A strong or stable national currency plays a crucial role in fostering economic resilience. By curbing inflation, boosting investor confidence, and reducing the cost of imports, a strong currency can significantly influence a nation's economic landscape. Recent trends in South Africa and the CFA franc zone illustrate how robust currency positions can benefit African countries. In mid-August, the South African Rand saw remarkable strength, reaching a nine-month high of approximately 17.45 per US dollar.
U.S. stock futures pointed to further gains as Wall Street embraced the U.S.-EU trade deal, easing key market uncertainties.
Recent dovish remarks from Fed Governor Waller reinforced expectations of future rate cuts, potentially boosting silver prices as market participants anticipate monetary easing.
Even floating this idea is dangerous. Every day that the government fails to rule it out, confidence erodes. Wealth is highly mobile.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been warned that her economic roadmap may need to be 'ripped up' as a global market shock triggered by Donald Trump's new wave of tariff threats drives up UK government borrowing costs and rattles investor confidence.
Diageo's strong performance in the third quarter was significantly flattered by a number of one-offs, most notably a pull-forward of purchasing in anticipation of tariffs in North America.