... orders for durable goods dropped by 9.3% in June following a spike in May (driven by large aircraft contracts), orders excluding transportation rose by 0.2% month-over-month, indicating solid business investments. Additionally, the number of initial unemployment claims fell to a three-month low, reflecting a healthy labor market. Investors are positively assessing progress in external trade and easing inflationary pressures. The conclusion of a trade deal with Japan and the anticipated US–EU agreement ...

... levels. Investors reacted to the July Non-Farm Payrolls report, which indicated a significant cooling in the labor market: non-farm payrolls increased by only ~73 thousand (versus ~105 thousand expected), marking the lowest growth in recent years. The unemployment rate rose to 4.2% (up from 4.0% the previous month), signaling a gradual weakening in labor demand. The slowdown in hiring, along with previously published data on a modest GDP growth of ~1.5% in Q2, points to a loss of momentum in US economic ...

... dollar, after a decrease in mid-July, somewhat regained its positions. The Dollar Index (DXY) remained close to the 100-point mark: robust statistical data and rising bond yields supported the dollar. Positive surprises in the US economy (including a low unemployment rate) solidified expectations that the Fed will not rush to cut rates, which is preventing a decline in the dollar. In the EUR/USD pair, trading hovered around $1.18–1.19 per euro: the single European currency could not significantly break ...

... even a rate cut. The Australian dollar typically reacts sensitively to such nuances: firmer language supports the AUD, while softer language exerts pressure on it. Today's protocol indicated that the regulator is concerned about the gap between low unemployment and still high inflation but notes early signs of economic cooling. The result – the RBA keeps the door open for further actions, but will decide based on new data. This somewhat calmed the market: the AUD did not experience sharp moves,...

... even if they understand the risks of escalation. Harsh rhetoric yields political dividends, allowing leaders to divert public attention from internal issues and unify support around authorities. When Pakistan faces economic troubles, rising prices, unemployment, or political crises, the theme of an external threat from India becomes a convenient distraction. For example, under Prime Minister Imran Khan (2018-2022), sharp criticism of India over its Kashmir policies and the treatment of Muslims in ...