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Bitcoin Steady, but Bitfinex Warns of Downside Risks as U.S. Government Shutdown Looms
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-30 19:51
Group 1: Crypto Market Overview - The bounce in crypto markets has mostly stalled, with Bitcoin (BTC) experiencing a slight rally to $114,300 after earlier declines, while Ether (ETH) traded just above $4,100, down 1.3% [1] - Most tokens in the CoinDesk 20 Index posted declines, with Avalanche (AVAX), Uniswap (UNI), and Near (NEAR) leading the losses [1] Group 2: Impact of U.S. Government Shutdown - The impending U.S. government shutdown will halt all non-essential activities under the executive branch, likely affecting the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory bodies' efforts to create new rules for the crypto industry [3] - While the shutdown won't prevent public comments on rulemaking efforts, it is unlikely that agency staff will be available to review the feedback, potentially impacting companies' efforts to list and trade cryptocurrency-related exchange-traded funds [4] - Congress's work on crypto market structure legislation will be delayed, with the Senate Banking Committee postponing a planned markup on its market structure draft [5] Group 3: Economic Indicators and Market Volatility - The shutdown will also halt the release of key economic indicators, such as jobs data and CPI inflation reports, which could increase volatility across asset classes, including cryptocurrencies [6] - Delays in data could complicate the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions, with potential ripple effects across rates markets, and a prolonged shutdown may accelerate the trend of global investors cutting U.S. exposure [7]
Exclusive-Fed's Collins cautions against aggressive rate cuts given inflation issues
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-30 18:29
Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Susan Collins emphasizes a cautious approach to monetary policy, advocating for gradual rate cuts due to ongoing inflation risks despite signs of labor market weakness [1][2][3]. Monetary Policy Outlook - Collins supports the recent quarter percentage point reduction in the overnight interest rate target range to between 4% and 4.25%, with potential gradual cuts to between 3.5% and 3.75% by year-end [3]. - The decision to cut rates is aimed at mitigating rising risks in the job market while maintaining a stance that can help alleviate inflation pressures [3]. Inflation and Labor Market Considerations - Collins highlights the need to balance inflation risks with labor market conditions, acknowledging the softening job market while stressing that both factors must be considered in interest rate policy decisions [2]. - There are concerns that aggressive rate cuts could exacerbate inflation risks, which would conflict with the Federal Reserve's mandate [3]. Diverging Views Among Fed Officials - There is a division among Federal Reserve officials regarding the direction of monetary policy, with some, like Cleveland Fed chief Beth Hammack, expressing concerns about inflation and opposing further rate cuts [4]. - New Fed governor Stephen Miran dissented in favor of a more aggressive 50-basis-point cut, while Michelle Bowman is also open to significant easing to address job market risks [5]. Inflation Dynamics - Collins notes that while some inflation indicators have moderated, the impact of Trump administration tariffs on key prices remains uncertain, potentially influencing future price pressures [6]. - There is a risk that prolonged high inflation could shift public expectations towards anticipating continued inflation, which is a scenario that should be avoided [6].
Boston Fed president: It may be appropriate to easy policy 'a bit further this year'
CNBC Television· 2025-09-30 13:56
Um, it's a busy day of Fed speak. We're getting Collins on the tape just now. Let's get to Steve Leeman.Morning, Steve. >> Morning, K. Boston Fed President Susan Collins saying it may be appropriate to ease policy a bit further this year if it's supported by the data.Hold on to those two thoughts. I'll come back to them. She says she can sees she sees continued modestly restricted policy stance as being appropriate.So maybe not going as far as the market is priced in. The Fed needs to restore price stabilit ...
Stock Index Futures Slip as Shutdown Deadline Looms, U.S. JOLTs Report and Fed Speak Awaited
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-30 10:23
Monetary Policy and Economic Outlook - Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack emphasized the need for a restrictive monetary policy to achieve the 2% inflation target, forecasting that inflation will remain above target for the next one to two years, potentially not reaching the objective until late 2027 or early 2028 [1] - St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem expressed openness to additional interest rate cuts but cautioned that inflation remains above the target, indicating a careful approach [1] - New York Fed President John Williams noted diminished inflation risks but increased employment risks, without indicating support for a rate cut in October [1] Housing Market - U.S. pending home sales increased by 4.0% month-over-month in August, significantly surpassing expectations of 0.2% and marking the largest increase in five months [2] Stock Market Performance - Wall Street's main stock indexes closed higher, with notable gains in chip stocks such as GlobalFoundries and Micron Technology, both rising over 4% [3] - Applovin saw a climb of more than 6% after receiving an Accumulate rating from Phillip Securities with a price target of $725 [3] - Merus N.V. surged nearly 36% following Genmab's agreement to acquire the company for approximately $8 billion in cash [3] - Conversely, Carnival's stock fell about 4% despite better-than-expected FQ3 results and an increase in full-year adjusted EPS guidance [3] Government Shutdown Concerns - Last-minute talks between Democratic leaders and President Trump failed to prevent a government shutdown, with a deadline for passing a federal spending bill approaching [5] - A government shutdown would lead to the pausing of many federal operations and furloughs for nonessential employees, with implications for the upcoming payroll report [5] Futures Market - December S&P 500 E-Mini futures were down 0.23%, and December Nasdaq 100 E-Mini futures were down 0.14% as investors reacted to the impending government shutdown [6] - U.S. rate futures indicated a 90.3% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut at the next central bank meeting in October [6] Tariff Developments - President Trump signed a proclamation imposing 10% tariffs on imported timber and lumber, and 25% tariffs on upholstered wooden furniture products and kitchen cabinets, effective October 14th, with future increases planned [7] Economic Data Releases - Investors are awaiting the U.S. JOLTs Job Openings figures, with economists forecasting 7.190 million for August, up from 7.181 million in July [8] - The U.S. Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index for September is expected to decline to 96.0 from 97.4 in August [8] - The S&P/CS HPI Composite - 20 is anticipated to show a year-over-year increase of 1.7% for July, down from 2.1% in June [9] Corporate Earnings - Nike and Paychex are scheduled to report their quarterly figures today, which will be closely monitored by investors [10]
Australia keeps policy rate steady at 3.6% as inflation creeps up
CNBC· 2025-09-30 04:32
Core Viewpoint - The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has maintained its benchmark policy rate at 3.6% amid rising inflation, which is currently at its highest level in over a year [1][2]. Economic Indicators - Australia's headline inflation rate for August was reported at 3%, the highest since July 2024, driven by increases in housing, food, and alcohol prices [2]. - The RBA noted that inflation in the September quarter may exceed previous expectations, indicating potential persistence in certain areas [2]. Monetary Policy Actions - The RBA has reduced rates by 75 basis points in 2025, following a period of stability at 4.35% since November 2023, as part of efforts to control inflation [3]. - The central bank's decision to hold rates reflects a focus on curbing inflation while acknowledging the uncertain economic outlook [3][4]. Economic Growth - Australia's GDP grew by 1.8% year-over-year, surpassing the 1.6% forecast by economists and improving from the previous quarter's 1.3% growth [5]. - On a quarter-over-quarter basis, GDP increased by 0.6%, exceeding the 0.5% expected growth [5]. - The growth was primarily driven by domestic spending, including household and government consumption [5].
