Summary
The US Federal Reserve decides to maintain interest rates, reflecting a strong jobs market and solid economic activity. Garth Bray highlights that unemployment insurance claims are at their lowest in decades, indicating a robust labor market. Despite this positive outlook, inflation remains a concern, with the core inflation measure expected to be reported soon. Two dissenting members of the Fed preferred a rate hike, but the prevailing data does not support such a move at this time.
In related economic news, the US dollar shows weakness against other currencies, with the trade-weighted index at a low level. The bond market experiences slight increases, and oil prices rise amid geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, New Zealand reports a 1% increase in employment, driven largely by public administration and safety sectors, as well as growth in small businesses. The latest data reveals a total of 2.35 million jobs filled in New Zealand, with significant contributions from healthcare and construction sectors, despite previous government intentions to reduce public sector jobs.
Show Notes
US economic activity goes from 'solid' growth to 'strong' growth as Federal Open Market Committee votes 10-2 to maintain rates at 3.75% to 4%. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More from Ryan Bridge TODAY
Louise Wallace and Clint Roberts join the show to discuss the days hottest talk topics See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Madrid journalist Rory Jiwani says the Spanish train crash that has killed at least 68 people will probably have serious political ramfications as well. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National's finance spokesperson dismisses the latest poll See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Massey University's Professor Ian Fuller says there is 'risk to life' with the rising Waiho River bed and we can't just keep raising the stop banks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.