#market-uncertainty

#market-uncertainty

Unless Congress passes a new continuing resolution by the end of the day, the government will "shut down" at midnight, causing turmoil in the economy. Not the smallest threat, President Trump has threatened to fire a certain number of federal workers if a shutdown happened, adding to unemployment. Investors are holding their breath waiting to see what happens, and the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF ( NYSEMKT: VOO) is retreating 0.1% premarket.

Gold has surged to a fresh record high above $3,600 an ounce as investors increase bets that the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates this month, fuelling demand for the traditional safe-haven asset. Spot gold rose 0.8 per cent to trade at $3,614.24 an ounce, lifted by a weaker dollar and mounting concerns over the global economic outlook, US trade tensions and questions about the dollar's long-term dominance.

During an onstage interview at the European Central Bank Forum, Jerome Powell stated, "I do think that [the tariffs have led us to hold off on cutting interest rates]." He noted that the Fed paused its decision-making as tariffs increased uncertainty and inflation forecasts."

Despite the ongoing uncertainties in the market, including geopolitical tensions and tariffs, U.S. equities are bouncing back, showing signs of resilience under current conditions.

In the face of potential tariffs impacting global trade, investors are gravitating towards defensive stocks as a safeguard against market instability.

Greystar has highlighted that recent policy changes in Ireland have led to uncertainty in the market, prompting investors to look to other countries for housing opportunities.

Intel's warning of 'elevated uncertainty across the industry' impacted its stock, decreasing 6.8% after it provided a disappointing profit forecast despite beating early year earnings expectations.

Volvo Group plans to lay off 800 workers due to market uncertainty and demand concerns, heavily influenced by President Trump's tariffs.

I wasn't planning on getting rid of the car for at least another year or two.