The Australian dollar, meanwhile, initially held near two-month highs after the Reserve Bank of Australia cut rates, its first easing since the 2020 pandemic, cautioning, however, against further rate reductions. Japan’s solid October-December GDP data on Monday, coupled with recent inflation numbers, have helped lift the yen. Against the yen, the dollar rose 0.3% to 151.95. It earlier pared gains after data showed U.S. Data last week showed U.S. Traders kept an eye on talks in Saudi Arabia between U.S. 0.6374 on Monday and was up 2.4% in February. Swaps imply just a 20% probability for a follow-up cut in April, although a move in May has been priced in. U.S. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has threatened new tariffs on the EU due to trade surpluses it had with the United States, in a widening onslaught economists say could trigger a global economic slowdown. Futures also implied the Fed will likely resume cutting rates either at the September or October policy meeting. U.S. rate futures have priced in about 37 basis points (bps) of easing in 2025, compared with 41 bps late Friday, according to LSEG estimates, using the January 2026 futures contract. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said no peace deal could be made behind his back. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index plunged five points to 42 this month, the lowest since September. February on worries that tariffs would combine with higher mortgage rates to further drive up housing costs. But broad U.S. dollar buying amid global geopolitical stress has temporarily eroded support for the Australian currency. The dollar index, which measures its performance against six other major currencies, was 0.3% higher at 107.08, not that far from the two-month low of 106.56 touched on Friday. Last week, the euro rose to a two-week high on hopes of a peace agreement. The yen has been on the back foot after its recent gains, fuelled by strong growth data that bolstered odds of the Bank of Japan raising interest rates again this year, with July seen as a live meeting, instead of in the October to December period. Russian officials on Tuesday aimed at ending the Ukraine war. 0.6349 after an initial burst of choppiness following the decision. 18 months in January, reinforcing the Fed’s message it was in no rush to resume cutting rates amid growing economic worries. He postponed his visit to Saudi Arabia planned for Wednesday until March 10 to avoid giving “legitimacy” to the U.S.-Russia talks. Russia on Tuesday, however hardened its demands for a peace deal, insisting NATO reneges on a promise it made at a summit in Bucharest in 2008 that Ukraine would join at a future, unspecified date. Sterling eased 0.2% to $1.2598, hurt by a strong dollar despite data showing accelerating British wage growth. Juan Perez, director of trading, at Monex USA in Washington. In afternoon trading, the euro fell 0.4% to $1.0447 , retreating for a second straight session. In Australia, the RBA cut its cash rate by 25 bps to 4.10% on Tuesday and said it was cautious about prospects of further policy easing. Investors will also focus on Wednesday’s release of minutes of the Federal Reserve’s meeting in January that may show how policymakers accounted for the risk of a broader tariff war resulting from President Donald Trump’s trade policies.

Fear? Not If You Use Sterling Silver Pins Wholesale The Right Way!

If you’re as magpie-like about jewellery as I am, you’ll always be on the lookout for new brands and original pieces to add to your collection. The brand’s founders, sisters Christie and Rosanna Wollenberg, believe you shouldn’t just save beautiful jewellery for best, so the sculptural rings and earrings are as practical as they are elegant. This British brand was launched in the autumn of 2024 by Tofi Caroline Adedoyin, a former investment banking director. All Grove & Vae jewellery is designed in London, and created using 14k gold vermeil and rhodium-plated sterling silver. Her signature T-bar necklaces have been worn by the likes of Taylor Swift. There are so many amazing affordable and mid-range jewellery brands out there today, with a plethora of choice no matter what your style. Otiumberg positions itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand. Tilly Sveaas founded her eponymous brand in 2016. Born in Hong Kong to British-Norwegian parents, London-based Tilly has been a jewellery designer for over 25 years, creating her first pieces during an extended trip to Bali, where she still produces to this day. If you love keeping things unique and prefer to shop independent, these jewellery brands are worth checking out and keeping in mind for your next purchase. But along with the prominent brands we all know and love, there are a load of under-the-radar gems (no pun intended) out there just waiting to be discovered. Their goal is to make pieces that ‘will be your go-to for years to come’.

