Mario Draghi faces one of the most contentious policy meetings of his European Central Bank presidency on Thursday as he prepares to ramp up monetary stimulus again despite skepticism from the euro area’s biggest economies.
Interest Rates
Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell announced an interest rate cut of 0.25% Wednesday
Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell announced an interest rate cut of 0.25% Wednesday, confirming analysts’ expectations of a cut amid softening inflation, a strong consumer economy and an uncertain international trade outlook.
European Central Bank (ECB) said it would Delay its First Post-Crisis interest Rate Hike until at Least the Middle of Next Year.
Gold Silver Reports (GSR) – The euro climbed higher against the U.S. dollar on Thursday, after the European Central Bank (ECB) said it would delay its first post-crisis interest rate hike until at least the middle of next year. In a move that was well-flagged, ECB President Mario Draghi also offered to pay banks if they borrow cash from the central bank and pass it on to households and firms.
Fed Does the Right Thing, Ignores Donald Trump
Gold Silver Reports (GSR) – The Federal Reserve on Wednesday raised its benchmark interest rate a quarter-point but lowered its projections for future hikes.
Fed is Expected to Raise Interest Rates Wednesday
The Fed is expected to raise interest rates Wednesday by a quarter point, and the pressure is on for Fed Chairman Jerome Powell to sound dovish — but not too dovish. Fed officials are also expected to revisit their fed funds rate forecasts and roll back some of the rate hikes expected in the next several years.