newsmart – Business

koreatimes.co.kr | 5 min. ago NEW

Fed's hawkish hold strengthens case for BOK's hike in November

The U.S. Federal Reserve's hawkish decision to hold interest rates steady has strengthened the case for the Bank of Korea (BOK) to raise its benchmark rate as early as next month, as stronger-than-expected growth and persistent inflation reinforce the need for further monetary tightening, analysts said Thursday.

The Fed kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.75 to 4 percent on Wednesday (local time), but signaled that inflation remains elevated and reaffirmed its commitment to bringing inflation back to its 2 percent target. The decision has kept markets focused on the possibility of another Fed rate hike in December, raising the prospect that the BOK could pursue further tightening before its U.S. counterpart makes its next move.

The BOK held its benchmark rate at 3 percent at its rate-setting meeting last Thursday, saying it needed more time to assess domestic and external economic conditions and the effects of two previous rate hikes. Recent economic data have strengthened the case for further tightening.

Korea's real gross domestic product grew 1 percent in the third quarter

koreatimes.co.kr | 2 hrs. 15 min. ago

US stocks hold steady ahead of Fed rate decision

NEW YORK — U.S. stocks are drifting Wednesday as the countdown ticks toward this afternoon’s announcement from the Federal Reserve on what it will do with interest rates. The S&P 500 rose 0.2 percent and pulled within 1 percent of its all-time high, which was set earlier this month.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 149 points, or 0.3 percent, as of 12:46 p.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was mostly unchanged. The day’s highlight will likely be what the Federal Reserve says, if anything, about where interest rates are heading. The Fed raised its main interest rate last month for the first time in three years in hopes of slowing the high inflation that’s squeezing the economy and discouraging Americans.

The widespread expectation on Wall Street is that the Fed will leave the federal funds rate alone at this meeting, and the question is whether it will give hints about what may happen at later meetings. Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh, though, has been adamant since taking over the Fed about wanting it to give fewer indications about its future moves.

Wall Street cares so

koreatimes.co.kr | 2 hrs. 15 min. ago

Banks' household mortgage lending rates up for 5th month in Sept.

Banks' household mortgage loan rates rose for the fifth consecutive month in September on rising market interest, central bank data showed Thursday. The average interest rate on new bank loans stood at 4.57 percent last month, up 0.17 percentage point from a month earlier, according to the data from the Bank of Korea (BOK).

The average rate on corporate loans increased 0.19 percentage point to 4.49 percent last month, and the rate on new household loans rose 0.14 percentage point to 4.96 percent. The average rate on household mortgage loans increased 0.22 percentage point to 4.88 percent in September.

Last week, the BOK kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3 percent after two consecutive rate hikes aimed at curbing rising inflation caused by prolonged tensions in the Middle East and robust economic growth. The rate freeze came after the BOK raised the benchmark rate in its July and August meetings, marking the first back-to-back rate hikes since January 2023, when the central bank raised the rate at seven consecutive meetings starting in April 2022.

livemint.com | 3 hrs. 31 min. ago

Need money urgently in financial crisis? PPF loan v personal loan - Check costs, interest rates and applicable rules

Need money urgently? Compare PPF loan vs personal loan interest rates, borrowing limits, eligibility and repayment rules in October 2026. Here are the PPF loan costs, personal loan EMIs and key conditions to choose a suitable borrowing option during a financial emergency.

koreatimes.co.kr | 4 hrs. 22 min. ago

Korea to closely monitor impact of upcoming US midterm elections

Korean financial authorities said Thursday they will closely monitor the impact of the U.S. midterm elections on financial markets and take immediate countermeasures if necessary in the event of sharp market fluctuations. Finance Minister Lee Hyoung-il held discussions on the issue with Bank of Korea (BOK) Gov.

Shin Hyun-song, Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Eog-weon and Financial Supervisory Service Gov. Lee Chan-jin after the U.S. Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate steady overnight. The Fed decided to maintain the rate in the 3.75-4.00 percent range in a 10-2 vote. The decision left the gap between the key interest rates of Korea and the United States at up to 1 percentage point.

