Finance

A persistent selloff in the fixed-income market pushed the two-year U.S. Treasury yield to its highest mark since July 2024. Investors continue to adjust portfolios after the Federal Reserve implemented its first borrowing cost increase in three years. Derivatives markets currently imply an overwhelming probability that the central bank will approve at least one more rate hike before the conclusion of the calendar year.

Precious metals registered significant upward momentum, with front-month gold futures surging past the $4,400 mark to secure a fresh weekly peak. The recovery was heavily supported by falling crude oil prices, which alleviated immediate concerns regarding persistent inflationary pressures. Although higher interest rates typically drag on non-yielding bullion, central bank demand and broader fiscal uncertainties continue to provide underlying structural support.

Digital assets experienced positive price movement, with Bitcoin stabilizing comfortably above the $77,000 threshold and Ethereum climbing above $2,500. Sentiment was buoyed as trading infrastructure advanced with a landmark regulatory clearance that paves the way for tokenized equities on domestic trading venues. Additionally, corporate expansion in blockchain payment networks has further enhanced utility expectations across international jurisdictions.