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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 Ends a Volatile Week Almost Where It Started

 

After a tumultuous week that saw sharp swings and market uncertainty, Wall Street managed to claw back some losses and finish almost where it began. Here are the key takeaways:

  1. Steady Recovery: The S&P 500 index showed resilience, gaining 0.3% on Friday. This followed its best day since 2022, and it’s now close to erasing the brutal losses suffered earlier in the week.

  2. Mixed Performance: The Dow Jones Industrial Average also edged up by 25 points (0.1%), while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.2%. Both indexes are still on track for slight weekly losses.

  3. Market Factors: The Japanese yen’s sudden strengthening caused turbulence as traders scrambled out of a popular trade. Additionally, concerns about a slowing U.S. economy weighed on investor sentiment.

  4. Upcoming Reports: Next week, investors will closely watch updates on consumer spending at U.S. retailers. These reports could drive further market swings.

In summary, Wall Street weathered a stormy week, and while uncertainties remain, it’s poised for stability as we head into the next trading days. 


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