Money

Fed officials cautious on rate cuts and inflation risks

Fed officials cautious on rate cuts; inflation outlook uncertain amid policy changes and economic recovery, expect steady rates ahead.

Published

1 year ago

January 9, 2025

ticker NEWS

Fed officials cautious on rate cuts; inflation outlook uncertain amid policy changes and economic recovery, expect steady rates ahead.

The written account of the Dec. 17-18 policy meeting indicated that officials anticipate inflation will likely continue moving towards the central bank’s 2% target, though the process may take longer due to potential changes in trade and immigration policy.

The minutes reflected that a significant majority of the 19 officials believed a quarter-point rate cut was appropriate. However, some officials advocated for holding rates steady, indicating that the decision to cut was a narrow call.

Additionally, officials expressed comfort with the idea of maintaining current rates at the upcoming meeting. The minutes noted that the committee was nearing the point where a slower pace of policy easing would be fitting.

Recent projections from last month revealed growing uncertainty regarding the number of future rate cuts. A majority forecasted two cuts within the year, reduced from four in earlier projections.

Officials are considering two key developments: firmer inflation readings and the potential impact of new tariffs under President-elect Trump. Most participants acknowledged that risks to the inflation outlook had increased.

The Fed’s economic forecast suggested that anticipated tariff changes could result in higher inflation before a subsequent decline.

As they navigate these uncertainties, officials are assessing what constitutes a “normal” interest rate. They have reduced rates by one percentage point since September but remain unclear on the appropriate level to support economic growth without reversing progress on inflation.

Interest-rate futures markets imply the Fed is likely to maintain rates until May or June.

Money

Australian Dollar surges: What $0.70 means for markets

Australian dollar surges 5% to $0.70, impacting importers, exporters, and big miners amid rising interest rates.

Published

2 days ago

February 18, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Australian dollar surges 5% to $0.70, impacting importers, exporters, and big miners amid rising interest rates.

The Australian dollar has jumped more than 5 percent against the U.S. dollar this year, now trading around $0.70. This rapid rise has sparked mixed reactions for importers and exporters as Australia’s materials sector shows signs of bouncing back, despite concerns over rising interest rates.

Dale Gilham from Wealth Within breaks down the factors behind the AUD surge, the implications for commodities, and what it means for big miners like BHP. From profits to strategy, we explore how the market is reacting to this currency shift.

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#AustralianDollar #AUD #Forex #Investing #Commodities #BHP #Mining #Markets

Money

S&P 500 rises as financial stocks lead and tech slips

S&P 500 rises 0.4% thanks to financial stocks; software struggles amidst AI concerns. Subscribe for updates!

Published

2 days ago

February 18, 2026

Harvey Vargas

S&P 500 rises 0.4% thanks to financial stocks; software struggles amidst AI concerns. Subscribe for updates!

The S&P 500 climbed 0.4% on Tuesday, boosted by strong gains in financial stocks. Citigroup and JPMorgan led the rally, showing investors are rotating money into the sector as tech stocks faltered.

Meanwhile, software shares struggled, with ServiceNow, Autodesk, and Palo Alto Networks all seeing notable declines. Concerns around AI disruption continue to affect the software and financial sectors alike.

Market watchers are now turning their attention to upcoming inflation reports later this week, looking for signals that could shape the next moves in the market.

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Money

Australia’s GST debate heats up amid tax reform push

Australia debates GST expansion amid aging population pressures and personal income tax concerns; expert insights from Dr. Steven Enticott.

Published

3 days ago

February 17, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Australia debates GST expansion amid aging population pressures and personal income tax concerns; expert insights from Dr. Steven Enticott.

Australia is facing a fierce debate over tax reform, with fresh calls to broaden the Goods and Services Tax as the government searches for more stable revenue streams. With an ageing population putting pressure on health, pensions and long-term spending, economists argue the current reliance on personal income tax may not be sustainable.

Dr Steven Enticott from CIA Tax joins Ticker to break down the real impact of expanding the GST, including how it could affect lower-income households, whether taxing unrealised gains would change investor behaviour, and what compensation mechanisms could soften the blow on essential goods. The political risks are high, but so are the fiscal stakes.

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