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Market Minutes
Read snapshots of the latest market news
Pound sterling slips amid growing unemployment concerns
The British pound has depreciated following the release of weak labour market data, characterised by a rising unemployment rate and a deceleration in employment growth. Market participants are increasingly weighing the possibility of interest rate cuts by the Bank of England (BoE) to support the UK economy in the coming months. Simultaneously, Canadian inflation slowed more than anticipated, coming in below analysts' expectations.
17 Feb 2026, 22:38
Japanese yen slides after softer-than-expected GDP
Japan’s fourth-quarter (Q4) 2025 GDP data revealed that the economy narrowly avoided a technical recession, though the expansion fell short of market forecasts. Despite expectations for a robust recovery driven by new government initiatives, both the Japanese yen and the Nikkei 225 index retreated following the release of the subdued growth figures. Simultaneously, global oil prices advanced as geopolitical uncertainty intensified ahead of critical diplomatic talks between the US and Iran.
16 Feb 2026, 22:35
US inflation slows markedly, lifting stocks and gold
Gold prices and US equity indices advanced following a lower-than-expected US inflation report. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) decelerated from 2.7% to 2.4%, easing pressure on the Federal Reserve and bolstering market expectations for interest rate cuts in the latter half of 2026. Concurrently, oil prices settled slightly higher during a volatile session, as investors weighed the prospect of increased production against persistent geopolitical risks.
14 Feb 2026, 02:08
US stocks fall on weak home sales and AI return concerns
US equity markets declined in unison following the release of weak existing home sales data and a sharp sell-off in software and technology shares. The downturn in the tech sector was driven by intensifying investor scepticism regarding the return on investment (ROI) for artificial intelligence (AI). Furthermore, certain industries are facing increased volatility as AI tools emerge as potential direct competitors to traditional service models.
12 Feb 2026, 21:38
Gold and US Treasury yields rise following robust employment data
Gold and US 10-year yields rose as markets continued to price in two 25bp rate cuts this year, despite resilient labor data. Oil climbed on unresolved US–Iran tensions, outweighing a sharp build in US crude inventories. Meanwhile, softer inflation in China renewed concerns about weak domestic demand.
12 Feb 2026, 00:15
US stocks mixed after retail sales miss expectations
US stock indices closed with mixed results following the release of lower-than-expected retail sales data. According to the US Census Bureau, several retail segments experienced contractions in December, a month typically characterised by robust seasonal consumption.
11 Feb 2026, 00:20
Oil prices climb as markets weigh US–Iran geopolitical risks
Crude oil prices advanced by more than 1% following renewed concerns regarding US-Iran relations. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a maritime advisory urging US-flagged vessels to avoid transiting Iranian territorial waters, signaling that bilateral tensions remain unresolved. Concurrently, market participants are shifting their focus to the release of critical economic indicators this week, most notably US employment and inflation data.
9 Feb 2026, 23:38
Amazon shares fall on mixed quarterly results as US markets rise
Amazon’s shares experienced a significant decline during the trading session, driven by lower-than-expected earnings per share (EPS) and a substantial projected increase in capital expenditure for the current fiscal year. Despite Amazon’s retreat, US equity indices rallied in tandem on renewed expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.
6 Feb 2026, 21:59
Bullion and oil prices retreat following US–Iran de-escalation
Precious metals and crude oil prices declined following a temporary de-escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran, as both nations announced forthcoming negotiations in Oman this Friday. A diplomatic resolution would likely mitigate the risk of a broader regional conflict and reduce the geopolitical risk premium that has recently bolstered safe-haven assets and energy prices.
5 Feb 2026, 20:07
ADP jobs growth slows, misses estimates; Oil rises on lower US inventories
The latest ADP National Employment Report revealed a notable deceleration in private-sector hiring, suggesting persistent weakness in the United States labour market. Concurrently, crude oil benchmarks—Brent and WTI—advanced following a sharper-than-anticipated draw in US inventories, exacerbated by severe winter storms. Meanwhile, shares in Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) retreated significantly, despite the semiconductor firm reporting financial results that surpassed analyst estimates.
4 Feb 2026, 21:30