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 18, 2026 08:25 ETThe Swiss National Bank left its policy rate unchanged on Thursday as inflation continues to remain well within the target. The central bank left its policy rate at zero percent, in line with market expectations. The SNB had lowered the key rate by 175 basis points since March 2024.
June 18, 2026 08:54 ETStocks are likely to move to the upside in early trading on Thursday, regaining ground following the sell-off seen late in the previous session. The major index futures are currently pointing to a higher open for the markets, with the S&P 500 futures up by 0.8 percent. Early buying interest may be...
June 18, 2026 06:01 ETGold prices were a tad higher on Thursday as easing geopolitical tensions offset pressure from a stronger dollar and higher Treasury yields. Spot gold edged up 0.3 percent to $4,268.61 an ounce, after having fallen 1.7 percent on Wednesday on the back of hawkish Fed policy and upbeat retail sales...
June 18, 2026 08:07 ETSentiment in global markets remains mixed as an easing in geopolitical tensions attributed to the peace deal signed between the U.S. and Iran as well as renewed worries about interest rates going up, both impacted market sentiment.