German industrial orders
Decline of Oil Price Extended in Spite of Iranian Attacks on Tankers
October 6, 2026
Oil price movements continue to dominate other financial markets. Despite stepped-up attacks by Iran on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a downtrend has continued in the cost of oil that followed the G7 agreement to release some emergency stockpiled diesel and resumed oil flowing through the Saudi East-West pipeline. The prices of both West […] More
Another Shift in Perceived Likelihood of A Fed Tightening Later This Month
September 4, 2026
The U.S. labor market last month showed greater-than-anticipated strength. The pivotal factor behind what the FOMC ultimately decides will still be upcoming price data, today’s job market surprise packed enough punch to depress share prices, maintain elevated long-term interest rate levels, lift the dollar, and soften the prices of crypto and precious metals. The dollar […] More
“We’ll Have to See What Happens”
August 6, 2026
Pick your cliche. Waiting for Godot. It ain’t over til the fat lady sings, or the Trumpian favorite that we’ll have to see what happens. Iran and Oman, which occupies the other side of the narrow Strait of Hormuz, are reportedly crafting an interim commitment to partially but not fully open the shipping passageway. Military […] More
A Quick Escalation Then De-escalation of Middle East Tensions Over the Weekend
June 8, 2026
(136) The pulpable spike in market anxiety late last week could have become worse today after Iran and Israel traded missile strikes over the weekend, but Iran just as suddenly announced an end to that operation. U.S. President Trump, as he often does, then expressed optimism that a peace deal may be close. This backdrop […] More
Electrifying Market Reversals after 2-Week Ceasefire Deal Averts Destruction of Iranian Infrastructure
April 8, 2026
Although the evolution of the Middle East war beyond April 22 remains very uncertain, world financial markets sharply reversed prior trends, choosing to disregard the remaining hurdles that must be overcome to secure peace beyond the two-week ceasefire as well as immense supply disruptions that will be difficult to untangle. The extent of the major […] More
Fresh Anxiety about Coming AI Disruption Adding to Existing Worries about Trade & Geopolitical Tensions
February 5, 2026
The jittery mood of investors is generating big and sudden swings in world financial markets. While last year showcased a suspect dollar but buoyant equity markets, stocks, Bitcoin and precious metals have lately been the objects of most volatility. In overnight action up to this morning’s interest rate decision announcements by the the European Central […] More
More of the Same: Gentle Dollar Down-Drift and Resilient Equities
December 5, 2025
Friday has seen several data releases but without meaningful impact on world financial markets as 2025 draws closer to its end. Prior to the release of U.S. personal income & consumption, consumer confidence, and the all-important PCE price deflator, the dollar was trading 0.1% lower against the euro, Swiss franc and on a weighted basis. […] More
Contrasting European and U.S. Data Trends Support Dollar
February 6, 2025
Compared to Wednesday closing levels, the dollar shortly before the opening of U.S. equity markets had strengthened by a further 0.4% against the euro, Aussie dollar and even sterling despite an as-expected announced 25-basis point cut in the Bank of England’s policy interest rate. The Czech National Bank’s key rate also was sliced by 25 […] More
Crypto Is Today’s Big Winner Against a Backdrop of Geopolitical Concerns
December 5, 2024
Whereas digital currencies had often failed to wear the inflation-hedge crown, it has lately capitalized mightily on geopolitical tensions such as Russian President Putin’s threat to use nuclear weapons in the war with Ukraine. U.S. and Russian generals have reportedly taken the rare step of communicating to counter this risk. Amnesty International is accusing Israel […] More
Japanese Intervention Risk Returns Even as Expected Size of Next Fed Rate Cut Shrinks
October 7, 2024
Ever since the international monetary system switched from fixed to market-determined flexible dollar exchange rates in March 1973, government officials in Japan have been particularly sensitive to excessive currency market volatility. The asymmetry since 2022 between loose Japanese monetary policy and tight stances elsewhere has presented a particularly difficult challenge especially with Japan transitioning out […] More
