Money

Interest rates are still too high in the U.S. more rate hikes possible

Published

2 years ago

August 17, 2023

ticker NEWS

The Federal Reserve’s latest meeting minutes reveal that the majority of its officials remain apprehensive about persistently high inflation and are contemplating the potential necessity of additional interest rate increases.

The minutes from the July 25-26 meeting unveil a mixed viewpoint among the policymakers regarding the trajectory of inflation and its implications for monetary policy.

While acknowledging a few signs that inflation pressures might be subsiding, the minutes underscore that many officials continue to perceive high inflation as a sustained threat.

The cautious sentiment aligns with the Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s earlier remarks, where he adopted a noncommittal stance on future rate hikes during a post-meeting news conference.

Persistent inflation

In light of this persistent inflation concern, the minutes indicate that the officials are seeking more data to be confident that inflation pressures are genuinely abating and on a trajectory towards the central bank’s 2% target.

As of now, despite efforts to curb inflation, it remains elevated beyond the desired threshold.

The Federal Reserve’s decision during the meeting to raise its benchmark rate for the 11th time in 17 months reflects its ongoing commitment to combating inflation.

However, the release accompanying the meeting did not provide explicit guidance on the timing or potential occurrence of future rate increases.

Further hikes

Market analysts and economists have been debating the likelihood of further rate hikes following the July increase.

While the consensus among most investors and experts suggests that the July hike could be the final one, Goldman Sachs economists recently projected that the Federal Reserve might begin a phase of rate cuts by the middle of the following year.

The release of the meeting minutes coincides with signs that the economy is undergoing a “soft landing,” where economic growth slows sufficiently to mitigate inflation while avoiding a deep recession.

The Federal Reserve’s extensive series of interest rate hikes, the most significant in over four decades, has aimed to strike this balance.

Money

Secret IMF meeting sparks US-China truce

Covert IMF meeting sparks US-China trade breakthrough with 115-point tariff cut for 90 days, marking significant progress since the Trump trade war.

Published

22 hours ago

May 14, 2025

ticker NEWS

Covert IMF meeting sparks US-China trade breakthrough with 115-point tariff cut for 90 days, marking significant progress since the Trump trade war.

A covert meeting in the basement of the IMF has set off a diplomatic shockwave, leading to a major breakthrough in US-China trade talks.

Top officials from both nations have now agreed to slash tariffs by 115 points for 90 days—marking the first real progress since the Trump-era trade war began.

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Money

Gen Z and millennials surpass boomers in voting power

Gen Z and Millennials outnumber Baby Boomers in Australian elections, signaling potential reforms in taxation and inheritance laws.

Published

2 days ago

May 13, 2025

ticker NEWS

Gen Z and Millennials outnumber Baby Boomers in Australian elections, signaling potential reforms in taxation and inheritance laws.

For the first time in history, Gen Z and Millennials now outnumber Baby Boomers at the ballot box in Australia, marking a seismic change in the country’s political landscape.

Experts say this electoral milestone could spark major reform debates on taxation, superannuation, and inheritance laws as younger voters prioritise different values.

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Money

Stocks decline as tariffs and trade tensions escalate

Stocks drop as tariffs worry investors; gold hits record high; Canada resists U.S. annexation talk.

Published

1 week ago

May 7, 2025

Ahron Young

Stocks drop as tariffs worry investors; gold hits record high; Canada resists U.S. annexation talk.

In Short:
Stock indexes declined on Tuesday after a nine-day winning streak, while gold prices soared amid economic concerns. Major companies like Ford and Mattel adjusted forecasts due to tariff impacts, and the trade deficit hit a record high of $140.5 billion.

Stock indexes fell on Tuesday, following declines in the Dow and S&P 500 after a nine-day winning streak.

Gold prices reached a new record as markets reacted to ongoing economic concerns.

The downturn persisted following a meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Trump, where Carney rejected any notion of Canada being for sale.

Investors showed continued apprehension about the impact of U.S. tariffs and the absence of new trade agreements, particularly as major companies like Ford and Mattel suspended annual guidance due to tariff uncertainties.

Ford impact

Ford, while less affected than competitors, estimated potential tariff impacts could reduce profits by $1.5 billion, prompting a 2.8% increase in its stock.

In contrast, Mattel’s stock rose by 2.6% after it signalled a potential increase in U.S. toy prices, anticipating a $270 million hit from tariffs, while also planning to move manufacturing from China.

Both WK Kellogg and Marriott International adjusted their financial forecasts downward due to tariff-related challenges and broader economic uncertainties.

Clorox shares fell sharply after the company updated its guidance to reflect tariff impacts.

Additionally, President Trump indicated he would announce the details regarding pharmaceutical tariffs within two weeks.

On a related note, new data revealed the trade deficit reached a record $140.5 billion in March, exceeding economists’ expectations and reflecting a surge in imports amid trade policy changes.