No Rate Cuts Yet: Fed Maintains Rates at Historic Highs 

The U.S. Federal Reserve has opted to maintain the federal funds rate target range at 5.25-5.5%, according to the latest report from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). The committee noted that while inflation has eased over the past year, it remains somewhat elevated, with the overarching goal being to bring inflation down to the … Read more

All Eyes on the Fed: Steady Rates Anticipated, September Reduction Likely

The U.S. Federal Reserve is set to convene its monthly Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting to evaluate the state of the economy and determine if the central bank should adjust the federal funds rate. The prevailing market sentiment suggests that the FOMC members are likely to maintain the current rate this week, with a … Read more

Russian Banks Set for Record Profits This Year, Central Bank, Rating Agency Say

Bank of Russia raised its forecast for the profits of Russian banks in 2023, expecting results that may break the 2021 record. This year’s high numbers are coming after 2022 became the worst annual period in seven years for the sanctioned Russian banking sector in terms of financial outcome. Banks in Russian Federation Headed for … Read more

No Rate Hikes in Russia, Central Bank Keeps Interest Rate Level Again

Bank of Russia decided to maintain the interest rate at 7.5% amid moderate inflation, estimated at 2.5% on an annual basis in April, although this may change later this year. The monetary authority improved its forecast for the Russian economy and now expects growth entirely in positive figures, up to 2.0% for 2023. Bank of … Read more

‘Not the Right Time to Stop’ Rate Hikes, ECB Chief Economist Says

Current indicators suggest the European Central Bank (ECB) should raise the interest rate in May, the monetary authority’s chief economist said. Future increases will depend on the economic data but this is still not the right time to stop, according to Philip Lane who believes the bank has to bring inflation back to the 2% … Read more

Gold Slides on Higher US Treasury Yields, Dollar

Prices of gold, and other precious metals, fell on Wednesday due to stronger U.S. yields and national currency. The decline comes on the backdrop of expectations of new interest rate increases next month amid persistent inflation in the United States and elsewhere. Gold and Silver Slip as Investors Bet on Another Rate Hike in May … Read more

China’s Inflation Rate Drops to Lowest in 18 Months

The annual inflation rate in China has unexpectedly slowed down in March to its lowest level in a year and a half, the latest statistical data indicates. On a monthly basis, consumer prices decreased for a second consecutive month, despite estimates suggesting they will remain unchanged. Post Zero-Covid Policy Inflation in China Eases Further China’s … Read more

Rate Hikes Needed to Reduce Eurozone Inflation Despite Recession, Top ECB Official Says

Interest rates will continue to rise while the euro area falls into recession, a high-ranking executive at the European Central Bank (ECB) has indicated. His statements follow the latest rate increase announced by the monetary authority last week and revised projections showing higher than previously expected inflation in Europe ahead. ‘We Have No Choice But … Read more

Federal Reserve Hikes Rate by 50bps, FOMC Signals Rate to Rise to 5.1% Next Year

The U.S. central bank’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) convened on Wednesday and raised the federal funds rate by 50 basis points (bps). The 0.5 percentage point rise follows the four consecutive three-quarters of a point increases codified during the last few months. The FOMC’s rate hike follows the recent U.S. inflation report which indicated … Read more

Observers Suspect an Aggressive Fed Rate Hike Next Month, Analyst Predicts Fed Will Pivot in December

According to recent reports close to central bank officials, the U.S. Federal Reserve will likely deliver another interest rate hike by roughly 75 basis points (bps) next month. Moreover, markets are predicting another rise by three-quarters of a point, and CME’s Fedwatch Tool indicates there’s a near-certain (98%) chance the central bank will choose a … Read more