The brand focuses on creating timeless, versatile pieces tailored to the modern woman’s everyday wardrobe. I was tired of sacrificing style for quality, or my bank account for both’ says Neima Row founder Naomi Genes. Crystals & Co. founders (and best friends) Emily Mackeogh and Leah O’Reilly aim to accessorise peoples lives with fun, high quality affordable jewellery. Think timeless glamour meets modern minimalism, without the unattainable price tag. Catherine ‘Catch’ Rhys Jones started her label out of a frustration with the jewellery she was buying. It always came with lengthy care instructions and still tarnished after only a few wears or turned my skin green’ she says. So she decided to make her own. With Love Darling believes in changing the world one piece of jewellery at a time. It specialises in bright, colourful jewellery. Prior to starting Bijoux De Mimi, Amelia attended Central Saint Martins. The brand uses solid metals – not plated or vermeil, and promises no green fingers or brass rash. After working in the jewellery industry for 10 years, Amelia Bainbridge saw a gap in the market for jewellery that was both beautiful and affordable – and Auree was born in 2014. All Auree pieces are made with the highest quality solid gold, sterling silver or gold vermeil and natural gemstones. The pieces are gorgeous too – from delicate pendants to eye-catching hoops, available in either 18ct gold (top article) vermeil or sterling silver. Items are produced in developing countries, giving the artisans income to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Founded by Amelia Hitchcock-Merritt in the middle of lockdown at just eighteen, Bijoux De Mimi became one of the fastest growing jewellery brands in the UK. Made by small workshops all over the world, each piece holds a story.

It was established in 2009, with the ethos that jewellery should say a lot about who you are, whether big and bold or delicate and gold. The eclectic collection draws inspiration from founder Abby Kaye’s past experiences and travels through India, as well as her childhood in London and love of nature. Founded by Olivia Jenkins in 2021, D. Louise creates timeless long-lasting yet affordable jewellery. Abby is a big believer in the talismanic and restorative power of jewellery, and strives to create designs that are both ethical and fashioned with love. Scream Pretty’s signature style is the curated ear – combining piercings and ear cuffs, to create bold stand out styling. The ranges include a collaboration with Vogue Williams. After growing up in Singapore, founder Lynette Ong left her job in finance to pursue a dream of using her creativity for the better. Olivia’s pursuit began when she identified a gap in the jewellery market – the need for everyday pieces that wouldn’t fade after a few wears – with this every piece comes with a lifetime guarantee against colour fading. Award winning British Jewellery Brand Scream Pretty was founded by Lucy Lee with her sister Jessica Pearce in 2016. This family run business designs jewellery for self expression; affordable, stylish and fun – jewellery to shout about. Dreamt up on a bicycle ride through Rajasthan, India, the British jewellery brand Memara was launched in 2019, with the aim to create beautiful, timeless yet affordable demi-fine pieces. Pieces are made in sterling silver with 18ct gold vermeil. The brand is named after Olivia’s mother Deborah Louise who Olivia sadly lost to cancer in 2017. With the loss of her mother, Olivia felt life was too short to not be truly passionate about the everyday and D.Louise was born.

Stellar 79 is a British demi-fine jewellery brand created by sisters Natasha and Sheena.

Inspired by a wealth of artisans selling beautiful jewellery on her travels around Asia, Edge of Ember was born. Founder Sally Louise was inspired by the films of grandparents’ time, from Casablanca to Gone with the Wind and Lawrence of Arabia. Designs are hand crafted through the process of lost wax casting in her studio, and stone setting takes place nearby in Hatton garden. These stories of romance, travel and history were the founding concept behind Carousel Jewels: modern jewellery that takes us back. London-based jewellery designer, Deborah Blyth began designing in 2004, whilst living in Italy. A silver letter necklace spelling out MAMA became a bestseller, and this motif has been applied to new styles including rings and lockets. Stellar 79 is a British demi-fine jewellery brand created by sisters Natasha and Sheena. Each piece of jewellery is created from start to finish within a small area of North London. Cult of Youth is a London-based silver jewellery brand founded by Kelly Seymour in 2011. The brand started out on a stall at Portobello Market, before being picked up by Urban Outfitters and sold at its stores. In 2015, the brand shifted tack as Seymour gave birth to her son, Elvis, and started to document her life as a single mother, entrepreneur and jeweller. Deborah is very mindful that the business be as sustainable as possible, and so she uses recycled silver and gold in all of the pieces. Harfi’s mission is to bring affordable, demi-fine jewellery to shoppers, working directly with its artisan partners. The sisters draw inspiration from their combined passion for art, fashion, travel, music, and culture across the South Asian diaspora to unify and celebrate cultural heritage and nostalgia with the present day. Her passion for the arts and love of nature combined to influence her process, which finds beauty in imperfections. With dual Mauritian-Trinidadian heritage and London roots, the co-founder’s mission is to create inspired, authentic, and expressive jewellery made with a conscience. The Cult of Youth collection has since expanded to include on-trend, fashionable jewels with a rock ‘n’ roll edge at accessible price points. The collection includes base earrings and chains, complemented by a range of interchangeable statement pendants to customise your look.