U.S. Dollar Slips as Yen Finds Support on Intervention Signals and Geopolitical Risks Rise 
Asian Stocks Rise as Wall Street Tech Rally Lifts Markets, Yen Slumps Despite BOJ Rate Hike 
RBA Signals Possible Interest Rate Hike in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Wall Street Ends Higher as S&P 500, Nasdaq Extend Gains Ahead of Holiday Week 
IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement With Egypt, Opening Path to $3.8 Billion in Funding 
Global Markets Rise as Tech Stocks Lead, Yen Strengthens, and Commodities Hit Record Highs 
China’s Power Market Revamp Fuels Global Boom in Energy Storage Batteries 
Gold Prices Surge to Record Highs as Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Safe-Haven Demand 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as Strong U.S. Growth and Supply Risks Support Market 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady After S&P 500 Hits Record on Strong Economic Data 
German Exports to the U.S. Decline Sharply as Tariffs Reshape Trade in 2025 
BOJ Minutes Reveal Growing Debate Over Interest Rate Hikes and Inflation Risks 
Asian Stock Markets Trade Flat as Holiday Liquidity Thins and BOJ Minutes Watched 
US and Japan Fast-Track $550 Billion Strategic Investment Initiative 
Japan Revises Economic Growth Forecast as Stimulus Fuels Consumption and Investment 
Economic Outlook Ahead of Elections
The U.S. economy is expected to maintain a solid growth trajectory in the third quarter, buoyed by declining inflation and robust wage increases, which are stimulating consumer spending. This economic performance comes just days before the contentious presidential election on November 5, where voters will choose between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
Consumer Sentiment and Economic Challenges
Despite a resilient economy, Americans continue to grapple with rising food and housing costs. Polls indicate that voters consider the economy a crucial election issue, with many favoring Trump as the more competent economic steward, according to recent surveys.
GDP Growth Projections
The Commerce Department will release its advance estimate for third-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) soon. Economists project a growth rate of approximately 3.0%, consistent with the previous quarter. This follows significant interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve aimed at curbing inflation, which have yet to hinder economic performance.
Resilience Amid Rate Hikes
Chief economist Christopher Rupkey noted, "The U.S. economy is positioned for a strong finish before the election." With GDP growth well above the Federal Reserve's non-inflationary target of around 1.8%, this indicates a healthier economic landscape compared to four years ago.
Consumer Spending and Economic Drivers
Household wealth has increased due to stock market gains and rising home values, supporting consumer spending—which accounts for over two-thirds of economic activity. Experts estimate consumer spending growth at around 3.5%, bolstered by wage growth and easing inflation pressures. However, concerns remain about whether this growth benefits lower-income households adequately.
Conclusion
The upcoming GDP report and the potential impacts of ongoing inflation and election outcomes will be critical in shaping the economic landscape. As businesses adapt and investment in technology rises, the resilience of the U.S. economy will be closely monitored.
