Japan Falls to Fourth-Largest Economy Amid Unexpected Recession
Economy
Sharp Decline in January US Retail Sales Signals Economic Caution
-
UK Economy Enters Recession, Challenging Sunak's Growth Pledge
"The United Kingdom's economy has officially entered a recession, marking a significant downturn and the weakest annual growth since the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, excluding the pandemic-impacted year of 2020. -
January Sees Unexpected Rise in Consumer Prices, Challenging Fed's Inflation Outlook
"consumer prices in January witnessed a rise that exceeded expectations, primarily driven by persistent increases in shelter costs.
The Latest
-
U.S. GDP Surges 4.3% in Third Quarter as Consumer Spending and Exports Power Growth
The U.S. economy expanded at a sharply faster pace than expected in the third quarter, according to a long-delayed government report that underscored the resilience of consumer spending even as inflation pressures intensified and economic momentum showed signs of uneven distribution. 
-
Fed Delivers Third Rate Cut, Signals Slower Easing as Inflation Seen Above 2% Through 2028
The Federal Reserve delivered its third interest-rate cut in four months and its lowest policy setting since 2022, but deep internal divisions and cautious guidance signaled that further easing will be harder to achieve and likely slower. 
-
Mortgage Rates Jump to 6.32% Ahead of Fed Meeting as Treasury Yields Rise and Buyers Face Renewed Squeeze
Mortgage rates climbed to 6.32% on Monday, surprising prospective homebuyers just one day before the Federal Reserve begins its final policy meeting of 2025. The jump, reported by The Mortgage Reports, lifted the average 30-year fixed rate by five basis points to 6.324%, signaling that lenders may be moving preemptively ahead of Wednesday's widely expected interest-rate cut. The increase adds pressure at a time when rising job losses, elevated inflation and weakening affordability are already reshaping the U.S. housing market. 
-
China’s Trade Surplus Tops $1.08 Trillion as Exports Rise 5.9% Despite U.S. Shipments Plunging 29%
China's exports rebounded sharply in November, rising 5.9% year-over-year to $330.3 billion and pushing the country's trade surplus above $1 trillion for the first time, even as shipments to the United States plunged nearly 29%, according to customs data released Monday. The figures underscore Beijing's growing reliance on diversified export markets as U.S. demand continues to weaken. 
-
U.S. Consumer Confidence Falls 6.8 Points to April Low as Job Concerns Surge, Fed Rate Cuts Expected
U.S. consumer confidence continued to deteriorate in November as households increasingly worried about job security, inflation and the broader economic outlook, according to new data from the Conference Board. The Consumer Confidence Index fell to 88.7, its lowest reading since April, marking a 6.8-point decline and underscoring growing pessimism across income and political groups. The results add pressure on Federal Reserve officials who have already signaled that further interest-rate reductions may be needed as economic sentiment weakens. 
-
Global Markets Plunge as Fed Official Warns of 'Eye-Popping' Job Losses
Global financial markets fell sharply this week as investors reacted to a stark warning from a senior Federal Reserve official who predicted "eye-popping" levels of job losses if current economic momentum deteriorates. The comment, delivered anonymously in private discussions referenced by market analysts, spread quickly through trading desks and social-media platforms, intensifying fears that the United States and other major economies may be heading toward a synchronized downturn. 
-
U.S. Layoff Announcements Jump 175% in October as AI Adoption and Cost Pressures Mount
Layoff announcements in the United States surged in October, reaching their highest level for the month in more than two decades as companies continue to adjust to slowing economic activity and rapid technological change. The report, released by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, identified more than 153,000 planned job cuts last month, an increase of 175% compared with the same month a year earlier. The figure brings the total number of announced layoffs this year to over one million. 
-
U.S. Private-Sector Adds 42,000 Jobs as Small Businesses Cut Staff and Fed Warns Outlook Remains Uncertain
The U.S. private-sector added 42,000 jobs in October, according to new employment data from ADP, offering a tentative sign of stabilization in the labor market as the nation continues to operate without official federal statistics due to the government shutdown. The modest improvement marks a reversal from job losses recorded in August and September, but ADP analysts cautioned the gains remain narrowly concentrated and fragile. 
-
Federal Reserve Poised to Cut Rates Again as Weak Job Market, Data Gaps Cloud Economic Outlook
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to lower its benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point Wednesday, marking its second cut in six weeks, as officials move to counter signs of a weakening labor market amid a government data blackout. The move would bring the federal funds rate to a range between 3.75% and 4.00%, according to nearly all economists surveyed by Reuters. 
-
U.S. Inflation Rises to 3% in September, Strengthening Case for Fed Rate Cut Next Week
U.S. inflation climbed to 3% in September, coming in slightly below economists' expectations and reinforcing market confidence that the Federal Reserve will move forward with another interest rate cut at its policy meeting next week. 
