Retail Investors Flock to Risky Currency Trading as New “Meme” Market

A growing number of everyday investors are turning to foreign exchange (FX) trading, joining a market once seen as exclusive to professionals. Inspired by trade war volatility, social media, and online courses, retail traders like Samantha Greer, a lawyer from England, are making sizable bets on currency movements. However, FX trading is a zero-sum game where one trader’s gain is another’s loss, and many retail traders face steep risks, especially when borrowing heavily through leveraged contracts. Experts warn that most amateur traders lose money, yet the allure of big wins keeps the market buzzing worldwide, especially outside the U.S. Retail […]

Oil Holds Near $70 as Market Braces for Future Surplus

Despite firm oil prices near $70, the market is grappling with forecasts of a significant supply surplus in late 2025 and 2026 as OPEC+ unwinds output curbs and non-OPEC production ramps up. Both the IEA and US Energy Information Administration have raised their supply estimates, projecting a surplus exceeding 2 million barrels per day. Current tight supply conditions and strong demand, particularly in jet fuel and U.S. consumption, sustain prices for now. However, analysts warn that the seasonal summer strength will fade, and growing inventory builds could pressure prices downward, impacting inflation and high-cost producers.

Fed Expected to Hold Rates, Signals on Future Cuts Remain Unclear

Despite President Trump’s vocal campaign for rate cuts, the Federal Reserve is expected to keep its benchmark interest rates unchanged at this week’s meeting. While two Republican Fed governors may dissent in favor of cuts, the Fed as a whole remains cautious due to ongoing uncertainties from tariffs and their inflationary and economic effects. Recent inflation data shows tariffs beginning to push prices higher, but mixed economic signals and a slowing job market complicate policy decisions. Markets are anticipating a possible rate cut in September, but Chair Powell is likely to avoid providing explicit forward guidance, opting instead to remain […]

Gold Falls Below 50-Day Moving Average

Gold closed Friday down nearly 1%, dropping below its 50-day simple moving average ($3,341), a significant technical shift that signals a short-term bearish trend. The breach ended gold’s recent support level and puts downside targets near $3,310, $3,282, and $3,244 in focus. A rebound in the U.S. Dollar Index, driven by strong labor data, coupled with renewed risk appetite from progress in U.S.-EU and U.S.-Japan trade negotiations, is pressuring gold. With the Fed meeting ahead, the absence of dovish signals could keep gold sellers dominant, despite the longer-term bullish outlook supported by the 200-day SMA near $2,991.

New BRICS Currency Could Reshape Global Economy by 2026-27

The BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—are moving forward with plans to create a shared digital currency by 2026-2027. This effort aims to reduce their reliance on the U.S. dollar and reshape the global monetary system. At their recent summit, leaders highlighted progress in using local currencies for trade and developing BRICS Pay, a common payment system to support financial independence. The new currency will be backed by advanced digital infrastructure, including blockchain technology and integration with central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). This initiative could significantly impact global trade, raw material pricing, and provide emerging markets with a […]

US and EU Reach Trade Deal with 15% Tariffs; China Truce Set to Extend

President Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a new trade deal framework setting a 15% tariff on most EU goods imported into the U.S. Trump called it “the biggest of them all,” while von der Leyen acknowledged the tariff rate as significant but the best possible outcome. Meanwhile, the U.S. and China are expected to extend their tariff truce by three months, with trade talks resuming in Stockholm. This comes as the U.S. also works to finalize deals with other partners like Canada and Japan, where a recent deal includes a $550 billion U.S. investment and […]

Why Gold Deserves a Place in Alternatives Investing

With alternative assets projected to reach $30 trillion by 2029, institutional investors face trade-offs including illiquidity and valuation lags. Gold offers a complementary solution, bridging public and private market characteristics through its liquidity, low correlation, and resilience during systemic shocks. Analysis shows gold maintains stable returns amid crises while private equity and private credit face valuation delays and liquidity constraints. Monte Carlo simulations recommend a 5-8% gold allocation within diversified portfolios containing roughly 25% alternatives to improve risk-adjusted outcomes and smooth volatility.

Dollar Rises After US-EU Tariff Deal Eases Trade War Fears

The U.S. dollar gained strength against major currencies after the U.S. and European Union reached a new trade agreement, setting tariffs at 15% on EU goods—half the rate originally threatened. This deal, part of a series including last week’s U.S.-Japan agreement, has eased fears of a global trade war. The euro fell sharply, reversing earlier gains, as traders focused on the impact of easing trade tensions on currency markets. Meanwhile, investors are closely watching upcoming U.S. Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan meetings, both expected to keep interest rates steady but could offer clues on future moves. With major U.S. […]

Gold Settles Below $3,340 Ahead of Crucial Fed Commentary

Gold prices steadied after the U.S. and European Union reached a new tariff agreement, calming fears of a full-blown trade war. The deal—set to impose 15% tariffs on most EU exports including cars—has left investors cautiously optimistic but still uncertain about how it may impact metals specifically. Meanwhile, anticipation builds around a possible extension of the U.S.-China trade truce and this week’s Federal Reserve meeting. While the Fed is expected to hold interest rates steady, traders are watching for clues about the future of monetary policy. Lower rates typically boost gold since it doesn’t pay interest. Despite a slight weekly […]

Treasury Yields Steady Ahead of Fed Decision and Key Inflation Data

U.S. Treasury yields were steady Monday with the 10-year note up just one basis point to 4.398%, as investors anticipate this week’s Federal Reserve policy meeting. The Fed is expected to maintain its current rate range of 4.25%-4.50%, while markets seek guidance on the timing of potential rate cuts. Thursday’s personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index, the Fed’s preferred inflation measure, is forecast to show inflation rising slightly to 2.4% year-over-year. This data will offer insights into tariff impacts on price pressures. In addition to the Fed and inflation data, key labor market reports will arrive throughout the week. Trade tensions […]