Market-moving news and analysis
The U.S. dollar held steady in early trading as markets brace for the Federal Reserve's upcoming interest rate decision, with expectations of a pause in the tightening cycle.
Gold prices surged to a two-week high as the dollar weakened and escalating geopolitical tensions boosted demand for safe-haven assets.
Crude oil prices edged higher amid growing expectations that OPEC+ will extend or deepen production cuts at their upcoming meeting.
The S&P 500 index closed at a new all-time high, driven by a rally in technology stocks as investors shrugged off inflation concerns.
The euro strengthened against the dollar after European Central Bank officials signaled readiness to maintain higher interest rates to combat persistent inflation.
U.S. Treasury yields declined following weaker-than-expected economic data, reigniting debates about the timing of potential rate cuts.
Asian equity markets showed mixed performance as ongoing concerns about China's economic recovery weighed on investor sentiment across the region.
The British pound declined against the dollar after disappointing UK retail sales figures raised concerns about consumer spending and economic growth.
Broad-based commodity price increases were recorded as ongoing supply chain disruptions and strong demand pushed raw material costs higher.
The Nasdaq Composite outperformed other major indices as renewed optimism around artificial intelligence drove buying in tech mega-caps.
Japan's Nikkei 225 index rallied sharply as the yen weakened past the 150 mark against the dollar, boosting exporter stocks.
Silver prices outperformed gold as increasing industrial demand, particularly from solar panel manufacturing, provided additional support.
European equity markets posted modest gains as a strong start to the earnings season offset concerns about the region's economic outlook.
The USD/JPY pair experienced heightened volatility as traders positioned for a potential shift in the Bank of Japan's ultra-loose monetary policy stance.
Oil markets experienced heightened volatility as escalating Middle East tensions threatened supply routes, pushing benchmark prices higher.
