing pricing pressure and competition in the electric vehicle market.

On Tuesday, Tesla’s stock dropped by 4.15% to $336.20, bringing it to ninth place among
the world’s largest companies by market capitalization, which stood at $1.081 trillion.

Amid these developments, Oppenheimer Bank lowered its revenue forecast for Tesla in 2025 from $101.1 billion to $99.8 billion.
It also cut its adjusted earnings per share estimate from $1.63 to $1.58,
citing revised delivery expectations for 2025 and 2026.

 

Intel Shares Rise After U.S. Vice President Confirms Support for Domestic AI System Production

Intel’s stock saw significant gains on Tuesday following statements by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance
At the 2025 Artificial Intelligence Summit in Paris,
he reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to strengthening domestic AI system production.

During his speech, Vance emphasized that Donald Trump’s administration is working
to ensure that the world’s most advanced AI systems are entirely based on U.S. technology.
He highlighted the critical role of semiconductors designed and manufactured in the U.S. in achieving this goal.

These remarks come amid increasing global competition in the AI industry,
as Washington seeks to solidify its leadership position by fostering innovation and investing in technological infrastructure.
This has fueled optimism among investors about Intel’s growth prospects and those of other U.S. semiconductor companies.

 

 

 

Japan Requests Exemption from U.S. Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum

Japan has formally requested that the U.S. administration exempt
its companies from President Donald Trump’s new steel and aluminum tariffs.

According to Bloomberg, Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary,
stated that the exemption request was submitted via the Japanese Embassy in Washington.

Meanwhile, Japanese Minister of Trade Yuji Muto explained that the government
is advising Japanese companies on U.S. trade policies through the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
He also stressed that Japan will continue to study the impact
of these tariffs on its businesses and take appropriate measures.

This request follows Trump’s recent decision to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports,
set to take effect on March 12 without exceptions for any country,
raising concerns among the U.S.’s key trading partners.

 

Tesla Stock Drops for Fifth Session Amid BYD Competition

Elon Musk Leads a $97.4 Billion Investment Consortium Bid to Acquire OpenAI

Elon Musk Leads a $97.4 Billion Investment Consortium Bid to Acquire OpenAI

A consortium of investors led by billionaire Elon Musk has submitted a $97.4 billion bid to acquire OpenAI,
aiming to restore its status as a nonprofit organization, according to
The Wall Street Journal.

 

Contents

 

 

Elon Musk

Mark Toiberov, Musk’s attorney, stated that the offer was presented to OpenAI’s board on Monday,
emphasizing that the goal is to return the company to its roots as an open-source entity focused on safety and public interest.
Toiberov quoted Musk as saying,
“It is time for OpenAI to return to its original principles, and we will ensure that happens.”

Musk co-founded OpenAI with Sam Altman in 2015 as a nonprofit organization.
However, Altman, who has served as CEO since 2019, transitioned the company into a for-profit entity,
leading Musk to file a lawsuit against him.

This bid follows reports indicating that OpenAI is in talks with SoftBank to raise new funding,
potentially increasing its valuation to between $300 billion and $340 billion,
making it one of the world’s largest AI startups.

 

 

 

 

 

Donald Trump

Trump Sparks Controversy Over Ukraine’s Future, Calls for U.S. Compensation on Aid

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred controversy by suggesting that Ukraine might become part of Russia in the future as part of efforts to end the nearly three-year-long war between Moscow and Kyiv.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump remarked, “They may reach a deal, or they may not.
They could become Russians someday, or maybe not,”
alluding to a potential diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

Trump also stressed that the United States should receive financial compensation for the aid provided to Ukraine,
stating,
“I told them I want the equivalent of $500 billion in rare minerals, and they essentially agreed.”

Ukraine possesses vast natural resources, including lithium, titanium, coal, oil, natural gas, and uranium
—critical materials for modern technology industries.

 

 

 

 

Lagarde

Eurozone Economy Continues to Recover as Inflation Moves Toward Target

European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde affirmed that economic conditions in the eurozone continue to support recovery,
noting that inflation is on track to return to the 2% target by the end of the year.

However, Lagarde warned of prevailing risks on both sides, emphasizing the need for a flexible approach to monetary policy.
She stated that the ECB is not committed to a predefined interest rate path,
with future decisions depending on economic data and evolving conditions.

