Analysis: Currencies

Bank of Canada's Dec 11 jumbo rate cut was a close call, minutes show

The Bank of Canada's decision to cut rates by 50 basis points on Dec 11 was a close call, with some members of the governing council suggesting a smaller reduction, according to minutes released on...

US core capital goods orders rebound as economy eyes strong end to 2024

New orders for key U.S.-manufactured capital goods surged in November amid strong demand for machinery, offering more signs that the economy is on solid footing as the year ends. The...

Exclusive-Fed's Barr seeks legal advice amid speculation Trump might remove him, sources say

Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr has sought legal advice to explore his options against any attempts by President-elect Donald Trump to remove him, sources said, the latest sign...

US consumer spending rises in November; monthly inflation subsides

U.S. consumer spending increased in November, underscoring the economy's enduring strength, which prompted the Federal Reserve this week to project fewer interest rate cuts in 2025 than it had three...

EU ready to strengthen ties with US, focus on energy sector

The EU is ready to discuss further strengthening economic ties with U.S. President-elect Trump, including common interests in the energy sector, an EU spokesperson said on Friday, adding the EU was...

Tokyo inflation likely accelerated on suspended energy subsidies

Consumer inflation in Tokyo likely accelerated in December on higher food costs and after the government's suspension of its gas and electricity subsidies, a Reuters poll showed on Friday. ...

More hawkish Fed policy committee may increase dissent in 2025

A slightly more hawkish set of Federal Reserve regional bank presidents will become voters on the U.S. central bank's rate-setting panel in 2025, raising the chance that any further interest rate cuts...

US mortgage rates rise after three straight weekly declines

U.S. mortgage rates increased this week following three straight weekly declines and could rise further after the Federal Reserve projected fewer interest rate cuts in 2025, boosting the yield on the...

US existing home sales jump to eight-month high in November

U.S. existing home sales surged to an eight-month high in November, but higher mortgage rates and house prices remain a constraint heading into 2025. Home sales jumped 4.8% last month to...

US weekly jobless claims fall more than expected

The number of Americans filing new applications for jobless benefits fell more than expected last week, consistent with a gradual cooling in labor market conditions. Initial claims for...

Bank of England keeps rates steady, policy split widens

The Bank of England kept its main interest rate unchanged at 4.75% on Thursday but policymakers became more divided about whether rate cuts were needed to tackle a slowing economy. Three...

BOJ keeps rates steady by 8-1 vote, board member Tamura dissents

The Bank of Japan kept interest rates steady on Thursday, underscoring policymakers' preference to spend more time scrutinising whether wage hikes will broaden and keep inflation durably around its 2%...

Dollar charges ahead on hawkish Fed outlook, yen awaits BOJ

The dollar flirted with a two-year peak on Thursday after the Federal Reserve signalled a slower pace of rate cuts in 2025, while the yen slid to a one-month low ahead of a policy decision by the Bank...

BOJ meets for final rate review this year as Trump risk clouds outlook

Bank of Japan policymakers will debate whether conditions are falling in place to raise interest rates at their final meeting this year, a decision complicated by slowing global growth and uncertainty...

Fed cuts reverse repo rate by wider margin than funds rate target

The Federal Reserve adjusted a key part of its rate control toolkit on Wednesday, lowering the rate it offers on its reverse repo facility by more than it cut the federal funds rate. ...

Fed policymakers project two quarter-point rate cuts next year

U.S. central bankers on Wednesday issued fresh projections calling for two quarter-point interest-rate cuts next year amid rising inflation, a forecast consistent with a wait-and-see approach come...

US single-family housing starts rebound in November

U.S. single-family homebuilding rebounded in November as the drag from hurricanes faded, but the threat of tariffs on imported goods and potential labor shortages from mass deportations could hamper...

Powell has a long to-do list for his last full year as Fed chief

The Federal Reserve will conclude its final meeting of 2024 on Wednesday, and next year will likely be Fed Chair Jerome Powell's last full one at the helm of the U.S. central bank, with his four-year...

Dollar steady against peers as Fed rate cut looms 

The U.S. dollar held steady against the yen and other major rivals on Wednesday as investors waited to see whether the Federal Reserve will deliver a hawkish cut before the Bank of Japan and other...