The US economy is slowing, according to a monthly index released Monday, increasing the likelihood that policymakers will cut interest rates next month. The Chicago Fed's National Activity Index fell slightly to minus 0.19 in July from a downwardly revised minus 0.18 in June. A reading below zero indicates slower growth than the long-term average. Employment indicators remained negative on the index, a fresh sign of fragility in the US labor market. This weakness is one of the main reasons for a rate cut at the Fed's policy meeting next month. Central bank Chairman Jerome Powell last week...
China's government is weighing the exemption of some U.S. goods from its 125% import tariffs, Bloomberg reported on Friday, as the country grapples with the high economic cost of a trade war. Officials are considering exempting levies on medical equipment and some industrial chemicals like ethane, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Chinese officials are also considering waiving tariffs on plane leases, the report said. China's potential exemptions mirror those seen with the U.S., which excluded electronics from its 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, amid concerns...
Initial jobless claims in the United States rose by 6,000 from the previous week to 222,000 on the third week of April, in line with market expectations to remain relatively close to the two-month low from the prior period. In the meantime, outstanding jobless claims fell by 37,000 to 1,841,000 on the second week of April, a two-month low, and well below market expectations that they would rise to 1,880,000. The result continued to reflect a historically tight labor market in the US to extend the momentum from the latest jobs report. Initial unemployment claims filed under programs for...
China has said that there have been no talks with the U.S. on elevated tariffs, even as recent remarks from the White House have raised hopes for a softening in trade tensions between the world's two largest economies, according to CNBC. A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce said "at present there are absolutely no negotiations on the economy and trade between China and the U.S.," CNBC reported on Thursday. The spokesperson noted that "all sayings" with respect to potential progress on the discussions should be dismissed, the business news channel said. Beijing also called on the...
The National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China (NDRC) has trimmed the number of items on its negative list from 117 to 106. China's Negative List is a government-issued list that identifies areas and industries in which foreign investment is restricted or forbidden. It's an important part of China's effort to manage and gradually liberalize its foreign investment policy. The Chinese authorities partially liberalize eight national measures, including telecommunications services, TV production, pharmaceuticals, internet information services for drugs and...
Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato told G7 countries on Thursday that "US tariffs are highly disappointing.US tariffs, countermeasures are creating uncertainties in financial market.Stressed that free trade regime promotion important.Constructive policy discussion important.No comment on Bessent's foreign exchange remarks.Many countries make reference to US tariffs.Forex rate should be determined by market.Excessive forex move negatively affect economy.In meeting with Bessent tomorrow, hope to hold talks on the basis of past understanding on the need for the two countries to coordinate...
President Donald Trump said he would fire Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors if she does not resign her post over mortgage-fraud accusations from a top...
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...