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Trump Declares National Emergency as U.S. Tightens Stance on Cuba

President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order declaring a national emergency in respect with Cuba. President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency related to Cuba, marking a sharp escalation in Washington’s approach toward the island nation. The declaration frames Cuba’s government as a significant threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests, opening the door for new economic and diplomatic measures. A key component of the order allows the United States to impose tariffs on any country that supplies oil to Cuba. The move is designed to pressure foreign governments and companies that help sustain the island’s energy sector, which has long relied on external support. The administration argues that Cuba’s close ties with adversarial governments and its alleged involvement in activities that undermine regional stability justify the emergency action. The decision signals a renewed effort to isolate Havana and reshape the geopolitical dynamics of ...

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U.S. Consumer Prices Rise More Than Expected in December; Weekly Jobless Claims Fall

 

The U.S. consumer prices rose more than expected in December, according to a recent report by the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.3% last month after nudging up 0.1% in November

The cost of shelter accounted for more than half of the increase in the CPI. In the 12 months through December, the CPI rose 3.4% after increasing 3.1% in November. This increase was higher than the 0.2% on the month and 3.2% on a year-on-year basis that economists polled by Reuters had forecasted.

In addition, the report also stated that weekly jobless claims fell. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits were unchanged at a seasonally adjusted 205,000 for the week ended Dec. 18, the Labor Department said.

This report could delay a much anticipated interest rate cut in March from the Federal Reserve. With the resilient labor market keeping wage growth elevated, some economists expect a rate cut in May or June.


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