
RBNZ Signals Potential Interest Rate Hike as Inflation Outlook Remains Uncertain
Feb 19, 2026 04:46 am UTC| Economy Central Banks
New Zealands central bank has indicated that the next move in interest rates is likely to be upward, although economic uncertainty continues to cloud the timing. Karen Silk, Assistant Governor of the Reserve Bank of New...

Oil Prices Ease After 4% Surge as U.S.-Iran Tensions and Supply Risks Remain in Focus
Feb 19, 2026 04:37 am UTC| Economy
Oil prices edged lower during early Asian trading on Thursday, retreating slightly after a sharp 4% rally in the previous session. Investors are closely monitoring rising geopolitical tensions between the United States and...

Asian Markets Rise on Tech Rally as Oil and Gold Hold Firm Amid Fed and Geopolitical Tensions
Feb 19, 2026 04:32 am UTC| Economy
Asian stock markets advanced on Thursday, buoyed by a renewed rally in U.S. technology shares, while geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran supported oil prices and sustained safe-haven demand for gold....

U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Fed Minutes Stir Rate Uncertainty; Walmart Earnings in Focus
Feb 19, 2026 02:54 am UTC| Economy
U.S. stock index futures edged lower Wednesday night as investors weighed mixed signals from the Federal Reserves January meeting minutes, adding fresh uncertainty to the outlook for interest rates and monetary policy in...

Fed Minutes Signal Steady Interest Rates but Hint at Potential Rate Hikes if Inflation Persists
Feb 19, 2026 02:52 am UTC| Economy Central Banks
The Federal Reserves January Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes reveal that nearly all policymakers supported keeping interest rates unchanged, while leaving the door open for possible rate hikes if inflation...

Trump Says U.S. Trade Deficit Shrinking Sharply as 2026 Trade Surplus Looms
Feb 19, 2026 02:47 am UTC| Politics Economy
U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Americas trade deficit has narrowed significantly due to his 2025 trade tariffs, adding that the country could post its first trade surplus in decades as early as this year....

Gold Prices Hold Near $5,000 as Fed Outlook and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Sentiment
Feb 19, 2026 02:42 am UTC| Economy
Gold prices steadied during Asian trading on Thursday after surging more than 2% in the previous session, as thin liquidity from Lunar New Year holidays limited further upside. Investors continued to weigh persistent...