Latest Finance-Economy News
IMF Projects Resilient Global Growth at 3.3% for 2026
The IMF's World Economic Outlook Update forecasts global growth at 3.3% in 2026 and 3.2% in 2027, matching 2025's 3.3%, driven by AI investments, fiscal stimulus, and accommodative conditions. US growth revised to 2.4%, China to 4.5% with stimulus and trade truce, while inflation declines to 3.8%. Emerging markets hover above 4% growth.
Fed Maintains Federal Funds Rate at 3.5-3.75%
The Federal Reserve issued an implementation note effective January 29, 2026, keeping the federal funds rate target at 3.5-3.75%, reserve balances at 3.65%, and primary credit rate at 3.75%. This supports monetary policy stance amid stable economic conditions.
Standing repo and reverse repo operations continue with specified rates and limits.
Pre-Market Earnings: Mastercard, Thermo Fisher Set to Report
Companies like Mastercard (MA), Thermo Fisher (TMO), Parker-Hannifin (PH), Blackstone (BX), Altria (MO), and Comcast (CMCSA) report earnings before market open on January 29, 2026. MA shows 9.95% EPS growth expectation and strong beat history; TMO and PH also consistently exceed forecasts with high P/E ratios indicating growth.
Marsh (MRSH) reports for Q4 2025.
US Initial Jobless Claims Data in Spotlight Today
Key US economic releases on January 29 include Initial Jobless Claims at 8:30 AM ET, providing labor market insights. Other data: Trade Balance forecast at -$43.4B, Nonfarm Productivity at 4.9%, Factory Orders at 1.7%.
7-Year Note Auction and Fed Balance Sheet also scheduled.
Bank of Canada Forecasts Modest Growth Amid US Tariffs
Canada's Monetary Policy Report expects 1.25% average growth over projection horizon, with inflation near 2%, disrupted by US tariffs and trade uncertainty. Global growth solid due to AI investment boom and fiscal stimulus.
Canadian economy subdued in 2025 from tariffs and slowing population growth.
Apple Q1 Earnings Focus on iPhone, Services, China
Apple reports fiscal Q1 earnings on January 29, 2026, with expected revenue of $39.38B (up 8.4%) and EPS of 2.67 cents (up 11.2%). Investors watch iPhone demand, services growth, China performance amid AI expectations and supply chain diversification.
Shares down 9% YTD but analysts maintain buy rating with $285 target.
Global Trade Faces Subdued GDP, Protectionism in 2026
UNCTAD reports subdued global GDP growth weakening trade, investment, and exports, especially for developing economies amid geopolitical fragmentation and protectionism. Value chains reconfiguring with near-shoring and resilience focus over cost.
Opportunities for adaptable nations with infrastructure.
US Producer Prices Rise, Core Inflation Steady
Final demand prices increased in November due to goods advance; excluding food, energy, trade services, up 3.5% YoY, largest since March. Nonfuel imports up 0.7% YoY, capital goods 1.5%; rig counts stable in US/Canada.
CPI core inflation at 2.7% YoY.
Davos 2026: AI to Boost Global Growth 0.1-0.8%
Key Davos economics takeaways highlight AI impacting global growth by 0.1-0.8%, pushing demand for low-skilled workers. Discussions emphasize technology's role in economic resilience.
Digital Investments Grow 10-12% Annually Despite FDI Slowdown
Digital investment, especially data centers, expands at 10-12% yearly amid broader global FDI and GDP slowdown. This bucks the trend in subdued economic conditions.
US Rig Counts Stable, Economic Indicators Mixed
US rig count at 544 on Jan 23, up 1 YoY; Canada 231, up 5 YoY; international down 8. Weekly trends show strength in machinery, transportation equipment manufacturing.