📈 Stocks / Finance

Markets Edge Higher as Fed Holds Rates Steady

CBS

Stocks rose ahead of the Fed’s policy decision, with the S&P 500 up 0.7%. Investors expect rates to remain unchanged, as Powell navigates uncertainty from tariffs and slowing growth. Analysts see potential rate cuts later in 2025, with AI-driven gains supporting equities. Recession fears persist, but Wall Street remains cautiously optimistic.

Nvidia's AI Growth Faces Market Skepticism

Yahoo Finance

Despite unveiling its AI roadmap through 2028 at GTC, Nvidia's stock fell 3.4% as investors questioned its growth trajectory. Analysts cite the need for real-world AI applications to sustain demand. While Jensen Huang projected $1T in data center revenue by 2028, concerns over near-term expansion persist.

Gold Holds Near Record Highs as Fed Stays Cautious on Rate Cuts

Kitco

Gold prices remain around $3,031 as the Fed holds rates steady at 4.25%-4.50% and signals only two potential cuts this year. Weaker GDP growth projections and rising inflation expectations add to stagflation concerns. The Fed’s slower balance sheet reduction may pressure the dollar, supporting gold’s strength.

🪙 Crypto

XRP Jumps 10% as SEC Drops Lawsuit Against Ripple

CNBC

XRP surged 10% to $2.49 after Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced the SEC is abandoning its lawsuit. The case, which began in 2020, alleged XRP was an unregistered security. The decision follows a broader SEC retreat from crypto enforcement, boosting market confidence. XRP is now up 385% post-election.

🌎 Global Economy

Trade Wars, Recession, and the Mortgage Market

The New Daily

Global economic shifts, including U.S. tariffs and potential stagflation, could impact Australian mortgage rates. If the U.S. faces a recession, lower rates may push property prices higher. Conversely, trade tensions and inflation could force rate hikes, slowing growth. A Chinese slowdown may pressure mining states, affecting housing affordability and rental markets.