Daily News Analysis By Ultima Markets

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US-China Agree to 90-Day Tariff Pause, CPI In Focus Next

On May 12, 2025, the United States and China concluded a two-day trade dialogue in Switzerland and reached a significant agreement: both sides will suspend certain tariffs for 90 days and implement mutual tariff reductions of 115%. This marks the first major step toward easing tensions and opening the door for broader discussions on economic and trade issues.
As part of the agreement, the U.S. will lower tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, while China will reduce tariffs on U.S. goods from 125% to 10%. The 90-day pause provides a window for continued negotiations aimed at addressing deeper structural differences.
In addition, both countries have agreed to establish a permanent dialogue mechanism, with high-level representatives appointed to maintain regular communication and help prevent future escalations.

Market Reaction: Equities Market Gain on Optimism
The positive comments and the joint statement release by both nation after the two-day talks has sparked an optimism in global market. U.S. Stock market climbed with the S&P500 extend further gain, and Nasdaq 100 regain above the 20,000 mark on Monday. Meanwhile the China A50 also extending into the third day gain on yesterday.
This is good, but investors may still need to remain cautious during the 90-day window and the challenge of enforcing the new term still may pose risk, volatility could resurface if talks stall or a solid progress is lacking between the two world largest economies.
Still, the positive offers much-needed relief for investors, which has been rattled since the tariff announced in April 2.

CPI Data in Focus: What It Means for Markets
Even though the US and China have made progress in trade talks, a 30% tariff is still in place, and deals with other countries are still uncertain. Because of this, higher tariffs since April are still a concern for the economy.
Today’s US Consumer Price Index (CPI) report is an important one. Investors want to see if higher tariffs have pushed up inflation.
If inflation is higher than expected, the Fed may keep interest rates high for longer. That could be bad news for the economy and the stock market. On the flip side, if the CPI comes in lower, markets may hope for earlier rate cuts from the Fed—good news for stocks.

Technical Outlook: SP500 & US Dollar Index
Both the US Dollar and SP500 Index see upside after the promising outlook, reversing the market pessimism earlier when Trump announced the tariff in April, which raise market losing confident in both.
US Dollar Regains 100-Mark
The US Dollar Index (USDX) has bounced after holding firmly above the key 100 level, signaling a possible bullish reversal. It’s now testing resistance around 101.30.
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(USDX+, 4-H Chart Analysis | Source: Ultima Market MT5)

If tonight’s CPI data comes in lower than expected, it could raise hopes for Fed rate cuts—putting short-term pressure on the dollar. However, as long as the index stays above 100, the broader outlook remains positive, and the bullish setup could stay intact.
Upside Intact, Watch for Technical Pullback
The SP500 has broken above the 5800 level, confirming a bullish outlook. A softer CPI print could boost hopes for earlier Fed rate cuts, which would support further upside in equities.
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(SP500+, Daily Chart | Source: Ultima Market MT5)

However, despite the positive momentum, a short-term technical pullback may occur—offering a potential buy-the-dip opportunity in the uptrend.
Tonight’s U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) release may introduce volatility across markets, particularly if the data significantly deviates from expectations.
A stronger-than-expected inflation reading could renew concerns about the longer-term impact of tariffs, potentially putting pressure on both the U.S. Dollar and equity markets. Conversely, a softer or in-line print would likely be welcomed by investors, supporting the current risk sentiment and allowing the recent market momentum to continue.

Disclaimer
Comments, news, research, analysis, price, and all information contained in the article only serve as general information for readers and do not suggest any advice. Ultima Markets has taken reasonable measures to provide up-to-date information, but cannot guarantee accuracy, and may modify without notice. Ultima Markets will not be responsible for any loss incurred due to the application of the information provided.
 

April CPI Sends Mixed Signals: YoY Inflation Cools, But Monthly Price Gains Raise Concerns​


The U.S. inflation picture grew more complicated in April, as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed an annual cooling trend but a stronger-than-expected monthly increase. This mixed report could push the Fed to delay any anticipated rate cuts and adds fuel to the ongoing inflation debate.

Data Breakdown: Inflation Cools Annually, But Stickiness Remains​

  • Headline CPI rose by 0.2% month-over-month, reversing March’s -0.1% and surprising markets that expected a further drop.
  • YoY inflation came in at 2.3%, the lowest since early 2021.
  • Core CPI (excluding food and energy) increased by 0.2% MoM and 2.8% YoY, suggesting underlying price pressures are still alive.
These numbers highlight a critical point: while long-term inflation trends may be improving, short-term stickiness could stall any immediate policy shifts.

