Reuters US Economy

Mexico central bank cuts interest rate but flags trade tensions, weak economy

15 May 2025

By Brendan O’Boyle MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -The Bank of Mexico lowered its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points for the third consecutive meeting on Thursday, as inflation remains within the bank’s target range but uncertainty persists around trade tensions and a weak economy. The unanimous decision by the bank’s governing board, which was expected …

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Brazil’s finance minister signals upcoming fiscal measures, rules out ‘Bolsa Familia’ hike

15 May 2025

BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazil’s Finance Minister said on Thursday that the government is preparing measures to help meet this year’s fiscal target, and denied any plans to increase monthly payments under the “Bolsa Familia” cash transfer program for low-income families. Speaking to reporters in Brasilia, Fernando Haddad said the measures under consideration are targeted, not part …

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Israel inflation rate jumps to 3.6% in April in surprise gain

15 May 2025

By Steven Scheer JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel’s annual inflation rate rose unexpectedly in April to 3.6%, according to data on Thursday from the Central Bureau of Statistics that will likely keep policymakers from reducing interest rates soon. The rate had been forecast in a Reuters poll to slow to 3.1% from the 3.3% annual reading in …

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Canadian housing starts jump 30% in April, CMHC says

15 May 2025

TORONTO (Reuters) -Canadian housing starts rose 30% in April compared with the previous month, a far bigger increase than was expected, data from the national housing agency showed on Thursday. The seasonally-adjusted annualized rate of housing starts climbed to 278,606 units from a revised 214,205 units in March, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) …

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Saudi Arabia’s NEOM confirms acting CEO as permanent head

15 May 2025

(Corrects spelling of company name in headline) DUBAI (Reuters) -Saudi Arabia has confirmed Aiman al-Mudaifer as the CEO of NEOM, the $500 billion mega-project central to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan to overhaul the kingdom’s economy, Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF said in a statement on Thursday. Mudaifer has been NEOM’s acting …

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UK economy has a growth spurt before tax and tariff challenges

15 May 2025

By William Schomberg and Suban Abdulla LONDON (Reuters) -Britain’s economy grew more strongly than expected in early 2025, giving a boost to the government and finance minister Rachel Reeves, who nevertheless faces a stiffer test ahead due to her tax hike on businesses and Donald Trump’s trade wars. Between January and March, the economy accelerated …

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‘Too good to be true’: investors eye Syria after Trump sanctions move

15 May 2025

By Timour Azhari and Karin Strohecker DAMASCUS/LONDON (Reuters) -An end to U.S. sanctions on Syria is expected to mark a new era for an economy devastated by 13 years of war, opening the way for investment flows from the Syrian diaspora, Turkey, and Gulf states that back the new government. Business executives, Syria’s finance minister, …

‘Too good to be true’: investors eye Syria after Trump sanctions move Read More »

Australia employment surges in April, but no bar to rate cut next week

15 May 2025

By Stella Qiu and Wayne Cole SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australian employment blew past expectations in April in a sign of strength that lessens the need for aggressive stimulus, but markets still expect an interest rate cut next week as slowing inflation allows policymakers to respond to rising global risks. The Australian dollar got some support from …

Australia employment surges in April, but no bar to rate cut next week Read More »

New Zealand government to set up $112 million social investment fund

15 May 2025

SYDNEY (Reuters) -The New Zealand government said on Thursday it would set up a new NZ$190 million ($112 million) social investment fund in its 2025 budget to make targeted investments designed to help improve the lives of its vulnerable people. Finance Minister Nicola Willis said the fund will invest in 20 initiatives over the next …

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