The euro fell against the dollar late last week after a much higher than expected US jobs data increased the probability of a 75 basis point rate hike from the Fed next month.
The British pound fell following the bank of England decision to hike rates by an expected 0.5%. Sterling dropped after Chair Bailey warned that inflation would continue rising to beyond 13%. Analysts believe that a period of negative growth, higher unemployment and high inflation - known as stagflation, is likely.
The USD/Yen pair climbed as the Japanese central bank appeared to confirm its current policy of leaving rates unchanged, while US employment data boosted the dollar on Friday.
Gold prices continued their ascent last week hitting a fresh one month high amid geopolitical tensions between the US and China over Taiwan and the war in Ukraine. capitalizing on broad dollar weakness. Friday’s US jobs data took some of the shine off the precious metal but gold resumed its upward course this week.
US stock edged higher with indexes paring gains made earlier in the week on Friday. The earnings season is winding down with most companies having reported moved into high gear last week with companies such as Moderna, and Alibaba reporting better than expected results, while Virgin disappointed after revealing that their flight schedule would have to be delayed to next year. Over 78% of companies reporting to date have posted beats.
OPEC decided on a new deal of adding add 100,000 barrels per month last week. But Oil prices fell on fears that oil demand will decline due to the United States recession and because of recent lockdowns in China.