She also highlighted that ongoing global economic fluctuations could lead to increased shocks in the coming period,
requiring a dynamic monetary response to maintain market stability and support economic growth in the eurozone.

 

 

 

Elon Musk Leads a $97.4 Billion Investment Consortium Bid to Acquire OpenAI

Oil and Gold Markets Amid Supply Fluctuations and Economic Tensions

Oil and Gold Markets Amid Supply Fluctuations and Economic Tensions

Oil prices stabilized after strong gains amid concerns over declining Russian supplies,
while gold reached record levels driven by economic uncertainty and escalating geopolitical tensions.

 

Content

 

 

 

 

Oil

 

Brent Crude Nears $76 Per Barrel After a 1.6% Gain in the Previous Session

Oil prices remained stable following their biggest surge in nearly four weeks,
as concerns over dwindling Russian crude supplies overshadowed worries about the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariff escalation.

Brent crude futures traded near $76 per barrel after rising 1.6% on Monday,
while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) remained above $72, sustaining a two-day gain.
Recent data revealed that Russian oil production continued to decline, staying below the country’s quota under the OPEC+ agreement,
according to informed sources.

Oil markets have experienced volatility at the start of the year,
initially driven by increased heating demand due to cold winter conditions in the Northern Hemisphere and U.S. sanctions on Russian oil. However, over the past three weeks, market sentiment has been weighed down by concerns
that Trump’s tariff policies could trigger multiple trade wars.

 

Impact of Tariffs and Escalating Geopolitical Tensions

Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all U.S. imports of steel and aluminum, including supplies from Canada and Mexico,
two of the country’s largest metal exporters.
These tariffs are set to take effect on March 4, with Trump indicating that they “could increase further” to bolster domestic production.

Chris Weston, Head of Research at Pepperstone, noted that assessing the actual impact of these tariffs remains challenging.
However, short-term market movements suggest that prices may have reached a temporary support level.

Additionally, Trump commented on the possibility of Israel canceling its ceasefire agreement with Hamas if hostages are not released,
raising concerns over escalating tensions in the region—an issue that could further impact global energy markets.

 

Signs of Supply Tightness and Rising Demand

Markets are signaling supply shortages, particularly in the Middle East,
where reduced competition from other suppliers has allowed regional producers to increase prices for their key Asian customers.
In Europe, elevated natural gas prices have made oil a more cost-effective alternative, potentially driving up demand.

 

 

Oil and Gold Markets Amid Supply Fluctuations and Economic Tensions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gold

Gold Hits Record High of $2,942 Per Ounce Before Slight Retreat Amid Safe-Haven Demand

Gold prices soared to a record high, fueled by rising economic uncertainty after President Trump announced a 25% tariff on U.S. steel and aluminum imports. This development has driven investors toward safe-haven assets, boosting demand for gold.

The price of gold peaked at $2,942 per ounce before retreating slightly, following a 1.7% gain in the previous session. Trump stated that the tariffs, set to take effect on March 4, aim to support domestic industries and create more jobs in the U.S., warning that they “could rise further.” This bolstered gold’s appeal as a hedge against economic instability.

 

Sustained Rally Driven by Economic and Geopolitical Risks

Gold has surged 11% since the start of the year, repeatedly setting new records amid uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policies and geopolitical tensions. Investors are now closely watching Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s testimony before Congress for insights into future monetary policy directions.

Short-term inflation expectations have outpaced long-term forecasts, creating the widest gap since 2023. On Monday, the five-year breakeven inflation rate—a key market measure of inflation expectations—reached 2.64%. This could prompt the Federal Reserve to slow the pace of monetary easing, a scenario that may pose a downside risk for gold, given its non-yielding nature.

 

Institutional Demand Supports Gold’s Gains

In a significant move, China’s central bank increased its gold reserves for the third consecutive month in January, signaling a continued commitment to diversifying its assets despite record-high prices. Additionally, China has allowed ten of its largest insurance companies to invest up to 1% of their assets in gold for the first time—a move that could inject around 200 billion yuan ($27.4 billion) into the market, according to Minsheng Securities.

