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Markets
Investors flee US assets as Trump attacks Fed chair Jerome Powell
Investors continued offloading US assets as the Trump administration seeks a way to dismiss Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Trump has demanded rate cuts, referring to Powell as “a major loser” in a social media post. The US dollar weakened to a three-year low.
Economy
Fed rate pause: Bank forecasts slower US growth and higher inflation
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged as expected but downgraded its economic outlook, citing slower growth and higher inflation due to Trump’s tariffs. Wall Street staged a relief rally after Fed Chair Jerome Powell downplayed inflation concerns.
Business
Euro and European stocks dip as US inflation surprises to the upside
US inflation rose more than expected in January, shaking markets and pushing Fed rate cut expectations to December 2025. The euro fell, US Treasury yields jumped, and European stocks erased gains. Analysts warn inflation remains sticky, sparking policy uncertainty.
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Economy
Lagarde hints at further ECB rate cuts, rules out Bitcoin reserves
The ECB cut rates by 25bps to 2.75%, with Lagarde signalling further easing if inflation declines. Growth risks persist amid weak confidence and geopolitical tensions. She ruled out Bitcoin as a reserve asset, stressing the need for liquidity and security.
Economy
Eurozone economy stagnates in Q4 as Germany and France contract
Eurozone GDP stagnated in Q4 2024 as Germany (-0.2%) and France (-0.1%) contracted, reinforcing expectations of more ECB rate cuts. The euro held at $1.04, while bond yields fell. The ECB-Fed policy gap widens as Powell signals "no rush" for rate cuts.
