Raises

• The Federal Reserve unanimously raised interest rates on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, marking the first such increase since 2023. • The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped more than 600 points as Fed Chair Kevin Warsh warned that inflation persists. • Higher borrowing costs and rising bond yields can reduce corporate profits and lower the valuation of stocks for investors.

• The Federal Reserve raised the target federal funds interest rate to a range of 3.75%-4.00% during its September 2026 meeting. • This 0.25% increase marks the first rate hike in more than three years and was passed by a unanimous vote. • Higher interest rates typically increase borrowing costs for consumers and businesses while influencing investor expectations for future market returns.

• Professional golfer Matt Fitzpatrick expressed concerns about competing in the upcoming DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. • Fitzpatrick spoke out against the idea of traveling to the event due to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. • The golfer's hesitation highlights the potential safety risks and logistical challenges for international athletes competing in volatile regions.

• The US Federal Reserve raised the federal funds rate to 3.75%-4.00% overnight, marking its first rate hike in three years. • Wall Street responded with caution as the Dow fell 631 points, or 1.21%, while Brent crude eased by about 1% to $104.48 a barrel. • Higher US interest rates and supply risks around the Strait of Hormuz create volatility for global markets and increase potential import costs for India.

• Traders are pricing in a 93% chance of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike ahead of this week's meeting following a bond sell-off and persistent August inflation. • Market participants believe the Fed rarely deviates from rate decisions when conviction is this high, meaning a surprise hold could trigger a sharp rally in short-term bonds. • A decision to hold rates steady risks faster yield increases and could damage the Federal Reserve's credibility in its efforts to fight inflation.

Wage increase brings Amazon’s US minimum pay in line with Costco and includes new grocery discount benefitAmazon has raised its minimum wage in the US to $20 an hour, with average pay at the company reaching $24 an hour, according to the company.The pay increase represents a $1 increase from its starting level. Continue reading...

Supporters from around Australia back the Black Wreath, a volunteer-run centre far off the beaten touring trackAlice Springs has a population of 34,000 and exactly one dedicated live music space: a heavy metal venue called the Black Wreath. It has hosted hundreds of bands from around the country over the past decade – despite being 1,500km from the nearest city.For musicians in central Australia, the Black Wreath is a one-of-a-kind resource. So when its operators were informed last year of the owners’ plans to sell, they negotiated a stay of execution and began devising a fundraiser that could save the desert venue. A month-long crowdfunding campaign, which called for donations that would let the team behind the Black Wreath buy the venue and place it in a trust, hit its $1m target on Friday. Continue reading...