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The US Federal Reserve has kept interest rates unchanged while new figures show inflation climbing to its highest level in three years. The combination leaves policymakers in a difficult position: cutting rates could push prices up further, while raising them risks slowing the economy. Analysts are watching closely for signals on when the central bank might move next.

The United States is tightening its embargo on Cuba, imposing new limits on travel and cutting banking access for entrepreneurs on the island. The measures, reported by the Miami Herald, mark a harder line in U.S. policy toward Havana and are expected to complicate business and family travel between the two countries.

Ocean overwash has destroyed a section of Highway 12, the main route along North Carolina's Outer Banks, leaving part of the barrier islands cut off by road. Officials have launched an emergency ferry service to reconnect residents and visitors while crews assess repairs and storm impacts continue along the coast.

The DC Green Bank continued financing solar projects in Washington, DC after the federal Solar For All program was cut. The bank kept building community solar installations and clean energy lending without the revoked federal support. The development highlights how local green banks are trying to sustain solar access for low-income residents despite the loss of national program money.

Major central banks are moving in different directions on interest rates as rising energy prices raise the threat of renewed inflation. The Wall Street Journal reports that policymakers face a split outlook: some may hold or cut rates to support slowing economies, while others could keep borrowing costs high if energy-driven price pressures build. The divergence adds uncertainty for markets, currency traders and businesses planning around future rate moves.

Indonesia's central bank has left its benchmark interest rate unchanged, saying it remains focused on currency stability. Policymakers are keeping a close watch on the rupiah, which has been under pressure against the US dollar. The decision signals a cautious stance as officials balance support for growth against defending the currency and managing inflation expectations.

European markets ended mixed as investors weighed lingering inflation concerns against company earnings. London stocks slipped while exchanges in Frankfurt and elsewhere saw uneven trading. Traders remain cautious about how long elevated prices will keep central banks from cutting interest rates, keeping sentiment subdued across the continent's major indices.

The European Union plans to cut capital charges on the safest securitized products by half, according to a Bloomberg report. The move would lower the capital banks must hold against top-rated securitizations, part of efforts to revive Europe's long-stagnant securitization market and free up lending capacity. Market participants and policymakers have long argued that looser rules could channel more credit to companies and support the bloc's capital markets union ambitions.

Zambia's central bank has lowered its key interest rate, with policymakers saying inflation is expected to remain within the country's target range. The decision signals growing confidence that price pressures are easing, potentially lowering borrowing costs for businesses and households. The move is drawing attention across regional financial markets as one of the notable African monetary policy shifts.

The Federal Reserve's internal watchdog has concluded that no criminal violations occurred in connection with the central bank's headquarters renovation, which drew scrutiny over escalating cost overruns. The finding rebuffs criticism from Donald Trump and his administration, who had seized on the renovation budget to attack Fed chair Jerome Powell and press for rate cuts and leadership changes.

The Bank of Zambia has cut its key interest rate by 250 basis points, a sharp monetary easing move. The large reduction suggests authorities see room to support growth and ease borrowing costs, and it is drawing attention among observers of African monetary policy and frontier markets.

The Bank of Zambia has reduced its policy rate for the fourth consecutive time, continuing a run of monetary easing. The move points to easing inflation pressures and an effort to support growth and credit conditions in the economy. Markets and businesses will be watching whether further cuts follow in upcoming meetings.

Banks are developing new digital platforms for trade finance, moving a traditionally paper-heavy, slow process onto technology-driven systems. The shift aims to speed up transactions, cut costs and reduce fraud in international trade. Coverage in business media highlights the growing competition among financial institutions to digitise trade documentation and services.

The Bank of Zambia has lowered its benchmark lending rate to 10.75%, a monetary easing move aimed at supporting the economy. The decision was reported by CNBC Africa. Details on the size of the cut, the vote, and the central bank's stated rationale have not yet been made available, so the market reaction and analysts' commentary remain to be seen.