U.S. stocks fell sharply on Wednesday, erasing earlier gains after the Federal Reserve announced a 25 basis point rate cut and projected a slower pace of rate reductions for next year.
The Federal Reserve made its third consecutive interest rate cut on Wednesday, reducing its benchmark rate by a quarter of a percentage point. The move, widely anticipated by investors and financial markets, brings the federal funds rate to a target range of 4.25 percent to 4.50 percent. Since beginning its rate cuts in September, the Fed has now lowered rates by a total of 100 basis points, or one percentage point.
Inflation rose in November at the fastest pace in four months, marking the second straight month of acceleration. The Department of Labor reported Wednesday that the consumer price index (CPI) increased by 2.7% over the past year, matching economists' forecasts. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, climbed 3.3% year-over-year.
The U.S. economy added 227,000 jobs in November, surpassing economists’ forecast of 215,000, the Department of Labor reported Friday. The unemployment rate edged up slightly to 4.2%, as more individuals entered the workforce.
All three major U.S. stock indexes closed at record highs on Wednesday, fueled by a strong rally in technology shares and encouraging comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Salesforce’s positive earnings report and upbeat market sentiment contributed to the surge, while Powell’s remarks on the economy provided an additional boost.
President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to BRICS nations over their ongoing efforts to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar. Trump threatened to impose a 100% tariff on goods from BRICS members if they move forward with plans to establish a rival currency or abandon the dollar as the dominant international reserve currency.
Former President Donald Trump said over the weekend that he plans to make the United States the "crypto capital" and "bitcoin superpower of the world."
