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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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Beijing Promises Countermeasures as U.S. Tariffs Escalate Global Economic Tensions

 

Beijing has vowed to respond with decisive countermeasures following U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs on Chinese imports, further deepening an already strained trade relationship. In a statement released by China’s Ministry of Commerce, the government condemned the tariffs as “unilateral” measures that violate established World Trade Organization rules and exacerbate economic stress. Beijing announced that it would file a formal complaint with the WTO and take “corresponding countermeasures” to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests .

Trump’s administration justified the new tariffs as a necessary response to alleged unfair trade practices, including claims that China was insufficiently curbing the flow of fentanyl precursors and other issues tied to intellectual property theft. While U.S. officials argue that these measures are essential to protect American industries and rebalance the trade deficit, critics warn that the tariffs risk further destabilizing global supply chains and could lead to higher prices for consumers .

Although China’s statement did not detail the specific retaliatory actions it might take, analysts predict that Beijing’s response could target a wide range of U.S. exports—from electronics to agricultural products—potentially igniting a broader trade dispute. The escalating tit-for-tat actions have already raised concerns among market observers that ongoing tensions may not only impact bilateral trade but could also have far-reaching implications for the global economy.

As both superpowers brace for potential further escalation, experts emphasize the urgent need for renewed dialogue to de-escalate tensions and work toward a mutually beneficial resolution .


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