Japan Falls to Fourth-Largest Economy Amid Unexpected Recession
Economy
Sharp Decline in January US Retail Sales Signals Economic Caution
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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
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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. 
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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. 
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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. 
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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. 
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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. 
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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. 
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China Unveils Five-Year Economic Roadmap Prioritizing Tech Self-Reliance and Manufacturing Over Consumer Demand
China's top leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening domestic manufacturing and technological self-reliance over the next five years, signaling that the world's second-largest economy will continue prioritizing state-led industrial expansion even as it grapples with weak domestic demand and mounting tensions with the United States. 
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UK Inflation Holds at 3.8%, Putting Bank of England’s Rate-Cut Plans on Hold
Britain's stubborn inflation held steady for a third consecutive month in September, dimming hopes that the Bank of England will move ahead with an interest rate cut before year-end. 
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China’s Economy Expands 4.8% in Q3, but Fixed-Asset Investment Records 'Rare and Alarming' Decline
China's economy grew 4.8% in the third quarter from a year earlier, matching forecasts but underscoring deep imbalances as property investment plunged and consumer spending lost steam. The slowdown, coupled with a 0.5% contraction in fixed-asset investment, marks the country's weakest domestic momentum in a year and comes as President Xi Jinping convenes top officials to finalize China's next five-year economic plan. 
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Rare Earth Shipments From China Drop 6% Amid Fresh Export Curbs and U.S. Tariff Threats
China's exports of rare earth magnets fell sharply in September, deepening concerns that Beijing may again use its dominance in critical mineral supplies as leverage in trade negotiations with the United States. The latest data come as both governments prepare for renewed tariff talks ahead of the November 10 expiration of their 90-day truce. 
