The decline in the confidence of the American consumer shakes the markets amid the decline in gold and the variation of the stocks

An economic report said: The global financial markets have witnessed severe turmoil, as oil prices fell to their lowest levels this year affected by the low confidence of the American consumer, which raised fears of the repercussions of economic policies on the global demand for energy.
According to the report, at the same time, American stocks were subjected to severe fluctuations, while the main indicators continued to divert their performance amid economic pressure and commercial tensions.
On the metal level, gold prices fell after a record session, while copper contracts jumped after US President Donald Trump’s directives to discuss the imposition of customs duties on the metal.
In the currency market, the dollar witnessed a remarkable decline, while both the euro and the British pound, supported by different statements by central bank officials.
This comes as concerns about global economic growth continue, especially after the German economy has shrunk and the slowdown in the euro and the United Kingdom.

Oil prices

Oil prices have declined in conjunction with the decline in financial markets, as the decline in US consumer confidence raised concerns about the impact of Trump’s policies on growth and demand for energy.

West Texas Intermediate crude decreased by 2.5% to close below $ 69 a barrel, its lowest level this year.

Golden

On the other hand, gold prices declined with investors reaping profits after a new standard session. However, the strong demand for gold continued thanks to the increasing optimism about the timing of the upcoming federal benefit and the high demand for safe assets.

Copper futures increased after President Trump ordered the Ministry of Commerce to consider imposing customs duties on the metal. Copper futures on the “Comics” in New York jumped by 2.4%, which is the largest daily gain since February 12.

Stock market

American stocks closed on Tuesday’s variation, and the Standard & Poor’s 500 index fell 0.5%, recording the fourth decline in a row amid concerns about economic growth and commercial tensions.
NASDAC 100 decreased by 1.2%, while the Dow Jones Index increased by 159 points.
The shares of technology were at the forefront of the declines, as “Inviteia” share decreased by 2.7%before the announcement of its profits, while the share of “Balnter” decreased by 3.2%, and the “Tesla” share fell by 8.1%, which led to a decrease in its market value to less than one trillion dollars .

On the other hand, the shares of “Super Micro computer” jumped with more than 24% in post -closing transactions on Tuesday after the company presented late models to the US Securities and Exchange Authority (SEC) to avoid deleting the Nasdaq Stock Exchange.

foreign currency

The US dollar fell due to the disappointing consumer confidence data, in line with the Michigan University report on low morale. The dollar index was traded around the level of 106.15.
Federal reserve officials did not have a significant impact on the markets, as investors are awaiting personal consumption expenses on Friday.

On the other hand, the euro achieved gains benefiting from the weakness of the dollar, to penetrate the level of 1.0520.
The week witnessed an activity of European Central Bank officials, as Casax called for caution while approaching the final interest rate, while Stornarras suggested that the European Central Bank should continue to reduce interest rates to 2%, which is what the possible final level sees.
The British pound recorded a slight increase to circulate above the level of 1.2670, but the gains remained limited due to the lack of local news.
However, British Prime Minister Starmer announced plans to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027.
The Japanese yen rose, which led to a decrease in the pair of the dollar/yen to the level of 148.00 for a short period, amid increasing risk and the revenue of American bonds.

High bonds

The US Treasury bonds have increased for the fifth consecutive session, prompting standard returns to their lowest levels this year after the sharp decline in consumer confidence.
The wave of ascension gained additional momentum during European trading after Trump’s threats to impose new customs duties.
US Treasury Secretary Besint emphasized the importance of reducing returns, and the bond auction for five years witnessed a strong request. The return on bonds was recorded for 10 years 4.28%, which is the lowest level since December 12.

Overal economy

The confidence of the American consumer has witnessed its largest decline since August 2021 this month, amid concerns about economic expectations and uncertainty related to the Trump administration policies.
The conference council index decreased by 7 points to 98.3 in February, recording the third decline in a row, and lower than all Bloomberg survey estimates.

The S&P Corlogk-Chiller of House in 20 cities increased by 4.5% on an annual basis in December 2024, exceeding expectations.
The New York topped the list, an increase of 7.2%, while prices in Tamba decreased by 1.1%. Since 2020, the prices of national homes have increased by 8.8% annually, driven by strong activity in the markets of Florida, North Carolina, South California and Arizona.
The German economy shrinkled by 0.2% in the fourth quarter of 2024, after achieving 0.1% growth in the third quarter.
This decline came as a result of the decrease in exports by 2.2%, and the increase in imports by 0.5%. The growth of families’ consumption slowed to 0.1%, while government spending increased by 0.4%.
Fixed investments increased by 0.4%, thanks to the recovery of the construction sector.
The agreed wages in the euro area increased by 4.12% on an annual basis in the fourth quarter of 2024, decreasing from its highest level 31 years ago at 5.43% in the previous quarter, which contributed to reducing pressure on politics makers at the European Central Bank amid efforts to control Slow economic inflation and economic growth.
According to the report issued by “Saksu Bank”, in the United Kingdom, the retail sales index rose to -23 in February 2025 from -24 in January, bypassing expectations at -25.
The challenges are still exist due to the weak demand and the increase in social security contributions, although wage growth over inflation.