Topic
interest rates
Finance Asian stocks trade mixed after Fed holds rates; Kospi rallies 4%, Shenzhen slips 300 points
Asian stocks showed mixed performance after the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady. South Korea's Kospi rallied 3.55% while China's Shenzhen declined 2.19%. The Fed's split decision and 30-year treasury yields hitting 19-year highs fueled uncertainty, with the dollar weakening. South Korea's market saw $2 trillion wiped out amid AI sell-off, prompting Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol to apologize for single-stock leveraged ETFs.
Business UK Interest Rates Expected to Hold at 3.75% as Bank of England Maintains Cautious Stance Amid Global Uncertainty
The Bank of England is widely expected to hold its benchmark interest rate at 3.75% for a fifth consecutive meeting, as uncertainty over global politics, the Middle East conflict, and inflation persists. The decision, due at 12:00 BST, will keep mortgage repayments stable for tracker borrowers but fixed-rate deals are rising, with the average two-year fixed rate at 5.62%.
Business US Federal Reserve Holds Rates Steady as Kevin Warsh-Led FOMC Maintains 3.5-3.75% Range
The Federal Open Market Committee, led by Chair Kevin Warsh, voted to maintain the federal funds rate at 3.5-3.75% following its July 28-29 meeting. The decision reflects persistent inflation above the 2% target, geopolitical uncertainties from the Middle East conflict, and volatile oil prices. The Fed's statement noted solid economic expansion but highlighted supply shocks and tariff-related pressures.
Commodities Gold Prices Jump Over 1% as Easing Middle East Tensions Drag Oil Lower, Fed Decision in Focus
Gold prices jumped over 1% in early trade as hopes of de-escalation between the US and Iran pushed crude oil prices lower, reducing inflation concerns. Spot gold climbed 1.4% to $4,110.56 an ounce, while silver surged nearly 5%. The Federal Reserve's upcoming monetary policy decision is now the key driver for precious metals.
Commodities Gold and Silver Await Fed Decision Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Crude Oil Volatility
Gold and silver ended last week on a stronger note, with Comex gold rising 1.3% and silver nearly 5%. This week, the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, US-Iran tensions, and crude oil price movements will drive bullion. Analysts note range-bound trading amid geopolitical uncertainty and continued official-sector buying.
Commodities Gold falls over 2%, silver drops nearly 4% as rising oil prices fuel inflation and rate concerns
Gold prices declined over 2% and silver fell nearly 4% as rising crude oil prices revived inflation worries, prompting expectations that central banks may maintain restrictive monetary policies. According to The Times of India, higher oil costs have reduced the appeal of non-yielding assets like precious metals amid heightened rate hike fears.
Finance UK Mortgage Rates Rise to Highest Level in a Month as Global Tensions Persist
Average UK mortgage rates have risen to levels last seen a month ago, with the two-year fixed deal averaging 5.58%, as renewed Middle East tensions push up lenders' funding costs and oil prices to $100/barrel, reducing expectations of central bank rate cuts. Over five million homeowners are projected to see higher monthly repayments by end of 2028, according to the Bank of England.
Finance Bank of England Holds UK Interest Rates at 3.75% as War with Iran Stalls Cuts
The Bank of England held UK interest rates at 3.75% for the fourth consecutive time in June 2026, maintaining the lowest level since February 2023. The decision comes as the US-Israeli war with Iran has pushed up global energy and fuel costs, stalling earlier expectations of rate cuts. CPI inflation fell to 2.6% in the year to June 2026, down from 2.8% in May, but the central bank warns that higher energy prices have already built inflationary pressure.
Business Era of Cheap Borrowing May Be Over as World Enters 'New Macro Regime,' Moody's Warns
According to a Moody's Ratings report, the global economy has entered a new macro regime marked by structurally higher interest rates, sustained investment in AI and defence, and elevated geopolitical risks. Bond yields have risen to pre-crisis levels, and capital is flowing to policy-backed sectors. The outlook hinges on AI productivity gains and stable geopolitical conditions.
