us-business

Battlefield 6 open beta screen capture EA Earlier this month, EA ran an early access and open beta for its new Battlefield 6 title, which is due to launch October 10, 2025. We’ve already seen trailers for the game, as well as videos of influencers playing the multiplayer alpha version with much excitement. This month, the company gave details about new maps, game modes and system requirements. Keep in mind that the game will be simultaneously launched on PC, Xbox and PS5. That said, I believe that the best experience and the most fun will be had on PC. System Requirements For Playing Battlefield 6 EA’s minimum system requirements include Windows 10 and DirectX 12 support with an AMD Ryzen 5 2600 or Intel Core i5-8400. While 16GB of RAM is both the minimum and recommended spec, I would say that you’re probably better off going for 32GB if you’re outfitting a PC to play this game. The minimum GPU specs require an AMD Radeon 5600 XT 6GB or an Nvidia RTX 2060. This is pretty good for gamers, considering that the spec goes back three generations — so even if you don’t have a brand-new PC, you’ll still be able to run this game. There are no minimum requirements for SSD, but there is a storage requirement of 55GB for the multiplayer version and 80GB for the full game with multiplayer and campaign. This is quite efficient when you consider that many games crack the 100GB mark, for example COD’s Warzone, which requires 125GB without even having a single player installed. That said, the recommended specs are a bit higher-end. On the CPU side, you’re looking at an AMD Ryzen 7 3700X or an Intel Core i7-10700. On the GPU side, it’s an AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT or Nvidia RTX 3060 Ti. It’s also important that the minimum spec is probably for 1080P, while the recommended spec is likely for 1080P or 1440P gaming. If you want to play Battlefield 6 in 4K, you’ll probably need a much beefier GPU. Speaking of GPUs, the game will support all the upscaling features from all the various GPU vendors, including DLSS, FSR and XeSS. Early reports have the game running in the range of 170 to 250 FPS at 1440P with DLSS set to “quality” mode while running on an Nvidia RTX 4090. On console, Battlefield 6 will run at a minimum 60 FPS on both Xbox and PS5, and up to 60 or 120 FPS on PS5 Pro. This points to the game being very well optimized — as we’re already seeing from the PC specs — and might mean that the game has been polished significantly well before the beta with the new Battlefield Labs playtests. Considering that previous Battlefield games have struggled due to poor optimizations and bugs, it really does seem like EA has finally turned the page for the franchise with Battlefield Labs. It’s also worth noting that Intel has already partnered with EA on a gaming bundle ($99) with Intel CPUs and GPUs that includes the free Phantom Edition between August 25 and September 14 at 200 select retailers around the globe. Skins, But Tasteful? Battlefield 6 may finally be the game that gives its fans exactly what they want and doesn’t try to follow Fortnite and Call of Duty into a skin war. Some context: skins have become a way for games to monetize their gamer base, usually through a free-to-play scheme where aesthetic skins for users’ guns or in-game avatars more than pay for the game’s development and upkeep. This has driven many other games into a “war of skins,” diluting the game experience into a comical battle between, for example, Lionel Messi and Beavis from Beavis and Butthead. While Battlefield 6 will have skins, the developers have made it abundantly clear that in-game skins will stay true to the franchise. I take this to mean mostly aesthetic changes to the clothes and kits that soldiers will wear, but players’ avatars will predominantly still appear as solders on the battlefield, unlike in Fortnite and Call of Duty. Previous Battlefield releases have simply not understood what the genre is about, and sales have been tepid. But I believe that Battlefield 6 could bring the franchise back on track — and maybe even boost PC gaming sales for the first time in many generations of games. Historically, whenever a Battlefield release does well, it creates lots of demand for new PC gaming hardware, as more people want to play with friends and crank up the gaming experience. I’m an example of this: back in high school, the first PC I ever built with my own money (previous PCs were gifts) was built to play Battlefield 2, and I have extremely fond memories of playing that game with friends. It was also my first experience with the Logitech G series of gaming peripherals, which had some software integrations with Battlefield. The Battlefield 6 Early-Access Experience The early access period came during the weekend before the two beta weekends. EA was smart enough to allow people to preload the game if they had early access codes from preordering the game or from watching Twitch streams. By letting people preload the beta, EA ensured that most of the server load for the beta would be people who are playing the game rather than those trying to download the game. This is a savvy move for game vendors, because it typically improves network performance and latency, and generally makes the overall gaming experience better for everyone. The early access beta was also limited to two out of the nine maps in the final version of the game. The three game modes being tested were Conquest, Breakthrough and Domination. The open beta tested five different maps and many different game modes across the two weekends. This will hopefully allow EA’s DICE unit, which develops Battlefield, to dial in the maps, weapons and classes. Not to worry: Joining the

