Economic Indicators

Decorative pattern

Economic Indicators

U.K. rate hike in doubt after weak inflation figures

Inflation across the U.K. was unchanged in the year to June, an unexpectedly low outcome that pushed the pound sharply lower Wednesday as traders wondered whether the Bank of England will opt against raising interest rates again next month. The Office for National Statistics said the annual inflation rate held steady at 2.4% in June, […]

By Pan Pylas, The Associated Press |July 18, 2018

2 min read

Decorative pattern

Economic Indicators

U.S. housing starts tumble 12% in June

U.S. homebuilders sharply curtailed the pace of construction in June as housing starts plummeted 12.3%. The Commerce Department said Wednesday that housing starts fell to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.17 million from 1.34 million in May. June’s pace of construction was the lowest since September 2017. Housing starts plunged 35.8% in the Midwest […]

By Staff, with files from The Associated Press |July 18, 2018

2 min read

Decorative pattern

Economic Indicators

How trade tariffs could affect U.S. inflation, Fed

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell says that the central bank has tools it could use to cushion the adverse effects a trade war might have on the economy. But he tells Congress the effort could be challenging if higher tariffs push inflation up too sharply. Powell says if the retaliatory tariffs imposed by other countries […]

By Staff, with files from The Associated Press |July 18, 2018

2 min read

Decorative pattern

Economic Indicators

Powell expects more rate hikes in upbeat outlook on economy

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell gave lawmakers an upbeat assessment of the economy and expects to keep raising interest rates gradually. He said solid job gains and strong economic growth has enabled the Fed to dial back the “extra boost” it implemented during the financial crisis and recession. In his semi-annual testimony to Congress Tuesday, […]

July 17, 2018

3 min read