Bonds & Stocks
A global bond rally got fresh fuel Tuesday from data that suggested euro-area inflation has been mostly vanquished, emboldening bets on interest-rate cuts. Treasuries advanced, led by 30-year bonds as confidence grew that the Federal Reserve can engineer the elusive “soft landing” — by restricting policy, but not so much that it chokes off growth.
Economy
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the central bank will lower interest rates “over time,” while again emphasizing that the overall US economy remains on solid footing. Powell also reiterated his confidence that inflation will continue moving toward the Fed’s 2% target, adding that economic conditions “set the table” for a further easing of price pressures.
World
The US has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel, according to a senior White House official. We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran, official says.