Economy

Macroeconomic data, trends, and policy developments.

Coverage of key economic indicators, central bank policy decisions, inflation trends, labor data, and growth signals. This category focuses on the macroeconomic forces that shape markets, interest rates, and long-term capital allocation.

Articles

897 total articles

President Trump Withdraws Proposal to Use 401(k) Funds for Housing Down Payments

President Trump Withdraws Proposal to Use 401(k) Funds for Housing Down Payments

President Donald Trump has reversed course on a prominent housing policy that would permit Americans to utilize their 401(k) retirement savings to cover home down payments. Initially promoted by senior economic advisors as a key second-term initiative to enhance housing affordability, the plan was unexpectedly scrapped during the president's return…

New Zealand Inflation Surpasses Central Bank Target as Prices Rise in Q4 2024

New Zealand Inflation Surpasses Central Bank Target as Prices Rise in Q4 2024

New Zealand's annual inflation rate rose to 3.1% in the final quarter of 2024, slightly exceeding the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's upper target limit. Key contributors to the inflationary pressure included elevated electricity prices, local government taxes, and housing rents. The inflation acceleration supports the central bank's recent decision …

Trump Completes Selection Process for Next Federal Reserve Chair

Trump Completes Selection Process for Next Federal Reserve Chair

President Donald Trump has finalized his evaluation of candidates for the role of Federal Reserve chair, confirming that a decision on the next head of the central bank is imminent. The final list includes a diverse group from both government economic advisors and private sector experts. Market observers are closely monitoring the development due t…

Bank of Japan Maintains Interest Rates Amid Political and Market Volatility

Bank of Japan Maintains Interest Rates Amid Political and Market Volatility

The Bank of Japan is anticipated to keep interest rates unchanged while projecting steady economic growth despite uncertainties stemming from a sudden election announcement and rising bond yields. Governor Kazuo Ueda is expected to provide limited guidance on future rate hikes as the central bank navigates the conflicting pressures of maintaining y…

U.S. Republicans Propose Task Force to Explore Year-Round E15 Gasoline Usage

U.S. Republicans Propose Task Force to Explore Year-Round E15 Gasoline Usage

Following the failure of legislation to allow continuous sales of E15 gasoline, Republican lawmakers have proposed a task force to analyze the implications of year-round E15 availability. The group, tentatively named the E-15 Rural Domestic Energy Council, will review concerns including refining capacity, biofuel credits, and fuel sales, targeting …

Evaluating the Feasibility and Implications of a U.S. Acquisition of Greenland

Evaluating the Feasibility and Implications of a U.S. Acquisition of Greenland

President Donald Trump has expressed interest in purchasing Greenland from Denmark, despite firm denials from Danish officials. This article delves into the complexities surrounding such an acquisition, including the high estimated cost, constitutional limitations requiring Congressional approval, and geopolitical implications related to Arctic sec…

Global Central Banks and Political Pressure: Impacts on Economic Stability

Global Central Banks and Political Pressure: Impacts on Economic Stability

The autonomy of central banks in setting interest rates is essential for maintaining economic stability, yet political interference in these institutions remains a prevalent issue worldwide. This report analyzes how political pressures in countries like Turkey, Argentina, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, and the United States have influenced central bank polic…

Turkish Central Bank Implements Modest Interest Rate Cut Amid Inflation Concerns

Turkish Central Bank Implements Modest Interest Rate Cut Amid Inflation Concerns

The Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye (CBRT) opted to lower its policy interest rate by 100 basis points to 37%, a move more conservative than the widely expected 150 basis points cut. This decision highlights the bank’s cautious stance amid signals of persistent inflationary pressures, particularly in food costs, as it prioritizes maintainin…

Leadership Shakeup at CAAT Pension Plan: Three Top Executives Depart Abruptly

Leadership Shakeup at CAAT Pension Plan: Three Top Executives Depart Abruptly

The CAAT Pension Plan underwent a sudden leadership overhaul as three of its senior executives stepped down unexpectedly. Chief Investment Officer Asif Haque, Chief Financial Officer Mike Dawson, and Chief Pension Officer Evan Howard exited without clear public explanations. The CEO described the changes as part of a deliberate executive restructur…

Workday CEO Defends AI's Role, Emphasizes Growth Potential in Software Industry

Workday CEO Defends AI's Role, Emphasizes Growth Potential in Software Industry

During a CNBC interview from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Workday CEO Carl Eschenbach dismissed fears that artificial intelligence could undermine traditional software business models. He characterized AI as a growth enabler for Workday, with customers increasingly adopting the company’s AI tools and leveraging its proprietary data to maintai…

US Consumer Spending Maintains Strong Momentum Through Late 2023

US Consumer Spending Maintains Strong Momentum Through Late 2023

In the last two months of 2023, U.S. consumer spending demonstrated consistent growth, rising by 0.5% in both October and November. This sustained increase signals a continuation of strong economic expansion into the fourth quarter, driven in part by higher-income consumers amidst inflationary pressures and trade dynamics. Despite challenges posed …

U.S. Intensifies Efforts to Overthrow Cuban Government by Year's End

U.S. Intensifies Efforts to Overthrow Cuban Government by Year's End

The U.S. government is actively working to facilitate regime change in Cuba before the end of the year, using the recent leadership transition in Venezuela as a strategic template. Efforts include seeking defections within Cuban officials amid anticipated economic collapse due to lost Venezuelan support.

ICE Expands Entry Powers Into Homes Using Administrative Warrants

ICE Expands Entry Powers Into Homes Using Administrative Warrants

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is implementing a policy that permits agents to enter residences without a criminal warrant authorized by a judge, instead using administrative warrants based on immigration status. This shift departs from longstanding requirements for judicial oversight in home entries, raising constitutional question…