June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.
June 17, 2026 09:43 ETRetail sales in the U.S. increased by much more than expected in the month of May, according to a report released by the Commerce Department on Wednesday. The Commerce Department said retail sales grew by 0.9 percent in May after rising by a downwardly revised 0.4 percent in April. Economists had expected retail sales to climb by 0.5 percent.
June 17, 2026 08:54 ETFollowing the mixed performance seen in the previous session, stocks may show a lack of direction in early trading on Wednesday. The major index futures are currently pointing to a roughly flat open for the markets, with the S&P 500 futures up by just 0.1 percent. Traders may be reluctant to make...
June 17, 2026 05:48 ETGold prices were little changed on Wednesday after four straight days of gains and ahead of the Federal Reserve's rate decision later in the day. Spot gold was little changed at $4,330.65 an ounce while U.S. gold futures were down 0.1 percent at $4,349.20. The U.S. central bank is widely expected...
June 17, 2026 09:18 ETCryptocurrencies declined in the past 24 hours amidst growing anxiety about the Federal Reserve's monetary policy outlook. The decision of the first FOMC under the leadership of Kevin Warsh would be known on Wednesday afternoon. Markets expect the Fed to hold rates steady but are less sure about the...