US market

The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, according to ABC News. The increase marks a shift in monetary policy after an extended pause, affecting borrowing costs for households and businesses across the United States. Further details on the size of the hike and the central bank's reasoning were not included in the initial report.

Economists remain split over whether the US Federal Reserve will raise interest rates before the end of the year. ABC News reports that analysts are weighing conflicting signals on inflation and the jobs market, with no clear consensus on the direction of Fed policy. Markets and households are watching closely, as any rate move would affect borrowing costs, mortgages and the wider economy.

The Trump administration is weighing a 90-day ban on US diesel exports, a move that could significantly hit European fuel supplies. The EU has launched a diplomatic offensive to stop the plan, warning of major consequences for Europe's energy market, which relies partly on American diesel imports.

Oil prices rose sharply after renewed attacks by Yemen's Houthis and growing fears of escalation between the United States and Iran. Traders are pricing in the risk that the confrontations could disrupt shipping and supply through the Red Sea and the wider Gulf region. Markets are watching closely for any retaliatory moves that could widen the conflict.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has left Beijing for Washington for his first state visit to the US capital since 2015. President Trump is reportedly expected to greet him personally on the tarmac rather than at the White House, a gesture analysts read as a signal of warmer US-China ties and a potential easing of trade tensions between the two countries.

A jury has ruled that Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, illegally monopolized the market for concert and event tickets in the United States. The verdict marks a major moment in the antitrust battle over ticketing fees and market control. Observers expect the ruling to trigger appeals and could reshape how concert tickets are sold and priced nationwide.

President Donald Trump said the United States will 'win' its conflict with Iran 'very soon,' while rejecting a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical oil shipping waterway. The remarks come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the strategic strait's status a major concern for global energy markets and regional security.

Nvidia and AMD are pressing the Trump administration to maintain export channels for their semiconductor products to China, according to Politico. The two US chipmakers rely heavily on Chinese sales and face uncertainty over restrictions. The issue sits at the center of the wider US-China tech rivalry, with export controls threatening billions in revenue for American semiconductor companies.

The US Energy Information Administration projects that solar power generation in Texas will overtake coal-fired generation in 2026, marking a major shift in the energy mix of the country's largest power market. The forecast reflects rapid solar buildout in the state as coal continues to decline.

The European Union is pushing to develop its own payment system, reducing reliance on US-dominated networks such as Visa and Mastercard. The Council of the EU has highlighted the initiative, arguing that home-grown payment infrastructure would strengthen strategic autonomy, cut fees for merchants, and shield European commerce from geopolitical pressure. The move follows years of concern in Brussels that Europe's payments market depends heavily on foreign providers.

US mortgage rates have climbed back to 7%, prompting renewed concern among homebuyers, homeowners and industry analysts. The Wall Street Journal examines what the increase means for affordability, home sales and prices, and whether the Federal Reserve's rate policy could push borrowing costs higher or bring relief later this year.

President Donald Trump is preparing for a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, and attention is focused on what it could mean for trade and business. Analysts flag three key issues for companies: tariffs and market access, technology and export controls, and whether the meeting produces any concrete agreements or just rhetoric between the world's two largest economies.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Qatari mediators as Iranian and US officials held separate talks through intermediaries, pushing toward a possible ceasefire. The diplomacy comes as Washington maintains a hard line on Iran's nuclear programme, while Middle Eastern crude exports have rebounded to wartime highs, signalling markets are watching the negotiations closely.

First-quarter electric vehicle sales figures in the United States are drawing analysis, with InsideEVs laying out five key takeaways from the quarter's numbers. The coverage comes as the US EV market faces shifting conditions, including model lineups, pricing moves and changing buyer demand. Commenters in the auto world are parsing what the Q1 results signal about how quickly American drivers are adopting electric cars this year.

The US dollar is trading near its strongest level in two months. A deadlock in US-Iran nuclear talks has pushed up oil prices, adding to inflationary pressure, while traders increasingly expect the Federal Reserve to keep raising interest rates. Higher rate expectations typically strengthen the dollar, and rising energy costs reinforce those bets, keeping the currency firm against major peers.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Qatari mediators amid stalled nuclear talks with the United States. Oil prices extended gains as concerns grew over Middle East supply, with Tehran reportedly pessimistic about reaching a deal before the US midterm elections. The talks are being closely watched for their impact on regional stability and energy markets.

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering easing sanctions on Iran in exchange for concessions on its nuclear programme, according to a report carried by Seeking Alpha. The news is drawing attention as it signals a potential shift in Washington's approach to Tehran's nuclear file, with markets and observers watching for confirmation and details of any proposed deal.

Tension is mounting around the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran reportedly holding back for a US response while Washington issues warnings over nuclear threats. The standoff puts one of the world's most critical oil shipping routes at the centre of a confrontation between Iran and the United States, drawing close attention across the Gulf region and international markets.

The US dollar held near a two-month high as the standoff between Washington and Tehran pushed oil prices higher and investors increased bets that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates. Traders are weighing geopolitical risk in the Middle East against expectations of tighter US monetary policy, both of which are supporting the greenback against major currencies.

Attention is turning to a potential inversion of the US Treasury yield curve as the Federal Reserve continues raising interest rates. An inverted curve, when short-term yields exceed long-term ones, has historically preceded recessions, so investors and analysts are weighing whether rate hikes could push the curve into negative territory and what that would signal for the economic outlook.

China's central bank, the People's Bank of China, set a firmer daily reference rate for the yuan against the US dollar, a move being read as a signal of support for the currency. The tighter fixing is drawing attention from currency traders and market watchers assessing Beijing's stance on the yuan's value.

Reuters reports that the powerful forces — dubbed the 'G force' — propelling global markets higher may need to be slowed by the US Federal Reserve and the bond market. The item suggests that if equity momentum keeps running ahead of economic fundamentals, central bank policy and rising bond yields could act as the brake that curbs the rally.

The US dollar is holding close to a two-month high as Treasury yields rise and markets await fresh Federal Reserve data. Traders are positioning ahead of upcoming Fed-related releases that could shape expectations for interest rates, with the stronger dollar reflecting firm yield support and lingering uncertainty about the central bank's next policy moves.

Fannie Mae has reportedly eliminated at least 10 high-ranking positions in a senior leadership shake-up. The cuts come as risks in the US housing market are mounting, with mortgage rates and affordability pressures weighing on the sector. Observers are watching whether the leadership overhaul signals a broader strategic shift at the government-backed mortgage giant.

The Department of Justice has arrested a US soldier who allegedly made $400,000 from bets on the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The case raises questions about using insider knowledge for political prediction markets, and it is drawing attention as Venezuela remains under intense international scrutiny.

Donald Trump has announced a US-China Board of Trade intended to manage economic disputes between Washington and Beijing. Analysts and observers are voicing caution, saying expectations for what the body can achieve are limited given the depth of US-China tensions and past shortcomings of similar frameworks. The initiative is being closely watched for signs of whether it can deliver real progress on tariffs and market access.

The US dollar continued its upward climb, supported by high oil prices and elevated US Treasury yields, according to Reuters. Markets are now focused on upcoming US jobs data, which could influence expectations for interest rates and either extend or reverse the currency's rally. Traders are watching the figures closely.