Analysis: Currencies

Inflation in Japan's capital accelerates, keeps rate hike prospects intact

Core inflation in Japan's capital accelerated in December as price pressures broadened, data showed on Friday, keeping alive market expectations for a near-term interest rate hike. The...

Big banks planning to sue US Fed over annual stress tests, CNBC reports

Major banks are planning to sue the U.S. Federal Reserve over the annual stress tests conducted by the regulator, CNBC reported on Tuesday, citing a source familiar with the matter. A...

Some in BOJ called for caution in raising rates, Oct minutes show

Bank of Japan policymakers agreed in October to keep raising interest rates if the economy moves in line with their forecast, but some stressed the need for caution due to the uncertain outlook,...

Bumpy ride for US corporate bond spreads expected in 2025

It could be a bumpy ride for U.S. corporate bond spreads in 2025, with investors and strategists expecting more market volatility, as the new Trump administration implements a reform agenda that could...

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. ...

Exclusive-China's state importer books US soy purchases as tariff threat looms

China's Sinograin has bought nearly 500,000 metric tons of U.S. soybeans this week for shipment in March and April, paying more for U.S. supplies for state reserves rather than buying cheaper...

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. ...