Asia-Pacific markets set to open higher; Reserve Bank of Australia decision in spotlight
CNBC· 2025-09-29 23:41
Group 1 - Asia-Pacific markets exhibited mixed trading patterns, with a focus on the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) interest rate decision [1][2] - The RBA is anticipated to maintain its cash rate at 3.6%, as high inflation limits the potential for monetary policy easing [1][2] - Building approvals in Australia are expected to show a 2.8% increase in August, following a significant 8.2% decline in July [2] Group 2 - Australia's S&P/ASX 200 index experienced a slight increase of 0.1% [3] - Japan's Nikkei 225 index decreased by 0.17%, while the Topix index fell by 0.21% [3] - South Korea's Kospi index rose by 0.27%, and the Kosdaq index advanced by 0.18% [3] - Hong Kong's Hang Seng index futures were trading at 26,735, surpassing the last close of 26,622.88 [3]
Wall Street indexes climb as investors brush off government shutdown uncertainties
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-29 19:08
By Sinéad Carew and Niket Nishant (Reuters) -Wall Street indexes closed up on Monday with the Nasdaq leading gains as investors bought heavyweight technology stocks and shrugged off the uncertainty of a potential U.S. government shutdown and hawkish remarks from Federal Reserve officials. Technology provided the benchmark S&P's biggest boost as investors bet on growth from artificial intelligence and expectations that the Fed will keep cutting interest rates as it grapples with persistent inflation conce ...
Fed's Williams: Recent rate cut aimed at bolstering job market
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-29 17:58
By Michael S. Derby (Reuters) -Federal Reserve Bank of New York President John Williams said on Monday that emerging signs of weakness in the labor market drove his support for cutting interest rates at the most recent central bank meeting. “It made sense to move interest rates down a little bit” and “to take a little bit of the restrictiveness out of there,” to help ensure ongoing health in the job market while still keeping some downward pressure on above-target inflation levels, Williams said during a ...
Fed’s Williams says policy still restrictive while flagging weak job market
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-29 16:28
This story was originally published on CFO Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: New York Federal Reserve Bank President John Williams said Monday that the labor market shows signs of weakening while noting that monetary policy is still restraining inflation after a quarter-point cut this month in the federal funds rate. The current 4%-to-4.25% range in the central bank’s benchmark interest rate “continues to be what we call restrictive mo ...
Wall Street Opens Higher Amid Acquisition Buzz and Key Economic Week Ahead
Stock Market News· 2025-09-29 14:07
Market Overview - U.S. equities opened positively on September 29, 2025, aiming to recover from previous week's losses, with major indexes showing resilience and gains at the start of trading [1][2] - The S&P 500 rose to 6672 points, gaining 0.42% from the previous session, while September has been a winning month overall with the S&P 500 up 2.8%, Dow up 1.5%, and Nasdaq up 2.9% [2] Economic Indicators - Personal spending data indicates resilient final demand, with second-quarter GDP growth revised up to 3.8%, but core inflation in services remains a concern for the Federal Reserve [3] - The upcoming September jobs report is expected to show 43,000 new jobs and an unemployment rate of 4.3%, providing critical insights into the labor market [5] Corporate Developments - Electronic Arts (EA) is set to be acquired by an investor consortium in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $55 billion, representing a 25% premium to EA's unaffected share price [8] - Baker Hughes (BKR) received a significant award from Petrobras for subsea tree systems, expected to boost Brazil's offshore energy sector [12] - Apple (AAPL) shares gained 2.1% on reports of a new AI-powered Siri app, indicating ongoing innovation [12] - Intel (INTC) climbed 3.4% amid speculation of a White House initiative to reduce reliance on overseas chip production [12] - Boeing (BA) advanced 3.6% after regulators restored some oversight powers, signaling increased confidence [12] - AstraZeneca (AZN) plans to list its shares directly on the New York Stock Exchange, replacing its existing ADR listing on Nasdaq [12] - Novartis (NVS) is launching a direct-to-patient platform for its Cosentyx drug in the U.S. [12]