Market Minutes

Read snapshots of the latest market news

Government shutdown impact shows as US ADP jobs shrink

Today’s report focuses on several key economic data points. Private payrolls measured by ADP showed a contraction in the latest assessment. Eurozone inflation recorded a slight uptick. Meanwhile, crude-oil inventories rose more than expected, pressuring prices lower. All this occurred as the US government shutdown materialised amid disagreement in Congress.

2 Oct 2025, 02:46
Government shutdown impact shows as US ADP jobs shrink

US confidence decline sparks mixed moves across markets

Today’s report highlights several notable data releases. The Conference Board’s consumer-confidence gauge declined in its latest reading. China’s PMI prints came in below estimates. Japan’s industrial production fell for a second consecutive month. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) left interest rates unchanged.

1 Oct 2025, 00:54
US confidence decline sparks mixed moves across markets

US shutdown fears rise as gold hits record high

The Dollar Index closed slightly lower amid rising risks of a US government shutdown. If Congress fails to reach agreement, the Bureau of Labor Statistics could delay publication of employment data. In parallel, gold reached a new all-time high as investors sought safe-haven assets.

30 Sep 2025, 01:21
US shutdown fears rise as gold hits record high

Markets lift gold and oil after PCE matches expectations

Personal consumption expenditures (PCE) inflation data arrived in line with analysts’ expectations, albeit with a slight acceleration in the headline measure. Although the release contained no major surprises, it suggests the tariff impact on prices is not yet visible in the data. In response, the dollar eased modestly, gold rose, and US equity indices appreciated into the close.

26 Sep 2025, 23:42
Markets lift gold and oil after PCE matches expectations

US GDP grows with jobs improvement despite market headwinds

US equity markets declined on renewed doubts about the viability of further Fed cuts. Weekly jobless-benefit data fell, monthly durable-goods orders surprised to the upside, and the latest Q2 GDP revision beat expectations—all of which underscore the strength of the US economy.

26 Sep 2025, 01:15
US GDP grows with jobs improvement despite market headwinds

US home sales exceed forecasts while Fed tone rattles investors

New home sales in the US surprised to the upside, reaching a three-year high. The print may reflect the recent decline in long-term reference rates, although many analysts regard it as a one-off outlier that is likely to normalise in coming months. Meanwhile, equity markets closed lower amid the Fed’s cautious tone and heightened uncertainty.

24 Sep 2025, 22:53
US home sales exceed forecasts while Fed tone rattles investors

Powell highlights economic risks while markets trade at high values

The Chair of the Federal Reserve (Fed) stated that the FOMC sees a minimal but present risk of stagflation in the US economy and will not pre-commit to further cuts without supporting data. When questioned about financial stability, he added that the Fed does not perceive systemic risks, though asset valuations are considered elevated.

24 Sep 2025, 01:28
Powell highlights economic risks while markets trade at high values

Trump increases visa fees as Nvidia invests in OpenAI

US equity markets closed higher despite the announcement of a new fee on H-1B visas introduced by US President Donald Trump. While higher application costs imply a headwind for US companies that recruit highly skilled foreign workers, the overall impact is likely to be contained. Meanwhile, Nvidia announced a substantial investment in OpenAI.

22 Sep 2025, 21:52
Trump increases visa fees as Nvidia invests in OpenAI

Interest rates left untouched while BoJ signals asset divestment

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged but announced a significant divestment of risk assets. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index fell, while 10-year government-bond yields rose. Meanwhile, global equity markets were mixed as the initial lift from the Fed’s tone faded.

20 Sep 2025, 00:58
Interest rates left untouched while BoJ signals asset divestment

Pound under pressure as BoE maintains current rates

The Bank of England (BoE) kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4%, while slowing the pace of its quantitative tightening (QT) programme. Meanwhile, equity markets advanced across the board following the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) decision to cut interest rates.

18 Sep 2025, 22:06
Pound under pressure as BoE maintains current rates