Federal Reserve cuts rates but ‘hawkish’ forecast hits stocks and sends dollar jumping

New Zealand's economy plunged into recession in the third quarter, with GDP dropping 1.0% from the prior quarter, leading to increased expectations of more aggressive rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. The sharp decline in economic activity, particularly in manufacturing, utilities, and construction, was exacerbated by high inflation and reduced spending. Despite hopes for a recovery, analysts are cautiously optimistic as the central bank continues to lower borrowing costs, with signs of...

OpenAI has facilitated a private stock sale with SoftBank Group, offering current and former employees the opportunity to sell their stock at $210 per share. SoftBank plans to purchase up to $1.6 billion in stock at the new $157 billion valuation, allowing current employees to sell up to $10 million worth of shares, giving preference to them over former staff if oversubscribed. The deadline for shareholders to decide on selling their shares is December 24....

Pensions have been a major focus in 2024 with changes like the triple lock, inheritance tax on pensions, and the Winter Fuel Payment. In 2025, state pensions will increase, the deadline to top up state pensions approaches, pensions dashboards will provide better access, and more information on inheritance tax on pensions is expected. The FCA is proposing more support for pension decisions, faster pension transfers, and increased awareness of pension scams. Full Article

UK inflation rose to 2.6% in November, posing a threat to savings accounts as millions of Brits still keep their money in low-interest options. However, there are currently 1,582 savings accounts available that beat inflation, with top deals from Atom Bank, RCI Bank UK, Al Rayan Bank, and others, offering rates up to 4.92%. Cash ISAs also offer inflation-beating interest rates, with options from Moneybox, West Brom BS, and more providing rates as high as...

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favorite stories in this weekly newsletter, discussing the surprises and challenges of the past 25 years, including the rise of populism in various economies despite economic growth. The lack of a faithful correlation between economic circumstances and political choices, as well as the impact of immigration and hedonic adjustment on voter behavior, challenges the notion that politics is downstream of economics. The breakdown of the causal link...

UniCredit has increased its potential stake in Commerzbank to 28% through derivatives, signaling a possible buyout of the German lender. The Italian bank's move is seen as a strategic investment to unlock value within Commerzbank, amid CEO Andrea Orcel's pursuit of a bid for Banco BPM in Italy. UniCredit's interest in Commerzbank comes as the German government faces political turmoil and uncertainty, with the potential merger offering synergies in various financial activities. Full Article