When Iran’s parliament openly debated closing the Strait of Hormuz this month, observers braced for an oil-price shock. What few anticipated was the simultaneous jolt to foreign‐exchange markets, gold bullions and even the freight rates for cotton shipments. Here’s how a single political threat in Tehran has rippled across four very different markets.
Over the past decade, the carry trade—borrowing in low-interest-rate currencies to invest in higher-yielding ones—has been a strategy marked by steady, if modest, gains punctuated by sudden, sometimes severe, drawdowns. This report provides an analytical, non-advisory look at the performance of carry trades over the 2014–2024 period. It distinguishes between institutional and retail strategies, examines the roles of major, exotic, and emerging market currencies, and explores how macroeconomic factors such as central bank policies, interest rate differentials, inflation trends, and geopolitical events have influenced carry trade returns.
As the UK prepares for the latest GDP announcement on Thursday, discussions will inevitably focus on key economic indicators such as consumer spending, inflation trends, and the possibility of a recession. However, a broader question remains: does GDP accurately reflect the state of the UK economy, or is it failing to capture the value created by emerging sectors?
A seismic shift is underway in the digital asset space. Over the past few years, much of the conversation around cryptocurrencies has centered on global regulatory uncertainty and the innovative strides made by blockchain projects in Europe and Asia. However, recent developments suggest that the United States could be entering a new era of “Made in USA Crypto.” From potential tax breaks for domestically produced cryptocurrencies to high-profile endorsements celebrating an “American Crypto Renaissance,” this emergent narrative could reshape how people and businesses transact worldwide. Below, we explore the forces behind this trend and examine how it might influence the future of the payment ecosystem.
Today is inauguration day, political and economic observers are abuzz with speculation over what lies ahead for altcoins—those lesser-known digital assets that have steadily carved out a space in the broader crypto market.
The UK economy will be in the global spotlight this week. On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 07:00 AM (GMT), the Office for National Statistics (ONS) will release the latest inflation rate for December, followed by November’s GDP figures on Thursday, January 16, at the same hour.
This week, a flurry of economic releases will cast fresh light on inflationary pressures and labour-market dynamics across the euro area. Policymakers, investors, and corporate strategists alike will be watching closely to see whether price pressures continue to creep upward and whether unemployment figures hint at ongoing resilience—or incipient vulnerability—in the European economy.
China’s manufacturing sector often stands in the global spotlight as a bellwether for broader economic trends. Two key gauges used by analysts and observers to track the health of this sector will report this week – NBS Manufacturing PMI and the Caixin Manufacturing PMI.
As the festive season approaches, we at MAS Markets would like to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones.
The S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the UAE is a key economic indicator that provides insights into the health of the UAE’s non-oil private sector economy. Compiled monthly, the PMI offers a timely snapshot of business conditions by surveying purchasing managers in sectors like construction, manufacturing, retail, and services. As a leading indicator, the PMI is closely watched by investors, policymakers, and businesses to assess economic trends and predict shifts in the UAE’s economic growth.
The IMACEC (Monthly Indicator of Economic Activity) is a key economic indicator for Chile, published by the Central Bank of Chile. It provides a monthly overview of economic activity across various sectors, allowing policymakers, businesses, and investors to assess the health and growth of the Chilean economy. The Year-over-Year (YoY) measure of IMACEC is particularly important because it compares economic activity in the current month to the same month of the previous year, offering a view of growth or contraction trends over a one-year period.
The ANZ-Indeed Job Ads report provides a monthly snapshot of job advertisement activity across Australia, offering insights into employment trends and labour market conditions. This report, particularly the Month-over-Month (MoM) reading, is a valuable gauge for understanding shifts in demand for workers, economic sentiment, and potential future employment trends.
The 3-Month Bubill Auction is a financial event where the German government issues short-term debt securities, known as Bubills, with a maturity of three months. These bills, issued by Germany’s Federal Government (Bundesrepublik Deutschland), are a type of money market instrument used to raise short-term funds. The auction attracts institutional investors looking for a low-risk, liquid investment, making it a significant indicator of short-term interest rates and market sentiment toward the German and broader Eurozone
The 30-Year KTB (Korea Treasury Bond) Auction is a financial event in which the South Korean government issues 30-year bonds to investors. These long-term bonds, known as Korea Treasury Bonds (KTBs), play a crucial role in funding government expenses, managing national debt, and setting a benchmark for interest rates in the Korean economy. Here’s a breakdown of what the 30-Year KTB Auction is, why it matters, and what it reveals about South Korea’s economic health.
Compiled by S&P Global, this index reflects the prevailing business conditions in the manufacturing industry, giving insights into key factors like production, new orders, employment, supply chain issues, and price pressures. The Manufacturing PMI is essential for understanding economic trends and business cycles, making it valuable for businesses, investors, and policymakers.