True Detective HBO While True Detective has entered a new, worse era over on HBO, even before that it seemed pretty clear it was never going to reach the highs of season 1 again. But now, Netflix has some good news for fans of that season, albeit no, Rust Cohle is not returning to screens. What’s happening, however, is that Matthew McConaughey is reuniting with True Detective creator Nic Pizzolatto. Reportedly, this project was the subject of a bidding war between Apple, Amazon and Netflix before Netflix finally won out. The show also co-stars Cole Houser, who previously was in Dazed and Confused with McConaughey back in 1993. It’s a tangled web here, a bit. Houser was a star in Yellowstone, and McConaughey was recently considered for a Yellowstone spin-off that ultimately never happened. And this new show was not, apparently, going to ever head to HBO as Pizzolatto has had a rather poor relationship with them since TD, openly criticizing True Detective: Night Country (which I would argue was deserved). True Detective HBO Through all this, we only know two things about the show: It’s called “The Brothers Project,” where McConaughey and Hauser are playing brothers. (This is sort of funny as McConaughey has an Apple TV+ comedy in the works where he will play Woody Harrelson’s brother, another True Detective reunion. There are also reports that the two recently found out they could be half-brothers). Then, The Brothers Project is related to sports in some way, as the project is from Skydance Sports. Netflix has not commented on this project, as all this is from internal industry reports. And as such, it does not have any specific date attached to it. 2026 or 2027 seems the most likely, provided all of this comes to fruition. There have been a few high-profile sports series in recent years. Owen Wilson golf outing Stick was just renewed for season 2 on Apple TV+. Apple also refuses to let its hit Ted Lasso rest in peace. Netflix renewed Kate Hudson’s Running Point almost immediately. What isn’t known, however is whether this is a drama or a comedy like those others. Given everyone involved, it seems like a comedy is somewhat unlikely. And if we’re talking sports drama, I have instant flashbacks to the all-time classic, Friday Night Lights. LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 10: Nic Pizzolatto and Matthew McConaughey attend the HBO premiere of True Detective Season 3 at DGA Theater on January 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO) FilmMagic for HBO It certainly sounds like an interesting reunion between creator and actor, and Houser did great on Yellowstone. Hopefully we hear more official information about this soon, now that Netflix has landed the project. Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy. Read More

What does the data show? The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Index showed a further slowdown in home price growth in June, with the national index rising 1.9% year over year, down from 2.3% in May, as affordability constraints, elevated supply, and uneven regional demand continue to weigh on housing activity. This month’s release reflects sales from April through June, a period of stable mortgage rates below 7%, muted buyer sentiment, and growing price sensitivity. While home prices remain higher than one year ago, the pace of appreciation moderated in June. Realtor.com data shows median list prices rose just 1.2% year over year, down from 2% in May, while months’ supply ticked up to 4.6, approaching a 10-year high. Inventory gains and longer selling timelines in Sun Belt metros are putting downward pressure on prices, especially in the South and West. How did trends vary by region? Regional price trends remain highly dependent on inventory composition. In high-supply markets like Austin and Jacksonville, increased competition from builders offering incentives and price cuts has added pressure to resale values. In contrast, Midwest and Northeast metros remain tighter, with new construction still commanding a premium of over 50% compared to existing homes. The Realtor.com® July Housing Market Trends Report shows active inventory rose 24.8% year over year, while homes spent a median of 58 days on market, 7 days longer than last year, pointing to an ongoing rebalancing process. What is ahead for housing? Looking ahead, the Federal Reserve’s shift in tone at Jackson Hole has raised the odds of a rate cut in September, which could support affordability later this year. But for June’s Case-Shiller data, that impact has yet to arrive. Instead, the report is likely to underscore a housing market that is normalizing, shaped by local supply dynamics, lingering rate pressure, and a still-cautious consumer base. Read More