In the spot market, gold prices rose 0.4% to $2,928.36 per ounce as of 7:50 AM in Singapore.
Meanwhile, Bloomberg’s U.S. dollar index added 0.1% following a 0.2% gain on Monday.
Silver and platinum recorded slight gains, whereas palladium prices declined.

 

With both oil and gold navigating economic and geopolitical uncertainties, market watchers remain vigilant as these commodities continue their volatile trajectory.

 

 

Oil and Gold Markets Amid Supply Fluctuations and Economic Tensions

Wall Street Rises Despite Tariff and Inflation Concerns

Wall Street Rises Despite Tariff and Inflation Concerns: The U.S. stock market opened the week with strong gains,
disregarding concerns over inflation and tariffs.
The technology sector led the rally, with the Nasdaq 100 rising over 1%,
fueled by continued gains from Nvidia and Meta.
Steel and aluminum stocks also surged following remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding new tariff impositions.
Amid these fluctuations, investors are closely watching upcoming inflation data
and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s testimony before Congress this week.

 

Contents

U.S. Stocks

Investor Focus

Stock Markets

Tariffs

Market Stability

Analysts Opinions

Investor Trends

Potential Market Declines

 

 

 

U.S. Stocks Rise Led by Tech Despite Tariff Concerns

U.S. stocks and Wall Street Rises Despite concerns over tariffs and inflation.
The technology sector drove the market higher, with the Nasdaq 100 gaining over 1% on Monday.
Nvidia extended its rally for the fifth consecutive session, while Meta saw gains for the sixteenth session in a row.

At the same time, the raw materials sector experienced notable
gains after President Trump announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports.
This pushed United States Steel and Alcoa stocks up by more than 2.5%.
Trump confirmed that these tariffs would apply to all countries, including Mexico and Canada,
without specifying an exact implementation date.
Additionally, he announced plans to introduce retaliatory tariffs on nations that impose taxes on U.S. exports.

 

Investor Focus

Beyond global trade concerns, investors are also focusing on inflation data and Powell’s testimony this week.
According to a New York Federal Reserve survey,
inflation expectations for the next year and the following three years remained unchanged at 3% in January.

Chris Larkin from E*Trade (Morgan Stanley) commented:
“Inflation data, Powell’s testimony, and tariffs are this week’s key market drivers.
If the S&P 500 is to break out of its recent trading range,
it might need relief from negative surprises such as DeepSeek,
tariffs and consumer confidence have hindered momentum in recent weeks.”

 

Stock Markets Ignore Volatility and Continue Rising

Hedge funds emerged as major buyers of U.S. stocks last week,
reversing bearish positions amid stronger-than-expected corporate earnings.
According to a Goldman Sachs report for the week ending February 7,
hedge funds bought U.S. stocks the fastest since November,
marking the largest net purchase of individual stocks over three years, with a strong focus on the technology sector.

The S&P 500 rose 0.7%, the Nasdaq 100 climbed 1.3%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.3%.
Bloomberg’s “Magnificent Seven” total return index gained 0.9%, while the Russell 2000 increased 0.5%.

The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield remained stable at 4.49%,
while the Bloomberg U.S. Dollar Index rose 0.2%. Gold prices surpassed $2,900 per ounce.

 

 

 

 

Are Tariffs Just a Negotiation Tactic?

Jose Torres from Interactive Brokers believes that many investors are beginning
to realize that most of the tariff rhetoric will not materialize.
Instead, it appears to be a negotiation strategy.

“The goal is to enhance domestic economic conditions rather than disrupt global trade momentum.
The outcome will likely be far better than initially expected,”

Torres explained.
“That is why traders are stepping in and buying stocks today.”

Bespoke Investment Group analysts noted:
“Since the inauguration, regardless of one’s stance on President Trump,
his second term has brought endless headlines.
Yet, despite this constant news flow, the market has remained surprisingly calm.”

 

Market Stability Amid Continuous News Flow

Over the last 100 trading days, the $630 billion ETF tracking the S&P 500 (SPY)
has traded within a relatively tight range of under 10%, according to Bespoke.
While this range may seem wide,
it ranks in only the 13th percentile among similar historical periods since the ETF’s launch in 1993.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the S&P 500 ETF saw swings above 50%,
while volatility peaked at over 75% during the financial crisis.