"The decision appears to reflect the Fed's continued focus on stabilizing consumer prices while assessing the impact of September's rate hike and other economic indicators to determine its future policy direction," Lee said. Lee noted that earnings and investment outlooks for major technology firms, along with movements in global oil prices, are fueling volatility in financial markets

koreatimes.co.kr | 5 hrs. 25 min. ago

Transactions of repo loans rise 3.16% in Q3

Transactions of repurchase agreement (RP) loans among financial institutions grew more than 3 percent in the third quarter from a year earlier, data showed Thursday. The combined turnover of RP loans extended by local institutions and brokerages reached 12,862 trillion won ($9.62 trillion) as of end-September, up 3.16 percent from a year ago, according to data from the Korea Securities Depository.

An RP allows a borrower to use a security as collateral for a cash loan at a fixed interest rate and buy it back from the lender at a set price at a later date. The outstanding value of RP transactions stood at 271.2 trillion won as of end-September, up 8.13 percent from a year earlier, according to the data.

businessinsider.com | 6 hrs. 28 min. ago

Dissents, rising prices, and a change to the meeting schedule: 3 takeaways from the October Fed meeting

The Fed held interest rates steady in its latest decision, following the September rate hike. The FOMC decision wasn't unanimous this time.

npr.org | 8 hrs. 39 min. ago

Fed holds interest rates steady even as inflation remains stubborn

The Federal Reserve opted to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged — but investors widely expect the central bank to raise rates at its next meeting in December to combat stubborn inflation.

globalnews.ca | 8 hrs. 55 min. ago

How the latest interest rate hike could affect everyday Canadians

While Wednesday's hike is less significant than those that followed the pandemic, experts say people who are already struggling to make ends meet will feel the burden first.

theguardian.com | 9 hrs. 59 min. ago

Politics live: Hastie dubs inflation a ‘silent tax eating away at wealth’; half of young Australians say US a ‘threat’

Follow the day’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastHastie says best way to address the ‘silent tax’ of inflation is to cut spendingLiberal MP Andrew Hastie has said Australians should be “very concerned” about the prospect of another interest rate rise.Inflation is a silent tax that is eating away at people’s wealth.We’re not blaming foreign situations and leaving it at that.I think it’s important context to acknowledge that there are inflationary impulses coming internationally.

Continue reading...

nbcnews.com | 10 hrs. 39 min. ago

Fed plans to eliminate some rate-setting meetings, chairman says

The Federal Reserve plans to eliminate some meetings devoted to setting interest rates in the next couple of years, Chairman Kevin Warsh said Wednesday.

ft.com | 11 hrs. 11 min. ago

London cap for new first-time buyer scheme ‘needs urgent rethink’

Effectiveness of measures to help buyers on to the ladder called into question while interest rates are elevated, housing experts warn

smh.com.au | 11 hrs. 46 min. ago

Treasurer considers big infrastructure cuts

The treasurer is considering large cuts to infrastructure projects ahead of an expected interest rates hike.

nbcnews.com | 12 hrs. 44 min. ago

Federal Reserve leaves interest rates unchanged despite rising inflation

The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged in its final major decision before the midterm elections.

nytimes.com | 14 hrs. 11 min. ago

A U.K. Budget With ‘Breathing Space’ in a Time of Rising Energy Costs

The new government, led by Andy Burnham, aimed to lower household and business bills amid higher interest rates and a turbulent global economy.

nytimes.com | 14 hrs. 47 min. ago

How the Fed’s Interest Rate Decision Affects Credit Cards, Loans and More

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to leave its benchmark rate untouched, but a December hike could make holiday borrowing more costly.

theguardian.com | 17 hrs. 14 min. ago

Fed set to hold interest rates steady in last decision before midterms

US central bank last month raised rates for first time since 2023, in move that infuriated Donald TrumpThe US Federal Reserve is expected to leave interest rates unchanged on Wednesday during its last rate-setting meeting before the midterm elections, keeping rates at one of the highest pre-election levels seen in over 20 years.Last month, Fed officials raised rates for the first time since 2023, citing rising inflation.

