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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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Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire Holds as Lebanese Civilians Begin Returning Home


In the early hours of Wednesday, a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect, bringing a temporary halt to over a year of conflict. The ceasefire, brokered by the United States and France, was announced by U.S. President Joe Biden and approved by Israel's security cabinet.

As the ceasefire took hold, thousands of Lebanese civilians began returning to their homes in the south, despite warnings from the Israeli military to delay their return until the area is fully secured. The agreement stipulates a 60-day period for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon, while the Lebanese army will deploy troops to ensure Hezbollah does not rebuild its infrastructure.

The ceasefire has been welcomed by international leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who see it as a crucial step towards stability in the region. However, the situation remains tense, with both sides prepared to respond to any violations of the agreement.



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