I’m a firm believer that you can never have too many hooks. Infinitely practical, there’s a hook for every situation and surface. Suction cup hooks are ideal for tile, for example, while wall mounted hooks are best for hanging heavier items. And they can also be quite stylish, adding a pop of color and a bit of personality to any room—or every room.  Here are a few of our favorites, from peel-and-stick Command hooks for the bathroom to a designer coat rack for the entryway. Our best advice? Add them all to your cart. If you want something iconic: Eames Hang-It-All “I busted my budget and bought the white Eames Hang-It All for our hallway,” says Chris Phillips, vice president of branded content sales and strategy. “We love it for hanging coats, towels, and dry cleaning.” Buy it: Eames Hang-It-All, $295 at MoMA If you want a coat rack that’s slightly less spendy: Runda Coat Rack 7 “I’m a huge fan of a wall rack for a space like the entryway or a mudroom because you only have to hang one thing, instead of multiple hooks,” says design editor Arlyn Hernandez. “I’m eyeing this 7-hook version from Shelfology in a punchy red.” Buy it: Runda Coat Rack 7, $176 at Shelfology If you need a place for not-quite-dirty clothes: Maze Bill Coat Rack One of my favorite ways to use hooks is to quickly tidy up my kids’ rooms, which are often littered with clothing they’ve worn once, but isn’t really dirty enough for the hamper. I put these multi-hooks up in every bedroom (including mine) and they’ve been a game-changer. I also love that they reference the Eames Hang-It-All (see above), but at a slightly gentler price tag. Buy it: Maze Bill Coat Rack, $66 at Finnish Design Shop If you want a pop of sophistication and color: Matilda Goad Coloured Hook “These Matilda Goad coloured hooks are such an easy way to add personality to a space,” says art director Samantha Bolton. “The colors feel both sophisticated and fun, and they really brighten up a white wall.” Buy it: Matilda Goad Coloured Hook, $35 at MG&Co. If you want something affordable and practical: Vintage Double Wall Hook “When I moved in, my primary bathroom only had one unstable towel rack in the shower stall, so I promptly bought some decorative hooks to hang our towels and robes,” Hernandez says. “I like the double hook of these Target hooks, which are also super affordable at $6 a pop.”  Buy it: Vintage Double Wall Hook, $6 at Target If you want something even more affordable and practical: Command Small Wire Hooks “In my bathroom under-sink cabinet, I use Command Hooks to hang up clear plastic bins by the handles so they can float on top of each other,” says creative director Kristina Hacker. “Then I can unhook the whole bin to take it out and use what I need.” Buy them: Command Small Wire Hooks, $3 for 3 at Walmart If you need a place to hang your keys: Magnetic Key Rack I’ve hung this wall mounted key rack in my past three homes and it’s been (ahem) key every single time. It has space for everyone in my family to hang their keys when they get home, plus a little shelf for small pieces of mail—or if I want to leave a little note for someone. Buy it: Yamazaki Home Key Rack, $30 at Yamazaki Home The realtor.com® editorial team highlights a curated selection of product recommendations for your consideration; clicking a link to the retailer that sells the product may earn us a commission. Read More

What do Wall Street analysts think of the deal? Intel (NASDAQ:INTCO), the pioneering semiconductor manufacturer, has a new stakeholder — the U.S. government. Intel announced last week that the federal government is making an $8.9 billion investment in Intel stock, which is about a 10% stake in the company. The government’s stake will be mostly funded by $5.7 billion in unpaid grants previously awarded to Intel under the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act. The remaining $3.2 billion comes from the government’s Secure Enclave program, funded by the Chips and Science Act for the production of semiconductors for national security applications. This is on top of the $2.2 billion that Intel has already received through the Chips and Science Act. “As the only semiconductor company that does leading-edge logic R&D and manufacturing in the U.S., Intel is deeply committed to ensuring the world’s most advanced technologies are American made,” said Lip-Bu Tan, CEO of Intel. “President Trump’s focus on U.S. chip manufacturing is driving historic investments in a vital industry that is integral to the country’s economic and national security. We are grateful for the confidence the President and the Administration have placed in Intel, and we look forward to working to advance U.S. technology and manufacturing leadership.” The historic agreement with Intel comes just weeks after Trump wrote in a Truth Social post that the Intel CEO is “highly conflicted and must resign.” This came after Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) sent a letter to the Intel board expressing concerns about Tan’s ties to China through a former company. Intel responded on August 7 by saying Tan and the company is “deeply committed to advancing U.S. national and economic security interests and are making significant investments aligned with the President’s America First agenda.” Two weeks later, after Tan met with Trump, Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, this equity stake deal was hammered out. A 10% stake in Intel While the funding is from money already earmarked for Intel through the Chips and Science Act, it is unusual for the government to be an equity stakeholder in a company, although it has happened in the past. Most notably, during the Global Financial Crisis, the government took a majority stake in General Motors as part of the 2008 