Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said on Thursday he continues to believe the U.S. central bank should cut interest rates at the end of this month amid mounting risks to the economy and the strong likelihood that tariff-induced inflation will not drive a persistent rise in price pressures. "It makes sense to cut the FOMC's policy rate by 25 basis points two weeks from now," Waller told a gathering of the Money Marketeers of New York University. "I see the hard and soft data on economic activity and the labor market as consistent: The economy is still growing, but its momentum...
Asia-Pacific markets climbed Wednesday as investors continue to track trade discussions between the U.S. and China, which U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick described as being "productive." The talks between officials from both superpowers had continued for a second day in London on Tuesday. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he was departing the ongoing trade talks, but Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer would remain to continue the negotiations. Discussions could extend into Wednesday if needed, Lutnick said previously. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 started...
US stocks finished higher on Tuesday as investors kept a close watch on US-China trade talks, buoyed by comments from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who said negotiations were going "really, really well." The S&P 500 climbed 0.5%, marking 3rd day wining streak, while the Dow added 105 points and the Nasdaq advanced 0.6%. Talks in London stretched into a second day, with both sides working late to finalize technical details, fueling optimism over a potential agreement to avoid further tariff escalation. Energy led sector gains, followed by consumer discretionary and health care,...
Stocks rose on Tuesday as investors awaited more insight into trade talks between the U.S. and China. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 51 points, or 0.1%. The S&P 500 rose about 0.3% along with the Nasdaq Composite Talks between U.S. and Chinese officials in London continued for a second day. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Tuesday that discussions were "going well, and we're spending a lot of time together" and that he expected talks to continue throughout the day. Traders are watching the discussions for signs of a deal that doesn't involve the countries imposing...
The Hang Seng closed slightly lower at 24,163 on Tuesday, reversing early gains as declines in the technology and consumer staples sectors weighed on sentiment. Some traders locked in profits after the index hit a near three-month high in the previous session. Market sentiment turned cautious as mainland stocks retreated ahead of the second day of U.S.-China trade talks, where officials aim to resolve key disputes. While Washington and Beijing agreed to ease tariffs for 90 days, trade flows remained weak, with Chinese exports to the U.S. falling the most since the pandemic and U.S. imports...
European stocks were steady on Tuesday, shrugging off modest losses from the previous session, as investors stayed on edge awaiting fresh signals from the second day of tense U.S.-China trade negotiations. The continent-wide STOXX 600 held its ground at 553.12 points, as of 0703 GMT. The spotlight remains on the talks in London between the world's two biggest economies, as investors eagerly watch for any signs of progress or a thaw in relations. U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday put a positive spin on the talks, without divulging any details on how the trade war, that has threatened...
According to a statement by the Federal Reserve (Fed), Fed Chair Jerome Powell met with United States (US) President Donald Trump on Thursday, where the head of the Fed reiterated that the Fed's...
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) maintained its cash rate at 4.1% during its April meeting, holding borrowing costs unchanged after slashing 25 bps in the February meeting, aligning with market...