Weekly Markets Monitor
Weekly Markets Monitor - India’s import duty reversal
Last week, markets focused on the Trump-Xi summit amid fading hopes of an Iran peace deal, while stronger-than-expected US inflation reinforced higher-for-longer rate expectations.Weekly Markets Monitor
Weekly Markets Monitor - A seminal moment
While geopolitics continued to dominate headlines last week, markets focused on strong earnings and supportive economic data.Weekly Markets Monitor
Weekly Markets Monitor - Bars trump bracelets
The Fed, ECB, Bank of England, and BoJ all held rates steady last week, even as conflicting Middle East war headlines and sticky inflation clouded the outlook.Weekly Markets Monitor
Weekly Markets Monitor - Fed policy in driver’s seat
Strong US economic data and upbeat corporate earnings contrasted with weakening consumer confidence in the US and Europe last week. Uncertainties around the US–Iran conflict remained key in influencing market sentiment.Weekly Markets Monitor
Weekly Markets Monitor - Light relief
Geopolitics remained in focus last week, with signs of de-escalation between the US and Iran, boosting market sentiment. Better-than-expected economic updates across the US, Europe and China, alongside upbeat Q1 US corporate earnings further supported global markets.Weekly Markets Monitor
Weekly Markets Monitor - A high price to pay
Last week, the Middle East conflict continued to dominate market sentiment. Economic data signaled price pressures and slowing activity.Weekly Markets Monitor
Weekly Markets Monitor - 21 tonne salute
In a holiday-shortened and geo-politically volatile week, economic data came in stronger than expected—US jobs, manufacturing, retail sales, and confidence all beat forecasts. China showed improving economic momentum and India’s manufacturing output rose. At the same time, in the Eurozone, price pressures from the surge in energy costs are emerging.Weekly Markets Monitor
Weekly Markets Monitor - Conflict pressure mounts
Geopolitics and rising energy prices dominated markets last week, raising stagflation concerns. Early signs of fallout from the Middle East conflict are emerging, with softer PMIs across several economies. In the US, consumer sentiment weakened as inflation expectations rose. UK inflation held steady in February but faces upward pressure from higher energy costs, while Japan’s inflation eased on subsidies. China’s industrial profits rose, pointing to a firmer recoveryWeekly Markets Monitor
Weekly Markets Monitor - Testing gold’s resolve
Last week was marked by major central bank meetings and escalating geopolitical tensions. Most central banks, including the Fed, ECB, BoE, BoJ, held rates steady but highlighted rising inflation risks and signaled a hawkish bias, while the RBA hiked. Economic data was mixed, stronger in China but weaker across other major economies.Weekly Markets Monitor
Weekly Markets Monitor - Credit, where credit’s due
Global markets faced a turbulent week as the West Asian conflict added to existing economic uncertainty. Economic data pointed to moderating US growth, flat UK GDP, and a sharp drop in Eurozone industrial production, while China continued to post large trade surpluses.Weekly Markets Monitor
Weekly Markets Monitor - What gives: oil or yields?
Global markets remained under pressure last week. In the US, unexpected job losses, rising unemployment and weaker retail sales pointed to softening momentum, while private credit concerns persisted and the VIX rose. Eurozone inflation surprised on the upside amid risks from rising oil prices.Weekly Markets Monitor
Weekly Markets Monitor: Crisis hedge
Last week, global developments were marked by inflationary pressures in advanced economies, uneven growth momentum, and a sharp escalation of geo-political tensions. US price pressures remained firm despite softer activity. Europe posted mixed inflation and patchy demand, China signaled cautious domestic demand, while India’s growth stayed robust. Escalating US–Israel–Iran tensions disrupted key energy and transport routes, heightening geopolitical and market risks.Weekly Markets Monitor
Weekly Markets Monitor: A silver lining playbook?
Last week’s updates pointed to an uneven but resilient global economic backdrop and persistent policy uncertainty. The US economy slowed in Q4, the trade deficit widened, inflation firmed, Fed divisions emerged and the Supreme court blocked global tariffs. Europe and Japan showed improving momentum and easing price pressures, while in India activity stayed steady, though trade deficits widened sharply.Jennifer Johnson-Calari
JJC AdvisoryThe International Monetary System and the Canary in the Goldmine
Over history, the world has adopted the currency of the leading country for global payments. The USD is, arguably, the first global currency untethered from precious metals.
Weekly Markets Monitor
Weekly Markets Monitor: Policy bear not hibernating
Trade deals and tariffs, coupled with weak US labour market data, dominated sentiment last week, while both the Fed and Bank of Japan held rates steady as they monitor the impact of tariffs on prices.
Claire Lincoln
Global Head of Institutional Investor Relationships World Gold CouncilGeopolitics and Gold Webinar
On July 9th, WGC's Senior Market Strategist, Joe Cavatoni, led an insightful discussion reviewing the last 6 months, followed by the outlook for geopolitics and gold, with a focus on central bank demand.
Krishan Gopaul
Senior Analyst, EMEA World Gold CouncilCentral Bank Gold Statistics: June 2024
Central banks reported 12t of net buying in June via the IMF and other public data sources. Demand moderated during the month: monthly gross purchases of 31t were offset by gross sales of 18t.
Ray Jia
Head of Research (Asia Pacific, ex-India) and Deputy Head of Trade Engagement (China) World Gold CouncilChina’s gold market in June: wholesale demand remained weak while ETFs inflows continued
In June, China’s wholesale gold demand remained weak, ending H1 with little changes compared to 2023. Chinese gold ETFs saw their seventh consecutive monthly inflow, pushing both of their assets under management and holdings to record highs. Meanwhile, the People’s Bank of China reported no gold reserve changes.
