Economy
Macro indicators, policy shifts, and economic forces shaping growth and inflation.
China Bets on Domestic Demand as Fiscal Strains Persist
Beijing is prioritizing consumption via services and social coverage, but local funding strains may slow follow-through.
2 min read
Jobs Slowdown Puts March Fed Rate Cut Back in Play
December job gains fell to 50,000, fueling spring cut hopes, but wage growth risks sticky inflation.
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Mixed Labor Signals Set Up Key Test in Jobs Report
ADP’s 41,000 December gain and lower JOLTS openings contrast with rising job-loss fears before Jan. 9.
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Forecasters See K-Shaped Growth as Policy Drives Early 2026
Analysts expect expansion, with fiscal tailwinds masking rate- and price-driven strain on lower-income households.
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Tariffs May Hit Growth More Than Inflation in 2025
Research suggests actual tariff rates trail announced levels, muting price pass-through but worsening growth and unemployment risks.
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Venezuela Oil Unlocking Could Take a Decade, Not Months
Trump touted rapid production, but analysts see heavy-crude challenges, political risk, and $100 billion rebuilding needs.
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China Services PMI Loses Momentum as Deflation Risks Persist
RatingDog services PMI eased to 52.0, with weaker exports, falling prices, and continued job cuts.
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Mortgage Rates Dip to 2025 Low, Affordability Still Stretched
Freddie Mac put 30-year fixed rates at 6.15%, but Zillow says affordability needs a near-2% reset.
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30-Year Mortgage Rate Falls to 6.15%, 2025 Low
Freddie Mac data shows modest easing tied to Treasury yields, but high prices still cap affordability.
2 min read