Review of the week
Review of the week: The Federal Reserve riddle
Fading strength in the labour market and services businesses have increased hopes that interest rates can still be cut this year. Everybody is watching the Fed watch the data.
5 mins
Review of the week: Taking stock of GDP
The great uncertainty over whether and when US interest rates will fall took a twist with first-quarter GDP. Much slower growth, offsetting dynamics and higher inflation are creating a puzzle.
6 mins
Review of the week: Spending the big bucks
The mean-average American family is worth $1 million after years of soaring growth, wealth and income. This matters for inflation, future interest rates and the strength of the dollar.
6 mins
Review of the week: Middle-Eastern tensions rise further
An Iranian missile attack on Israel was thwarted over the weekend. While markets are calm, risks of escalation linger.
6 mins
Review of the week: Is the door slamming on early rate cuts?
A blowout jobs report is tipping bets towards fewer US interest rate cuts this year. What happens if inflation continues to bounce higher this week?
4 mins
Review of the week: This rally is broadening...
A resilient economy is giving investors increased confidence to move beyond the Magnificent Seven and into corners of the market that have lagged. This broadening trend is very encouraging.
4 mins
Review of the week: Downward bound
After the flurry of central bank decisions last week, what did we learn about when (and how much) the big hitters plan to cut rates?
5 mins
Review of the week: Land of the rising prices
In a wave of central bank meetings this week, one of them is truly different. While all other developed world policymakers are pondering rate cuts, only Japan is considering rate hikes.
5 mins
Review of the week: Hazy data
Problems with UK labour surveys are making it hard to know the true rate of unemployment. Meanwhile, the Chancellor releases a tax-cutting Budget that leaves the next government with tough choices.
5 mins
Review of the week: Tax cuts or a conservative Budget?
The Chancellor hopes to narrow Labour’s yawning lead in opinion polls with a tax-cutting Budget. Giveaways may be stymied by a poor economy and higher costs of public services.
6 mins
Review of the week: Planning to fail
Obstructive planning laws are curtailing the supply of homes in the UK, the regulator says. Meanwhile, the quality of building is slipping, suggesting we’re wrapped up in the wrong red tape.
4 mins
Review of the week: Downcast, but out (spending)
The UK slumps into recession even as people’s spirits and retail sales rise. Meanwhile, trouble may be brewing in American inflation.
5 mins