trade tensions

With official data still frozen by a 20‑day government shutdown, the Federal Reserve is preparing to cut interest rates while “flying blind.” Policymakers worry about persistent inflation even as job growth remains weak and consumer spending shows cracks. Meanwhile, Wall Street and global markets staged a sharp rally on optimism over corporate earnings and easing trade tensions, and the White House signaled that a funding deal might end the shutdown within days. For everyday Americans, high mortgage rates and price pressures continue to strain budgets despite hopes for lower borrowing costs.