US News
LAST UPDATE: October 18, 2025
Trump Says Threatened High Tariffs on China ‘Not Sustainable’
Trump admitted that highly aggressive tariff proposals on China are unrealistic and unsustainable in the long run.
Insight
The pivot hints at recalibration in U.S. trade policy, potentially easing tensions in upcoming negotiations.
Powell Has Backing for 2025 Rate Cuts and Then Things Get Cloudy
There is support within the Fed for rate cuts in 2025 due to weakening labor and growth data, but later stages are uncertain amid inflation and external risks.
Insight
The path of monetary policy may increasingly depend on incoming data rather than preset biases.
Trump to ramp up actions if shutdown continues after weekend, White House adviser says
A White House adviser warned that President Trump may escalate executive actions if the government shutdown persists past the weekend without resolution.
Insight
The statement signals possible interventionist or unilateral measures to bypass legislative gridlock.
Fed’s Policy Benchmark Rate Rises for Third Time in a Month
The Fed’s benchmark rate increased again, marking the third rise in a single month, adding pressure on financial markets and debt servicing.
Insight
The move may reflect short-term liquidity or funding stress, complicating expectations for rate cuts.
Fed’s Musalem Says Could Support Another Cut, Policy Not Preset
St. Louis Fed President Musalem noted he is open to another rate cut if conditions warrant, but emphasized decisions will be data-dependent not predetermined.
Insight
The statement reinforces a flexible, “meeting by meeting” approach to monetary policy in uncertainty.
