Biden discussed plans to strike Iran nuclear facilities before Trump’s inauguration
In a revelation that could reshape discussions on U.S. foreign policy, President Joe Biden reportedly considered military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities before the 2017 inauguration of then-President Donald Trump. The discussions, alleged to have taken place during Biden’s tenure as vice president, highlight the Obama administration’s strategic concerns over Tehran’s advancing nuclear program in […]
South Korean authorities attempt to arrest President Yoon Suk Yeol
South Korean prosecutors have launched a bold attempt to arrest President Yoon Suk Yeol, marking an unprecedented move in the nation’s political landscape. The decision comes as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of corruption and abuse of power tied to Yoon’s administration. While specific charges remain undisclosed, the case has intensified political divides […]
Reserves at Fed Sink Below $3 Trillion to the Lowest Since 2020
The Federal Reserve’s total reserves have fallen below $3 trillion, marking the lowest level since the pandemic-induced liquidity surge of 2020. This decline highlights a pivotal shift as the central bank continues its quantitative tightening strategy to combat inflation. The current reserve levels underscore the balance sheet reductions initiated in mid-2022, which have steadily drained […]
Bank of Korea governor says monetary easing this year will be flexible
The Bank of Korea’s governor, Rhee Chang-yong, has signaled a more flexible approach to monetary easing this year, highlighting the central bank’s readiness to adapt to shifting economic conditions. Speaking at a press briefing, Rhee emphasized the need to balance inflation concerns with supporting economic growth, as South Korea grapples with slowing exports and weak […]
South Korea Dec factory activity shrinks as firms turn pessimistic, PMI shows
South Korea’s manufacturing sector ended 2024 on a somber note as factory activity contracted further in December, according to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI). The index dropped to 48.2, signaling a sharper downturn from November’s 49.1 and reflecting heightened challenges for businesses amid weakening global demand. A reading below 50 indicates contraction in activity. […]
Lagarde speech: ECB hopes to hit 2% inflation target in 2025
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to achieving its 2% inflation target by 2025, signaling continued vigilance amid economic uncertainties. Speaking at a conference, Lagarde emphasized the ECB’s readiness to adjust policies as needed, underscoring its priority to ensure price stability across the eurozone. Lagarde’s remarks come as inflation in the […]
Inflation in Japan’s capital accelerates, keeps rate hike prospects intact
Tokyo’s core consumer inflation accelerated in December, underscoring the ongoing pressure on household budgets and keeping the Bank of Japan’s policy normalization prospects alive. Core consumer prices in the capital, a key indicator of nationwide trends, rose 2.7% year-on-year, marking a sharp uptick from November’s 2.5% gain. This increase exceeded market forecasts, pointing to persistent […]
Nio’s mass market push draws scorn as EV maker promises a profit
Nio, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) startup, is ramping up its efforts to capture the mass market as it struggles to stem persistent losses. Despite a steady climb in vehicle deliveries, the company reported another dismal quarter, with losses surpassing expectations. Nio’s move to diversify its lineup, which includes a focus on affordability, is part […]
BoJ Summary of Opinions: Member suggests scrutinizing data before adjusting monetary support
A Bank of Japan (BoJ) member has called for a cautious approach to altering the central bank’s monetary policy, emphasizing the importance of scrutinizing economic data before making adjustments. This perspective, revealed in the BoJ’s Summary of Opinions, underscores growing internal debates over the future of Japan’s ultra-loose monetary policy. While the BoJ has faced […]
Breaking: Japan’s Tokyo CPI inflation rises to 3.0% YoY in December vs. 2.6% prior
Inflation in Tokyo accelerated to 3.0% year-on-year in December, exceeding November’s 2.6% gain. This unexpected uptick underscores persistent price pressures in the world’s third-largest economy, driven by higher energy costs and sustained consumer demand. The Tokyo CPI, often seen as a bellwether for national trends, signals that Japan’s central bank may face increased challenges in […]