Market News

With trading volume in the currency markets expected to be exceedingly light given the holiday related closure of financial markets in much of the world, the US Dollar still managed to firm against its rivals.

The United States International Trade Commission (ITC), an independent analyst, has reported its finding that the new trade deal between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada (USMCA) will have a positive effect on the economy and the employment levels.

Oil prices hit fresh 2019 highs on Monday following reports that the United States is set to announce that all waivers for the Iranian sanctions will end, and that all buyers of Iranian oil will have to find new suppliers, or face sanctions themselves.

This week is likely to see a somewhat increased level of activity in the market compared to last week, with central bank input due from the Bank of Japan and the Bank of Canada, plus important U.S. GDP data.

The US Dollar Index was steady at 97.4040 .DXY after striking a 2½ week peak in the overnight hours.

The common currency Euro slipped to a 1-week trough against the US Dollar after the latest economic data from the Eurozone raised concerns that the Eurozone economy is struggling for traction.

According to a report released by the Federal Reserve, the United States economy continues to grow while having tight labor markets.

Spot gold fell to new 2019 lows on Thursday after data hinted that the global economy might be in a better condition than previously expected.

China's economic growth remained stable in the last quarter of 2018 despite a tariff war with Washington as Beijing's efforts began to make progress in the face of the economic slowdown.

FX markets were fairly unmoved by the latest economic data out of the United Kingdom.

The OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) employment rate increased in the last quarter of 2018, hitting record levels since the organization began to collect employment data from its members.

Analysts expected China’s economic growth to decline in Q1 2019 but reports out on Wednesday defied expectations and showed a steady 6.4 percent growth from Q1 2018.

The Japanese economy minister said that the trade talks with the United States were “Frank and Good”.

Volatility expectations for the Pound Sterling have decreased markedly to 1-year lows after news that the Brexit was approved for a 6-month delay. In the here and now, however, upbeat labor data out of the UK failed to provide any sustainable lift for Sterling.

Oil prices struggled for a second consecutive day after Russian officials announced that they may increase production in an effort to compete for more market share.