Latest Finance-Economy News
Markets Rally on Fed Rate Cut Expectations Amid Mixed US Job Data
Asian and US markets rose as new data showed signs of a slowing US job market, boosting bets on a Federal Reserve rate cut next week with over 90% likelihood. Japan's banking sector gained ahead of the Bank of Japan's expected rate hike, while European stocks marked a fourth day of gains. However, Goldman Sachs cautions gains may not align with underlying fundamentals.
Construction Sector Experiences Strong Recovery with $81B in Nonresidential Starts
October 2025 recorded the third-highest month ever for nonresidential construction starts, totaling $81 billion. Significant growth was noted in offices, data centers ($10.5B), and manufacturing construction (~$10.5B), reflecting a recovery from mid-2025 contractions and indicating robust activity across commercial and civil sectors.
Federal Reserve Rate Cut Anticipated to Ease Mortgage Rates
With private-sector job losses and a rise in unemployment to highest levels since 2021, markets price in nearly 90% chance of a Fed interest rate cut on December 10, 2025. Past rate cuts in 2025 have already contributed to a gradual decline in mortgage rates, offering relief for homebuyers sidelined by previously high borrowing costs.
Debate Over Tariffs and National Debt Continues Among US Economic Leaders
Kevin Hassett supports tariffs as a tool reducing the $38 trillion US debt by increasing Treasury revenue and promoting spending restraint, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calls tariff revenue a 'shrinking ice cube.' Congressional analyses show tariff revenues are less than initially expected due to falling effective rates from trade deals.
RBC Outlook Highlights Five Themes for US Economy in 2026 Amid Inflation and Labor Challenges
RBC Economics identifies structural and cyclical issues for 2026 including persistent inflation in core services at 3.5% y/y, ongoing labor market tightness due to slowed immigration and rising retirements removing approximately 3 million workers since 2024, and the fading but impactful effects of tariffs on business behavior.
US Treasury Yields and Dollar Rise Despite Mixed Employment Signals
After an unexpected drop in weekly jobless claims indicating resilience, US Treasury yields and the dollar increased, weighing on stock markets. Although other job metrics like ADP employment remain weak, markets maintain expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut later in December 2025.
CPAs Show Mixed Economic Optimism Despite Worsening Overall Outlook
A survey reveals 52% of CPAs expect a recession by end of 2026, with 17% believing one has already begun. Despite this, many business executives have improved profit and revenue projections for their own companies amidst ongoing economic volatility.
Nasdaq Notes Earnings Expectations for Key Companies on December 5, 2025
Companies such as KNOP and MoneyHero Limited are scheduled to report earnings, with KNOP's price-to-earnings ratio at 13.37 suggesting higher earnings growth compared to industry peers. These reports will provide insights into sector performance amid current economic conditions.
Geopolitical Tensions Influence Market Dynamics with Putin's India Visit
Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India creates a complex scenario for Indian Prime Minister Modi balancing relations between traditional partners like the US and strategic ties with Russia. These geopolitical dynamics contribute to cautious market sentiment in Asia.
Copper Prices See Notable Increase Amid Global Economic Uncertainty
Copper prices rose by approximately 0.2% in recent sessions, reflecting positive commodity demand outlooks despite broader economic uncertainty. This surge coincides with market anticipation of central bank moves and global infrastructure developments.