Saturday, November 23

Author: Patti Mohr

Patti Mohr is a U.S.-based journalist. She writes about global diplomacy, economics, and infringements on individual freedom. Patti is the founder of the Global Economic Report. Her goal is to elevate journalistic principles and share the pursuit of truth in concert with others.
In the U.S., One Strike Ends As Another Grows Bigger
Domestic Politics, Types of News: Analysis, United States

In the U.S., One Strike Ends As Another Grows Bigger

Auto Strike Has Political And Economic Consequences Auto workers strike outside Ford plant in Michigan. September 25, 2023—As one major labor union strike in the United States ends, another one is getting bigger. U.S. politicians gearing up for the 2024 election are taking notice. Both strikes are taking place as industries undergo technological change. For writers, the issues relate to the gig economy and artificial intelligence. The auto workers, meanwhile, are trying to secure a future in the industry as it undergoes a global transformation to electric vehicles. While the writers' strike affected the entertainment economy and America's viewing pleasure, the autoworkers' strike has the potential to impact the broader U.S. economy. Hollywood Writers Strike First, an end ...
Fed Keeps Rate At 5.25
Currency, Debt, National Budgets & Interest Rates, Types of News: Bit

Fed Keeps Rate At 5.25

Fed Chair Says Consumer Credit Market Is Normal September 22, 2023—The Federal Reserve kept its main rate, the Federal Funds Rate, unchanged on Wednesday at 5.25 percent. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said there was unanimous support among board members for keeping rates steady. He predicted one more rate hike before the end of the year then declining rates beginning next year. "Now we're fairly close, we think, to where we need to get. It's just a question of reaching theright stance," he said at a press conference on Wednesday. Specifically, Powell estimated the federal funds rate would reach 5.6 percent by the end of the year, come down to 5.1 percent in 2024, then further decline to 3.9 percent in 2025. The rate impacts mortgages, consumer credit as well as interest the governm...
U.S. And China Establish Economic ‘Working Groups’
Global Economics, Globalization, Global Disintegration, Types of News: Bit

U.S. And China Establish Economic ‘Working Groups’

Deputy Treasury Secretary Adeyemo Likely To Lead Talks For U.S. Interests September 22, 2023—The United States and China are establishing "structured channels for frank and substantive discussions on economic and financial policy matters," according to the U.S. Treasury Department. The department released a statement today saying it is establishing working groups with China's Ministry of Finance and the People's Bank of China to exchange information on a regular basis. The communication channels follow a series of diplomatic meetings between the two countries, the largest economies in the world. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo is likely to lead both working groups for the United States. For China, the talks will take place at the vice minister level.
Oil Prices Jump As Saudi Arabia And Russia Make Output Deal
Energy Policy, Oil & Gas, Geopolitics, Types of News: Brief

Oil Prices Jump As Saudi Arabia And Russia Make Output Deal

Photo by Johannes Havn on Pexels.com The Decision Indirectly Impacts Inflation, Interest Rates, And Russia's Brutal Assault On Ukraine September 19, 2023—As oil prices prop up inflation and the Russian war economy, policy decisions impacting oil are significant. So it matters when two of the world's largest oil-producing countries make a deal to restrict output to push up prices. The two countries are Saudi Arabia and Russia. As oil prices continue to rise so does the scrutiny of Saudi Arabia's decision to side with Russia. The Price of Oil This story starts with a look at the cost. The price of oil rose in August and again in September to $92 a barrel WTI (U.S.) and $95 a barrel Brent (British). On average, oil output from OPEC countries also jumped month-on-month by 6 perc...
Big Banks See Slower Growth In China
Global Economics, Types of News: Bit

Big Banks See Slower Growth In China

September 13, 2023— China is estimating its economic growth to average 5 percent this year. However, even that modest forecast might be rosy. Six international banks, including JP Morgan, Barclays, and UBS, have downgraded their economic forecasts for China in light of the country's falling exports and persistent problems in the real estate sector, according to reporting by the South China Morning Post. Estimates for annual GDP from financial institutions range from 4.2 percent to 4.8 percent. SCMP's Ralph Jennings suggests China's economic problems could have global ripple effects for businesses, particularly for developing countries that rely on trade with China. The news comes at a time when economists are warning about stability in the global economy.
U.S. Inflation Inches Up To 3.7 Percent
Currency, Debt, National Budgets & Interest Rates, Types of News: Bit

