It is a daily ritual for millions of Australians, but if you have noticed the price of your morning flat white or soy latte increase, brace yourself — it is likely to get worse.
By the end of the year,...
It is a daily ritual for millions of Australians, but if you have noticed the price of your morning flat white or soy latte increase, brace yourself — it is likely to get worse.
By the end of the year,...
The Federal Reserve's latest statement shows changes compared to the one released in March. It expresses more concern about ongoing inflation and supply chain disruptions. The Fed also removes language indicating that it expects inflation to be transitory, acknowledging the persistence of price increases. This suggests the Fed may consider raising interest rates sooner than previously anticipated to keep inflation in check.
The Federal Reserve won't make any changes to interest rates this week, keeping them at the current high level. The only news expected from the Fed's meeting is an announcement that it will reduce the amount of money it's withdrawing from its holdings. Despite strong inflation, the Fed is holding back on rate cuts until it's sure inflation is under control. The market now expects only one small rate cut by the end of next year.
The gold standard, dismissed in the past, is gaining attention again. Central banks are buying gold. Some cryptocurrencies are pegged to gold. Dissatisfaction with fiat currencies grows as global debt balloons. Zimbabwe has even pegged its new currency to gold. These events suggest a return to a gold-based monetary system could be on the horizon.
High U.S. interest rates generally impact emerging markets negatively. Their debts, often in U.S. dollars, become more costly, and investors seeking higher returns in the U.S. withdraw their funds. This creates tighter financial conditions. According to IMF's Kristalina Georgieva, this issue is more significant for emerging markets while Europe may face less impact from the difference in monetary policies.
The Employment Cost Index, which measures employee salaries and benefits, rose 1.2% in the first quarter of 2024, indicating that inflation pressures remain high. This raises concerns that the 11 interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve may not have been sufficient to curb inflation. The Fed is expected to maintain its current rate policy for now, while considering the timing of potential rate cuts later this year.
The US economy is thriving despite slowing pandemic recovery, with low unemployment and high spending. However, this strength poses a challenge in addressing rising inflation. The IMF projects continued growth, higher than Europe's, but warns that overheating is a risk. To tackle inflation, the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates high, despite concerns, as the economy remains resilient and robust.
Inflation remains high despite some cooling in March, with prices rising at an annual rate of 2.8% excluding food and energy. While spending remains strong, the personal saving rate has fallen as households dip into savings to cope with rising costs. The Federal Reserve will likely continue to raise interest rates to combat inflation, which is still well above its target of 2%.
If former President Trump is re-elected, he plans to exert significant control over the Federal Reserve, an independent institution that sets interest rates. This includes the potential for serving as a board member, firing the current chair, and aligning Fed policies with his administration's goals. While these proposals are not official, they raise concerns about political interference in an institution designed to operate independently from political pressure.
Economic growth slowed to 1.6% in the first quarter of 2024, below expectations. Meanwhile, inflation jumped to 3.4%, its highest rate in a year. Consumer spending also slowed, indicating consumers are starting to feel the pinch of rising prices. The report suggests the economy is facing challenges, with slower growth and higher inflation.
Despite higher interest rates, the economy is faring well. However, there's uncertainty about when the Federal Reserve will ease monetary policy, as inflation remains high. While some expect rate cuts, there's also a view that rates may remain higher for longer, due to concerns about excessive government spending and its potential impact on consumers.
The Federal Reserve's goal of 2% inflation faces challenges in 2024. Inflation has declined but remains above the target. The Fed is cautious before cutting interest rates until the data supports a clear path to 2%. Housing inflation, especially in rent costs, remains a concern. The Fed wants more time to monitor the economy and investigate if these costs will decline as expected.
The Federal Reserve (Fed) is monitoring inflation and using core PCE inflation as a key indicator. Despite a recent decline in inflation, core PCE inflation remains slightly above the Fed's target of 2%. The Fed's goal is to keep inflation around this level to maintain price stability. While inflation has shown no signs of returning to target, the Fed is cautiously optimistic that its current policy can address risks and support economic growth by adjusting interest rates as needed.
