Americans’ confidence in the economy dropped for the fifth month in a row, reaching the lowest point since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as concerns over the effects of tariffs weighed heavily on people’s minds. The Conference Board reported on Tuesday that its consumer confidence index fell 7.9 points in April, dropping to 86.…
What Is a Trade Deficit and Why Does It Matter?
In today’s interconnected world, the concept of a trade deficit often makes headlines, sparking debates among economists, politicians, and business leaders alike.At its core, a trade deficit occurs when a country imports more goods and services than it exports. While the term can sound alarming, it’s important to understand that a trade deficit is not…
Understanding the World Bank and IMF: Key Differences
When discussing global finance and economic development, two institutions often dominate the conversation: the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).Though they are frequently mentioned together, their roles, structures, and missions are quite different.Both organizations were created in the aftermath of World War II to help stabilize the global economy and foster prosperity. However,…
How Central Banks Around the World Impact Global Markets
Central banks are often described as the “guardians” of national economies, but their influence stretches far beyond borders.In today’s interconnected world, central banks like the U.S. Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, and the Bank of Japan don’t just impact their domestic economies — they have profound effects on global markets. Through tools like interest…
US judge halts deportations of immigrants in west Texas under Alien Enemies Act for now
A federal judge in west Texas has joined other courts in temporarily stopping the deportation of Venezuelan immigrants under an old wartime law called the Alien Enemies Act. U.S. District Judge David Briones in El Paso made the decision on Friday while also ordering the release of a couple accused of being part of a…
Immigration is Trump’s most approved issue, though many believe he’s overreached, AP-NORC poll shows
President Donald Trump’s actions on immigration continue to be seen as one of his stronger areas as he increases deportations and focuses on people living in the U.S. without legal status, according to a new poll. The survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that 46% of U.S. adults approve of…
Judge says Trump administration broke 2019 settlement by deporting man to El Salvador
A federal judge picked by President Donald Trump has ordered his administration to help bring back a man who was deported to El Salvador last month, even though he still had an active asylum application. U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher in Maryland ruled on Wednesday that the government broke a 2019 settlement agreement when it…
U.S. Treasury chief says trade conflict with China can’t continue long-term
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a speech Tuesday that the ongoing tariff dispute with China can’t continue and he expects things to calm down between the two countries. However, in a private talk in Washington for JPMorgan Chase, Bessent warned that official talks between the U.S. and China haven’t started yet. President Donald…
Spain to hit NATO’s 2% defense spending target this year, says Prime Minister
Spain will reach NATO’s defense spending goal this year, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said on Tuesday, as pressure increases on the eurozone’s fourth-largest economy to spend more on its military. Sánchez said the government will increase defense spending by 10.5 billion euros (about $12 billion) to meet NATO’s goal of spending 2% of the country’s…
Trump intensifies criticism of Fed Chair Powell as Dow Jones drops 1,000 points
On Monday, President Donald Trump continued his criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, demanding that the central bank lower its key interest rate to boost the economy. Trump called Powell “a major loser” and claimed that energy and grocery prices are “substantially lower,” stating there is “virtually No Inflation.” However, he warned that without…