auto industry bailout. The government has long since sold off its stake in GM. Through this deal with Intel, the government is purchasing 433.3 million primary shares of Intel common stock at a price of $20.47 per share, which represents a 9.9% stake in the company. It will be passive ownership by the company, meaning the government will have no board representation or other governance or information rights. The government also agrees to vote with the board on matters requiring shareholder approval, with limited exceptions. Further, the government will receive a five-year warrant, at $20 per share for an additional 5% of Intel stock, but only if Intel ceases to own at least 51% of the foundry business. It follows a $2 billion stake by SoftBank last week in Intel. The investments come at a time when Intel is investing more than $100 billion to expand its U.S. chipmaking operations. Intel is the leading player in the CPU chip market, but it has lost ground to AMD in recent years, particularly in the server market. It also makes GPUs but is a minor player compared to Nvidia. In addition, Intel started a foundry business, where it makes chips for other companies. For its foundry business, it is in the process of building a new facility in Arizona. It hopes to gain market share in this business, which is dominated by Taiwan Semiconductor. What do Wall Street analysts think of it? Intel stock rallied some 5.5% on Friday when the news was announced, but stocks were up big on Friday due to Fed chair Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole address. How much had to do with this deal is unclear. On Monday, Intel stock was actually down 1%, so investors seem to be taking it mostly in stride. Wall Street analysts were not all that bullish either. Analysts at BofA said the deal has positives as well as potential pitfalls but weon’t move the needle until there is more clarity on its manufacturing progress and manufacturing competitiveness. It has a neutral rating with a $25 per share price target, reported the Fly. Analysts at Bernstein questioned the move by Intel, saying it is giving up a 10% stake for Chips funding it would have had anyway, which “seems worse.” Bernstein analysts said Intel needs customers, adding that “funding a build-out with no customers probably won’t end well for shareholders,” reported the Fly. Bernstein maintains a market perform rating with a $21 per share price target. Adverse reactions? Intel itself is well aware of the risks, according to an August 22 SEC filing. “The company’s non-US business may be adversely impacted by the US Government being a significant stockholder. Sales outside the US accounted for 76% of the company’s revenue for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024,” the filing stated. “Having the US Government as a significant stockholder of the Company could subject the Company to additional regulations, obligations or restrictions, such as foreign subsidy laws or otherwise, in other countries. They also cited the potential for adverse consequences given the scarcity of transactions like this with the US government becoming a significant stockholder. “Among other things, there could be adverse reactions, immediately or over time, from investors, employees, customers, suppliers, other business or commercial partners, foreign governments or competitors. There may also be litigation related to the transaction or otherwise and increased public or political scrutiny with respect to the company,” the filing said. “Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s revenue, operations, financial position, cash flows, access to financing, cost structure, competitiveness, reputation, profitability, and prospects and could exacerbate other risks.” Intel stock has a median price target of $22 per share, which would be about a

EUR/GBP gathers strength around 0.8645 in Tuesday’s early European session.  An ECB official said there’s no need for more cuts unless new risks appear. BoE’s Mann speech will be in the spotlight later on Tuesday.  The EUR/GBP cross gains momentum to near 0.8645 during the early European session on Tuesday. The Euro (EUR) strengthens against the Pound Sterling (GBP) as the European Central Bank (ECB) signals a pause in monetary easing. The Bank of England (BoE) Catherine Mann is set to speak later on Tuesday.  ECB policymakers said the Eurozone economy can handle a pause in cuts, adding that the central bank sees no reason to lower interest rates again right now, even after inflation in the euro area finally hit the 2% target. The ECB said the current inflation level is “in a good place” and warned against cutting rates for no clear reason.  Additionally, ECB President Christine Lagarde said in July that the central bank was “in a good place” as it left its key rate at 2%, bringing a year-long cutting cycle to an end and leading investors to bet on a prolonged pause. The cautious tone from the ECB might support the shared currency in the near term.  The upbeat UK preliminary S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data for August and hot UK July inflation data diminish the odds of the Bank of England (BoE) rate cuts this year. This, in turn, might underline the GBP and cap the upside for the cross. The BoE cut the interest rates from 4.25% to 4.0% earlier this month as the UK central bank resumed what it describes as a “gradual and careful” approach to monetary easing. A quarter-point cut is not fully priced in until March 2026.   