Inflation has hovered for years above the Fed’s target rate of 2%, and for most of this year, the annualized inflation rate has remained above 3%. Continue reading...

globalnews.ca | 17 hrs. 59 min. ago

Tech stocks rebounding ahead of U.S. interest rate announcement

Tech stocks have surged this week ahead of Wednesday's meeting of the U.S. Federal Reserve with markets anticipating no change to the benchmark U.S. interest rate.

globalnews.ca | 18 hrs. 18 min. ago

Bank of Canada interest rate announcement nears as economists expect a hike

The Bank of Canada is expected to make an interest rate announcement Wednesday, with many economists predicting a hike for the first time in three years.

nytimes.com | 19 hrs. 34 min. ago

The Federal Reserve Will Release Its Interest Rate Decision Today. Here’s What to Watch.

The central bank is widely expected to hold interest rates steady on Wednesday, just days before the midterm elections.

livemint.com | 21 hrs. 5 min. ago

Attractive interest rates, fee waivers: What to watch for in festive loan offers

The real benefit depends on the borrower's credit profile, the lender's eligibility criteria and the hidden charges.

cnbc.com | 21 hrs. 26 min. ago

Treasury yields tick higher ahead of Federal Reserve interest rate decision

Treasury yields edged higher as traders await the Federal Reserve's latest monetary policy decision.

smh.com.au | 21 hrs. 42 min. ago

ASX ends flat as inflation boosts rate rise bets; tech stocks rally

The Australian sharemarket erased its morning gains after the release of the nation’s latest inflation figures increased pressure on the Reserve Bank to lift interest rates next week.

npr.org | 22 hrs. 5 min. ago

Morning news brief

President Trump crisscrosses the country with scattershot closing messages midterms approach, deadlock after Israeli election shows no clear winner, Fed expected to hold interest rates steady.

smh.com.au | 23 hrs. 47 min. ago

Chalmers weighs infrastructure cuts as inflation locks in Cup Day rate hike

The highest monthly jump since March puts intense pressure on the Reserve Bank to deliver another interest rate increase when it meets next Tuesday.

koreatimes.co.kr | 1 days ago

KRX activates buy-side sidecar for KOSPI on sharp rise

Korea's bourse operator on Wednesday activated a buy-side sidecar for the benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) as the stock index rose sharply. Program trading for the KOSPI-listed shares was suspended for five minutes at 9:53 a.m., according to the Korea Exchange (KRX). After opening 2.23 percent higher, the KOSPI added 255.92 points, or 4.54 percent, to 5,894.26 as of 9:55 a.m.

The index rallied as strong artificial intelligence (AI)-driven semiconductor earnings lifted investor sentiment ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. Before the opening bell, SK hynix Inc. reported record-high revenue and operating profit for the third quarter, driven by robust memory chip demand, and announced a shareholder return program worth more than 100 trillion won ($75.3 billion) for 2026. A buy-side sidecar is triggered when the KOSPI 200 Futures Index rises 5 percent or more for at least one minute.

abc.net.au | 1 days ago

Inflation surges more than expected ahead of RBA meeting

Australia's inflation rate picked up more than expected in September, increasing expectations of an interest rate hike next week.

koreatimes.co.kr | 1 days ago

Seoul stocks open sharply higher on revived AI optimism, SK hynix earnings

Korean stocks opened sharply higher Wednesday, tracking overnight gains on Wall Street, as strong artificial intelligence (AI)-driven semiconductor earnings lifted investor sentiment ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) rose 183.73 points, or 3.26 percent, to 5,822.07 as of 9:15 a.m., extending its rally after surging more than 3 percent in the previous session.

Overnight, U.S. stocks extended their gains, led by a rally in AI-related technology shares. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.18 percent, while the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index jumped 3.6 percent, providing a positive note for Korean chipmakers. Before the opening bell, SK hynix reported a 631 percent spike in third-quarter operating profit at 83.33 trillion won ($62.78 billion), with sales soaring 327.9 percent to 104.61 trillion won on robust demand for AI memory chips.

