Original explainers for the forces that connect business and markets.
A change in a policy rate can feed into loan costs, saving rates and investment decisions. The effect depends on loan terms, how quickly lenders reprice, and whether households or businesses need new borrowing.
Watch the actual decision, the central bank’s reasoning and subsequent lending data.
Official background ↗A fall in commercial crude stocks means less oil was held at the reporting date than in the previous week. Refinery inputs, production, imports and exports help explain the balance. Seasonal maintenance and timing can matter.
Compare several weeks and separate crude, gasoline and distillate stocks.
Official background ↗Profit reflects accounting income and expenses for a period. Operating cash flow tracks cash generated or used by operating activities. A company can report a profit while cash is tied up in working capital. Valuation compares a market price with a defined financial measure.
Use matching periods, check adjustments and read the filing notes.
Official background ↗A daily reference observation provides a consistent comparison point. It is different from an executable bid or ask price. Banks and brokers can apply spreads, fees and different observation times.
Use the dated reference for historical comparisons; check an executable quote before a transaction.
Official background ↗