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

8 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. and China approve TikTok sale to American investors

US and China approve TikTok’s sale to Oracle and Silver Lake amid regulatory scrutiny, with ByteDance retaining 20%.

Published

16 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Harvey Vargas

US and China approve TikTok’s sale to Oracle and Silver Lake amid regulatory scrutiny, with ByteDance retaining 20%.

The United States and China have officially approved a deal for TikTok’s US operations to be sold to American investors, led by Oracle and Silver Lake.

This marks a major shift in the social media landscape as the platform navigates increasing regulatory scrutiny.

Under the new agreement, ByteDance will retain just under 20% of TikTok US, while Oracle and Silver Lake will each take 15% stakes. Other investors will also participate, forming a structure designed to satisfy both commercial and regulatory demands.

The new US-based entity will have a majority American board tasked with overseeing data protection and content moderation. Despite these safeguards, concerns remain about ByteDance’s influence and whether the deal fully complies with recent legislation.

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#TikTokSale #USChinaDeal #Oracle #SilverLake #ByteDance #TechNews #SocialMedia #DataProtection

Money

Markets tumble as Trump tariffs, Greenland rhetoric and Europe backlash collide

U.S. stocks plummet over 800 points amid renewed tariff threats and political tensions from Trump, sparking global trade concerns.

Published

3 days ago

January 21, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. stocks plummet over 800 points amid renewed tariff threats and political tensions from Trump, sparking global trade concerns.

U.S. equities took a sharp hit as markets reacted to renewed tariff threats and heightened political rhetoric from President Donald Trump. The Dow plunged more than 800 points, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq also sliding as investor nerves rattled risk assets.

The sell-off highlights growing concern around global trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty, with markets struggling to price in what comes next for U.S. economic leadership and policy direction.

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#USMarkets #WallStreet #TrumpTariffs #GlobalMarkets #USDebt #Europe #Davos #Ticker

Money

Gold hits record highs as investors flee risk

Gold surges amid global uncertainty, with February futures rising 1.71% to $4,674.20 per ounce, signaling safe-haven demand.

Published

4 days ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Gold surges amid global uncertainty, with February futures rising 1.71% to $4,674.20 per ounce, signaling safe-haven demand.

Gold is shining brighter than ever as investors flock to safe-haven assets amid global uncertainty. U.S. gold futures for February delivery jumped 1.71% to $4,674.20 per ounce, while spot gold rose 1.6% to $4,668.14.

The surge comes as geopolitical tensions continue to worry traders, prompting a rush into metals perceived as stable and secure. Analysts say gold is proving its status as the ultimate hedge during turbulent times.

Investors are closely watching markets as gold sets new benchmarks, signalling growing caution across the financial landscape.

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#GoldRally #SafeHaven #InvestingTips #FinancialMarkets #GoldPrices #GlobalEconomy #MarketUpdate #TickerNews