Gold and Silver Prices Plunge as Trump Taps Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair 
Fed Confirms Rate Meeting Schedule Despite Severe Winter Storm in Washington D.C. 
Wall Street Slides as Warsh Fed Nomination, Hot Inflation, and Precious Metals Rout Shake Markets 
U.S. and El Salvador Sign Landmark Critical Minerals Agreement to Boost Investment and Trade 
Philippine Economy Slows in Late 2025, Raising Expectations of Further Rate Cuts 
Why Trump’s new pick for Fed chair hit gold and silver markets – for good reasons 
Wall Street Slips as Tech Stocks Slide on AI Spending Fears and Earnings Concerns 
Oil Prices Hit Four-Month High as Geopolitical Risks and Supply Disruptions Intensify 
Indonesian Stocks Plunge as MSCI Downgrade Risk Sparks Investor Exodus 
U.S. Urges Japan on Monetary Policy as Yen Volatility Raises Market Concerns 
Dollar Struggles as Policy Uncertainty Weighs on Markets Despite Official Support 
Bank of Korea Expected to Hold Interest Rates as Weak Won Limits Policy Easing 
U.S.–Venezuela Relations Show Signs of Thaw as Top Envoy Visits Caracas 
South Korea Exports Surge in January on AI Chip Demand, Marking Fastest Growth in 4.5 Years 
Economic Situation:
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has lowered the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 50 basis points, reducing it from 4.75% to 4.25%. This decision aims to tackle a slowing economy and falling inflation rates, which are now within the RBNZ's target of 1% to 3%. Recent data shows that New Zealand's GDP has slightly declined, and inflation has eased, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increasing by just 2.2% in Q3 compared to 3.3% in Q2.
Future Outlook:
The RBNZ suggests that if the economy continues on this path, more cuts to the OCR could happen early next year, with predictions that it might reach around 3.5% by the end of next year.
Market Response:
In reaction to the announcement, banks like Kiwibank and ASB have lowered their lending rates. This is expected to make loans cheaper for both households and businesses.
Potential Effects:
By lowering interest rates, the RBNZ hopes to boost economic growth by making it more affordable for people to borrow money, which can encourage spending and investment. However, there are risks that this could lead to fluctuating inflation in the future, especially given uncertain global economic conditions.
This decision shows the RBNZ's proactive approach to managing New Zealand's economy during changing inflation rates and growth expectations.
