The U.S. Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by 0.25%, lowering the federal funds rate to a range of 3.75%–4.00%

This marks the second consecutive cut in 2025 amid economic uncertainty and a government data blackout. In a move aimed at supporting growth, the Federal Reserve reduced its benchmark interest rate by 0.25% following its October policy meeting. The decision, reportedly backed by a 10–2 vote from the Federal Open Market Committee, reflects growing concern …

U.S. Federal Reserve holds interest rates at 4.25% – 4.50% and upsets Trump in the process

The Federal Reserve held its key interest rate steady at 4.25% – 4.50% on 7th May 2025, citing economic uncertainty and the potential impact of tariffs. Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasised that the central bank is in wait-and-see mode, monitoring inflation and employment risks. The decision follows concerns that Trump’s trade policies could lead to …

Federal Reserve’s preferred recession indicator is flashing red again!

The Federal Reserve’s favourite recession indicator, the inverted yield curve, is flashing a danger sign once again. This occurs when the U.S. yield on the 10-year Treasury note falls below that of the 3-month note. Historically, this has been a reliable predictor of economic downturns, with a strong track record over a 12-18-month timeframe. The …

Is it job done for the Federal Reserve now?

Recent inflation data suggests that the Federal Reserve is fast approaching its goal, if not already there – following the central bank’s significant interest rate reduction of 0.50% a few weeks ago Both consumer and producer price indexes for September 2024 aligned with forecasts, indicating a decline in inflation towards the central bank’s 2% target. …

Federal Reserve chair Powell says keeping rates high for too long could jeopardize growth

Jerome Powell on Tuesday 9th July 2024 reportedly expressed concern that holding interest rates too high for too long could jeopardize economic growth. This comment came ahead of the consumer price index reading due this week. Preparing for a two-day session on Capitol Hill, the central bank chief stated that the economy and labour market …

What if the Federal Reserve decided to hold interest rates in 2024?

The Fed in March 2024, indicated for the markets to expect three interest rate cuts by the end of 2024 – but what if this didn’t happen? The Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain interest rates in 2024 could have significant implications for the U.S. economy. Fed cred – credibility would be the first to go! …

Federal Reserve chair Powell insists ‘probably’ fewer rate cuts in 2024 than the market expects

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said in a U.S. TV interview on Sunday 4th January 2024 that the central bank will proceed carefully with interest rate cuts this year and likely will move at a considerably slower pace than the market expects. Election year rate cuts? In the interview and after last week’s Federal Open …

U.S. Federal Reserve Bank holds interest rates at 5.25% – 5.50% and indicates reluctance to cut just yet

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) held interest rates steady and indicated a willingness stop raising interest rates. But a cut anytime soon is unlikely until inflation is brought fully under control and nearer to the Fed’s 2% inflation target. The Federal Reserve sent a signal that it is finished with raising interest rates but …

Bitcoin’s Bear Market and Its Impact on Crypto in General

Bitcoin has officially entered a bear market, having fallen more than 25% from its October peak of $126,000. This downturn is rippling across the wider crypto sector, dragging Ethereum, Solana, and other altcoins into steep declines as investor sentiment turns risk-off. Bitcoin’s recent plunge below $95,000 marks a decisive shift into bear market territory. After …

AI optimism fuels October’s stock surge, with tech leading the charge

October 2025 saw a notable upswing in global equity markets, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a key driver of investor enthusiasm. In the United States, major indices closed the month firmly in the green, buoyed by strong third-quarter earnings and renewed confidence in AI’s transformative potential. Tech giants such as Nvidia, Amazon, and Palantir …

U.S. Inflation Slows Slightly in September, Easing Pressure on Fed

The latest U.S. inflation figures show a modest increase in consumer prices. The annual rate rose to 3.0% in September 2025, up from 2.9% in August. 2025. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 0.3% month-on-month, slightly below economists’ expectations. Core inflation—which excludes volatile food and energy …

AI Crash! Correction or pullback? Something is coming…

Influential figures and institutions are sounding the AI alarm—or at least raising eyebrows—about the frothy valuations and speculative fervour surrounding artificial intelligence. Who’s Warning About the AI Bubble? 🏛️ Bank of England – Financial Policy Committee 🏦 Jerome Powell – Chair, U.S. Federal Reserve 🧮 Lisa Shalett – Chief Investment Officer, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management …

Gold rockets through $4,000 for the first time ever amid global uncertainty

Gold has surged to an unprecedented high, crossing the $4,000 per ounce mark for the first time on 7th October 2025. The precious metal peaked at $4,014.60, driven by a potent mix of geopolitical instability, expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts, and sustained central bank buying. This marks a 52% rise since January 2025, making …

Wall Street’s euphoric surge sparks warnings of imminent pullback

Despite a backdrop of economic uncertainty and a partial government shutdown, Wall Street’s three major indices—the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow Jones Industrial Average—closed at record highs on Thursday 2nd October 2025, fuelling concerns that investor confidence may be tipping into excess. The S&P 500 edged up 0.06%, continuing its relentless climb, while the …

Bleak news from U.S. doesn’t seem that bad for stocks – what’s going on?

