Group 1 - The dollar index (DXY00) increased by +0.57% due to positive comments from Fed Chair Powell regarding inflation and interest rates [1] - US weekly initial unemployment claims fell by -33,000 to 231,000, indicating a stronger labor market than the expected 240,000 [3] - The September Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey rose by +23.5 to an 8-month high of 23.2, surpassing expectations of 1.7 [3] Group 2 - Concerns over Fed independence may lead foreign investors to sell dollar assets, particularly in light of President Trump's actions against Fed Governor Cook [2] - The euro (EUR/USD) decreased by -0.30% due to a stronger dollar and fiscal concerns from the German government planning to borrow about 20% more than originally intended in Q4 [4] - Germany's finance agency plans to raise 90.5 billion euros ($107 billion) in Q4, which is 15 billion euros more than previously projected [5]

Market Performance - The S&P 500 index increased by 0.5% and is on track to surpass its previous record close from September 15 [1] - The Nasdaq Composite rose by 0.8%, also aiming for a record close [1] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 54 points, reflecting a 0.1% increase [1] Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve recently lowered interest rates by a quarter of a point [2] - The Fed has forecasted two additional rate cuts by December and a third cut anticipated in 2026 [2]

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve's decision to cut its key borrowing rate by a quarter percentage point is viewed positively by the White House, indicating a cautious approach to monetary policy [1][2]. Group 1: Federal Reserve's Rate Decision - National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett mentioned that the administration and new Fed Governor Stephen Miran advocated for a larger reduction, specifically a half-point cut, but the Federal Open Market Committee voted 11 to 1 against it [2]. - Hassett expressed that a 25 basis point cut was a broad consensus and a good initial step towards lower rates, despite Miran's preference for a more aggressive approach [3]. - President Trump has previously criticized the Fed and suggested that the benchmark federal funds rate should be 3 percentage points lower than current levels, which is not aligned with the FOMC's future policy projections [4]. Group 2: Economic Context - Despite strong economic growth above 3% in the third quarter, which typically would not support lower interest rates, Trump argues that cuts are necessary to aid the struggling U.S. housing market and manage financing costs for the nation's $37 trillion debt [5]. - Hassett emphasized the importance of assessing economic variables and making incremental reductions, suggesting that the Fed's cautious approach is appropriate given the current economic conditions [6]. - The Fed's decision reflects a balance between various economic models and opinions, with Hassett describing it as a prudent call in light of decelerating inflation that remains above the target [7].

Central Bank Rate Changes - The U.S. Federal Reserve has implemented its first rate cut since December, diverging from other major central banks that have maintained their rates [1] - The Bank of Canada has reduced its key rate to a three-year low of 2.5%, marking its first cut in six months due to a weak jobs market [3] - The Swiss National Bank cut its key rate to 0% in June, with expectations that it will hold rates steady in the upcoming meeting [1][2] Inflation and Economic Outlook - The Swiss National Bank's inflation remains above the lower end of its target band, leading to expectations that negative rates are unlikely in the near term [2] - Sweden's Riksbank has cut rates significantly but anticipates holding rates steady, believing that current price pressures are likely temporary [4] - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is expected to cut rates again due to domestic and global growth challenges, having already reduced its policy rate to 3% [5] Euro Zone and Future Expectations - Euro zone rate setters have kept their key rate at 2% for the second consecutive meeting, with indications that the ECB's rate cycle may be nearing its end [6] - Markets are pricing in a modest expectation of rate cuts by the ECB by next July [6] - The Federal Reserve signaled that further cuts are likely in October and December to support the job market, amidst a softening job market [7]

For more on the markets, let's bring in Steve Iceman. He is host of the Real Eyesman Playbook podcast and former senior portfolio manager at Newberger Berman. Steve, it's good to have you.Thanks for having me. Um, I mean, weigh in I guess here on on this uh how this infects if it does the macro. It's interesting when you talk about oh uh are they going to be more tolerant of inflation.I've always been of the mind the equity market's not going to freak out about inflation unless the bond market is. Bond mark ...