Pound Sterling FAQs The Pound Sterling (GBP) is the oldest currency in the world (886 AD) and the official currency of the United Kingdom. It is the fourth most traded unit for foreign exchange (FX) in the world, accounting for 12% of all transactions, averaging $630 billion a day, according to 2022 data. Its key trading pairs are GBP/USD, also known as ‘Cable’, which accounts for 11% of FX, GBP/JPY, or the ‘Dragon’ as it is known by traders (3%), and EUR/GBP (2%). The Pound Sterling is issued by the Bank of England (BoE). The single most important factor influencing the value of the Pound Sterling is monetary policy decided by the Bank of England. The BoE bases its decisions on whether it has achieved its primary goal of “price stability” – a steady inflation rate of around 2%. Its primary tool for achieving this is the adjustment of interest rates. When inflation is too high, the BoE will try to rein it in by raising interest rates, making it more expensive for people and businesses to access credit. This is generally positive for GBP, as higher interest rates make the UK a more attractive place for global investors to park their money. When inflation falls too low it is a sign economic growth is slowing. In this scenario, the BoE will consider lowering interest rates to cheapen credit so businesses will borrow more to invest in growth-generating projects. Data releases gauge the health of the economy and can impact the value of the Pound Sterling. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, and employment can all influence the direction of the GBP. A strong economy is good for Sterling. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the BoE to put up interest rates, which will directly strengthen GBP. Otherwise, if economic data is weak, the Pound Sterling is likely to fall. Another significant data release for the Pound Sterling is the Trade Balance. This indicator measures the difference between what a country earns from its exports and what it spends on imports over a given period. If a country produces highly sought-after exports, its currency will benefit purely from the extra demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase these goods. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens a currency and vice versa for a negative balance. Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page. If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet. FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted. The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice. Read More

USD/CAD struggles around 1.3850 as the ousting of Fed’s Cook has built pressure on the US Dollar. Trump removed Fed’s Cook over mortgage allegations. Investors await Lutnick-LeBlanc trade talks, which are scheduled this week. The USD/CAD pair trades with caution around 1.3850 against the US Dollar (USD) on Tuesday. The Loonie pair faces slight selling pressure as United States (US) President Donald Trump has fired Federal Reserve (Fed) Governor Lisa Cook over mortgage allegations. US President Trump had already called Fed’s Cook to resign after his political allies accused her about mortgages she holds in Michigan and Georgia. Market experts seen the event as a major crack on Fed’s independence, and expect decisions from the one who will replace Cook to be biased towards Trump’s agenda. At the time of writing, the US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the Greenback’s value against six major currencies, ticks down to near 98.30. Going forward, investors will focus on the US Personal Consumption Expenditure Price Index (PCE) data for July to get fresh cues on the Fed’s monetary policy outlook. On Friday, Fed Chair Jerome Powell delivered surprisingly dovish remarks on interest rates at the Jackson Hole Symposum, citing rising risks to labor market. Meanwhile, investors brace a sideways trend in the Canadian Dollar (CAD) ahead of meeting between Canadian cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss trade concessions. Lately, comments from Canada’s LeBlanc signaled that he is confident about closing a trade agreement with Washington. “We are looking, I hope, for an agreement that will put us in a better position than we are right now,” LeBlanc said in a French-language radio program on Monday. US Dollar FAQs The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency of the United States of America, and the ‘de facto’ currency of a significant number of other countries where it is found in circulation alongside local notes. It is the most heavily traded currency in the world, accounting for over 88% of all global foreign exchange turnover, or an average of $6.6 trillion in transactions per day, according to data from 2022. Following the second world war, the USD took over from the British Pound as the world’s reserve currency. For most of its history, the US Dollar was backed by Gold, until the Bretton Woods Agreement in 1971 when the Gold Standard went away. The most important single factor impacting on the value of the US Dollar is monetary policy, which is shaped by the Federal Reserve (Fed). The Fed has two mandates: to achieve price stability (control inflation) and foster full employment. Its primary tool to achieve these two goals is by adjusting interest rates. When prices are rising too quickly and inflation