>> THIS IS BALANCE OF POWER FROM WASHINGTON, D. C. >> FROM BLOOMBERG'S WASHINGTON DC STUDIOS TO OUR TV AND RADIO AUDIENCES WORLDWIDE, WELCOME TO BALANCE OF POWER.I'M JOE MATHIEU IN WASHINGTON. TONIGHT, PRESIDENT TRUMP HITS THE ROAD. A RALLY IN PENNSYLVANIA AIMED AT SELLING THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ON THE ECONOMY AS AFFORDABILITY REMAINS A TOP ISSUE HEADING INTO THE NEXT YEAR.REACTION FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE WHEN WE TALK TO CONGRESSMAN. AND BEHIND THE SCENES REPORTING ON WHAT LED THE PRESIDENT TO APPROVE THE ...

Key Takeaways What the Fed's Move Could Do to Your Savings Rate Financial markets overwhelmingly expect the Federal Reserve to announce another quarter-point rate cut on Wednesday. That matters to anyone with cash in the bank, since the central bank's benchmark rate impacts what banks and credit unions are willing to pay on customer deposits. That means even a small shift is likely to ripple through to your savings account APY. If the Fed does indeed cut by a quarter point, savings and certificate of deposi ...

And the top story in politics is how affordability, high prices, and economic pain are shaping voters priorities, including powering that Democratic sweep in last month's elections. President Trump noticed he's responding tonight speaking in Pennsylvania on a tour that has been touted as his sort of response to voters concerns. And we have a view from Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania.Von Hillard will be reporting for us there shortly. You're looking at part of that tour. Trump's planned speech is also an implicit ...

Key Takeaways Almost nothing seems to rattle individual investors lately. They've overcome fears about tariffs, inflation, and a potential stock market bubble, continuing to buy their favorite stocks and ETFs all year long. Despite concerns about economic policy, overvaluations in AI stocks, and rising prices, investors are mostly optimistic about the stock market right now, according to Investopedia's recent survey. More than 60% describe themselves as either optimistic or cautiously optimistic, while less ...

Economy & Affordability - The report highlights conflicting views on the US economy, with President Trump giving himself an "A++" grade while data indicates energy prices have risen and overall inflation is up 3% year-over-year [2][4] - A recent NBC News poll shows 66% of Americans believe the Trump administration has underperformed on inflation and cost of living, while Gallup and Fox News polls indicate low approval and negative impact from the administration's economic policies [6] - Voters in Pennsylvania express frustration with rising prices and pessimism about politicians' ability to address them [12][13][14] - Gas prices are down from last year, but utility prices, rent, and car insurance are up, with overall inflation 3% higher than a year ago [17][18][19] - The White House blames Democrats for affordability issues, while Democrats accuse the Trump administration of lacking credibility on the economy [25][26][27][28][29][30] Healthcare - Senate Republicans are proposing to redirect Affordable Care Act (ACA) funding to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), offering $1,000 per year for adults under 50 and $1,500 per year for adults over 50 not on Medicare [72][73] - Senate Democrats are pushing for a three-year extension of ACA subsidies, benefiting approximately 22 million Americans, but this is expected to fail [70][77] - Healthcare premiums are set to potentially double for over 20 million Americans next year [79] Foreign Policy & National Security - President Trump is critical of Europe, stating that "most European nations, they're they're decaying" [46] - The administration faces questions about the legality of US strikes against alleged drug cartel members in the Caribbean Sea [57][58] - A provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) would reduce the Secretary of Defense's budget unless the full unedited video of military strikes on boats in the Caribbean is released [60] - The president is hinting at potential land strikes in Venezuela and other countries deemed to be bringing drugs into the United States [62][63][64] Political Strategy & Midterms - The Trump administration plans to campaign heavily in the lead-up to the midterms, focusing on mobilizing Trump voters [92] - Republican strategists express concern about turning out the base with Trump not on the ballot [90] - A Democratic candidate for Senate in South Carolina, Dr Annie Andrews, highlights Senator Lindsey Graham's low approval rating of 34% [119]

