Image Source: In this video, Ira Epstein reviews the activity in the Financial Markets after the day that just ended, Thursday, February 6.Video Length: 00:13:54Metal Markets Report For Wednesday, Feb 5SPDR ETF Report For Wednesday, Feb 5Financial Markets Report For Wednesday, Feb 5

Image Source: We don’t know what it was due to, but the National Bank of Poland Governor Glapiński softened his tone slightly at the February press conference. His stance is still hawkish, as he said, “There is no indication for cuts in 2025”. However, in January he spoke of cuts maybe only in 2026, today he stated “we do not prejudge what decisions will be in the next quarters”, “the time will come that rates will be cut”. He even stated “like a rainbow almost everyone is looking out for the moment of a cut”. He acknowledged that there are views within the MPC in favour of cuts in 2025, but for now no one is making a proposal. The NBP Governor reiterated that the elevated inflation in 2025 is the fault of regulated prices and other factors beyond the control of the NBP. We have a different view.Governor Glapiński reiterated that the increased inflation is the fault of regulated prices, as according to him the sources of inflation are completely independent of the NBP. Inflation is conquered by prices of energy, water, sewage, higher indirect taxes. As a result, throughout 2025, average price growth (around 5% year-on-year) will be double the inflation target. He again presented the inflation projection for the whole of 2025, which shows an extremely pessimistic course for CPI inflation in fourth quarter 2025, when the electricity price freeze will be lifted and the regulator will set new tariffs. Governor Glapiński also added that the blame for […]

Image Source:  EUR/USD remains stuck near the 1.0400 handle heading into Friday. European Retail Sales failed to kickstart Fiber trading. US NFP jobs data remains the key focus for the trading week. EUR/USD churned some chart paper on Thursday, testing to the low side but wrapped up the day remaining stubbornly stuck near the 1.0400 handle. Euro bidders were entirely uninspired by Pan-EU Retail Sales figures that came in exactly as expected. Greenback traders treaded water ahead of Friday’s fresh print of US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) figures.European Retail Sales growth came in at 1.9% YoY in December, matching median market forecasts and gaining slight ground over the revised previous figure of 1.6%. Despite the upswing in annualized figures, MoM Retail Sales actually contracted, printing at -0.2% compared to the previous month’s flat print of 0.0%, which was also revised slightly lower.Economic data from the US was primarily mid-tier on Thursday, with weekly Initial Jobless Claims rising to 219K for the week ending January 31. Analysts had anticipated a figure of 213K, while the prior week’s number was slightly adjusted to 208K.A new release of Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) is set for Friday, with net job additions projected to decrease to 170K for January, compared to December’s figure of 256K. This week will see close scrutiny of revisions to older data. Historically, post-release revisions have tended to show stronger results in 2024, frustrating market participants who hoped to see weaknesses in the US job market that might encourage the Federal Reserve (Fed) to enact further rate cuts. EUR/USD price […]

Image Source:  WTI price extends its decline to around $70.35 in Friday’s early Asian session. Worries about US-China trade tensions continue to undermine the WTI price.  Escalating Middle East geopolitical tensions might cap the downside for the black gold.  West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude oil benchmark, is trading around $70.35 during the early Asian session on Friday. The WTI price edges lower amid concerns of weakening demands after China announced a retaliatory tariff on US crude oil imports, while the US inventory rose for the second consecutive week. The renewed US-China trade war could weigh on the WTI price. Investors are increasingly worried about a slowing global economy and weakening energy demand in China, the world’s top oil importer. On Tuesday, China’s finance ministry announced a package of tariffs on a range of US products, including crude oil, farm equipment, and some autos in an immediate response to a 10% tariff on Chinese imports announced by US President Donald Trump. The US reported a much bigger-than-anticipated jump in crude stockpiles last week, signaling weaker demand. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) weekly report showed crude oil stockpiles in the United States for the week ending January 31 jumped by 8.664 million barrels, compared to a rise of 3.463 million barrels in the previous week. The market consensus estimated that stocks would increase by 3.2 million barrels.  On the other hand, the rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East could provide some support to the WTI price. Trump has proposed seizing control of Gaza, which might […]

Image Source: Alphabet Inc. (), the tech giant behind Google, YouTube, and a growing portfolio of AI and cloud-based services, recently faced a sharp stock drop despite reporting solid Q4 earnings.The 8% decline in stock price raised eyebrows, but is this a real cause for concern or just a short-term reaction? Let’s break it down in simple terms. Google Stock Video Overview February 2025Video Length: 00:58:00 What Happened to Google?Alphabet’s earnings report showed strong performance in key areas like Google Search, YouTube, and Cloud. However, two major concerns sent investors into panic mode: Big Spending Plans – Google announced plans to spend over $75 billion in 2025, which is more than what analysts had expected. While this investment is aimed at keeping the company ahead in AI, cloud computing, and emerging technologies, some investors fear the short-term costs. Cloud Growth Concerns – Google Cloud has been expanding rapidly, competing with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. However, the company revealed it is facing capacity constraints, meaning it might struggle to scale as quickly as competitors. This raised concerns about its ability to maintain market share in this highly competitive sector. Is Google Still a Strong Company?Despite the stock drop, Alphabet remains a tech powerhouse. Here’s why: Google Search Dominance: Many feared AI-powered chatbots might replace Google Search, but that hasn’t happened. The company continues to generate billions in ad revenue. Strong Profit Margins: Alphabet is making more money from each dollar earned, showing financial efficiency and growth. AI and Self-Driving Expansion: Alphabet’s AI research (like […]