U.S. Federal Reserve

The European Central Bank raised its benchmark interest rate to 2.25% for the first time since 2023 to address inflation driven by the Middle East war, which pushed eurozone inflation to 3.2% in May. The ECB also revised its 2024 inflation forecast up to 3% and cut its growth projection to 0.8%, citing uncertainty from the energy crisis and conflict.

The European Central Bank raised interest rates to 2.25% in response to inflation driven by the Iran war and elevated oil prices. The U.S. Federal Reserve, under new chair Kevin Warsh, will decide on its next rate move next week as global central banks monitor inflation and economic growth.

The European Central Bank raised interest rates to 2.25% to combat inflation driven by higher oil prices from the Iran war. The U.S. Federal Reserve will decide on rates next week, with analysts expecting it to remain unchanged for now. Oil prices surged to $92 per barrel, pushing Eurozone inflation to 3.2%, above the ECB's target.

Gold prices steadied due to hopes of a US-Iran truce and lower odds of rate hikes. Gold had a bullish start in 2019, rallying to a 10-month high in February amid trade war worries. The momentum has fizzled as risks from the trade dispute abate.

The Senate panel approved Kevin Warsh's nomination to replace Jerome Powell as U.S. Federal Reserve chair. The vote was along party lines, reflecting political divisions over the appointment.

Jerome Powell's final FOMC press conference as Fed Chair occurs on April 29, 2024, coinciding with BlackRock's IBIT ETF absorbing significant Bitcoin supply. Bitcoin hovers between $77,000 and $79,000, failing to break the $80,000 psychological barrier amid macroeconomic calm and anticipation of Fed leadership changes.

Bloomberg Surveillance on April 24, 2026, discussed emerging trends in global financial markets, focusing on geopolitical risks and corporate earnings reports. Analysts highlighted mixed economic data and policy uncertainties affecting investor confidence.

JPMorgan Asset Management indicates that financial markets remain biased toward a U.S. interest rate cut. The firm's analysis highlights persistent expectations for monetary policy easing despite recent economic data.