Latest Finance-Economy News
US CPI Inflation Cools to 2.7% in November
Consumer prices rose at a 2.7% annualized rate in November, below the expected 3.1%, while core CPI increased 2.6% versus 3% anticipated. This gives hope for further Fed easing, though numbers may be distorted by government shutdown.
Markets now price in two 0.25% rate cuts for 2026.
US Unemployment Rate Hits 4.6%, Highest in Over Four Years
The unemployment rate rose to 4.6% in November, with 64,000 jobs added but offset by prior losses. Jobless claims are up amid weak holiday hiring, signaling economic softening.
This fuels concerns over underlying strength despite seasonal adjustments.
Global ETF Assets Reach Record $19.44 Trillion
ETFs globally hit $19.44T in assets by end-November, with $218B net inflows that month and record YTD $2.04T. Equity ETFs saw $111.84B inflows, fixed income $41.39B, active ETFs $57.74B.
S&P 500 up 17.81% YTD, developed markets ex-US up 30.79%.
US Economy Grew 3.8% in Q2 Final Estimate
The US economy expanded at an annualized 3.8% in Q2 per BEA's third estimate. Markets gained last week led by tech rebound after Micron earnings, Nasdaq +1.31%.
S&P 500 up 16.2% YTD, forecast to rise 10%+ in 2026 to 7700.
US Trade Deficit Narrows to $52.8 Billion in September
The goods and services trade deficit fell from $59.3B in August to $52.8B in September as exports outpaced imports. Goods deficit dropped $7.1B to $79.0B, services surplus to $26.2B.
Data released post-shutdown delay.
Markets Positioned for Potential Santa Rally
US equities rebounded with Nasdaq +0.59% weekly, Dow -0.67%, amid supportive employment and inflation data for Fed cuts. Sentiment elevated but trend constructive; S&P VIX down 11.62%.
Liquidity expectations aid year-end bid viability.
Fed Delivers Third 0.25% Rate Cut, Eyes QE Return
Federal Reserve cut rates 0.25% in December, third this year, amid weak labor but high inflation. Announced Quantitative Easing return to buy bonds, bullish for stocks and metals.
Net interest on debt hit $179B in first two months FY2026.
Retail Sales Flat, UK Sales Contract Amid Slowing Economies
US retail sales flat, below expectations, signaling slowdown; UK retail showed contraction. New Zealand GDP beat at 1.1% vs 0.8% expected.
BoE cut rates 0.25% as anticipated.
Champion Iron Launches Tender for Rana Gruber Acquisition
Champion Iron to launch cash tender offer for Rana Gruber, backed by La Caisse financing and Scotiabank term loan. Deal in NOK, expands iron ore operations.
Announced December 21, 2025.
Precious Metals Rally on Central Bank Rate Cuts
Precious metals rose strongly last week, aided by ongoing central bank cuts including Fed and BoE. Japanese Yen also strengthened; bull market in US stocks seen exhausted.
Commodities ETFs drew $7.57B inflows in November.
Business Conditions Show Slowing Inflation, Rising Unemployment
October data indicates slowing inflation but waning momentum, job growth decelerating, unemployment up. Affordability pressures hit holiday season resilience.
Economic strength at risk.
S&P ASX 200, Global Indices Gain; US 10-Year Yield at 4.15%
S&P ASX 200 +0.39%, FTSE100 +0.61%, DAX +0.37%; S&P500 +0.88% Friday. US 10-year yield +0.85% to 4.15%, USD Index +0.12%.
VIX plunged 11.62%.