Catherine Mann of the Bank of England expressed concerns that a 100 basis point rate cut over the next year would exacerbate inflation. She opposes this aggressive approach, emphasizing that it does not align with her views on future demand conditions and persistent inflation.
Home sales rose 3.4% in October, reaching an annualized rate of 3.96 million units, marking the first annual increase in over three years. This surge followed a drop in mortgage rates, although current rates have climbed to 7.05%. Inventory increased by 19.1% year-over-year, but tight supply continues to pressure prices, with the median home price at $407,200, up 4% from last year.
South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago announced that the review of the inflation target, currently set between 3% and 6%, is nearing completion. He indicated that discussions with the Treasury are rigorous, and a timeline for the new target will be provided once the process concludes.
As Donald Trump assembles a foreign-policy team filled with China hawks, understanding the evolving dynamics of U.S.-China relations is crucial. With a weakened Chinese economy, rising tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea, and the global impact of the Ukraine war, new strategies must consider Xi Jinping's motivations and the risks he is willing to take.
European Central Bank Governing Council member Robert Holzmann emphasized the need for a restrictive monetary policy due to persistent inflation risks. He noted that strong wage gains and geopolitical tensions threaten price stability, making a return to the 2% inflation target uncertain. While a December interest-rate cut seems likely, it is not guaranteed.
South Africa's central bank has implemented a cautious quarter-point interest rate cut, reducing the benchmark rate to 7.75%. This marks the second consecutive meeting with a rate decrease, as policymakers indicate that further cuts may be possible, although the economic outlook remains highly uncertain. Governor Lesetja Kganyago confirmed that the decision aligns with the expectations of economists surveyed.
In 2025, tensions may arise between President Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over interest rates, particularly if inflation rises due to Trump's expansionary fiscal policies. While Trump may push for lower rates, the Fed's traditional approach could lead to conflicts, especially as Powell's term ends in 2026. Economic impacts from Trump's policies may take time to manifest, potentially delaying any Fed response.
Marico anticipates that urban consumption will take at least six months to recover, as food inflation reaches a 15-month high of 10.87%. The company's CEO, Saugata Gupta, noted that while the sector faces challenges, a recovery is expected once food inflation stabilizes.
The Indian rupee fell to a record low of 84.5013 against the US dollar on November 21, driven by Foreign Portfolio Investors' (FPI) selling and a strong dollar index. Analysts suggest that ongoing dollar demand and higher US interest rates are prompting FPIs to withdraw funds, although the Reserve Bank of India’s interventions and healthy foreign exchange reserves may help stabilize the currency.
Bitcoin is nearing the $100,000 mark, driven by optimism over a more favorable U.S. regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies under President-elect Donald Trump. Prices surged past $98,000 during European trading, reflecting a 40% increase in just two weeks since the election. Analysts note that while the market is in overbought territory, the momentum is pushing Bitcoin closer to the $100k level.
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