Finance Bank of England Chief Economist Says Interest Rates May Need to Rise This Year
Bank of England chief economist Huw Pill indicated that interest rates may need to rise this year to control inflation, currently at 2.8% above the 2% target. Pill was among a minority of MPC members voting for a rate increase in June. He cited lower economic speed limits and productivity slowdowns, particularly in Wales, as reasons for potential tightening.
Business Rising Spot Rates Mask Persistent Cost Pressures in Trucking Industry, Warns FreightWaves Analysis
Spot rates in the trucking industry are up 15% year-over-year in mid-2026, the strongest gain since early 2022. However, costs remain stubbornly high, with ATRI reporting a record all-in cost of $2.26 per mile and negative 2.3% average operating margin for truckload carriers. Labor and insurance continue to climb, warning operators against complacency.
Business From Inflation to Mortgage Rates: Key Movements in the US Economy's Weekly Report Card
The US economy saw mixed signals this week: inflation accelerated to a three-year high, consumer spending slowed, but GDP growth beat expectations and layoffs remained low. Apple raised prices on Mac and iPad models due to AI-driven memory chip shortages. Mortgage rates ticked up slightly, while jobless claims fell below forecasts.
Business Three in Five UK Homes Remain Unsold as High Mortgage Rates Hit Buyer Demand
Zoopla reports that three in five homes listed for sale since January remain on the market, as high mortgage rates and elevated asking prices frustrate buyers. Agreed sales are 7% below last year, with sharp regional variations. First-time buyers are most exposed, while recent rate cuts offer some hope.
Business Small Savings Interest Rates for July-September 2026 Announced: Check Latest PPF, SSY, NSC, SCSS Rates
The government has announced interest rates for small savings schemes for the July-September 2026 quarter. Key rates include PPF at 7.10%, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana at 8.20%, and Senior Citizen Savings Scheme at 8.20%. The rates apply to post office deposits, NSC, Kisan Vikas Patra, and other instruments.
Finance Bank of England Forecasts One Million Additional UK Homeowners Facing Mortgage Bills by 2028 Amid Iran War Impact
The Bank of England's Financial Stability Report projects over five million UK homeowners will see higher mortgage repayments by end-2028, one million more than December's forecast, attributed to the Iran war impact. The typical increase of £45 per month is smaller than the £120 rise seen in 2022-2024, and household debt remains low relative to historical averages, suggesting limited drag on consumer spending.
Commodities Gold Heads for First Weekly Rise in Five on Easing Fed Rate-Hike Bets After Weak Jobs Data
Gold rose more than 1% on Friday, heading for its first weekly gain in five weeks, after softer-than-expected US jobs data lowered expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. Spot gold hit $4,177.31 per ounce, while US futures climbed to $4,190.70. Traders now see a 54% chance of a September rate hike, down from 66% before the data.
Commodities Gold heads for worst month since 2008 as Fed rate-hike bets outweigh safe-haven demand
Gold prices dropped over 1% on Tuesday, putting bullion on track for its worst monthly performance since October 2008 and its first quarterly decline since 2024. Easing Middle East tensions and expectations of US Federal Reserve rate hikes have overshadowed gold's traditional safe-haven appeal, while a strengthening dollar added pressure. Market focus now shifts to US employment data for policy clues.
Finance RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra Says It's 'Premature' to Discuss Rate Hike Amid Persistent Global Uncertainty
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said it is premature to talk about a rate hike, pushing back against market expectations. He emphasized the central bank's data-dependent stance and noted that easing West Asia tensions have lowered crude oil prices, supporting growth and inflation moderation. Inflation remains below 4% target with subdued core inflation at 2.4%.
Finance RBI Governor Malhotra Calls Rate Hike Talk ‘Premature’ Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty, Crude Volatility
Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra has pushed back against expectations of an imminent rate hike, calling such talk 'premature' given the fragile US-Iran truce and uncertainty over crude oil prices. The Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously on June 5 to hold the repo rate at 5.25% after a full percentage point of cuts since February 2025. The MPC also revised down its FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.6% from 6.9% and raised its inflation projection to 5.1% from 4.6%. Malhotra highlighted that the central bank is monitoring monsoon rainfall and crude prices, with cumulative rainfall 43% below normal as of June 22.
