US benchmark equity indexes ended lower Friday as markets analyzed the latest reading of the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation metric, as well as corporate earnings. * Official data showed that US consumer spending growth accelerated at the end of 2024,

The Federal Reserve left benchmark interest rates unchanged Wednesday after cutting it three times in a row last year, a sign of a more cautious approach as the Fed seeks to gauge where inflation is headed and what policies President Trump pursues.

The U.S. economy grew 2.3% in the fourth quarter as consumers again powered gains. Here's what the showing could mean for Fed plans for more rate cuts

Canada's annual inflation rate slowed to 1.8 per cent in December after rising 1.9 per cent in Novem ber, as the temporary GST tax break brought down the price of restaurant meals, alcohol and toys. Economists polled by Reuters had expected inflation to remain unchanged at 1.9 per cent last month.

The online poll also found 48 per cent of those surveyed believed the economy will weaken over the next year, while 19 per cent expect it to improve. Despite the pessimism among respondents, BMO Capital Markets senior economist Robert Kavcic said the global economy is expected to grow this year.

BMO Capital raised the firm’s price target on Invesco (IVZ) to $21 from $19 and keeps a Market Perform rating on the shares after its Q4

Inflation and interest rates might not ease much anytime soon, but both the Phoenix and U.S. economies start 2025 in good shape, according to GPEC.

The Treasury Department is preparing a record-size auction for government debt that expires in 10 years. This afternoon $20 billion worth of 10-year Treasury inflation protected securities will be issued,

Additionally, 61 percent believe inflation is high and expect it to increase further. The survey revealed that 44 percent of Canadians spend an additional $100–$300 monthly on basic expenses, while 38 percent report spending over $300 more.

US benchmark equity indexes were mixed intraday as markets analyzed the latest reading of the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation metric, as well as corporate earnings. The Nasdaq Composite was up 0.

BMO Capital Markets has promoted Vivek Baliga from head of non-agency RMBS trading in New York to head of non-agency, ABS and CRT trading. He replaces James Marshall, who was head of ABS trading from November 2017 to January 2025.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal Reserve governor Michelle Bowman said she still expects declining inflation to allow further interest rate cuts this year, but feels rising wages, buoyant financial markets, geopolitical risks, and upcoming administration policies could slow the process and keep price pressures elevated.