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Fed Poised for First 2025 Rate Cut as Weak Jobs Data Outweigh Inflation Concerns

  The Federal Reserve seal at its Washington, D.C. headquarters, where policymakers are set to decide on the first interest rate cut of 2025. The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to lower its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points today, marking its first rate cut of 2025 and the first since December last year. The move would bring the federal funds target range down to 4.00%–4.25%, as policymakers respond to slowing job growth and rising unemployment, even as inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target. Recent labor market data showed just 22,000 jobs added in August, with earlier months revised downward, while the unemployment rate has climbed to around 4.3%. Inflation, measured by the Fed’s preferred PCE index, has edged higher in recent months, partly due to tariffs pushing up consumer prices. Markets have largely priced in the cut, with investors watching the Fed’s updated “dot plot” for clues on whether more reductions will follow in October and December. The decision ...
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Wall Street Nervous Ahead of US Inflation Report

 

Shares in Asian markets dipped today as investors anxiously await a crucial U.S. inflation report due on Friday. The report’s findings could significantly impact interest rates and global markets.

Key Points:

  • Focus on Inflation: The U.S. Federal Reserve closely monitors the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, a key measure of inflation. Recent mixed data has left investors in a wait-and-see mode, wondering when the central bank might adjust interest rates.

  • Chinese Property Market: Efforts to revive China’s property sector have fallen short. Despite Beijing’s measures to cut down-payment ratios and mortgage interest rates, the market remains sluggish. Dozens of property developers defaulted on debts, affecting the entire Chinese economy.

  • Wall Street’s Reaction: Wall Street is cautious, with the Hang Seng down 2% and the Shanghai composite index slipping 0.6%. Investors worldwide are closely monitoring the inflation report’s impact.



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