Finance Bank of England Holds Interest Rates at 3.75% as Energy Uncertainty Persists
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee voted 7-2 to hold interest rates at 3.75%, with Megan Greene and Huw Pill dissenting in favor of a 4% rate. Governor Andrew Bailey cited encouraging oil price drops but cautioned about inflationary pressure from high energy costs. Inflation remains at 2.8%, with expectations of a 3.25% peak later this year. The recent US-Iran peace deal may ease supply concerns through the Strait of Hormuz.
Commodities Gold Price Prediction Today: Why Is Gold Not Rising Much Despite Lower Oil Prices? June 23, 2026 Outlook
Gold prices showed mild gains on June 22-23, 2026, but the rally is capped by hawkish central bank signals of possible rate hikes, according to Praveen Singh of Mirae Asset ShareKhan. Oil prices continued to fall, with Brent down 3% and 38% from cycle highs, yet precious metals are not benefiting fully. Geopolitical developments—including US-Iran talks and a potential sanctions waiver for Iranian oil—add complexity to the outlook.
Commodities Gold, Silver Prices Remain Under Pressure Amid Strong Dollar and Hawkish Fed Outlook
Gold and silver prices faced sustained pressure during the week due to a stronger US dollar and a hawkish Federal Reserve outlook. The Dollar Index rose to 101 after the Fed held rates steady but signaled possible hikes. On MCX, gold futures fell 2.2% and silver dropped 5.3%, while COMEX gold lost over 1.5% and silver fell 4.5%.
Commodities Silver futures tumble over 3% to ₹2.42 lakh/kg as Fed signals keep pressure on bullion
Silver futures on the Multi Commodity Exchange plunged ₹8,817 to ₹2,42,990 per kg on Thursday, tracking weak global trends after the US Federal Reserve's hawkish policy signals strengthened the dollar and dampened investor appetite for precious metals. Comex silver for July delivery fell $2.36 (3.34%) to $68.40 per ounce. Analysts attributed the decline to prospects of higher-for-longer interest rates, which tend to weigh on bullion by boosting bond yields and the dollar.
Finance Bank of England Expected to Hold Interest Rates at 3.75% for Fourth Consecutive Meeting
The Bank of England is widely expected to hold its benchmark interest rate at 3.75% for a fourth consecutive meeting, according to analysts. The UK inflation rate remains above target but has not risen as high as many feared due to the US-Israel war with Iran. Oil prices have dropped after a peace deal, potentially easing energy price pressures, though domestic gas and electricity prices are expected to rise with the next Ofgem price cap in July.
Business Fed holds US interest rates steady amid uncertainty over Trump's Iran deal
The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its June meeting, with the FOMC unanimously backing the decision. Inflation remains above target at 3.8%, driven by the US-Israel conflict in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh introduced a significantly shorter statement and removed forward guidance hinting at future rate cuts, while the dot-plot showed a majority of policymakers expect no change or a hike this year.
Business UK Inflation Holds at 2.8% in May, Defying Expectations of Rise to 3%
UK inflation held at 2.8% in the year to May, unchanged from April and above the Bank of England's 2% target, surprising economists who had forecast a rise to 3%. A sharp fall in food inflation and the reduction in the government's energy price cap counteracted upward pressure from the Middle East conflict, while the recent peace agreement between the US and Iran has lowered oil prices, potentially keeping inflation below worst-case scenarios. Core inflation edged up to 2.6%, and analysts warn that the next energy price cap increase in July could push prices higher.
Finance Kevin Warsh-led FOMC Keeps Rates Unchanged, Projects Hike by Year-End, Raises Inflation Forecast
The Federal Reserve, under new chair Kevin Warsh, kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged in the 3.5% to 3.75% range. The Summary of Economic Projections showed 18 of 19 officials expect at least one rate increase by year-end, while the central bank raised its inflation forecast, projecting PCE inflation at 3.6% by end-2026. Inflation currently stands at 4.2%, a three-year high, driven by fuel costs.
