Category Archives: Banking

Banking

Oil Inventories Rise 7.1 Million Barrels –

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, crude oil inventories rose 7.1 million barrels.  The inventory increase worked to drive crude oil prices lower in trading.  The increase exceeded analyst expectations of a much lower 2.2 million barrel rise in … Continue reading

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Negative Yield Treasury Auctions –

The U.S. Treasury may start to offer negative yield auctions.  The safety and security of U.S. Treasuries have already led to them being traded at negative yields on secondary markets.  According to Reuters, the one month Treasury bill traded on a … Continue reading

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Germany Votes For Greek Bailout –

Germany voted to support a second Greek bailout of approximately $174 billion.  The Finland parliament is expected to vote on the Greek bailout this week.  Also, European leaders will discuss the Euro zone bailout fund at their next meeting in … Continue reading

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Gold Rises On Greek Bailout –

Gold prices rose to over $1,755 an ounce after European Union finance ministers agreed to another Greek bailout.  The second Greek bailout provided by the Euro zone is approximately $172 billion.  In Tuesday trading, gold hit the highest mark since February 3rd.  Silver also traded … Continue reading

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Fitch Cuts Credit Ratings –

Fitch lowered the credit ratings for the sovereign debt of five Euro region nations.  The five nations included Italy, Spain, Belgium, Cyprus, and Slovenia.  The credit rating for Italy was cut to A- and the rating for Spain fell to A.  Italy has the … Continue reading

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Nine European Nations Downgraded –

Standard & Poor’s downgraded the sovereign debt of nine European nations on Friday.  France and Austria lost their AAA ratings and were lowered to AA+.  In addition, the sovereign debt was downgraded for Spain, Italy, and Portugal.  Four European nations that … Continue reading

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Euro Trades Lower –

The European debt crisis has forced the Euro lower in trading over the last few months.  Recent weeks have shown a steeper decline as recessionary concerns mounted and the debt crisis remained unresolved.  The Euro fell below $1.27 in Friday trading before … Continue reading

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Federal Reserve To Release Forecasts –

The Federal Reserve has announced that they will release their forecasts for the Federal funds rate.  The move will increase transparency at the Federal Reserve at may help with financial planning for businesses and investors.  Monetary policy expectations should be released at the … Continue reading

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Oil Futures Rise –

Oil futures rose to their highest close since December 15th and settled at $99.68.  The increase capped a weekly gain of 6.6% for crude oil.  Positive economic data and tensions in Iran were two factors driving the price of crude higher. … Continue reading

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Economic Data Drives Oil Higher –

Economic data sent oil prices higher in trading on Tuesday.  Housing starts and building permits rose and data from Europe looked strong.  Also, supplies of crude oil fell 4.6 million barrels last week which was higher than analyst expectations. To read … Continue reading

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Fitch May Downgrade France –

Fitch Ratings indicated that they may downgrade the sovereign debt of seven European nations.  France is one of the European nations facing a downgrade from Fitch.  The six other nations are Belgium, Cyprus, Ireland, Italy, Slovenia, and Spain. To read a related … Continue reading

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Bernanke Meets With Republican Senators –

On Wednesday, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke met with Republican Senators to discuss the European Union sovereign debt crisis.  According to GOP Senators, Bernanke indicated that the European debt crisis could significantly impact the American economy.  The Euro fell below $1.30 in … Continue reading

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Euro Trades Lower –

 The Euro fell on news that Moody’s is considering a downgrade of European Union sovereign debt.  The inability to end the debt crisis is one factor in the Moody’s decision.  In currency trading, the Euro fell to $1.3184 which is the lowest mark … Continue reading

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Eurozone Leaders Reach Agreement –

European leaders reached an agreement on centralized fiscal policy.  The agreement is supported by all 17 euro zone countries as well as the 9 countries seeking to join the union.  England did not approve the fiscal plan.  Stock markets reacted positively … Continue reading

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Asia Markets Fall; Gold Rises –

Stock markets across Asia fell with Japan’s Nikkei dropping 1.6% and Korea’s Kospi Composite falling 1.9%.  New Zealand and Australian markets were also lower in trading.  European debt crisis concerns were the driving force in the markets.  The Euro fell to $1.3345 … Continue reading

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