This week, all eyes were focused on the Federal Reserve's decision, as well as some earnings reports. While some outcomes were expected, markets still reacted quite actively. Curious to know more about how exactly?
Dive into our weekly analysis to stay updated on all the key developments you shouldn't miss!
Fed leaves its interest rate unchanged
At its meeting on Wednesday, May 1st, the Federal Reserve of the United States opted to keep its key interest rate unchanged at 5.25%-5.50%. This decision was widely anticipated, given that the US inflation rate has not reached the targeted 2% annual mark.
However, signals were received indicating that a rate cut may still be possible in 2024, albeit later than expected. It was previously planned to begin rate cuts in the spring of 2024, but this now seems unlikely. Assets immediately reacted to the news, particularly with high volatility observed in the US Dollar, Stocks, and Gold.
Amazon ($AMZN) released its first-quarter earnings report after Tuesday's closing bell, surpassing analysts' expectations and sparking a surge in its stock price. The company's robust performance was driven by significant growth in Amazon Web Services (AWS) and advertising revenue streams.
The earnings report revealed a net income of $10.43 billion, or 98 cents per share, on total revenue of $143.31 billion. Amazon's revenue surged by over 12% compared to the same period last year, while net income and earnings per share more than tripled.
Following a 3.3% decline during regular trading hours, Amazon shares surged by 2.9% to $181.01 in extended trading on Tuesday.
Gold prices traded positively near $2,288 on Wednesday as investors awaited the Federal Reserve's monetary policy meeting. The precious metal posted modest gains, reversing a two-day losing streak, amidst a cautious market sentiment.
Anticipation surrounded the Fed's decision on interest rates, with expectations that rates would remain steady. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell was anticipated to maintain a hawkish stance, influencing market dynamics.
Additionally, rising geopolitical risks contributed to a boost in demand for traditional safe-haven assets like gold. Despite uncertainties in global markets, gold prices edged higher, reflecting investors' cautious approach.
Euro turns bearish ahead of Fed policy announcements
$EURUSD experienced a bearish turn after Tuesday's sharp decline, entering a consolidation phase. The pair closed significantly lower during the American session on Tuesday, and early Wednesday found itself in consolidation below the 1.0700 level.
The technical outlook for $EURUSD suggested a bearish tilt in the near term, reflecting the downward pressure on the euro against the US dollar. Market sentiment shifted as investors braced for the Federal Reserve's policy announcements, widely anticipating that the central bank would leave the policy rate unchanged. That's what happened.
This concludes our weekly recap. Have a great weekend and see you next week! 👋
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Any news, opinions, research, analyses, prices or other information contained in this article are provided as general market commentary and do not constitute investment advice. The market commentary has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research, and therefore, it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of dissemination. Past performance is not an indication of possible future performance. Any action you take upon the information in this article is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of this article.
RISK WARNING: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. A high percentage of retail client investors lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Financial markets this week show mixed signals with strong retail sales, inflation concerns, and geopolitical tensions. Tech stocks rise, bond yields fluctuate, and investors brace for upcoming economic data and central bank decisions.
Top Economic Events to Watch | February 17 - 21, 2025
17 February 2025
18 views
Get ahead of the markets this week with key insights on central bank decisions, trade tensions, and inflation. From the RBA and RBNZ rate moves to U.S. tariffs, GBP/USD trends, NASDAQ sentiment, and gold’s outlook—stay informed on what’s driving volatility.
Markets reacted to hotter-than-expected inflation, with Wall Street on edge over Fed moves. European stocks hit record highs, fueled by strong earnings, while Asia grapples with U.S. tariffs and Fed policy shifts. Gold gains as a safe haven, and oil dips on demand concerns. Read the full recap!
NAGA is a trademark of The NAGA Group AG, a German based FinTech company publicly listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange | WKN: A161NR | ISIN: DE000A161NR7.
The website is operated by NAGA Capital Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority Seychelles (FSA) under licence No. SD026. The registered address of Suite 3, Jivan’s Complex, Global Village, Mont Fleuri, Mahe, Seychelles. Tel: +248 4373121
Partner Companies: NAGA Markets Europe Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission ("CySEC") under license No. 204/13 with registered address at Agias Zonis 11, Limassol, 3027, Cyprus and NAGA Global (CY) Ltd, with registered address at Nikokreontos 2, NICE DREAM, 6th floor, Flat/Office 601, 1066, Nicosia, Cyprus.
RISK WARNING: Derivatives are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should consider whether you understand how derivatives work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. This is not investment advice. Trading with NAGA Trader by following and/or copying or replicating the trades of other traders involves high levels of risks, even when following and/or copying or replicating the Lead Traders. Such risks include the risk that you may be following/copying the trading decisions of possibly inexperienced/unprofessional traders, or traders whose ultimate purpose or intention, or financial status may differ from yours. Before making an investment decision, you should rely on your own assessment of the person making the trading decisions and the terms of all the legal documentation.
Restricted countries: NAGA Capital Ltd does not provide services for the residents of certain countries, such as Afghanistan, Albania, American Samoa, Anguilla, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guam, Haiti, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Hungary, Iceland, Islamic Republic of Iran, Ireland, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Latvia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mali, Malta, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Norway, Palestinian Territory, Occupied, Pitcairn, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan Da Cunha, San Marino, Senegal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom and any other countries where the citizens have British proof of identity (i.e. British Virgin Island, Gibraltar, Isle of Man etc.), United States, U.S. Minor Islands, Vanuatu, Virgin Islands, British, Virgin Islands, U.S., Yemen, and Zimbabwe.