The U.S. Federal Reserve is preparing for its next policy meeting under an unusual cloud of uncertainty, with the ongoing government shutdown halting key economic data releases and leaving policymakers without a clear picture of the economy’s health. Official employment figures have not been published since the shutdown began on October 1, while limited private …
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Tuesday delivered his final speech before the Fed’s upcoming policy meeting, navigating a U.S. economy torn between strong growth, rising productivity, and mounting inflation risks. The address comes as policymakers grapple with incomplete economic data amid a U.S. government shutdown that has delayed the September jobs report and other …
Gold prices soared beyond $4,000 per ounce for the first time in history on Wednesday as investors rushed to the safe-haven asset amid global economic and geopolitical tensions, as well as expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts. Spot gold climbed 1.3% to $4,034.59 per ounce by 09:31 GMT, while U.S. gold futures for December delivery …
U.S. consumer spending rose more than expected in August, driven by vacations, dining out, and higher demand for services, keeping the economy on solid ground even as inflation picked up. The Commerce Department reported Friday that household consumption, which makes up over two-thirds of economic activity, climbed by 0.6% after a 0.5% gain in July. …
By Esther Ososanya The Federal Reserve is almost certain to cut interest rates in September after fresh inflation data showed prices rising at a moderate pace in July, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinting a surprise half-point reduction was on the table. Traders in federal funds futures are now pricing a 99.9% probability of a …
By Esther Ososanya Global equities gained on Monday as traders positioned for a pivotal U.S. inflation report. The data could sway the dollar, Treasury yields, and interest rate bets. MSCI’s world share index rose close to its late-July record, driven by strong U.S. earnings and a 0.3% lift in Europe’s STOXX 600. Economic and Geopolitical …
By Esther Ososanya U.S. job growth slowed sharply in July, with nonfarm payrolls increasing by just 73,000 jobs, well below the 110,000 forecasted by economists polled by Reuters. The shortfall is even more concerning when paired with a sharp downward revision of June’s data, which now shows only 14,000 jobs were added that month, compared to the previously reported …
By Esther Ososanya The U.S. Federal Reserve may be forced to delay cutting interest rates until at least October after fresh inflation data revealed that tariff-driven price increases are reigniting consumer costs across multiple sectors, complicating the central bank’s battle to restore price stability. The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, the Fed’s preferred inflation …
By Esther Ososanya President Donald Trump has renewed pressure on the Federal Reserve to slash interest rates following a stronger-than-expected 3% growth in U.S. GDP for the second quarter. “2Q GDP JUST OUT: 3%, WAY BETTER THAN EXPECTED! ‘Too Late’ MUST NOW LOWER THE RATE. No Inflation! Let people buy, and refinance, their homes!” Trump …
By Esther Ososanya The number of Americans applying for new unemployment benefits fell unexpectedly last week, providing fresh evidence that the U.S. labour market remains resilient, even as job growth cools and businesses grow more hesitant about hiring. Initial jobless claims dropped by 4,000 to a seasonally adjusted 217,000 for the week ending July 19, …
