US Fed Expected to Cut Rates Amid Political Pressure; Culmination of Global Rate Decisions
Key Takeaways
- US Fed expected to cut rates by 25 bps amid weakening jobs market.
- CATL shares surged on China's $35B energy storage expansion to 180 GW by 2027.
- Trump administration announced tariff exemptions for $942B imports and $550B Japan investment.
- SEBI reforms aim to attract investors with relaxed disclosure norms in Indian market.
- ANZ Bank to pay $240M penalty for widespread misconduct, settling legal cases with ASIC.
Top Stories
US Fed Expected to Cut Rates Amid Political Pressure.
On Wednesday, September 17th, the US Federal Reserve is widely expected to announce a 25 basis points interest rate cut, driven by a weakening jobs market and amidst political tensions.
Global Rate Decisions Culminate in Expected US Fed Rate Cut.
A 36-hour period of global interest rate decisions is expected to culminate in the US Federal Reserve's first rate cut since Donald Trump's second term began.
Asian Markets Cautious Awaiting Potential Fed, Bank of Canada Rate Cuts.
On September 15, 2025, Asian stock markets opened cautiously as investors awaited potential interest rate cuts from the U.S. Federal Reserve and the Bank of Canada.
Fed Expected to Cut Rates; Legal Battle Unlikely to Affect Decision.
On September 15, 2025, the Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates for the first time in 12 months, with a likely reduction of 0.25 percentage points.
Wall Street Finishes Best Week in Five Amid Fed Rate Cut Anticipation.
On 13 September 2025, Wall Street finished its best week in five, as investors anticipate a Federal Reserve rate cut amid easing inflation expectations.
Investors Await Fed Rate Decision; Quarter-Point Cut Expected.
On September 17, 2025, investors await the Federal Reserve's policy decision, anticipating a quarter-point interest rate cut.
CATL Shares Surge on China's $35B Energy Storage Expansion.
On September 15, 2025, CATL's shares surged after China announced plans to nearly double its new energy storage capacity to 180 GW by 2027, with a $35 billion investment.
Trump Administration Announces Trade Policy Shifts: Tariff Exemptions, Japan Deal.
On September 14, 2025, the Trump administration announced trade policy shifts, including tariff exemptions for $942 billion in imports and a $550 billion investment deal with Japan.
SEBI Reforms Aim to Attract More Investors to Indian Market.
On September 14, 2025, SEBI introduced reforms to attract more companies and investors to the Indian capital market, including relaxed disclosure norms and revised rules for related-party transactions.
ANZ Bank to Pay $240M Penalty for Widespread Misconduct.
On September 15, 2025, ANZ Bank agreed to pay a $240 million penalty to settle legal cases with ASIC over widespread misconduct, including bond trading and customer hardship issues.
Financial Analysis
Bank of England's Gilt Sale May Cause £4B Budget Shortfall.
On 18 September 2025, the Bank of England will decide whether to stop its active gilt‑sale programme, potentially creating a £4 billion budget shortfall for Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Fed Determined to Avoid Recession Amid Political Pressure.
On 2025-09-13, the Federal Reserve, warned by Moody's, is determined to avoid a recession to protect its independence, amid political pressure from the Trump administration.
Trump Predicts 'Big Cut' from Federal Reserve This Week.
On September 14, 2025, President Donald Trump predicted a “big cut” from the Federal Reserve this week before a pivotal meeting.
Market Insights
KOSPI Hits Record High; China's Industrial Output Underperforms.
On Monday, September 15, 2025, the Korean KOSPI index reached a record high of 3,420.23, driven by SK Hynix and Samsung. Meanwhile, China's industrial production grew by 5.2% in August, falling short of the expected 5.7%.
Urban Company IPO Allotment Finalized; GMP Indicates 68% Premium.
On September 15, 2025, Urban Company's IPO share allotment is finalized, with a grey market premium of nearly 70%, indicating a potential 68% premium over the Rs 103 issue price.
Trade Republic Offers Private Market Access to Retail Investors.
On September 14, 2025, Trade Republic partnered with Apollo and EQT to offer clients access to private markets with investments as low as €1.
Policy Watch
India's GST Reforms to Positively Impact Various Products.
On September 14, 2025, in Chennai, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that GST reforms, effective from September 22, will positively impact various products, reducing taxes on 99% of goods previously taxed at 12% to 5%.
Canada Launches Build Canada Homes Agency for Affordable Housing.
On September 14, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney will launch the Build Canada Homes agency and announce the initial public land development locations in Ottawa, aiming to build 4,000 housing units on six federally owned sites.
Britain, EU Sign US Trade Deals with Uneven Tariffs.
On 2025-09-15, Britain and the European Union signed trade agreements with the United States, setting 10% and 15% tariffs respectively, creating uneven competition for goods.
China Probes US Analog Chips Amid Trade Tensions.
On September 13, 2025, China's commerce ministry announced an anti-dumping probe against certain US analog chips, following US actions against Chinese companies.
Spain Promotes Affordable Housing Construction in Málaga.
On September 14, 2025, President Pedro Sánchez visited the construction of 530 affordable rental homes in Málaga, co-financed by the government.
French PM Scraps Holiday Cuts to Avoid Social Instability.
On September 13, 2025, France's new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu abandoned his predecessor's plan to cut two public holidays to avoid further social instability.