The latest US debt downgrade has failed to put much of a dent in the stock market rally, says Chris Beauchamp, Chief Market Analyst at online trading platform IG.

Stocks shrug off Moody’s downgrade

Older hands in this market will remember when downgrades of US debt meant something, at least for a day or so. Moody’s Friday night downgrade of the US completes the trio of ratings agencies, but it does feel like a stable door, horse bolted moment given how little new information the news provides. Early trading on Wall Street suggests that it hasn’t deterred the headlong rush back into US equities, which continue to defy the doubters with their post-April rebound.

Pound rises against the dollar

Given the Moody’s news and the EU-UK deal it’s hard to disentangle dollar weakness and sterling strength today. The deal should help to smooth the way to better economic ties, businesses preferring better access even if the UK has had to make significant concessions. It is yet another signal of how Trump’s abrasive approach continues to upend the global order.

This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients.

Recommended Content


Recommended Content

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD struggles to retain 1.1500 as USD gains traction

EUR/USD struggles to retain 1.1500 as USD gains traction

EUR/USD hovers around the 1.1500 level in the American session on Friday. The US Dollar surges despite dovish comments from Fed Governor Waller, supporting a rate cut as soon as July. The mood sours as investors weigh Middle East developments. 

GBP/USD dives below 1.3500 after weak UK data, resurgent USD

GBP/USD dives below 1.3500 after weak UK data, resurgent USD

GBP/USD turned red for the day and approaches the 1.3450 area as the week comes to an end. Earlier in the day, the UK reported weak Retail Sales figures, although the ongoing slump seems related to renewed risk aversion fueling safe-haven US Dollar demand. 

 

Gold surges above $3,3360 as fears kick in

Gold surges above $3,3360 as fears kick in

Gold gathers near-term momentum and trades near $3,370 ahead of the weekly close, as risk sentiment took a turn to the south. Following a positive start, Wall Street turned south. Middle East tensions and massive back-and-forth missile exchanges between Iran and Israel seem to be behind the ongoing run to safety.

 

Ripple Price Prediction: How tokenized treasuries could accelerate XRP to $10 by end-2025

Ripple Price Prediction: How tokenized treasuries could accelerate XRP to $10 by end-2025

Ondo Finance launched tokenized treasuries on the XRP Ledger in June, paving the way for seamless institutional adoption. The market capitalization of tokenized treasuries has grown to $5.9 billion despite market uncertainty over US tariffs.

Weekly focus: War and risk of escalation weigh on market sentiment

Weekly focus: War and risk of escalation weigh on market sentiment

The war between Israel and Iran and the risk of further escalation weighed on markets this week. Equity markets largely traded in red and US treasury yields slid lower. That said, markets were by no means in full risk-off sentiment.

The Best brokers to trade EUR/USD

The Best brokers to trade EUR/USD

SPONSORED Discover the top brokers for trading EUR/USD in 2025. Our list features brokers with competitive spreads, fast execution, and powerful platforms. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, find the right partner to navigate the dynamic Forex market.

Majors

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures

Best Brokers of 2025