U.S. retail sales demonstrated continued strength in December, driven by robust consumer demand for motor vehicles and a broad range of other goods. This positive data, coupled with a strong labor market, reinforces the Federal Reserve’s cautious approach to interest rate cuts.The Commerce Department reported a 0.4% increase in retail …
Read More »US Stocks Rally on Cooling Core Inflation, Banks’ Earnings in Focus
Both the CPI data and the results from a few major financials are celebrated by the major US stock indices. When the CPI and PPI are combined, analysts predict that the core PCE will be announced later this month at 0.19%, slightly below the 0.2% threshold. The MoM’s three- and …
Read More »December CPI Report: Will Inflation Dash Hopes for Rate Cuts in 2025?
Financial markets experienced a significant downturn after the release of the December jobs report. This was largely due to a surge in the dollar and bond yields, but anticipation of the upcoming Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation report for December likely also played a role.Base effects could cause year-on-year inflation …
Read More »Can Looming Earnings Season Revive US Stock Market Rally?
The exuberant rally that propelled the S&P 500 to record highs following the 2024 election has encountered a significant headwind. A recent wave of economic data, particularly the robust December jobs report, has injected a dose of caution into the market. This unexpected strength in the labor market has fueled …
Read More »Russia Fines Google $77.9 Million for Non-Compliance with Previous Penalties
A Russian court has imposed an 8 billion rouble ($77.9 million) fine on Google, marking a substantial escalation in penalties against the tech giant for failing to comply with previous administrative orders. The decision, announced by Moscow’s Chertanovo District Court, reflects heightened tensions between Russia and foreign technology platforms. Key …
Read More »Market Volatility Could Intensify as PPI, CPI Data Looms
The financial markets are bracing for a period of heightened volatility this week, with the release of the December Producer Price Index (PPI) report on Tuesday serving as the catalyst. This critical data point will provide crucial insights into the persistence of inflationary pressures and significantly influence the Federal Reserve’s …
Read More »T-Yields Surge Shakes Stocks, Tech Takes a Hit
The US stock market exhibited a mixed performance at the start of the week, a stark contrast to the prevailing optimism that had recently gripped investors. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite led the decline, a stark reminder of the market’s vulnerability to shifts in economic sentiment. This downturn coincided with a …
Read More »Japan Urges US to Reconsider Block on Nippon Steel’s Acquisition of US Steel
In a recent online meeting, Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba urged US President Joe Biden to address concerns within the Japanese and US business communities regarding his decision to block Nippon Steel’s planned acquisition of U.S. Steel.The request was made during a three-way discussion with Biden and Philippine President Ferdinand …
Read More »New York Fed Survey Reveals Mixed Inflation Outlook Amidst Growing Debt Concerns
The New York Federal Reserve’s latest Survey of Consumer Expectations revealed a mixed picture of consumer inflation expectations in December, with concerns about household debt rising.Key Findings: Mixed Inflation Expectations:One-year ahead inflation expectations remained steady at 3%. Three-year ahead inflation expectations ticked up to 3% from 2.6% in November. Five-year …
Read More »Asian Stocks Tumble as U.S. Rate Cut Expectations Dwindle
Asian stock markets slid sharply on Monday, led by significant losses in Australian and Hong Kong equities, as stronger-than-expected U.S. payroll data prompted investors to reconsider the likelihood of near-term interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. The Hang Seng index in Hong Kong plunged significantly, while China’s Shanghai Shenzhen …
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