Core Viewpoint - The European Central Bank is expected to implement two more interest rate cuts due to anticipated lackluster economic growth according to Amundi SA Chief Investment Officer Vincent Mortier [1] Group 1 - The European Central Bank's decision to cut interest rates is influenced by ongoing economic conditions [1] - Vincent Mortier's insights were shared during an appearance on Bloomberg Television [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Central Reserve Bank of Peru has cut interest rates to the lowest level since 2022, reducing the benchmark rate to 4.25% from 4.5% due to an unexpected drop in inflation [1][2]. Economic Indicators - Consumer prices in Peru rose by only 1.11% in August year-over-year, marking one of the slowest inflation rates among major emerging markets and nearing the lower end of the central bank's target range [3]. - Strong economic activity was reported, with a 4.5% expansion in June compared to the previous year, which may limit the potential for further rate cuts [4]. Central Bank's Position - The central bank indicated that the current interest rate is close to its estimated neutral level and forecasts inflation to be near the center of its target range by the end of the year [2]. - The key rate in Peru is now aligned with the lower end of the range set by the US Federal Reserve, which may create caution regarding further reductions in rates due to potential capital outflows [3].

Economic Indicators - The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) for August increased by 0.4% month-over-month, surpassing the expected 0.3% and up from July's 0.2% [2][3] - Year-over-year, the headline CPI was reported at 2.9%, meeting expectations and showing a slight increase from the previous 2.7% [2] - Core CPI, excluding food and energy, remained steady at 0.3% month-over-month and 3.1% year-over-year, consistent with forecasts [3] European Central Bank (ECB) Updates - The ECB decided to maintain its key interest rates, with the Deposit Facility Rate at 2.00%, the Main Refinancing Rate at 2.15%, and the Marginal Lending Facility at 2.40% [4] - The ECB raised its inflation outlook for 2025 and 2026 while slightly lowering it for 2027, indicating a more persistent inflationary environment [5] - The GDP growth forecast for the Eurozone in 2025 was revised upwards to 1.2% from 0.9%, while the 2026 forecast was trimmed to 1.0% from 1.1% [5] Company Performance - Kroger reported second-quarter 2025 earnings with adjusted EPS of $1.04, exceeding the estimated $1.00, despite slightly missing revenue expectations with sales of $33.98 billion [6][7] - Identical-store sales excluding fuel grew by 3.4%, significantly above the estimated 2.8% [7] - Kroger narrowed its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $4.70 to $4.80, raising the lower end of its forecast [7] Oil Market Insights - OPEC maintained its forecasts for global oil demand growth at 1.29 million barrels per day (bpd) for 2025 and 1.38 million bpd for 2026 [10] - Crude output averaged 42.40 million bpd in August, an increase of 509,000 bpd from July, following an OPEC+ production hike [11]

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — The European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged Thursday with inflation back under control and the economy weathering Trump’s tariff onslaught better than expected. The bank’s rate-setting council left its benchmark deposit rate unchanged at 2% at a meeting at its skyscraper headquarters in Frankfurt. The focus in Europe has shifted to the fiscal crisis in France and any possible role for the ECB in containing potential market turmoil that could erupt from the country’s ...

Group 1 - The article discusses the shifting perspectives of Democrats and Republicans regarding the Federal Reserve's independence and its role in economic recovery [3][4][5] - It highlights the contradiction in Republican demands for rate cuts from the Fed, contrasting with their historical stance against government intervention in the economy [6][8] - The piece argues that government intervention, including actions by the Fed, cannot effectively stimulate economic growth, especially when it substitutes market mechanisms [9][10] Group 2 - The article emphasizes that economic growth fundamentally originates from the private sector, and any government actions merely redistribute resources rather than create them [7][8] - It critiques the notion that the Fed can alter economic realities, labeling such beliefs as delusions [10]

US-India Relations & Trade - Potential 50% duty on India by the US due to tariff campaign [1] - India's $50 billion exports at risk if relations with the US are not repaired [3] - US is India's biggest customer [3] India-China Relations - India is moving to repair relations with China [1] - Potential for cross-border investments between Indian billionaires and Chinese technology companies [2] - Expect announcements regarding India-China relations at the Modi-Xi Jinping meeting [2] Indian Economic Reform - Modi is proposing lower consumption tax rates [3] - More reforms are promised to boost India's economic growth [2][3]

Just get us up to speed and give us some context behind the latest round of of civil unrest in Ivory Coast. Alright, Jomana, we have been watching quite closely at the Ivory Coast because they do have elections later this year. And what's really come to a head over the past few days is we did hear from President Alassane Ouattara suggesting or telling the public that he does plan to seek a fourth term.Now, under Ivorian law, presidents are technically only supposed to be in office for two terms. And so you ...

To increase spending in China, pension reform will have to make the system both more generous and more adventurous. But the government does not seem ready for the kind of benefits that would really drive growth https://t.co/b3TfIoI6sh ...

So I'm player. So my topic is about the power of education. Okay, let me start.Uh imagine a book that can lift someone out of poverty. uh and the classroom that can break the chains of great ignorance and the lessons which can ride the future. Let me start my speech by giving a real life example.uh Craig which is an Indian poor boy and he uh he knew that education was only way to escape from this poverty and he studied religiously uh and secured a place at IIT in Delhi then Stanford without this limited Tha ...

Inflation & Monetary Policy - Potential for the Federal Reserve to reduce rates if inflation decreases and the economy performs well [1] - Tariffs are one of many forces at work in the economy, including remilitarization, fiscal deficits, and demographics, which may drive slightly higher inflation [2] - Focus should be on growth, which is more important than minor fluctuations in inflation [2] Tariffs & Trade - Tariffs have been greatly moderated, with 15% applying to half of imports, which is manageable in many cases [3] - With imports around $4 trillion, an average tariff of 7-8% equates to $300 billion annually on a $30 trillion economy, which may have some effect [3] - The impact of tariffs is still uncertain, with some being passed on and some not, and more effects may be seen in the future [4] - Current tariffs are more moderate, thoughtful, and carefully implemented, potentially helping some companies export and encouraging manufacturing to return to the US [7] Fiscal Policy & Deficit - The US deficit is $2 trillion, and concerns exist about adding $2.5-3 trillion, leading to an increase from $30 trillion to $50 trillion in debt over 10 years [8] - The extraordinary additions to the deficit each year are more concerning than the $3 trillion figure [9] - The current tax bill is beneficial, but the deficit needs to be addressed, as 6.5-7% deficits cannot continue indefinitely [9] - There are too many tax breaks that should be eliminated, and multiyear budgeting could be implemented [10][11] Market & Risk Appetite - Risk appetite in the market is a little high, but not critically so [12] - $10 trillion was borrowed and spent in the last five years, likely globally, along with large amounts of quantitative easing (QE), which is still affecting the system and may be leading to higher asset prices [13] - High asset prices and low credit spreads suggest a longer way to fall, making the market cautious about valuations [13][14]