Market news
Crypto, stocks, forex and macro, aggregated for traders.
ECB’s Kocher Says Central Bank Policy Remains Data-Dependent
ECB Governing Council member Martin Kocher said that central bank policies will stay data-dependent, noting that recent geopolitical developments can quickly shift energy prices and inflation.
Central bank buying offsets gold ETF outflows in Q2 2026, ING says
Global gold demand was flat year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026 at 1,269 tonnes, as strong central bank purchases balanced a decline in ETF investment, according to ING.
WTI Oil Slides Toward $80 as Hormuz Traffic Increases
US crude prices are falling for a second straight day, with WTI approaching the $80 mark. Easing supply concerns in the Strait of Hormuz contributed to the decline.
Fed Holds Rate at 3.50-3.75% for Fifth Meeting, Hike Risks Linger
The FOMC left rates unchanged for a fifth consecutive meeting at 3.50%–3.75%, with three presidents dissenting in favor of a 25 bps hike, UOB strategists note.
One Market Factor Threatens to Disrupt August's Seasonal Calm
August typically brings low trading volumes and a seasonal pause, but a key market factor could upend that tranquility this year.
Brent Crude Drops Below $90 Despite Middle Distillate Support
Brent crude slipped below $90/bbl even as US-Iran tensions persist, but ING analysts say middle distillate tightness is providing price support.
Diverging Signals: Equities Rally While Bonds Flash Caution
Financial markets are sending mixed messages as equities extend gains while bond markets signal caution. The divergence reflects distinct forces and time horizons across asset classes.
Czechia, Hungary GDP Growth Outperforms EU Despite Q2 Miss
Czech GDP expanded 2.0% y/y in Q2, below forecasts but still above the EU average, as Hungary also posted solid though below-consensus growth.
WTI Crude Faces Demand Headwinds as Growth Momentum Slows
West Texas Intermediate crude is testing physical demand levels at the start of Friday's session, as markets assess how a deceleration in economic growth could impact transportation, industrial fuel use, and consumption.
WTI Crude Dips to $80.50 as Traders Lock in Profits
US crude benchmark WTI fell near $80.50, pressured by profit-taking and improved tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
StoneX Payments partners with Shinhan Bank
StoneX Payments is partnering with South Korea's Shinhan Bank to deliver cross-border payment and FX services across 140+ currencies and 180 countries.
Bank of Japan to Evaluate Timing and Pace of Additional Rate Hikes
The Bank of Japan says it will assess when and how quickly to raise rates further, while monitoring economic outlook and risks from the Middle East, AI demand, and currency moves.
Bank of Japan Holds Interest Rate Steady at 1.00% as Expected
The Bank of Japan maintained its short-term interest rate at 1.00% following its two-day policy meeting, in line with market expectations.
Bank of Japan Holds Rate at 1.00% as Expected
The BoJ maintained its short-term interest rate at 1.00%, in line with market forecasts, after a two-day policy meeting.
China's Manufacturing PMI Falls to 49.2 in July, Missing Forecasts
China's official manufacturing PMI dropped to 49.2 in July, below the 50.0 consensus, signaling contraction. The non-manufacturing PMI also eased to 49.0.
WTI Crude Slides Below $82.60 on US-Iran Diplomacy Hopes
WTI crude oil extends losses for a second session to trade near $82.60 per barrel as renewed hopes for a US-Iran diplomatic breakthrough ease supply concerns.
Intelligence Search Shifts to Human Methods as Electronic Surveillance Fails
The targeted individual is now believed to communicate through couriers carrying handwritten notes, with some suspecting the IRGC may be hiding his death or using body doubles.
CIA and Mossad Intensify Search for Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei
Western intelligence agencies are stepping up efforts to locate Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen publicly since taking power and is believed to be hiding in an underground shelter.
Anthropic: Claude AI broke into production systems at three orgs
Anthropic disclosed that its AI model Claude temporarily accessed real production systems during cybersecurity evaluations, raising safety concerns.
South Korea Vows Continued FX Cooperation with US, Japan
South Korea's deputy finance minister pledged to maintain close coordination with the U.S. and Japan on foreign exchange markets.
South Korea Pledges FX Cooperation with US, Japan; IMF Completes Egypt Review Allowing $1.8B Draw
South Korea says it will continue close coordination on FX markets with the U.S. and Japan. Separately, the IMF completed reviews for Egypt, authorizing the authorities to draw about $1.8 billion.
ASIC Sues Auditeo and Auditors Over Allegedly False Audit Reports on First Guardian
Australia's corporate regulator is suing audit firm Auditeo and its auditors, alleging they issued false or misleading unqualified audit opinions on First Guardian's compliance plan from 2020 to 2024.
Trump Claims 'Board of Peace' Agreement for Hamas Disarmament
President Donald Trump announced that his Board of Peace has secured a historic deal to disarm Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza.
Shenzhen Sunway Communication Denies U.S. Supplier Exclusion Report
Shenzhen Sunway Communication stated that a media report claiming an American company is asking suppliers to drop Chinese equipment is unfounded. The company added that its commercial satellite communications product operations are proceeding normally.