The US Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, saying he exceeded his authority by invoking a federal-emergency powers law to impose his “reciprocal” tariffs as well as targeted import taxes on countries to address fentanyl trafficking.Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic said it’s prudent to have interest rates mildly restrictive as he expects US growth in 2026 to put upward pressure on inflation.The University of Michigan US Feb 1-year inflation expectations were revised lower ...

Currency Market - The EUR/USD pair fell to a 6-week low, finishing down by -0.08% due to dollar strength, despite initial gains following comments from ECB Chief Economist Philip Lane regarding comfortable monetary policy settings [1] - The dollar is under pressure as the Fed increases liquidity by purchasing $40 billion a month in T-bills, and concerns arise over President Trump's potential appointment of a dovish Fed Chair [2] - The dollar index (DXY) rose by +0.04% after recovering from early losses, supported by stronger-than-expected US manufacturing production and Trump's reluctance to nominate a dovish candidate for Fed Chair [6] Economic Indicators - The US December manufacturing production unexpectedly rose by +0.2% month-over-month, contrary to expectations of a -0.1% decline, with November's production revised upward to +0.3% [4] - The January NAHB housing market index unexpectedly fell by -2 to 37, weaker than the anticipated increase to 40 [3] Japanese Yen Dynamics - The USD/JPY pair fell by -0.35% as the yen strengthened following hawkish comments from Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama, who indicated readiness for bold action to support the yen [8] - Concerns over the yen's weakness are exacerbated by potential political instability, with reports suggesting a snap election could be called, raising fears of continued expansionary fiscal policy [10] - The yen is also affected by escalating tensions between China and Japan, particularly following China's export controls that could impact Japan's economy [11] Precious Metals Market - February COMEX gold closed down -28.30 (-0.61%), and March COMEX silver closed down -3.810 (-4.12%) due to higher global bond yields and easing geopolitical risks in Iran [12][13] - Demand for precious metals is supported by concerns over the Fed's independence and potential easier monetary policy, as well as ongoing geopolitical risks [16][18] - Strong central bank demand for gold is evident, with China's PBOC increasing its reserves by +30,000 ounces to 74.15 million troy ounces in December, marking the fourteenth consecutive month of increases [19]

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve officials express a preference for maintaining a restrictive monetary policy stance to combat persistent inflation, with some dissenting against recent interest rate cuts due to ongoing economic momentum and inflation concerns [1][2][4][10]. Group 1: Federal Reserve Officials' Stance - Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack advocates for a slightly more restrictive stance to exert pressure on inflation [1]. - Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid dissents against the FOMC's decision to cut interest rates, preferring a modestly restrictive policy due to high inflation and economic momentum [1][4]. - Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee also voted against the rate cut, emphasizing the need for more information before making such decisions given the prolonged inflation above target [2][4]. Group 2: Market Reactions and Economic Indicators - The dollar index rose by 0.02% on Friday, supported by hawkish comments from Fed officials and increased T-note yields [4]. - The markets are currently pricing a 24% chance of a 25 basis point cut in the fed funds target range at the upcoming FOMC meeting [5]. - The euro gained 0.06% against the dollar, influenced by divergent central bank policies, with expectations that the Fed will continue cutting rates while the ECB has concluded its rate-cutting campaign [6]. Group 3: Precious Metals Market - Gold prices reached a 7-week high, while silver experienced mixed results, influenced by a stronger dollar and higher T-note yields [9][10]. - Central bank demand for gold remains strong, with China's PBOC increasing its reserves by 30,000 ounces to 74.1 million troy ounces in November, marking the thirteenth consecutive month of increases [12]. - Concerns over tight Chinese silver inventories have emerged, with stocks in Shanghai Futures Exchange warehouses falling to the lowest level in 10 years [13].