Refinitiv: Data allegedly stolen from the FBI contains sensitive information on bureau staff involved in intelligence work.

Sterling slid to a 12-week low as the Bank of England's cautious stance on further tightening contrasted with ongoing Fed tightening. The Federal Reserve last week raised rates 25bps and signalled at least one more hike this year, supporting the dollar; the BoE held rates and avoided clear guidance on future hikes. UK PMI also missed expectations. GBP/USD fell as much as 0.6% to 1.3260.

Gold fell on Wednesday, partly reversing prior gains, as a stronger dollar and rising expectations of Fed hawkishness — markets still price another rate hike this year — weighed on the metal. Recent Fed remarks reinforced that inf pressures persist and the case for tighter policy. Lower oil eased energy-driven inf concerns and pushed US Treasury yields down, providing some support to precious metals, but not enough to offset dollar strength.