 

Analysts Opinions

Anthony Saglimbene from Ameriprise advised:
“It may be best for investors to avoid reacting to daily news cycles.
It’s wiser to step back and allow developments related to tariffs, big tech, and interest rates to unfold over time.
Making investment decisions based on uncertain outcomes increases the risk
of errors or mistimed moves if events unfold differently than expected.”

Mark Hackett from Nationwide added:
“Despite the daily market noise, uncertainty over tariffs, geopolitical factors,
and tech sector valuations remain the biggest unknowns for investors.
These factors indicate a measured gain environment rather than the high returns of recent years.”

According to one market indicator,
investor expectations for the stock market have never been this high at the start of a presidential term.
The cyclically adjusted price-to-earnings (CAPE) ratio hit 38 in late January,
a level that Charlie Bilello from Creative Planning described as “extremely high”, reflecting unprecedented market optimism.

 

Investor Trends

Investor positioning tells a similar story, with the equity risk premium (ERP)
which measures the expected return differential between stocks and bonds
falling sharply into negative territory for the first time since the early 2000s.

Richard Saperstein from Treasury Partners commented:
“Despite high valuations, we remain fully invested due to continued economic growth,
declining inflation, and a supportive Federal Reserve.
We anticipate a volatile market that leans toward upside potential throughout the year.”

However, Kali Cox from Ritholtz Wealth Management warned that high expectations,
rising interest rates and policy uncertainty create a challenging investment mix:

“It’s crucial for investors to balance their portfolios and recognize that there are opportunities beyond artificial intelligence.”

 

Potential Market Pullbacks

Deutsche Bank strategists, including Binky Chadha,
believe that market resilience in the face of tariffs could lead to further trade escalations,
increasing the likelihood of equity market pullbacks.

According to their research, markets historically experience sharp but short-lived sell-offs during geopolitical shocks.
Stocks typically decline 6%-8% over three weeks, then recover over the next three weeks, even before tensions subside.

Christian Floro from Principal Asset Management emphasized:
“For investors, the biggest market risks likely stem from policy unpredictability.
In this environment, diversification is essential to manage portfolio risks
and capitalize on opportunities as companies, countries, and markets adapt.”

 

Wall Street Rises Despite Tariff and Inflation Concerns

Commodity-Linked Currencies Decline as Trump Signals More Tariffs

Commodity-Linked Currencies Decline as Trump Signals More Tariffs Amid Rising Trade Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump’s pledge to impose tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports
has triggered a wave of declines in commodity-linked currencies.
The Australian dollar and the Canadian dollar both fell amid global market risk aversion.

 

Topic
Stocks
Oil
Trump

 

 

 

 

Stocks

In the stock markets, Asian indices recorded their largest weekly decline,
while Chinese and Hong Kong stocks saw notable gains.
Meanwhile, in the commodities sector, iron ore prices rose,
and gold approached record levels as investors shifted toward safe-haven assets.

These market movements come as traders anticipate a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum,
adding to uncertainty ahead of Federal Reserve Chair
Jerome Powell’s testimony before Congress this week.
Additionally, Trump is expected to
expand tariff measures to include all countries,
though no specific timeline has been provided.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil

Oil prices saw a slight recovery following a series of weekly declines,
as markets continue to assess the impact of U.S. tariffs on the energy sector.
Brent crude stabilized near $75 per barrel after posting its third consecutive weekly decline,
while
WTI crude surpassed $71 per barrel.

This recovery comes as China prepares to retaliate against U.S. tariffs,
announcing that it will
impose countermeasures on American goods starting Monday
further escalating trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trump

On Sunday, Trump hinted at broader tariffs on aluminum and steel,
potentially impacting the U.S. energy sector, particularly
oil exploration companies reliant on specific steel types not produced domestically.

Since mid-January, oil prices have faced increasing pressure due to weaker global demand forecasts and Trump’s trade policies,
shaking investor confidence.
Market indicators, such as
time spreads in futures contracts, suggest growing concerns about near-term supply increases.

At the same time, speculators have ramped up bearish bets on U.S. crude at the fastest pace since October,
with
net long positions in WTI contracts declining for the second consecutive week,
while a
five-week winning streak in Brent speculative positions has come to an end.

