Money

Australia cuts policy rate to 2-year low

Australia lowers policy rate to 3.85%, a two-year low, as inflation worries ease amid global trade uncertainties.

Published

9 months ago

May 21, 2025

Ahron Young

Australia lowers policy rate to 3.85%, a two-year low, as inflation worries ease amid global trade uncertainties.

In Short:
Australia’s central bank has cut its policy rate to 3.85% due to easing inflation concerns, while anticipating challenges from global trade uncertainties. Although the economy shows some growth, analysts warn of risks that could hinder recovery and suggest further rate cuts may be needed.

Australia’s central bank has reduced its policy rate by 25 basis points to 3.85%, the lowest in two years, as inflation concerns ease.

The Reserve Bank of Australia stated that risks to inflation have lessened significantly. However, global trade policy uncertainty may still impact the economy.

The RBA anticipates headline inflation will rise in the latter half of 2025 as government subsidies are removed, before stabilising at the middle of the inflation target range.

Australia’s inflation rate recently fell to 2.4%, the lowest level in four years. The RBA’s inflation target is between 2% and 3%.

Slow recovery

Despite this, the central bank warned of a potential slow recovery in household consumption, which may lead to subdued demand and a worsening job market.

Analysts suggest further rate cuts from the RBA may be necessary. Abhijit Surya from Capital Economics believes the central bank has overestimated the negative impact of trade tensions.

The Australian economy showed signs of recovery, with a 1.3% year-on-year GDP growth in the fourth quarter, its first growth since September 2023.

However, analysts still highlight significant risks to the economy due to global trade tensions and domestic uncertainties.

HSBC analysts noted recent tumultuous global economic conditions have had a modest negative impact on Australia, predicting a slightly disinflationary effect.

Money

U.S. stocks falling amid AI worries and weak earnings

U.S. stocks decline amid AI concerns, defensive sectors rising; traders eye commodities, jobs data, and currency trends for insights.

Published

18 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. stocks decline amid AI concerns, defensive sectors rising; traders eye commodities, jobs data, and currency trends for insights.

U.S. stocks are tumbling as investors grow concerned over AI profitability and disappointing earnings. Defensive sectors are attracting attention ahead of the upcoming CPI report, while market participants are carefully watching how tech-heavy AI stocks are influencing broader indices. Steve Gopalan from SkandaFX notes that these factors are shaping market sentiment.

For traders, commodities like gold and oil are also playing a role in sentiment, providing hedges amid market uncertainty. The January jobs report and unemployment data are adding further context, with potential implications for Federal Reserve policy.

Market expectations for rate cuts are shifting as investors weigh economic indicators against global market dynamics. Traders are also eyeing currency movements, including the Australian Dollar and Japanese yen, for signs of broader economic trends.

Money

Wall Street tumbles as tech stocks face AI disruption fears

Wall Street falters as tech stocks dive amid AI anxieties; 2026 seen as critical for proving AI investment returns.

Published

18 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Wall Street falters as tech stocks dive amid AI anxieties; 2026 seen as critical for proving AI investment returns.

Wall Street took a sharp hit as tech stocks plummeted amid growing investor anxiety over artificial intelligence. Markets reacted strongly to uncertainty about how AI could disrupt major sectors, leaving investors on edge. Kyle Rodda from Capital.com explains why investors are nervous about what’s ahead.

Cisco Systems’ quarterly results added to the market jitters, while defensive sectors gained attention as investors sought safer bets. Analysts describe 2026 as a ‘prove it’ year for AI, with companies needing to demonstrate real returns on their ambitious investments.

The January Consumer Price Index report and rising concerns over AI’s impact on transportation companies further weighed on sentiment. Investors are now closely watching major tech firms for signals on how AI spending will shape future market performance.

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Money

U.S. jobs report, Fed decisions, and Japan’s economic risks explained

January US jobs report sparks uncertainty; analysts debate impact on Federal Reserve policy and market confidence.

Published

2 days ago

February 12, 2026

Harvey Vargas

January US jobs report sparks uncertainty; analysts debate impact on Federal Reserve policy and market confidence.

The January US jobs report shows a mixed picture for the economy, with payroll revisions and steady unemployment leaving analysts questioning the impact on Federal Reserve policy. We break down what the numbers mean for interest rates and market confidence.

US stock markets could face turbulence as investors digest the latest jobs data. David Scutt from StoneX explains how these figures may influence equities and what the outlook is for global markets.

Meanwhile, developments in Japan and a strengthening yen could spark new macroeconomic risks. From carry trades to unexpected shocks, we explore how these factors ripple across the global economy.

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