
Latest Finance-Economy News
Federal Reserve Cuts Benchmark Rate by 25 Basis Points to 3.75%
The FOMC voted 9-3 to lower the US interest rate amid cooling labor market with jobless claims at 236,000 and inflation at 2.8% yearly. Dissent came from Goolsbee, Miran, and Schmid as the dollar index fell to 98.49.
This marks the final cut for 2025 after 75 basis points total reductions.
Conference Board Projects US Growth at 1.9% in 2025, 1.5% in 2026
The US economy is expected to expand 1.9% year-over-year in 2025 (1.7% Q4/Q4) and 1.5% (1.3% Q4/Q4) in 2026. Recent LEI data shows declines in the US but increases in Australia, France, Japan, and Germany, while South Korea's decreased.
Global productivity led by US amid weak DM growth momentum.
Bank of Canada Holds Rates at 2.25% Citing Resilient Economy
BoC kept rates unchanged despite downside hiring risks, boosting CAD nearly 2% against USD since December. Economy and labor market remain resilient but subdued hiring intentions noted.
This contrasts with Fed's cut, reflecting divergent paths.
Australia's RBA Rules Out 2026 Cuts, Eyes Hikes Amid 3.8% Inflation
RBA held rates at 3.60%, with Governor Bullock signaling possible hikes by December 2026 (40 bps expected). Unemployment at 4.3% but job creation at 10-year low excluding COVID; AUD up 2% vs USD.
High inflation and dropping participation rate persist.
Philadelphia Fed: 2025 GDP at 1.7%, Inflation Steady at 2.8%
Core PCE inflation held at 2.8% through September; unemployment at 4.4%, growth slowed from 2024's 2.4%. Tariffs boosted goods inflation but services/housing eased; more concerned on labor than inflation.
Rates cut 75 bps in 2025 balancing risks.