is above the Fed’s 2% target, the Fed will raise rates, which helps the USD value. When inflation falls below 2% or the Unemployment Rate is too high, the Fed may lower interest rates, which weighs on the Greenback. In extreme situations, the Federal Reserve can also print more Dollars and enact quantitative easing (QE). QE is the process by which the Fed substantially increases the flow of credit in a stuck financial system. It is a non-standard policy measure used when credit has dried up because banks will not lend to each other (out of the fear of counterparty default). It is a last resort when simply lowering interest rates is unlikely to achieve the necessary result. It was the Fed’s weapon of choice to combat the credit crunch that occurred during the Great Financial Crisis in 2008. It involves the Fed printing more Dollars and using them to buy US government bonds predominantly from financial institutions. QE usually leads to a weaker US Dollar. Quantitative tightening (QT) is the reverse process whereby the Federal Reserve stops buying bonds from financial institutions and does not reinvest the principal from the bonds it holds maturing in new purchases. It is usually positive for the US Dollar. Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page. If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet. FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted. The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice. Read More

The Australian Dollar struggles as Trump threatens to impose a 200% tariff on Chinese goods. RBA Meeting Minutes suggested further rate cuts to be needed in the coming year. President Trump removed Fed Governor Cook from her position on the Fed’s board of directors. The Australian Dollar (AUD) depreciates against the US Dollar (USD) on Tuesday, extending its losses for the second successive session. The AUD/USD pair remains subdued as US President Donald Trump warned that he may impose a 200% tariff on Chinese goods if China refuses to supply magnets to the United States (US), per Reuters. It is worth noting that any change in the Chinese economy could influence AUD as China and Australia are close trading partners. The AUD also faces challenges as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Minutes of its August monetary policy meeting suggested that board members agreed that some further reduction in the cash rate is likely to be needed in the coming year. RBA Meeting Minutes also indicated that policymakers consider the pace of rate cuts would be determined by incoming data and the balance of global risks. The board saw arguments for both a gradual pace of easing and for a faster pace, while the labor market remained a little tight, inflation was still above the midpoint, and domestic demand was recovering. The US Dollar struggles due to rising concerns over Federal Reserve (Fed) independence following the US President Donald Trump’s announcement to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook. Trump posted a letter on social media early Tuesday, saying that he was removing Cook from her position on the Fed’s board of directors. Cook’s exit will allow Trump to tap a replacement, helping him to exert more control over Fed policy. However, Cook said that she will not resign and will continue to carry out duties, per Reuters. Australian Dollar weakens despite softer US Dollar as risk aversion weighs The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the US Dollar against six major currencies, is losing ground and trading around 98.30 at the time of writing. Traders will likely await the upcoming release of the Q2 US Gross Domestic Product Annualized and July Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index data, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge. President Trump threatened “subsequent additional tariffs” and export restrictions on advanced technology and semiconductors in retaliation for digital services taxes that hit American technology companies, per Bloomberg. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said at the Jackson Hole symposium on Friday that risks to the job market were rising, but also noted inflation remained a threat and that a decision wasn’t set in stone. Powell also stated that the Fed still believes it may not need to tighten policy solely based on uncertain estimates that employment may be beyond its maximum sustainable level. The US Initial Jobless Claims rose to 235K for the previous week, an eight-week high and above the consensus estimate of 225K, suggesting some softening in labor market conditions. Strong PMI data paired with rising jobless claims highlights the Federal Reserve’s challenge of weighing persistent inflation pressures against evidence of a softening labor market. According to the CME FedWatch tool, Fed funds futures traders are now pricing in a 74% chance of a rate reduction in September, down from 82% on Wednesday. