Topic
us economy
Business US Federal Reserve Holds Rates Steady as Kevin Warsh-Led FOMC Maintains 3.5-3.75% Range
The Federal Open Market Committee, led by Chair Kevin Warsh, voted to maintain the federal funds rate at 3.5-3.75% following its July 28-29 meeting. The decision reflects persistent inflation above the 2% target, geopolitical uncertainties from the Middle East conflict, and volatile oil prices. The Fed's statement noted solid economic expansion but highlighted supply shocks and tariff-related pressures.
Finance Ex-RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan and Two Other Indians Join US Federal Reserve Policy Review Panels
The US Federal Reserve has appointed former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan, Harvard economist Raj Chetty, and Microsoft executive Asha Sharma to separate task forces reviewing its monetary policy framework. The panels, announced by Chairman Kevin Warsh, will examine balance sheet policy, data quality, productivity and jobs, communications, and inflation frameworks. The appointments signal an effort to incorporate diverse expertise as the Fed reassesses its tools and methods.
Logistics Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern CEOs Discuss Merger That Could Reshape U.S. Economy
During a July 4th celebration in Philadelphia, Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena and Norfolk Southern CEO Mark George discussed their pending rail merger, regulatory evaluation expectations, and a procedural wish regarding the Surface Transportation Board. The merger could reshape the U.S. economy.
Business US inflation climbs above 4% for first time in three years as consumer spending stays resilient
US inflation accelerated above 4% for the first time in three years, with the PCE price index rising 4.1% year-on-year in May. Consumer spending remained resilient, increasing 0.7% month-on-month, supported by larger tax refunds and a stock market rally, according to data from the Commerce Department and Reuters.
Business From Inflation to Mortgage Rates: Key Movements in the US Economy's Weekly Report Card
The US economy saw mixed signals this week: inflation accelerated to a three-year high, consumer spending slowed, but GDP growth beat expectations and layoffs remained low. Apple raised prices on Mac and iPad models due to AI-driven memory chip shortages. Mortgage rates ticked up slightly, while jobless claims fell below forecasts.
Business US Adds Just 57,000 Jobs in June as Hiring Slump Signals Cooling Labor Market
The US added only 57,000 jobs in June, far below May's revised 129,000, signaling a loss of hiring momentum. Unemployment eased to 4.2%, but labor force participation fell. Sector performance diverged sharply, with leisure and hospitality losing 61,000 jobs while professional services and healthcare added. The Federal Reserve held rates at 3.5-3.75% as inflation remains above target.
Business US Tops Global Economy But Debt Burden Poses Biggest Risk, Deutsche Bank Warns
A Deutsche Bank Research Institute report warns that the US's growing debt burden—with federal deficits at 5-6% of GDP and debt exceeding 100% of GDP—poses the biggest risk to its long-term economic leadership, potentially eroding the dollar's reserve status. Despite structural strengths in capital markets, technology, and AI, the report highlights imminent fiscal challenges including exhaustion of Social Security trust fund by 2032.
Finance Kevin Warsh-led FOMC Keeps Rates Unchanged, Projects Hike by Year-End, Raises Inflation Forecast
The Federal Reserve, under new chair Kevin Warsh, kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged in the 3.5% to 3.75% range. The Summary of Economic Projections showed 18 of 19 officials expect at least one rate increase by year-end, while the central bank raised its inflation forecast, projecting PCE inflation at 3.6% by end-2026. Inflation currently stands at 4.2%, a three-year high, driven by fuel costs.
Business Why the US economy keeps defying the odds: corporate investment and energy resilience drive outperformance
The US economy continues to grow at a steady pace despite global shocks such as trade tariffs, immigration changes, and Middle East conflict. Corporate capital expenditure remains high at 13.9% of GDP, productivity has risen, and energy independence from fracking has reduced vulnerability to oil price spikes. Cultural attitudes toward risk-taking and structural differences with Europe further explain the divergence.
Business Trump's Inflation Remarks Amid Economic Tensions
President Donald Trump expressed unexpected enthusiasm for rising inflation rates, citing energy costs linked to the Iran conflict. His administration claims to stabilize oil markets through operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
Business Navigating Credit: How Lenders Assess New Borrowers
Lenders face challenges evaluating new-to-credit customers due to lack of credit history. Existing bank relationships and job stability play crucial roles in credit approval. Recent grads face higher unemployment, impacting creditworthiness.
Business $1.3 Trillion Lost as AI Rally Slows; Nvidia, Micron Plummet
A slowdown in the AI rally has led to a $1.3 trillion loss on Wall Street, with semiconductor stocks like Nvidia and Micron experiencing significant declines. Strong US jobs data and geopolitical tensions add to market uncertainties.