These movements reflect ongoing global market uncertainty,
as Trump’s trade policies continue to shape commodity prices, currencies, and financial markets.
The coming period will be crucial in monitoring
U.S.-China trade developments and their impact on the global economy.

 

 

 

Commodity-Linked Currencies Decline as Trump Signals More Tariffs

The Digital economy a fundamental pillar of global growth

The Digital economy a fundamental pillar of global growth: The digital economy has become a fundamental pillar of global growth.
Projections indicate it will exceed $20.8 trillion by 2025, accounting for over 24% of the global GDP.

Investment and trading stand among the sectors most profoundly impacted by digitization.

In 2024 alone, the value of digitally traded assets surged past $13.6 trillion,
with further expansion expected as cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI)
and blockchain continues to reshape the financial landscape.

The Qatar Financial Expo & Awards 2025, held on February 4–5 in Doha,
Emerged as one of the leading financial events, bringing together pioneers in investment,
fintech, and digital trading from across the globe.

 

Read More

Markets in Focus: Key Economic Data & Analysis This Week

Markets in Focus: Key Economic Data & Analysis This Week:
This week brings a series of crucial economic releases that could impact global markets,
including inflation data from China and the U.S. and GDP reports from the Eurozone and the UK.
Meanwhile, financial markets are reacting to key movements:
the U.S. dollar is gaining strength against the euro, gold is hitting record highs,
and oil prices remain under pressure amid supply concerns.
This report breaks down the most anticipated events and analyzes key asset performances.

 

Content

Economic Events

EURUSD
Gold

Oil

US Dollar Index

Nvidia

 

 

 

 

Economic Events

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Australia–03:30
NAB Business Confidence Index (Jan)
Canada–16:30
Building Permits (MoM) (Dec)

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

United States-16:30
Core Consumer Price Index (CPI) (MoM) (Jan)
Consumer Price Index (CPI) (MoM) (Jan)
Consumer Price Index (CPI) (YoY) (Jan)

Thursday, February 13, 2025

United Kingdom –10:00
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (MoM) (Dec)
Germany–10:00
Consumer Price Index (CPI) (MoM) (Jan)
United States–16:30
Initial Jobless Claims
Producer Price Index (PPI) (YoY) (Jan)
Producer Price Index (PPI) (MoM) (Jan)

Friday, February 14, 2025

Eurozone–11:00
Core Consumer Price Index (CPI) (YoY) (Jan)
Eurozone–13:00
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (YoY) (Q4)
United States–16:30
Core Retail Sales (MoM) (Jan)
Retail Sales (MoM) (Jan)

 

EURUSD

The U.S. dollar has regained strength against the euro, pushing the pair into a bearish trend.
The pair is currently trading around 1.0325, with expectations to target 1.0268.
If this level is broken and a 4-hour candle closes below it,
the decline may continue toward the yearly low of 1.0138.
However, an upward correction could be expected if a reversal pattern appears near 1.0268.

 

Gold

Gold continued to hit new historical highs last week, driven by rising market tensions due to Trump’s newly announced tariffs,
which fueled concerns about global inflation risks.
This scenario has further strengthened gold’s position as a safe-haven asset,
pushing prices to $2,860.
However, a reversal pattern suggests a possible minor bearish correction to $2,832 before resuming the upward trend.

 

 

Oil

Oil prices remain under pressure, with expectations that the Russia-Ukraine war may soon end.
This could lead to Russian production returning to normal levels, increasing global supply,
especially as U.S. production rises.
Oil is currently trading around $70.97, with expectations to target $70.00.
If this level is broken and a daily close occurs below it, the decline may extend to $68.50.

 

U.S. Dollar Index

The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) has resumed its upward momentum following strong labor market data,
reaffirming the Federal Reserve’s ability to maintain higher interest rates for an extended period to curb inflation.
The index is expected to continue its bullish movement, targeting 109.04.

 

Nvidia

Nvidia’s stock has seen some gains in the past week,
recovering above $126.73 following a period of market uncertainty.
The recent stabilization has strengthened the stock’s bullish momentum,
with the potential to target the next resistance level at $142.33.


Markets in Focus: Key Economic Data & Analysis This Week