Fed’s new mandate: Lower rates [Video]

Ipek Ozkardeskaya Swissquote Bank Ltd

European stocks rallied on Trump-fueled hopes of brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine—but that optimism is fading fast. Defense names slid after Rheinmetall’s disappointing results, while BAE and Leonardo offered mixed signals. Meanwhile, Switzerland left Washington with no tariff relief, and a 39% levy looms over exports.

In the US, oil broke below $65pb, jobless claims surged, and inflation expectations jumped—classic stagflation territory. Yet markets are betting on more Federal Reserve (Fed) cuts, especially with Stephen Miran expected to replace Adriana Kugler and Christopher Waller floated as the next Fed Chair.

Tech continues to be the market’s virtual comfort zone, as AI demand defies macro noise. Japan’s SoftBank and Sony hit highs, while US chipmakers like Nvidia rallied on tariff protectionism that exempt them from 100% tariffs.

Author

Ipek Ozkardeskaya

Swissquote Bank Ltd

Ipek Ozkardeskaya began her financial career in 2010 in the structured products desk of the Swiss Banque Cantonale Vaudoise. She worked in HSBC Private Bank in Geneva in relation to high and ultra-high-net-worth clients.

EUR/USD hovers around nine-day EMA above 1.1800

EUR/USD remains in the positive territory after registering modest gains in the previous session, trading around 1.1820 during the Asian hours on Monday. The 14-day Relative Strength Index momentum indicator at 54 is edging higher, signaling improving momentum. RSI near mid-50s keeps momentum balanced. A sustained push above 60 would firm bullish control.

GBP/USD holds medium-term bullish bias above 1.3600

The GBP/USD pair trades on a softer note around 1.3605 during the early European session on Monday. Growing expectation of the Bank of England’s interest-rate cut weighs on the Pound Sterling against the Greenback.

Gold sticks to gains above $5,000 as China's buying and Fed rate-cut bets drive demand

Gold surges past the $5,000 psychological mark during the Asian session on Monday in reaction to the weekend data, showing that the People's Bank of China extended its buying spree for a 15th month in January. Moreover, dovish US Federal Reserve expectations and concerns about the central bank's independence drag the US Dollar lower for the second straight day, providing an additional boost to the non-yielding yellow metal.

Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple consolidate after massive sell-off

Weekly column: Saturn-Neptune and the end of the Dollar’s 15-year bull cycle

Tariffs are not only inflationary for a nation but also risk undermining the trust and credibility that go hand in hand with the responsibility of being the leading nation in the free world and controlling the world’s reserve currency.

Bitcoin, Ethereum and Ripple consolidate after massive sell-off

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple prices consolidated on Monday after correcting by nearly 9%, 8%, and 10% in the previous week, respectively. BTC is hovering around $70,000, while ETH and XRP are facing rejection at key levels. Traders should be cautious: despite recent stabilization, upside recovery for these top three cryptocurrencies is capped as the broader trend remains bearish.