Finance Wall Street Holds Steady, Oil Below $80 as Fed Decision and Iran Deal Awaited
US stocks traded in a narrow range on Wednesday as investors awaited the Federal Reserve's policy decision. Oil prices remained below $80 a barrel amid optimism over a potential US-Iran agreement, with Brent crude around $79.43. The S&P 500 edged up 0.1%, while the Nasdaq rose 0.5% on a tech rebound.
Business UK Inflation Holds at 2.8% in May, Beating Forecasts as Transport Costs Rise Fastest
UK inflation remained at 2.8% in the year to May 2026, matching the prior month and narrowly missing analyst expectations. The Office for National Statistics reported transport costs as the fastest-rising category, while food and non-alcoholic beverage prices fell slightly. Economists expect inflation to continue rising over the coming months due to the ongoing effects of the Iran war, with a projected peak between 3.5% and 4% in the second half of 2026.
Finance After RBI Measures, Banks Offer Up to 7% on Dollar Deposits, Boosting Arbitrage for Trade Finance
Following the Reserve Bank of India's free hedging window, banks are offering up to 7.1% on Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) deposits. Yes Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, and Karur Vysya Bank lead with rates exceeding 7%, while larger peers offer around 6%. The development opens an arbitrage between offshore borrowing costs and onshore returns, with implications for trade finance and forex management for importers and exporters.
Commodities International Gold Prices Drop as Rate Hike Fears on Higher Inflation Reduce Safe Haven Appeal
International gold prices dropped as rate hike fears on higher inflation reduced safe haven appeal, according to The Times of India. Physical demand remained subdued in India while China's central bank expanded gold holdings for a nineteenth straight month. Speculative investors increased net long exposure in gold by 14,409 contracts to 111,341 contracts during the week ended June 2.
Business Why the US economy keeps defying the odds: corporate investment and energy resilience drive outperformance
The US economy continues to grow at a steady pace despite global shocks such as trade tariffs, immigration changes, and Middle East conflict. Corporate capital expenditure remains high at 13.9% of GDP, productivity has risen, and energy independence from fracking has reduced vulnerability to oil price spikes. Cultural attitudes toward risk-taking and structural differences with Europe further explain the divergence.
Business UK Base Rate Held at 3.75% as War in Iran Upends Rate Cut Expectations
The Bank of England held interest rates at 3.75% for the third time, the lowest since February 2023, as the economic impact of the war in Iran upends expectations for further cuts. Sustained higher inflation could force up to six rate rises, potentially bringing the base rate to 5.5%, but weak jobs market and sluggish growth complicate the outlook.
Commodities Gold Prices Decline Amid US-Iran Tensions and Rate Hike Fears
Gold prices have declined due to renewed US-Iran tensions and fears of a US interest rate hike. Spot gold is down 0.4% to $4,313.11 per ounce, with US futures also dropping.
Finance US Mortgage Rates Ease to 6.48%, Impact on Trade Finance
US mortgage rates have eased to 6.48% from a nine-month high, influenced by inflation and energy prices. This development impacts trade finance costs and international business competitiveness.
Finance Understanding the True Cost of Truck Financing
Truck financing costs extend beyond monthly payments, encompassing total interest over the loan term. Understanding amortization and interest structure is crucial for accurate cost assessment.
Business Sensex, Nifty Gain as RBI Holds Repo Rate Steady at 5.25%
The BSE Sensex and Nifty50 indices remained in positive territory after the Reserve Bank of India decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%. This decision has bolstered market sentiment, with domestic institutional investors continuing to support the market despite foreign outflows.
Business RBI Rejects Treasury Bill Bids, Signals Potential Rate Cut
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) rejected bids for 182-day and 364-day treasury bills, accepting only 91-day bills at a 5.56% yield. This move suggests the RBI's intent to lower interest rates amid rising short-term yields and a widening spread between treasury bill yields and the policy rate.
Finance RBI MPC Meeting: Rate Decision Amid Inflation and Geopolitical Tensions
The Reserve Bank of India's MPC is expected to maintain the repo rate amid inflation concerns and geopolitical tensions. Economists predict potential rate hikes later in FY27.