Reserve

• Banco Santander and Webster Financial Corporation announced on August 4, 2026, that they have received official approval from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors to proceed with the acquisition. • Upon closing, the majority of Webster's business operations will be integrated into Santander Bank, N.A., expanding Santander's banking footprint within the United States. • The deal is designed to accelerate Santander's financial goals, with the company targeting a return on tangible equity (RoTE) of approximately 18% by 2028.

• Banco Santander, S.A. has received official approval from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve to acquire Webster Financial Corporation. • The deal aims to strengthen Santander's U.S. franchise, with most of Webster's operations being integrated into Santander Bank, N.A. upon closing. • Santander projects significant financial gains by 2028, including a return on tangible equity (RoTE) of approximately 18% and an earnings per share accretion of 7–8%.

• Banco Santander, S.A. has received official approval from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to acquire Webster Financial Corporation. • The deal involves the acquisition of Webster, the holding company for the U.S.-based diversified institution Webster Bank, N.A. • This regulatory milestone allows Santander to move forward with its strategic expansion into the United States banking market.

• India's economic agenda this week focuses on monetary policy, business activity, and the country's external financial position. • The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will meet from August 3 to 5 to determine key policy decisions. • Governor Sanjay Malhotra is scheduled to announce the official policy outcome on August 5, alongside the release of HSBC Manufacturing and Services PMI data.

• The USD/JPY exchange rate rose 0.53% to ¥160.39 following the Federal Reserve's decision to keep US interest rates steady. • Japanese authorities intervened in the foreign exchange market by selling US dollars and buying yen to combat the currency's sharp depreciation. • This volatility highlights the ongoing tension between US monetary policy and Japan's efforts to stabilize its currency.

• The Federal Reserve voted 9 to 3 on Wednesday to keep its benchmark short-term borrowing rate steady within a range of 3.5% to 3.75%. • This decision reflects a divide among policymakers, though the majority remains committed to curbing stubborn inflation. • The rate hold directly impacts the cost of credit across the economy, affecting business financing, credit cards, and auto loans.

• The Federal Reserve decided to hold interest rates steady during its most recent meeting, though officials remain divided on the best strategy to combat inflation. • Fed officials emphasized that the decision was not "inertial," asserting that they are actively discussing policy and strategy to stabilize the economy. • Key tools under consideration for controlling inflation include adjusting interest rates, managing the balance sheet, and influencing overall financial conditions and credit availability.