Steady

• Indian share markets remained steady, with the Sensex rising 50 points and the Nifty crossing the 24,000 mark. • Market stability was driven by softer crude oil prices and investor expectations that the US Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged. • Global performance was mixed, as the Dow Jones hit a record high of 51,999.67 while the Nasdaq fell 1.15% due to pressure on technology stocks.

Flatlining figure confounds forecasts of an increase to 3% as Bank of England prepares to set interest ratesUK inflation unexpectedly remained at 2.8% last month despite the Middle East war driving up energy prices, official figures have shown.May’s annual price rise reading recorded by the Office for National Statistics confounded economists’ forecasts of a rise to 3%. Continue reading...

• The FOMC announced on May 10, 2026, that it is leaving the federal funds rate unchanged at 5.25-5.50%, aligning with market expectations amid ongoing inflation monitoring. • Fed Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to hold a press conference at 2:30pm ET to discuss the decision and economic outlook. • This marks the latest in a series of steady rate holds, reflecting a cautious approach to balancing growth and price stability in the US economy.

• The U.S. Federal Reserve maintained its federal funds rate in the 3.50%-3.75% range at its April 2026 policy meeting. • Decision balances heightened inflation uncertainty, a softening labor market, and geopolitical risks from the Middle East. • Markets remain volatile under President Trump due to tariffs, tax policies, oil price swings, and conflicts, yet stocks have held steady overall.

• The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates at 3.50%-3.75% last week, citing continued economic expansion but persistent inflation linked to energy prices. • Inflation remains elevated with PCE price index up slightly in March to 3.5% year-over-year. • Decision supports market optimism, contributing to S&P 500 nearing its January record high despite Middle East risks.

• The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates unchanged at its latest meeting but signaled a more hawkish stance, shifting investor sentiment regarding future policy direction. • Tech sector earnings continued to show strong numbers, though stock market reactions remained mixed, with the S&P 500 rising 1% for the week as equities powered through higher oil prices and a backup in yields. • Fed Chair Jerome Powell announced he will not retire after his term ends next month, committing to serve as a constructive governor rather than a shadow Fed chair.

Former deputy PM has walked a line between loyalty and interventionism since resigning last SeptemberIt is nearly eight months since Angela Rayner quit the cabinet because of her tax arrangements, but some might argue her influence on the government has not gone away. And soon she might return, whether as Keir Starmer’s saviour or, perhaps, his usurper.There is increasing speculation that the prime minister could carry out a small-scale reshuffle, primarily to bring back Rayner, his former deputy and one of Labour’s political heavyweights. Continue reading...