Analysis: Currencies

Russian factory activity shrinks at fastest pace since March 2022, PMI shows

Russia's manufacturing sector contracted at its fastest rate since March 2022 in December, as output and new orders fell sharply, S&P Global reported on Monday. The Purchasing Managers'...

Bulgaria prepares for the euro amid excitement and scepticism

Bulgarian banks, businesses and shoppers were preparing this week to say goodbye to the lev currency ahead of a move to adopt the euro on January 1, a long-awaited milestone met with excitement,...

UBS AM warms to beaten-down Indian rupee, but neutral on government debt

The Indian rupee's slide against the dollar has increased its allure for UBS Asset Management ahead of a long-anticipated trade deal with the U.S., even as it remains neutral on Indian bonds. ...

BOJ debated need for more rate hikes even after December move, summary shows

Bank of Japan policymakers debated the need to keep raising interest rates even after a hike in December with one calling for increases every few months, a summary of opinions showed, highlighting...

S&P 500 eyes 7,000 mark as investors look for upbeat end to strong 2025

Investors are looking for the U.S. stock market to end 2025 on a high note next week, with equities at record peaks and nearing further bullish milestones to close out another strong year. ...

Japan proposes record budget spending while curbing fresh debt

Japan's government on Friday proposed record spending for next fiscal year while curbing debt issuance, underscoring Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's challenge in boosting the economy while inflation...

Japan's cabinet approves record $785 billion budget, vows to keep debt in check

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's cabinet on Friday approved a record $785 billion budget for the next fiscal year, aiming to strike a balance between her proactive fiscal policy and debt...

Japan cuts issuance of longest bonds as fiscal worries drive selloff

Japan's finance ministry will over the next fiscal year issue the fewest super-long government bonds, known as JGBs, in 17 years, according to a plan approved by the cabinet on Friday. ...

Core inflation in Japan's capital slows in December but no bar for further BOJ hikes

Core consumer inflation in Japan's capital slowed in December on moderating cost pressure for food but stayed above the central bank's 2% target, data showed on Friday, firming the case for further...

Japan PM reassures markets with fiscal discipline in next year's budget

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sought on Thursday to ease market concerns over her expansionary fiscal policy, saying the government's draft budget maintains discipline by limiting reliance on...

BOJ chief sees progress in hitting price goal, signals further hikes

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda said on Thursday the nation's underlying inflation is accelerating gradually and steadily approaching the central bank's 2% target, reiterating the central bank's...

US weekly jobless claims fall, but more people collecting unemployment checks

The number of Americans filing new applications for jobless benefits unexpectedly fell last week, consistent with a low level of layoffs, but the unemployment rate likely remained high in December...

US weekly jobless claims unexpectedly fall

The number of Americans filing new applications for jobless benefits unexpectedly fell last week, but the unemployment rate likely remained high in December amid sluggish hiring. Initial...

Sterling steady near multi-month highs, BoE caution still top of mind

The pound held around a three-month high against a broadly softer dollar and near its firmest in two months against the euro on Wednesday, although trading was thin ahead of the Christmas holiday. ...

Santa Claus rally in India bonds to ride on after RBI's liquidity injection gift

The latest intervention from the central bank through liquidity injection will ensure a sustained rise in government bond prices, as well as ensure banking system liquidity stays at an optimal level...

Rupee slips as corporate dollar bids eclipse uptick in Asian peers

The Indian rupee closed modestly weaker on Wednesday as dollar demand from local corporates and on account of maturing positions in the non-deliverable forward market blunted positive cues from gains...

Bank of Canada can't tell if next rate move will be a hike or a cut, say minutes

Ahead of the Bank of Canada's rates decision on December 10, Governing Council agreed it was hard to predict whether its next move would be a hike or cut, according to minutes of the meeting released...

Trump says anybody that disagrees with him will never be Fed Chair

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he wants the next chairman of the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates if the markets are doing well, adding that anybody that disagrees with me will...

Robust consumer spending, rising exports fuel US economic growth in third quarter

The U.S. economy grew at its fastest pace in two years in the third quarter, fueled by robust consumer spending and a sharp rebound in exports, though momentum appears to have faded amid the rising...