The world's second-largest memory chip maker also announced an additional 60 trillion won in shareholder returns. Meanwhile, investors remained cautious ahead of the Federal Re

newsbeep.com | 1 days ago

Why the Reserve Bank is about to do something relatively rare

The Reserve Bank is probably about to do something that it doesn’t often – hike interest rates during…

nbcnews.com | 1 days ago

Fed expected to hold interest rates steady as inflation tops midterm voters’ concerns

The Federal Reserve meets in Washington this week, where it will consider whether to raise interest rates in an effort to tamp down on inflation.

theguardian.com | 1 days ago

‘Will Lula’s win end Latin America’s far right turn?’: Our correspondent in Brazil answered your questions

Having lost the first round of Brazil’s presidential election to far right rival Flávio Bolsonaro, incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spectacularly triumphed in the second. The Guardian’s Latin America corrrespondent Tom Phillips answered your questions on what’s next for Brazil.Jeremy Hurley asks: Why did the Brazil stock market tank after the election result, and will it recover?Tom: Basically, because the markets had been convinced that Flávio Bolsonaro was going to win and that after taking power he would implement a “chainsaw” style austerity programme inspired by Javier Milei’s government in Argentina, deal with Brazil’s budget deficit, and bring down interest rates.

Lula’s victory came as a shock to investors who believe his fourth presidency will see increased and unsustainable public spending.Yes, I’m sure things will stabilise at some point soon after the initial panic – during Lula’s previous administrations investors made a lot of money, particularly during his first two terms.

There is talk of Lula naming his vice-president, the centre-right politician Geraldo Alckmin, as finance minister in order to calm markets down. Another possible name is Rafael Fonteles, a mathematician who is the governor of Piauí and used to run that state’s finances.Tom: That’s a really good question and, as someone who lives in Rio de Janeiro, it is one that has been on my mind a lot.

The far right has been very good at blaming “soft” left wing policies and federal government incompetence for the failure to control armed violence. It was a huge part of the campaign against Lula in the run up to this election.But public security is a state matter and Rio state has largely been governed by the right for years now.

Their hard-line, shoot first ask questions later approach has not worked - in fact many believe it has made the violence even worse and led to massacres such as the one I covered in the Complexo da Penha almost exactly one year ago. It must be said that similar tactics have been used in Bahia state, which has a huge problem with violence and is governed by the Worker’s party (PT).

My colleague Tiago Rogero has written about this. Continue reading...

smh.com.au | 1 days ago

On the day that ‘stops the nation’, the RBA will stop inflation (again)

On Melbourne Cup day – bet on interest rates rising. It’s a sure thing.

koreatimes.co.kr | 1 days ago

Big Tech earnings to test AI boom amid market turmoil

Amazon, Microsoft and Alphabet are expected to report accelerating cloud growth this week, but turbulence in global markets and mounting concerns over the cost of financing AI investments are clouding the outlook. Investors are pressing for evidence that the AI boom can deliver swift returns to justify its enormous price tag.

Rising bond yields at AI cloud providers such as CoreWeave and record costs to insure Meta Platform's debt have amplified concerns about how the massive AI infrastructure buildout is being funded, particularly as higher U.S. interest rates loom. Market turmoil has rekindled warnings of an AI bubble from investors, including hedge fund Citadel's founder Ken Griffin, and pushed companies to delay their IPOs.

An expected Democratic sweep of the U.S. midterm elections could spell more trouble for data centers that are already a target of protests over their impact on power grids, electricity bills and the environment. China's tech-stock boom has unravelled, wiping out about $480 billion in market value in less than four months as concerns over AI demand and spending an

euronews.com | 1 days ago

What to expect from the Fed as Warsh weighs hot inflation, oil and US midterms

The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates on hold on Wednesday, six days before the US midterm elections, but with inflation at 3.7% and oil prices still elevated, investors see another hike in December as likely and will scour Chair Kevin Warsh's words for clues.

cnbc.com | 1 days ago

Fed expected to hold rates steady, but Warsh may point way to more hikes

Markets overwhelmingly expect no change in benchmark interest rates following September's increase.

ft.com | 1 days ago

Inflation and interest rates tracker: see how your country compares

Explore the latest data through interactive charts

nytimes.com | 1 days ago

The Fed Is Expected to Hold Rates Steady. Warsh Will Have to Explain Why.

Inflation is moving in the wrong direction and the labor market remains stable, a combination that bolsters the case for higher interest rates.

livemint.com | 1 days ago

Banks raise home loan rates after RBI repo rate hike: Want to move back to lower-interest loan? Know this hidden cost

Following the RBI repo rate hike and banks’ lending rate revisions, home loan borrowers may look to secure lower interest rates with their existing lender. However, switching to a cheaper loan may come with hidden charges. Here’s what borrowers should consider before making a move.