latest news in economy
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.
Ten Communities Selected to Drive Regional Growth Through Immigrant Inclusion Strategies
Washington D.C., Tuesday, 16 December 2025.
The American Immigration Council’s 2026 Gateways for Growth Challenge equips ten communities with customized economic research to leverage immigrant talent, vital for combating regional labor shortages and sustaining local growth.
Nikkei 225 Breaches 49,700 Level as Tech Selloff and Rate Hike Fears Grip Tokyo
Tokyo, Tuesday, 16 December 2025.
On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index fell 1.35% to close at 49,489, breaching the critical 49,700 threshold amid a global tech selloff. The decline was heavily influenced by a sharp correction in AI-related stocks, with Advantest Corp plunging 6.42% and Kioxia Holdings dropping 3.1%, mirroring similar trends on Wall Street. Beyond the tech sector, market sentiment is being tested by the widely anticipated Bank of Japan interest rate hike expected later this week. This dual pressure of external market correlation and domestic monetary tightening highlights a pivotal moment for asset managers navigating Asian market volatility.
Evercore Strategist Predicts Continued Market Gains Due to Missing Recession Signals
New York, Tuesday, 16 December 2025.
Evercore ISI projects an 8.5% S&P 500 rise through 2026, arguing that despite high valuations, the systemic forces that typically trigger bear markets are currently absent from the financial landscape.