Fed Holds Fire, Markets Freeze, and Trump Dials Up the Drama

The Federal Reserve stands still while the rest of the world spins — and possibly burns. On today’s Bullhorn Daily, we break down why US interest rates remain unchanged, what the latest Fed forecasts mean for 2025, and why Jerome Powell’s crystal ball is looking a little cloudy.

Meanwhile, markets are flinching at every word out of Donald Trump’s mouth as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate — and the US edges closer to involvement. We look at how global stocks, oil prices, and safe-haven currencies are reacting to the geopolitical heat.

Plus: UK inflation stays sticky, the Bank of England’s next move hangs in the balance, and Singapore slashes its growth outlook. We also unpack the biggest movers on the London Stock Exchange — from Rathbones and ME Group to Tullow Oil’s brutal nosedive.

As always, we explain what matters, why it matters, and what it means for you — without the jargon. Let’s get into it.

📝 Show Notes:

• US Fed keeps interest rates steady for the fourth straight meeting

• Forecasts now suggest just two rate cuts in 2025, down from earlier expectations

• Jerome Powell warns of uncertainty from Trump’s tariff proposals

• Trump teases possible Iran strike, prompting market jitters and oil price volatility

• Dow and S&P dip while Nasdaq inches higher as investors stay cautious

• UK inflation holds at 3.4% — food prices surge, housing market cools

• Bank of England likely to hold rates steady at Thursday’s meeting

• CBI cuts UK growth forecast for 2025 to 1.2%

• FTSE ends higher, boosted by Rathbones, ME Group, and airlines

• Tullow Oil crashes after failed merger talks; PZ Cussons and AO World slide

• Europe’s Stoxx 600 hits lowest level since May 9 amid Middle East tensions

• Asia-Pacific markets mixed as Japan rallies, Hong Kong sinks

• Japan’s exports fall in May, Singapore growth expectations revised down

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