Fed poised for rate cut amid cautious outlook

Fed may cut rates again this week, signaling cautious future policy amid inflation and labor market concerns.

Published

1 year ago

December 18, 2024

Federal Reserve officials have suggested that a rate cut this week may conclude the first phase of a two-step approach to lowering rates.

In this initial phase, officials had set a low threshold for cuts, having previously maintained high borrowing costs for an extended period.

They awaited sufficient evidence that inflation was moving closer to their target.

Officials initiated rate cuts in September, making a notable half-point reduction followed by a quarter-point cut last month.

A cut this week would mark the third consecutive reduction.

Revised upwards

Over the past year, projections of the long-term rate have been gradually revised upwards, with further adjustments expected this week.

Some officials now emphasize the need for stronger signs of inflation improvement or labor market weakening before further cuts.

Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack recently expressed concerns about the pace of cuts, referencing instances from the 1990s when the Fed paused after rapid rate reductions.

Recent communications from the Fed indicate a more cautious stance toward additional cuts.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell is encountering skepticism from colleagues regarding ongoing reductions.

The upcoming meeting may add to discussions about the “neutral” interest rate, the level at which economic activity is neither stimulated nor constrained.

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

20 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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