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US economy holds firm in early Q4; inflation stuck above Fed's target

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. consumer spending increased slightly more than expected in October, suggesting the economy retained much of its solid growth momentum early in the fourth quarter, but progress on lowering inflation appears to have stalled in recent months. The lack of success in bringing inflation back to the Federal Reserve's 2% target, together with the prospect of higher tariffs on imported goods from the incoming Trump administration, could narrow the scope for interest rate cuts from the U.S. central bank next year. The Fed is still widely expected to deliver a third rate cut in December, with other data on Wednesday showing more unemployed people were experiencing long bouts of joblessness in mid-November.

Apple misses out on big 2024 smartphone market rebound, IDC says

(Bloomberg) -- Global smartphone sales rebounded strongly in 2024 after two successive years of decline, but Apple Inc. barely managed growth, an independent study showed, underscoring the speed with which Android-based rivals are gaining ground in China and emerging markets.Most Read from BloombergNew York City’s ‘Living Breakwaters’ Brace for Stormier SeasIn Italy’s Motor City, Car-Free Options Are GrowingIn Kansas City, a First-Ever Stadium Designed for Women’s Sports Takes the FieldNYC's Und

BNP Paribas' fund arm to exclude new oil and gas bonds

BNP Paribas Asset Management will no longer invest in new bonds issued by companies involved in oil and gas exploration and production, according to a strategy update dated November. The French asset manager said its policy aimed to support oil and gas companies with their transition to sustainable energy sources, while screening out those companies which are not adapting quickly enough, according to the document. The firm will no longer buy new bonds issued by oil and gas companies, including diversified companies, but it will continue to invest in their existing debt and equity, subject to certain rules and exclusions.

US consumer price increases accelerated last month with inflation pressures resilient

Consumer price increases accelerated last month, the latest sign that inflation's steady decline over the past two years has stalled in recent months. According to the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, consumer prices rose 2.3% in October from a year earlier, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. Economists closely watch core prices because they typically provide a better read on where inflation is headed.

Is Bitcoin's Post-Election Rally Over?

Pro-crypto optimism was off-the-charts, investors were euphoric about Bitcoin's future growth potential, and a final climb over the $100,000 mark seemed like a no-brainer. While there's certainly a case to be made that Bitcoin might have gone up too far, too fast, I think there's still plenty of upside potential as we head into 2025. You don't need to be an economist to understand Bitcoin.