Monsoon risks and RBI stance – DBS
DBS Group Research economist Radhika Rao assesses how a projected below normal monsoon in India, linked to a strong El Niño, could affect growth and inflation. She notes that only a significant rainfall shortfall tends to materially hit output, while higher irrigated area and ample foodgrain stocks offer mitigation. Rao expects the RBI to keep […]
Inflation path stays contained – ING
ING’s Peter Virovacz notes that Hungary’s inflation accelerated in April but remained a positive surprise versus expectations, with headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) at 2.1% year-on-year and 0.4% month-on-month. Core inflation and other underlying measures still look favourable, suggesting second‑round effects are limited. ING’s base case sees inflation rising toward 4.0–4.5% by year-end, averaging around […]
US Dollar weakens ahead of key US CPI data and Fed speeches
The US Dollar Index (DXY) fell toward the 97.90 region on Friday, pressured by improving risk sentiment and easing safe-haven demand after reports suggested the United States (US) and Iran are still attempting to preserve a fragile ceasefire framework despite renewed military incidents in the Middle East. Market sentiment improved after US President Donald Trump […]
Bauxite export cap threatens supply – Commerzbank
Commerzbank’s Thu Lan Nguyen argues that any relief from a potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for Aluminium will likely be short‑lived. Guinea, which supplies 40% of global bauxite, plans to cap exports at 150 million tons, nearly 20% below last year, a move expected to support bauxite prices and, over time, Aluminium prices. […]
WTI declines as US-Iran deal hopes and Hormuz outlook weigh on Oil
West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude Oil benchmark, falls some 2.49% on Friday, poised to end the week with losses of over 7.39%, amid growing speculation that the US and Iran will reach an agreement to end the conflict. Oil heads for weekly loss as Hormuz reopening hopes grow Market mood remains positive, even […]
11 straight months of ETF inflows and no sign of stopping
Indian investors continue to pile up their bets on Gold via Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), contributing to the rebound in demand for the precious metal as spot prices stabilize after March’s sharp decline. India’s Gold ETFs extended their inflow streak to an eleventh consecutive month in April. Net inflows recorded $297.2 million, 68% more than […]
Divergent paths under Hormuz scenarios – MUFG
MUFG economists Lin Li, Michael Wan, Lloyd Chan and Khang Sek Lee outline a base case where the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by end‑May eases pressures on Asian currencies. They see Asia growth softening near term but stabilizing in H2 2026, with inflation contained and most central banks keeping neutral‑accommodative stances. They also […]
IPCA shock complicates easing path – Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo Economics projects Brazil’s April IPCA inflation to rise 0.9% month-over-month and around 4.5% year-over-year, near or above the target band. Energy and food pressures are intensifying, while inflation expectations have risen. The Brazilian Central Bank is still seen cutting rates cautiously in June, but a pause in the easing cycle is becoming more […]
Climbs above $80 as bulls eye weekly high
Silver (XAG/USD) price advances more than 2.50% on Friday, set to end the week with gains of over 7% sponsored by US Dollar (USD) weakness and falling Oil prices. At the time of writing, XAG/USD trades at $80.72, after bouncing off daily lows of $78.16. XAG/USD Price Analysis: Technical outlook Silver is testing the weekly […]
Export slowdown but outlook bright – ING
ING’s Chief Economist for Greater China, Lynn Song, notes that Taiwan’s April trade data showed slower export and import growth versus expectations, with the trade surplus easing to USD14.35bn. Semiconductor and machinery exports remained strong, while higher Oil prices started to lift import values. ING still expects robust trade momentum and sees upside risks to […]