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April US Consumer Price Data | Source: Ultima Market Calendar

Fed Rate Cuts: Postponed Again?​

Despite calls from Trump to lower rates, the Federal Reserve appears to be in no rush. According to CME’s FedWatch tool, the probability of keeping rates steady in July has surged to 61.4%, up sharply from 21.9% just a week ago.

Markets now believe the earliest rate cut may come in September, if at all.

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Fed Rate Probabilities for July Meeting | Source: CME Group

Dollar Outlook: Pullback Doesn’t Break Bullish Setup​

The U.S. Dollar Index (USDX) pulled back from the 101.30 resistance after the CPI release but remains well-supported above the 100 level. A bullish crossover in short-term moving averages supports this constructive setup.

With reduced rate cut expectations and improving U.S.–China trade sentiment, the dollar may see continued demand.
市场热点-內頁 (14).jpg

USDX+, 4-H Chart Analysis | Source: Ultima Market MT5

Conclusion​

April’s inflation data reveals a complicated narrative—one that doesn’t yet support a dovish policy shift. With tariffs, trade dynamics, and sticky inflation in play, the Fed’s next steps will likely remain highly dependent on incoming data.

Investors should watch closely for the May and June CPI prints, which could redefine expectations for the second half of 2025.

Disclaimer

Comments, news, research, analysis, price, and all information contained in the article only serve as general information for readers and do not suggest any advice. Ultima Markets has taken reasonable measures to provide up-to-date information, but cannot guarantee accuracy, and may modify without notice. Ultima Markets will not be responsible for any loss incurred due to the application of the information provided.
 

U.S. Credit Rating Downgraded, US Dollar Opens Lower​

Market Overview​

Moody’s downgraded the U.S. credit rating from AAA to AA1 due to rising debt and budget deficits, shaking investor confidence. U.S. stock futures fell, the dollar weakened, and Asian/European markets were mixed. Japanese equities dropped on weak data, while Chinese markets held firm amid trade optimism. The Yen rose as a safe haven, pushing USDJPY lower before recovering.

US Dollar Outlook: Uncertainty Remains​

Despite the downgrade, the U.S. Dollar hasn’t collapsed. Technical support holds above 100.40 on the Dollar Index.
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(Image: US Dollar Index, 4H Chart | Source: Ultima Markets MT5)

The greenback faces headwinds from debt worries but finds support from optimism in U.S.–China trade talks and a 'higher-for-longer' Fed stance.

Upcoming Economic Events​

This Thursday’s S&P Global Flash PMI (May 22) will be key for assessing post-trade policy sentiment. UK and Eurozone data could also impact the USD if results disappoint.

Disclaimer​

Comments, news, research, analysis, price, and all information contained in the article only serve as general information for readers and do not suggest any advice. Ultima Markets has taken reasonable measures to provide up-to-date information, but cannot guarantee accuracy, and may modify without notice. Ultima Markets will not be responsible for any loss incurred due to the application of the information provided.
 

PBoC Cuts LPR to Boost Economy; Markets React, Yuan Slips​

Policy Context and Stimulus Details​

The People’s Bank of China cut its 1-year LPR to 3.0% and the 5-year LPR to 3.5% on May 20, 2025—its first such move since 2024. This is part of broader stimulus efforts aimed at stabilizing growth amid U.S. trade friction, a struggling property sector, and soft domestic demand.

Additional easing tools included reductions in RRR, MLF rate tweaks, and targeted loan programs, signaling a more accommodative monetary stance by the central bank.

What’s Next for Policy?​

Despite Q1 GDP resilience, April retail and trade figures show clear signs of slowing momentum. Analysts expect continued easing from the PBoC to reduce borrowing pressure and revive sentiment.

Ultima Markets senior analyst Shawn noted: “This is a clear commitment from the central bank to backstop the economy.” However, he added that long-term results depend on whether consumer and business confidence improves.

Market Impact and Yuan Outlook​

Stock markets reacted positively. The China A50 rose 0.6%, and the Hang Seng climbed 1%. The offshore yuan, however, weakened modestly as traders priced in a wider U.S.–China yield spread.
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USDCNH Daily Chart Analysis | Source: Ultima Market MT5
The pair dipped below 7.2230 before rebounding. Continued easing may push the yuan lower.
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AUDCNH Daily Chart Analysis | Source: Ultima Market MT5
AUD/CNH is consolidating between 4.684–4.610. If the lower bound holds, the pair could test the upper resistance.

Disclaimer​

This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Ultima Markets makes no guarantees on its accuracy and assumes no responsibility for actions taken based on it.
 
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