Wages in Poland grew their slowest since 2021 in August, coming in below analysts’ expectations and raising the prospect of an interest rate cut next month https://t.co/pxUipRWgSd ...

Group 1: Market Overview - French stocks are in positive territory, boosted by the Federal Reserve's 25-basis point interest rate cut and indications of further easing this year [1] - The benchmark CAC 40 index increased by 87.75 points or 1.13%, reaching 7,874.73 [1] Group 2: Company Performance - STMicroElectronics shares rose by 4.3%, Legrand by 3.7%, and Capgemini by 3.2% [2] - Schneider Electric's stock advanced nearly 3%, while other companies like ArcelorMittal, Dassault Systemes, and LVMH saw gains between 1.3% and 2.7% [2] - Michelin's stock decreased by approximately 1.2%, with Eurofins Scientific, Pernod Ricard, and Danone down by 0.4% to 0.7% [2] Group 3: Economic Indicators - The euro area current account surplus fell to EUR 27.7 billion in July from EUR 35.8 billion in June, and down from EUR 31.6 billion in the same period last year [3] - The surplus on goods trade increased to EUR 25 billion from EUR 23 billion, while the surplus on services decreased to EUR 12 billion from EUR 16 billion [3] - Primary income halved to EUR 7 billion from EUR 14 billion, and the shortfall in secondary income narrowed to EUR 16 billion from EUR 17 billion [4] - Over the twelve months to July, the current account surplus was EUR 315 billion or 2% of GDP, down from EUR 394 billion or 2.6% of GDP in the same period last year [4]

Core Points - The Federal Reserve announced a quarter percentage point cut to its benchmark interest rate on September 17, marking the beginning of a potential series of reductions aimed at making borrowing more accessible for consumers [1][4] - Fed Chair Jerome Powell described the cut as a "risk-management cut" in response to growing downside risks to employment, acknowledging the challenges posed by inflation remaining above the Fed's 2% target [2][3] - The Fed's updated statement reflects concerns over a weakening labor market, with job gains slowing and no longer being described as "solid" [3] Interest Rate Projections - The Fed's dot plot indicates a median projection of two more rate cuts by the end of the year, although opinions among officials vary widely [4][5] - Seven participants foresee no additional cuts this year, while others project one or two more cuts, with some suggesting aggressive cuts in the coming months [5] Consumer Impact - Economists suggest that the immediate impact of the quarter percentage point cut on borrowing will be negligible, but more noticeable benefits may emerge as the Fed continues to lower rates [8][9] - Auto loans are expected to become more affordable due to the Fed's rate cut, but the actual rates will also depend on longer-term bond yields and individual credit scores [10][11] - Mortgage rates are influenced more by the 10-year Treasury note than by the Fed's fund rate, and significant rate changes would be needed for a substantial impact on the housing sector [12][13][14] Credit Card and Savings Rates - Credit card rates are anticipated to drop slightly, but the overall effect on borrowers will be minimal due to already high average rates [15][16] - Savers will likely see lower returns on savings accounts and certificates of deposit as the Fed reduces interest rates [17]

CONCLUDED Stock Market News From Sept. 18, 2025: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit New Highs Last Updated: Crucially, it seems the Fed's independence remains intact since newly appointed Fed member Stephen Miran was an outlier with his calls for half-point cuts at the next two meetings, IG analyst Chris Beauchamp said in a note. Topics Memberships Subscribe to Barron's 13 hours ago Bitcoin Rises After Fed Cuts Rates By Renae Dyer, Dow Jones Newsletters Bitcoin rises, remaining near the one-month high reached earlier ...

By Davide Barbuscia and Suzanne McGee NEW YORK (Reuters) -Investors look set to face a volatile few months ahead after the Federal Reserve resumed interest rate cuts and opened the door to further easing but tempered its message with warnings of sticky inflation, sowing doubt over the pace of future policy adjustments. Some investors are now less certain that a rapid shift to lower borrowing costs will materialize, potentially dampening optimism that stocks and bonds would get a strong lift from easier p ...