latest news in economy
Markets Await Critical November Inflation Data After Government Shutdown
Washington, Thursday, 18 December 2025.
Markets are bracing for today’s release of the November Consumer Price Index (CPI), the first significant economic gauge since the 43-day government shutdown ended. While the consensus forecast anticipates a 3.1% annual inflation rate, the critical takeaway is the unprecedented lack of context: the cancellation of October’s data has created a historic gap, meaning this will not be a “clean” reading. As the Federal Reserve looks toward 2026, this fragmented dataset must serve as the primary compass for future interest rate decisions despite potential distortions from the political gridlock.
CME Group Analysis: Assessing the Growing Gap Between Soaring Stocks and Economic Reality
Chicago, Wednesday, 17 December 2025.
With inflation persisting at 3%, experts warn the divergence between AI-driven stock gains and economic fundamentals suggests the gap between investor sentiment and reality is reaching a critical inflection point.
Record Butter Consumption and Dairy Growth Signal Major Shift in U.S. Dietary Trends
Washington, Wednesday, 17 December 2025.
Data released on December 16, 2025, reveals a historic shift in U.S. consumer behavior, with per-capita butter consumption reaching a record 3.08 kg in 2024. This surge in demand for traditional fats accompanies significant growth in yogurt and cottage cheese, validating an $11 billion industry investment in expanded manufacturing capacity. These figures signal a stabilizing market for producers and offer critical insights for investors, as Americans decisively pivot back toward wholesome, full-fat dairy products over alternatives.
Atlanta Fed President Warns Central Bank Credibility Is at Risk as Inflation Persists
Atlanta, Wednesday, 17 December 2025.
In his final quarterly message issued December 16, 2025, Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic cautions that the Federal Reserve’s credibility on inflation is perilously close to being compromised. Despite the FOMC’s recent decision to cut rates by 25 basis points, Bostic identifies price stability as the single most pressing economic risk, noting that the underlying price level has surged nearly 20 percent over the past five years. While acknowledging the rising distress in the labor market—evidenced by unemployment hitting a four-year high of 4.6 percent—Bostic argues that aggressive easing now could disastrously untether inflation expectations. This analysis underscores the severe “quandary” policymakers face heading into 2026: choosing between immediate relief for a softening job market or maintaining restrictive policies to prevent long-term inflationary damage.
Unemployment Reaches Four-Year High as Delayed Data Reveals Sharp October Job Losses
Washington, Tuesday, 16 December 2025.
Delayed Labor Department figures confirm a cooling economy with unemployment hitting 4.6 percent. Most intriguingly, revised data reveals a net loss of 105,000 jobs in October, driven by significant federal departures.
Crypto Stocks Plunge as Bitcoin Enters Deep Bear Market Territory
New York, Tuesday, 16 December 2025.
Bitcoin’s 30% drop from its October high of $126,000 has triggered a sharp sell-off in linked equities like MARA and IREN. With prices sliding below $86,000, this high correlation signals a harsh end to 2025.
