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The US dollar continues to hold the upper hand against most major currencies ahead of the outcome of the latest Federal Reserve meeting. While the base-case scenario remains for interest rates to stay unchanged, markets are also pricing in the possibility of a rate hike. The Fed’s decision, together with its comments on inflation, economic conditions and the future path of monetary policy, could determine the direction of the US dollar over the coming weeks. Another factor supporting the dollar is the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East. Despite the temporary suspension of US strikes on Iran and renewed…

Over the past five days, the Nasdaq has fallen more than 3%, and while the case for a further decline may look strong at first glance, there are still a few “buts.” Starting with geopolitics, although tensions in the Middle East have flared up again, pushing oil prices higher and raising concerns about a more aggressive Federal Reserve stance, the White House has little interest in letting the conflict drag on, as it could hurt the Republicans’ chances in the upcoming midterm elections.According to a POLITICO poll, the share of MAGA supporters who believe the war is worth the economic…

Gold is attempting a tepid bounce from six-day lows near $4,000 in Wednesday’s Asian trades, awaiting the US Federal Reserve (Fed) monetary policy outcome to determine the next major move.Gold jittery amid fresh Iran risks, ahead of FedGold is consolidating two back-to-back days of losses, with traders repositioning ahead of the Fed event risks.In doing so, Gold is trying to build on the intraday bounce, as the US Dollar (USD) holds overnight losses, following soft US Goods Trade Balance data for June and a profit-taking pullback from three-month highs.However, resumption of hostilities in the Middle East fuels a sharp 4% rebound…

Markets Yesterday, markets still lived on hope that the pause in military confrontation between the US and Iran was an indication of negotiations behind the scenes. However, there was little concrete news from the parties potentially involved in any negotiating process. Markets had to operate in some kind of no man’s land. Energy prices eased slightly further (Brent close $84 p/barrel, TTF gas €57.7 p/Mwh). The same goes for interest rates. U.S. yields fell between 3.5 bps (2-y & 5-y) and 4.8 bpn (30-y). European yields eased by a similar amount, but here the short-end outperformed (2-y Germany -4.5 bps,…

Forward look: FirstSun is predicting a sharp decline in net charge-offs during the second half of 2026 after experiencing a second-quarter surge. Expert quote: “The reality is we have no loans anywhere close to our legal lending limit, and we take concentration seriously.” — FirstSun CEO Neal ArnoldSupporting data: The company shrank its balance sheet 5% in the second quarter as part of a plan to divest high-cost deposits and risky loans acquired from First Foundation Inc.Though Denver-based FirstSun Capital Bancorp reported a $22.9 million second-quarter loss driven by two previously disclosed loan charge-offs, investors appeared to find a silver lining,…

Christopher Peterson, a former Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Utah and former advisor at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, has been tapped to lead New Jersey’s Division of Consumer Affairs. Processing ContentWhat’s at stake: The appointment is part of a growing trend of consumer experts moving into state roles as federal consumer oversight stalls. Key insight: Peterson helped advise on policy at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and was instrumental in expanding Military Lending Act protections for servicemembers and their families. Expert quote: “New Jersey consumers deserve transparent, fair prices—not hidden fees or subscription traps that can inflate the cost of…

Financial infidelity — hiding financial information from a partner — is a topic wealth advisors often have to address with clients. Advisors weighing in said secret cash transactions, private accounts and not disclosing investments are behaviors they often see, and that conversations with clients participating in the behavior must be approached neutrally and with care. Processing ContentFinancial infidelity isn’t born out of a numbers issue, but rather trust and relationship issues, according to experts. A recent Fidelity survey found only 29% of its respondents reported actually talking about daily finances with their partners.  Financial infidelity can come in many forms. Guli…

Key insight: Visa’s earnings slightly beat analyst expectations as the card network announced layoffs. What’s at stake: The credit card company said AI has enabled it to develop products and technology faster, and to restructure how it builds new products. Expert quote: “AI is also helping to accelerate this evolution and shape the way work gets done at Visa,”— CEO Ryan McInerneyShortly after American Express said AI-related job reductions would come largely through attrition, Visa made a more direct tie between artificial intelligence and downsizing its workforce. Processing ContentVisa will lay off 7% of its workforce, cutting about 2,600 jobs,…

He’s not quite at the level of obscurity of former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, but new Fed chief Kevin Warsh has settled on a few phrases that are notable for their repetition and lack of clarity.In five public appearances, starting with his nomination hearing in April, through his first press conference, roundtable in Portugal and two congressional testimonies, Warsh has used the phrase “family fight” 13 times, returning to “first principles” 11 times and “inflation is a choice” for the Fed six times.But what those phrases mean for monetary policy is more challenging than counting their usage. Yet, with…

US President Donald Trump speaks at Wheeler High School, in Marietta, Georgia, on July 22, 2026. Saul Loeb | AFP | Getty ImagesU.S. trading partners from Canberra to Brasília have rejected the forced labor rationale behind President Donald Trump’s new global tariffs, while most signaled they would keep negotiating rather than retaliate. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on Thursday took action under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, imposing tariffs on 60 economies for what Washington called their failure to impose and enforce bans on goods made with forced labor. The duties — 10% for partners…