NZD/USD slides toward 0.5800 after RBNZ cautious hike
NZD/USD extends the slide toward 0.5800 in Wednesday's Asian trading, undermined by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) monetary policy decision. The RBNZ raised the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 25 basis points (bps) to 2.75% from 2.50%, signalling no urgency on future rate increases. Governor Breman's comments during the press conference also failed to impress the Kiwi.
AUD/USD keeps range near 0.7150 after upbeat Australian Q2 GDP data
AUD/USD fails to capitalize on the uptick led by upbeat Australian Q2 GDP data and struggles near 0.7150 in Asia on Wednesday. Quarterly Aussie GDP beat estimates with 0.4% in Q2, flagging RBA rate hike bets. However, bulls remain cautious, as escalating US-Iran tensions keep supporting the safe-haven US Dollar.
Gold drops to four-week low, below $4,300 as USD firms amid Fed hike bets and Iran risks
Gold drops to a nearly four-week low during the Asian session on Wednesday and is now looking to extend the fall further below $4,300 amid a bearish fundamental backdrop. The escalating Middle East conflict lifts crude oil prices to a fresh high since July 24, stoking inflation fears and reaffirming US Federal Reserve rate hike bets.
USD/JPY holds below 160.50 amid BoJ commentary
USD/JPY consolidates below 160.50 in the Asian session on Wednesday, reversing a modest uptick. The Japanese Yen remains pressured by cautious remarks from BoJ Governor Ueda and policymaker Takata on the monetary policy outlook. Meanwhile, the US Dollar benefits from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's hawkish message and escalating US-Iran tensions. These factors could limit the pair's downside.
DEEPER DIVE
Diesel’s record $100 warning: The oil shock hiding in plain sight
The Oil market may look calmer than it did a few months ago, but diesel is sending a very different message. The US diesel crack spread, the premium of ultra-low sulphur diesel futures over WTI, recently surged above $100 per barrel for the first time, reaching an intraday record of just over $102.00.
The debasement trade: Could the US Dollar become the next casualty?
60 days to pay: Nvidia is financing its own demand
The Jensen Huang-helmed Nvidia (NVDA) delivered its second-quarter earnings print with its stock roughly 11% beneath the peak it set in May and around 8% beneath where it traded in mid-August, on the day it told the market it would stand behind up to $105 billion of a single customer's rent.
CRYPTOCURRENCIES
XRP under pressure as derivatives soften and 200-day EMA support is tested
XRP faces intensifying headwinds, trading at $1.37 on Tuesday, while the 200-day EMA provides immediate support. XRP remains vulnerable to further downside, as weakening momentum signals continue to exert pressure.
Crypto Today: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP struggle to extend gains despite ETF inflows
Bitcoin stalls while holding above $78,000 support as ETF inflows return. Ethereum takes a breather around $2,450 amid sustained institutional support. XRP remains pressured as the 200-day EMA provides immediate support.
Bitcoin kicks off September with strength after 25% August surge
Bitcoin starts September on a stronger footing after delivering a nearly 25% monthly return in August, its best performance in 21 months. BTC is trading above $78,900 on Tuesday, while renewed spot ETFs inflows and Strategy’s latest Bitcoin purchase signal continued institutional demand.
STOCKS
How renewed AI optimism is placing 8,000 in sight for the S&P 500 in 2026
Nasdaq 100 rebound looks strong… or is it just a trap?
The Nasdaq 100 spent the past few sessions recovering strongly from its November lows, rebounding from 24,307 and climbing back into the 25,100–25,150 mid-range zone. While the candles look convincing, the broader picture reveals a different story: the index remains trapped inside a 4H range structure.
WEEKLY FORECAST
EUR/USD: US rate hike back on the table, US Dollar up
The Japanese Yen gives up the big figure intervention won back
Gold: Bulls take a breather following three-week rally
Bitcoin: Billions in ETF inflows push BTC toward decisive breakout
US Dollar: Higher for longer is back… and the Dollar likes it
Week ahead – RBNZ and BoC decide on rates ahead of all-important US NFP
Dollar rebounds ahead of ISM PMI and NFP data. RBNZ is expected to raise rates; focus to fall on forward guidance. BoC is set to remain on hold; will it raise rates in 2027?
EDUCATION
Something has gone completely wrong in enterprise AI
There is a moment in every boom when the music is still playing, the lights are still flashing, and someone finally notices that the bar tab has been left on the table. That is roughly where enterprise AI feels today.
The psychology of Gold buying during periods of market uncertainty
Historically, gold is considered a reliable investment avenue, especially in times of market uncertainty. Modern economies are based on fiat currency, where the value is determined by government decree and public trust.
PRESS RELEASES
TrustFinance Community Choice Awards 2026 opens global voting
Voting is now open for the TrustFinance Community Choice Awards 2026, inviting the public to recognize financial companies that have earned their communities' trust and confidence.
Making trading a respected profession: Nick Cipher's perspective on transparency, ethics, and accountability
For many people, trading is associated less with professional skill and more with speculation, gambling, or internet-driven promises of fast wealth.
ThinkMarkets expands weekend trading offering, launches Weekend League competition
ThinkMarkets, a global multi-asset CFD broker, today confirmed the launch of Weekend League, a client trading competition built around its weekend trading offering, with further expansion of that offering in development.