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates by a quarter of a point, but the commentary following the cut is likely to be hawkish, indicating a divided stance within the committee [1][2]. Group 1: Interest Rate Expectations - Traders are pricing in a nearly 90% chance of a rate cut by the Federal Reserve [1]. - There is dissent among FOMC committee members, suggesting that while a cut may occur, future cuts are not guaranteed, particularly in January [2][3]. - The market's expectation for rate cuts next year may not be sustainable, as the recent rally has been driven by liquidity and the anticipation of easier monetary policy [4]. Group 2: Economic Indicators and Risks - There is no compelling reason for the Fed to cut rates if inflation remains around 3% and economic growth continues at its current pace, which could lead to higher interest rates [5]. - High valuation speculative investments, including cryptocurrencies and meme stocks, are heavily influenced by liquidity and expectations of a dovish Fed, posing risks to the broader market [6].

All right, well we are less than 24 hours until the last Fed decision of the year with traders pricing in a near 90% chance that the committee cuts interest rates by a quarter of a point tomorrow. For more on the market impact, let's bring in Fast Money Friend and Richard Bernstein Advisors deputy CIO Michael Canopoulos. Michael, great to see you. >> Nice to see you, too.>> Let's assume that there is a cut. What is the commentary going to be like coming out of that cut. >> I think it's going to be hawkish.u ...

Core Viewpoint - Markets are increasingly concerned about Japan's potential "tail risk" of entering a negative economic spiral, characterized by monetary tightening lagging behind inflation and a weak yen exacerbating price increases [1] Group 1: Economic Concerns - The risk of a negative spiral is heightened by the combination of monetary policy and inflation dynamics in Japan [1] - A weak yen is contributing to rising prices, which could further complicate the economic landscape [1] Group 2: Market Reactions - Investors are closely monitoring these developments, indicating a growing unease regarding Japan's economic stability [1] - The situation reflects broader market anxieties about the effectiveness of monetary policy in controlling inflation [1]

watch nowWhile markets expect Kevin Hassett to be named the next Federal Reserve chair, he is pointedly not the choice of respondents to the CNBC Fed Survey.The December survey shows 84% believe President Donald Trump will tap Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, to head the central bank. But only 11% think that's what the president should do. Fed Governor Christopher Waller is the favored pick of 47% of respondents, followed by Kevin Warsh at 23%. But only 5% of respondents think Trump will ...

Core Insights - AutoZone is expanding its brick-and-mortar locations amid rising auto industry prices, having opened 53 new stores globally in the recent quarter [1][4] - The company aims to aggressively continue store openings throughout the fiscal year to increase market share [4] - AutoZone's CEO highlighted a commitment to increasing earnings and cash flow to enhance shareholder value while navigating inflation and tariff impacts [6] Store Expansion - In the quarter ending November 22, AutoZone opened 39 new stores in the U.S., 12 in Mexico, and 2 in Brazil, bringing the total to 7,710 stores globally [1] - The company had 6,666 stores in the U.S., 895 in Mexico, and 149 in Brazil as of the end of the quarter [1] Financial Performance - AutoZone's domestic and international businesses performed well, aligning with growth initiatives [2] - The CEO noted that inflation and tariffs have increased costs and sales figures, with expectations of continued inflation through the third quarter [6] Consumer Behavior - The lower-end consumer segment has remained stable despite economic pressures, with little evidence of significant trade-down behavior among consumers [7][11] - Most price increases due to tariffs have affected discretionary categories rather than essential repair items, which constitute a smaller part of AutoZone's business [8] Product Offering - AutoZone offers a limited range of product categories with different price points, primarily in batteries, brakes, and wiper blades, but most inventory consists of specific parts for particular vehicles [11][12]