It’s one of those classic Wall Street paradoxes—where bad news somehow fuels bullish momentum. What’s going on? News round-up S&P 500 closes above 6,700 after rising 0.34%. Samsung and SK Hynix join OpenAI’s Stargate. Taiwan rejects U.S. proposal to split chip production. Trump-linked crypto firm plans expansion. Some stocks that doubled in the third quarter. …

Fed flags elevated stock valuations amid market euphoria

In a candid assessment that sent ripples through global markets, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has acknowledged that U.S. stock prices appear ‘fairly highly valued’ by several measures. Speaking at a recent event in Providence, Rhode Island, Powell reportedly responded to questions about the Fed’s tolerance for elevated asset prices, noting that financial conditions—including equity …

Fed cuts rates amid labour market strains and political Powell pressure

On 17th September 2025, the U.S. Federal Reserve announced its first interest rate cut of 2025, lowering the benchmark federal funds rate by 0.25% to a range of 4.00%–4.25%. The decision follows nine months of monetary policy stagnation and comes amid mounting evidence of a weakening labour market and persistent inflationary pressures. Fed Chair Jerome …

Nasdaq finishes at record high on Friday 12th September 2025?

On Friday 12th September 2025, the Nasdaq closed at a record high, while the S&P 500 ended the week with gains but did not finish at a new record level. The broader mood was one of cautious optimism, with investors eyeing the upcoming Federal Reserve decision. Bulls are riding high, but some analysts are starting …

U.S. indices hit fresh record closing highs 9th September 2025

S&P 500 rose 0.3% to finish at 6,512.61, surpassing its previous record from last week. Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.4% to 45,711.34, beating its August 28 high. Nasdaq Composite added 0.4%, closing at 21,879.49, marking its second consecutive record high. The rally was fueled by strong performances in tech—especially chipmakers and AI infrastructure players …

Negative news is not affecting the market as the Nasdaq hits a new high!

The Nasdaq Composite closed at a record high of 21,798.70 on Monday, 8th September 2025. That 0.45% gain was driven largely by a rally in chip stocks—Broadcom surged 3.2%, and Nvidia added nearly 1%. The broader market also joined the party: Investor optimism is swirling around potential Federal Reserve rate cuts, especially with inflation data …

The staying power of gold!

Gold’s recent surge—hitting over $3,550 per ounce (4th September 2025)—isn’t just a speculative blip. It’s a convergence of deep structural shifts and short-term catalysts that are reshaping how investors, central banks, and governments think about value and stability. Here’s why 🧭 Strategic Drivers (Long-Term Forces) Central Bank Buying: Nearly half of surveyed central banks reportedly …

U.S. inflation holds steady in July 2025 but Core Inflation edges higher

The latest inflation data for the month of July 2025 shows a mixed picture for the U.S. economy, as price pressures remain persistent despite signs of cooling in some sectors. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the headline Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index rose 2.6% year-over-year, unchanged from June, while the core PCE …

Another new high for the S&P 500 as Wall Street keeps on giving

The S&P 500 has notched yet another all-time high, closing at 6501.86 on 28th August 2025 This surge reflects broad investor optimism, driven by strong corporate earnings and expectations of a more accommodative stance from the Federal Reserve. With tech, healthcare, and financials all contributing to the rally and the indices continued momentum. Wall Street …

The Nixon shock: When politics undermined the Fed—and markets paid the price

In the early 1970s, President Richard Nixon’s pursuit of re-election collided with the Federal Reserve’s independence, triggering a cascade of economic consequences that reshaped global finance. The episode remains a cautionary tale about the dangers of politicising monetary policy. At the heart of the drama was Nixon’s pressure on Fed Chair at the time, Arthur …

Is Wall Street more fixated on Nvidia’s success than the potential failure of the Fed – the Fed needs to maintain independence?

As Nvidia prepares to unveil another round of blockbuster earnings, Wall Street’s gaze remains firmly fixed on the AI darling’s ascent. The company has become a proxy for the entire tech sector’s hopes, its valuation ballooning on the back of generative AI hype and data centre demand. Traders, analysts, and even pension funds are treating …