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee said on Thursday that September’s Fed meeting remains open for action. Goolsbee further stated that the Federal Reserve has been receiving mixed signals on the economy. Boston Fed President Susan Collins signaled openness to a rate cut as soon as September, citing tariff headwinds and potential labor market softness, even as near-term inflation risks persist. The preliminary S&P Global US Composite PMI picked up pace in August, with the index at 55.4 versus 55.1 prior. Meanwhile, the US Manufacturing PMI rose to 53.3 from 49.8 prior, surpassing the market consensus of 49.5. Services PMI eased to 55.4 from 55.7 previous reading, but was stronger than the 54.2 expected. Australian Dollar tests confluence resistance zone around 0.6500 The AUD/USD pair is trading around 0.6480 on Tuesday. The technical analysis of the daily chart indicates that the pair is attempting to break above the descending channel pattern, suggesting a potential shift to bullish from bearish bias. Additionally, the pair is trading above the nine-day EMA, indicating short-term price momentum is stronger. The AUD/USD pair is testing the immediate resistance zone around the upper boundary of the descending channel at 0.6590, aligned with the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at 0.6494. A successful breach above this crucial resistance zone may confirm the bullish shift and support the pair to approach the monthly high at 0.6568, reached on August 14, followed by the nine-month high of 0.6625, which was recorded on July 24. On the downside, the AUD/USD pair may find immediate support at the nine-day EMA of 0.6477. A break below this level would weaken the short-term price momentum and put downward pressure on the pair to target the two-month low of 0.6414, recorded on August 21. Further declines would find support near the three-month low of 0.6372, reached on June 23, aligned with the descending channel’s lower boundary. AUD/USD: Daily Chart Australian Dollar Price Today The table below shows the percentage change of Australian Dollar (AUD) against listed major currencies today. Australian Dollar was the weakest against the US Dollar. USD EUR GBP JPY CAD AUD NZD CHF USD 0.09% 0.06% -0.07% 0.01% 0.08% 0.15% 0.24% EUR -0.09% 0.03% -0.05% -0.08% 0.03% 0.28% 0.17% GBP -0.06% -0.03% -0.06% -0.08% 0.04% 0.25% 0.13% JPY 0.07% 0.05% 0.06% 0.00% 0.01% 0.36% 0.09% CAD -0.01% 0.08% 0.08% 0.00% 0.08% 0.34% 0.08% AUD -0.08% -0.03% -0.04% -0.01% -0.08% 0.07% -0.01% NZD -0.15% -0.28% -0.25% -0.36% -0.34% -0.07% -0.12% CHF -0.24% -0.17% -0.13% -0.09% -0.08% 0.00% 0.12% The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the

GBP/USD Price Forecast: Bullish outlook remains in play near 1.3450 The GBP/USD pair edges lower to near 1.3450 during the early European session on Tuesday. The potential downside for the major pair might be limited after US President Donald Trump announced he was firing a Federal Reserve (Fed) Governor, Lisa Cook. This, in turn, might raise concerns over the Fed’s independence and undermine the US Dollar (USD) in the near term.  Technically, the constructive outlook of GBP/USD remains in place as the major pair is well-supported above the key 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) on the daily chart. Nonetheless, further consolidation cannot be ruled out, with the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) hovering around the midline. This displays the neutral momentum in the near term. Read more… GBP/USD pares gains as markets weigh rate cut bets GBP/USD backslid on Monday, falling back into the 1.3450 region after global markets reconsidered their rate cut frenzy sparked by perceptions of a dovish Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell late last week. Powell’s appearance at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium fanned the flames of interest rate cut expectations heading into the weekend, but now the latest batch of key US Personal Consumption Expenditure Price Index (PCE) inflation data looms large ahead of investors this week. It’s a fairly sedate showing on the economic data docket for Cable traders on the UK side; London markets were shuttered for an extended weekend, making Tuesday the first day that GBP domestics will be back on the books since Friday. The data docket is dominated by a decent spread of US economic figures, culminating in the latest PCE inflation print slated for Friday. Read more… GBP/USD steady near 1.35 as Powell hints at Fed cut GBP/USD consolidates during the North American session on Monday after last Friday’s dovish tilt by the Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who said that risks to the labor markets are rising, an indication that monetary policy is cooling the jobs market. At the time of writing, the pair trades at 1.3499, down 0.15%. Price action remained muted due to the United Kingdom (UK) summer bank holiday. Despite this, Bank of England (BoE) Governor Andrew Bailey said that the economy faces an “acute challenge” due to the economy’s weakness and a reduced labor force participation. Earlier on Friday, the Fed Chair Jerome Powell flirted with a September interest rate cut as he said “downside risks to the labor market are rising” and that “the baseline outlook and the shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance.” Additionally, he said that tariffs could create a “one-time” effect on inflation and could dissipate, warranting a less restrictive policy. Nonetheless, Powell said that risks of inflation are tilted to the upside and risks of employment to the downside. Read more… Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page. If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet. FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted. The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice. Read More

Skip to content