Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
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.
