Stock Market Newsยท2025-09-17 20:09Group 1: Federal Reserve and Interest Rates - The Federal Reserve announced a 25 basis point reduction in its benchmark interest rate, setting the new federal funds rate target range at 4.00% to 4.25%, marking the first rate cut since December 2024 [2][9] - JPMorgan Chase & Co. will cut its prime lending rate to 7.25%, effective September 18, reflecting the immediate impact of the Fed's monetary policy shift on commercial lending rates [3][9] - Jeffrey Gundlach of DoubleLine Capital supported the Fed's rate cut but warned of potential higher inflation risks if the Fed continues to ease excessively, anticipating a steepening yield curve and a decline in the U.S. dollar [4][9] Group 2: Corporate Partnerships - PayPal and Google Cloud announced a multiyear strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing commerce, integrating PayPal's payment solutions across various Google products [5][9] - The partnership will see PayPal leveraging Google Cloud to modernize its technology infrastructure and collaborate on new AI-driven shopping experiences [5][9] Group 3: Geopolitical Developments - The European Union presented a new strategic agenda to deepen relations with India, aiming to enhance cooperation in defense, trade, technology, and connectivity, with a commitment to finalize a bilateral free trade agreement by year-end [6][9] - EU officials acknowledged challenges due to India's "problematic" relations with Russia, which may hinder deeper partnerships [6][9]