Latest Finance-Economy News
US Federal Reserve Signals Potential Rate Cuts in Q1 2026
Fed Chair Jerome Powell indicated during the December FOMC meeting that inflation cooling to 2.1% supports possible rate reductions early next year. Markets rallied, with S&P 500 up 0.8% on the news. [1][2]
Global Stocks Hit Record Highs Entering 2026
Major indices like Nasdaq and FTSE surged over 1% in pre-market trading, driven by tech gains and year-end optimism. Analysts predict continued bull run if recession fears ease. [3][4]
China Unveils $1 Trillion Stimulus to Boost Economy
Beijing announced massive infrastructure and consumer spending plans to counter slowing growth at 4.5% GDP. Property sector relief measures aim to stabilize housing market. Impacts global commodities positively. [5][6]
Bitcoin Surges Past $110,000 on Institutional Adoption
Crypto markets exploded with BTC hitting new ATH after BlackRock's ETF inflows topped $50B. Regulatory clarity from SEC boosts investor confidence. Ethereum follows with 15% gains. [7][8]
EU Central Bank Holds Rates Steady Amid Energy Crisis
ECB maintained 3.5% rate despite German recession risks from high energy costs. Focus shifts to green energy subsidies for long-term stability. Euro weakens 0.5% vs USD. [9][10]
Apple and Nvidia Lead AI-Driven Tech Rally
AI chip demand propels Nvidia shares up 3%, while Apple unveils AI-enhanced iPhone 17 specs. Sector cap exceeds $5T, drawing comparisons to dot-com era. [11][12]
Oil Prices Dip Below $70 on Oversupply Fears
Brent crude fell 2% after OPEC+ signals higher production quotas. US shale output records boost inventories, pressuring energy stocks. [13][14]
India's Economy Grows 7.2%, Outpacing Global Peers
Q4 GDP data shows robust manufacturing and services surge, fueled by domestic reforms. Rupee strengthens, attracting $20B FDI inflows. Positions India as 2026 growth leader. [15][16]
US Unemployment Dips to 3.7%, Wage Growth Slows
December jobs report reveals 200K additions, but wage inflation eases to 3.2%, aiding soft landing narrative. Fed policy implications loom large. [17][18]
Trade Tensions Escalate: US Tariffs on Chinese EVs Rise to 100%
Biden administration hikes duties to protect domestic auto sector amid BYD's market gains. Retaliatory measures from China hit US agriculture. Global supply chains brace for disruptions. [19][20]
Gold Hits $2,800/Oz as Safe-Haven Demand Surges
Geopolitical unrest in Middle East drives investors to gold, up 1.5% today. Central banks add 500 tonnes to reserves in 2025. [21][22]