Money

U.S. Fed Reserve hikes interest rates by 25 basis points

Published

10 months ago

February 2, 2023

ticker NEWS

The U.S. Federal Reserve has announced its latest interest rate hike

The 25 basis-point increase comes after a half-point hike in December, and a three-quarter-point increase the month before that.

And it came with the forecast that the Fed isn’t finished.

“We will need substantially more evidence to be confident that inflation is on a sustained downward path,” U.S. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said in a press conference.

Powell noted positive signs that inflation was beginning to abate.

“We can now say I think for the first time that the disinflationary process has started, and we see it in goods prices, so far…but it is insufficient to signal an end to the rate hikes, though it would be stepping down from last year’s rapid pace of increases.”

Future rate increases would be in quarter-percentage-point increments.

“We will continue to make our decisions meeting by meeting, taking into account the totality of incoming data and their implications for the outlook for economic activity and inflation,” Powell added.

The decision lifted the benchmark overnight interest rate to a range between 4.50% and 4.75% – a move widely anticipated by investors and flagged by U.S. central bankers ahead of this week’s two-day policy session.

Inflation, based on the Fed’s preferred measure, slowed to a 5% annual rate in December.

The Fed hopes it can continue nudging inflation lower to its 2% target without triggering a deep recession or causing a substantial rise in the unemployment rate from the current 3.5%, a level rarely seen in recent decades.

Money

Is Bitcoin’s rally here to stay or just another bubble?

Published

8 hours ago

December 11, 2023

ticker NEWS

A combination of institutional interest, economic uncertainty, growing acceptance, and technological progress is driving Bitcoin’s surge.

Many factors contribute to Bitcoin’s upward momentum. First and foremost, increasing institutional adoption plays a pivotal role. Major companies and financial institutions are showing growing interest in Bitcoin as an asset class, pouring significant investments into it. This legitimizes the cryptocurrency in the eyes of traditional investors.

Additionally, global economic uncertainty and inflation concerns are pushing individuals to seek alternative investments. Bitcoin, with its limited supply and decentralized nature, is emerging as a store of value and a hedge against economic turbulence.

Moreover, growing mainstream acceptance and awareness are fueling demand. More merchants are accepting Bitcoin as a form of payment, making it increasingly accessible to consumers.

Furthermore, technological advancements, such as the Lightning Network, are improving Bitcoin’s scalability and usability, enhancing its attractiveness as a digital currency. #featured #bitcoin

Money

Will Bitcoin ever be safe as houses?

Published

8 hours ago

December 11, 2023

ticker NEWS

2024 may become the year that younger investors face this key question. Is it safer to invest in crypto, or to invest in property. Put another way, is Bitcoin as safes as houses?

Anticipated rate cuts in the coming year promise a soft landing for the economy, while the maturing crypto industry, now subject to increased regulations, becomes more appealing to a broader investor base. #featured #ticker today

Money

Volkswagen, Renault partner to create budget-friendly EVs

Published

10 hours ago

December 11, 2023

ticker NEWS

Volkswagen and Renault are reportedly considering a groundbreaking collaboration to develop affordable electric cars.

This bold endeavor aims to make electric mobility accessible to a wider audience, addressing one of the key barriers to EV adoption: cost.

The automotive giants are exploring the possibility of co-developing a range of budget-friendly electric vehicles that combine Volkswagen’s engineering prowess with Renault’s electric technology.

This partnership seeks to challenge the dominance of higher-priced electric models, making emissions-free driving a reality for more consumers.

The potential synergy between these two industry giants could revolutionize the EV landscape.

By pooling resources and expertise, they hope to deliver electric cars that not only offer a competitive price point but also meet the stringent quality and safety standards expected from such renowned manufacturers.

As electric vehicles continue to gain traction, the question remains:

Will this collaboration between Volkswagen and Renault pave the way for a more accessible electric future, or will established players in the industry attempt to thwart their ambitions?