Latest Financial services News
Russia's central bank holds off on interest rate hike amid friction between inflation, war spending
Russia's central bank has left its benchmark interest rate at a record 21%, holding off on further increases despite high consumer inflation fueled by the Kremlin's war against Ukraine. The decision Friday comes amid criticism from influential business figures, including tycoons...
Bank of England warns of 'heightened uncertainty' as it keeps interest rates on hold
LONDON (AP) — The U.K.’s central bank warned Thursday of “heightened uncertainty" as it kept interest rates on hold after inflation moved further above target, even at a time when the British economy is flatlining at best. The Bank of England’s nine-member Monetary Policy...
How you could benefit from tax-loss selling this year
The U.S. market gained more than 25% for the year to date through mid-December 2024. That’s a healthy showing by any measure. It doesn’t seem like it would be a market environment that’s conducive to tax-loss selling. But unless your strategy is to buy only U.S. stocks, you may...
Iran's rial hits a record low, battered by regional tensions and an energy crisis
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — The Iranian rial on Wednesday fell to its lowest level in history, losing more than 10% of value since Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election in November and signaling new challenges for Tehran as it remains locked in the wars raging in the Middle East. ...
Billion-dollar donation from Netflix's Reed Hastings leads 2024's list of biggest gifts
The Chronicle’s annual list of the biggest charitable donations from individuals or their foundations totaled nearly $6 billion in 2024, with half of that coming from three contributions of $1 billion or more each. Two of those three gifts went to medical schools to provide financial aid....
Why is tech giant SoftBank investing over $100 billion in the US?
BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese tycoon Masayoshi Son and President-elect Donald Trump have announced plans for technology and telecoms giant SoftBank Group to invest $100 billion in projects in the United States over the coming four years. Trump said the investments in building artificial...
2024 was big for bitcoin. States could see a crypto policy blitz in 2025 in spite of the risks
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The new year will usher in the bitcoin-friendly administration of President-elect Donald Trump and an expanding lobbying effort in statehouses that, together, could push states to become more open to crypto and for public pension funds and treasuries to buy into it. ...
Bank groups sue the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over a proposed cap on overdraft fees
Some banks and banking trade groups are suing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over a finalized rule that limits overdraft fees banks can charge. The rule is part of President Joe Biden administration's campaign to reduce junk fees that hit consumers on everyday purchases,...
China signals it's prepared to double down on support for the economy as Trump tariffs loom
BANGKOK (AP) — Chinese leaders met this week to plot economic policy for the coming year, sketching out plans to raise government spending and relax Beijing’s monetary policy to encourage more investment and consumer spending. Leaders of the ruling Communist Party wrapped up...
Japan business survey shows slight improvement in outlook for manufacturers
BANGKOK (AP) — A quarterly survey by Japan’s central bank shows business sentiment has improved slightly, especially in major heavy industries such as automaking, fossil fuels and machinery, while services industries were less upbeat. The survey released Friday by the Bank of...
