US consumer sentiment slumps to record low in April; inflation expectations rise
U.S. consumer sentiment fell to a record low in April as households shrugged off a ceasefire in the war with Iran, remaining focused on the inflation fallout from the conflict. (Reuters)
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US jobless claims up slightly to 214,000 as layoffs stay limited
Applications for US unemployment benefits rose last week, though they remain at a level consistent with low layoffs. Initial claims increased by 6,000 to 214,000 in the week ended April 18, according to Labor Department data released on Thursday. (The Edge Malaysia)
Fed rate cut pushed back to late 2026 on war-related inflation risks
The U.S. Federal Reserve will wait at least six months before cutting interest rates this year, according to a Reuters poll of economists, as war-driven energy shocks reignite already-elevated inflation. (Reuters)
Warsh says he made no rate-cut promises to Trump, plans ‘robust’ Fed reforms
Federal Reserve chief nominee Kevin Warsh said on Tuesday he had made no promises to President Donald Trump about cutting interest rates, as he tried to assure U.S. senators mulling his confirmation to lead the U.S. central bank that he would act independently of the White House while pursuing broad reforms. (Reuters)
Canada’s annual CPI rises to 2.4% as Iran war drives up gasoline costs
Canada’s annual inflation rate rose to 2.4% in March, with prices jumping 0.9% on the month, as higher crude oil costs drove up gasoline prices, data showed on Monday. (Reuters)
Fed’s Williams signals steady rates in face of war’s risks
Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams reiterated monetary policy remains well positioned to deal with the threat of a protracted supply shock caused by war in the Middle East that could raise inflation and dampen growth in the US. (Bloomberg)
Bessent says Trump’s tariff rates could be restored by July
US President Donald Trump’s tariffs may be restored by July to the levels in place before the Supreme Court struck down many of his levies, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. (The Edge Malaysia)
Bessent says confident that core inflation is going down, Fed will need to cut rates
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday said he was quite confident that core inflation would continue to go down in the United States despite the Iran war, and repeated his call for the Federal Reserve to cut its interest rates. (Reuters)