Latest Finance-Economy News
US PPI Massively Undershoots Expectations
US headline PPI rose just 0.5% MoM versus 1.1% consensus, core at 0.1% versus 0.4%, signaling energy shock not spreading to producer prices. This created a dovish narrative, weakening the dollar, dropping yields, and raising 2026 rate-cut odds.
Combined with recent CPI and PCE undershoots, it supports Fed holding or cutting rates.
Nasdaq Marks 10th Consecutive Winning Session
Nasdaq surged 1.96% to 23,639.08, its longest streak since 2021, with semiconductors at all-time highs. S&P 500 rose 1.18% to 6,967.38, now within 35 points of 7,000 and near its record high.
Stock futures remain flat as S&P nears all-time high of 7,002.28.
IMF Cuts 2026 Global Growth Forecast to 3.1%
IMF revised 2026 global growth to 3.1%, down 0.2 points from January, due to Iran war-driven energy spikes. Without conflict, it would have been 3.4% on tech boom and lower rates.
Australia's growth projection also slightly lowered.
IMF Warns of Recession Risk if Conflict Prolongs
Longer Middle East conflict keeping oil at $100/barrel could drag 2026 growth to 2.5%, worst-case to 2% near recession. Higher oil would lift inflation, forcing tighter policy longer.
Global debt at record $348T limits fiscal cushions.
Japan Core Machinery Orders Surge 13.6%
Japan's core machinery orders beat consensus massively at 13.6% versus -1.1% expected, largest surprise in years. This provided a bright spot amid global tensions.
Eurozone core CPI revised to 2.9%.
Middle East Crisis Disrupts Strait of Hormuz
Iran signals possible pause in Strait shipments to cool tensions, amid peace talks before ceasefire expires. Blockade reduced global oil supply by 13%, Brent above $100/barrel.
IEA warns April could be tougher for energy markets if closed.
Oil Prices Climb Above $100 on Supply Fears
Brent crude surged past $100/barrel Tuesday from $70 end-February, with no quick Strait reopening. IMF scenarios assume $82 average in base case, $100 in adverse.
Final pre-conflict cargoes arriving, exposing 40-day energy gap.
JP Morgan Sets Trading Revenue Record Amid Warnings
Big banks report strong trading but cautious outlooks; JP Morgan hit firm-wide record. Jamie Dimon warns on geopolitics, Fed policy, and AI risks.
Markets optimistic on Iran deal, oil falls slightly.
Global Food Prices Rise for Second Month
FAO reports international food price index up consecutively, hit by Middle East disruptions. Affects fertilizers and more via Strait blockade.
Compounds oil and finance strains on economy.
Pakistan Arranging US-Iran Talks Before Ceasefire
Pakistan sets second round of US-Iran talks before next week's ceasefire expiry. Markets betting on peace, validated by PPI data.
Optimism lifts stocks despite risks.
IEA Ready to Release Reserves if Needed
IEA head warns prolonged Strait closure loses twice March's crude/products; ready for extra reserves. No new April energy shipments loaded.
Crisis paralyzes oil, gas, fertilizers, petrochemicals.
S&P 500 Futures Flat Near Record High
Stock futures steady April 15 as S&P 500 closes near all-time high amid oil climb. Reflects mixed signals from soft PPI and Mideast hopes.
Investors eye Fed path post-data.