U.S. Inflation Inches Up To 3.7 Percent

September 13, 2023—Consumer prices in the United States increased to an annual rate of 3.7 percent in August, up from 3.2 percent in July. Driving the CPI index higher was a spike in energy costs. Gasoline prices spiked by 10.5 percent from July to August while the cost of other fuels rose by 9.1 percent. Even so, energy prices decreased over the last year by 3.6 percent over the previous year. Meanwhile, food prices rose by only 0.2 percent in August and 4.3 percent over the past 12 months. The cost of used cars and trucks dipped while new vehicles cost slightly more. Observers expect the U.S. Federal Reserve to leave interest rates as they are when board members meet September 19-20. For specifics, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics release.
US, Vietnam Strengthen Strategic Partnership
Diplomacy, Geopolitics, Political Systems, Domestic Politics, Types of News: Analysis

US, Vietnam Strengthen Strategic Partnership

New Partnership Paves The Way For Billions Of Dollars In Business Deals U.S. President Joe Biden and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong deepened strategic ties. September 10, 2023 Credit: White House photo September 11, 2023—The United States and Vietnam elevated their relations to a new level on Sunday—the highest strategic partnership in Vietnam and a significant one in the United States. U.S. President Joe Biden and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong agreed on Sunday to deepen political and diplomatic ties while paving the way for billions of dollars in business deals. It comes 10 years after the two countries formed the Vietnam–U.S. Comprehensive Partnership, and it ref...
2023 Hottest Summer On Record
Climate Action, ESG, Sustainable Finance, Types of News: Bit

2023 Hottest Summer On Record

September 6, 2023—If you've been feeling especially warm this Summer and not quite able to cool down, there's a reason: It's been a hot one. In fact, the June through August Summer season, otherwise known as the "boreal summer," was the warmest on record, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service of the European Union. Copernicus found that the average global temperature in June-July-August was 16.77°C, or 62.18°Fahrenheit. That's 0.66°C above average, the center says. (Note, that is a global average including the Southern Hemisphere, which is in the Winter season.) From January through August 2023 ranks the second warmest year on record, just shy of the hottest first eight-month average that happened in 2016. The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service reports th...
Watchdog Warns About Global Economy Ahead Of G20
Finance, Investing, Global Economics, Types of News: Brief

Watchdog Warns About Global Economy Ahead Of G20

Historically High Debt Beginning To Feel Credit Crunch From Higher Interest Rates September 5, 2023—As world leaders travel to New Delhi, India for the G20 Summit, the head of an international body monitoring global finance issued a stark warning about debt and stability. In short, interest rate hikes since March 2022 are beginning to impact markets, according to Klaas Knot, a Dutch economist and chair of the Financial Stability Board. 'Historically High Debt' Writing on behalf of the board, Knot warned that a combination of factors could "impair the capacity of borrowers to service the historically high stock of outstanding global debt." Those factors include high global debt, interest rate hikes, persistent inflation, tighter financial markets, and a slowing economy, acc...
U.S.-China Talk Trade, Technology As Commerce Secretary Visits Officials
Diplomacy, Global Trade, Types of News: Brief

U.S.-China Talk Trade, Technology As Commerce Secretary Visits Officials

Investing In China Is Now 'Risky Business,' Raimondo Says Aug. 30, 2023—Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo completed a four-day visit to China this week as part of a diplomatic effort to smooth economic relations between the world's largest economies. The challenge for Raimondo and President Joe Biden is coordinating a new approach to China amid a shift in sentiment away from trade liberalization. Adding to the challenge for U.S. diplomats are China's state control of the economy, tense foreign relations, and a tougher environment for U.S. businesses practicing in China. Raimondo told reporters she raised concerns about theft of intellectual property, raids on businesses, a new counterespionage law, and extreme fines under that law. "Increasingly, I hear from businesses Chin...

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