Scotiabank and BMO See Signs of Economic Recovery Amid Cautious Optimism

By Naimul Karim | August 26, 2025

Scotiabank and BMO reported stronger third‐quarter earnings. Canadian banks share their news. Executives note that profits improve as economic data turns positive. They lower the measure of risk. Tariffs and U.S. trade still worry many. Yet, like green shoots, early recovery signs emerge.

Declining Uncertainty Sparks Confidence

BMO’s CEO Darryl White explained the change during an analyst call. He noted: earlier, his uncertainty was very high. Today, he sees less risk. Political issues and leadership doubt once clouded growth. Now, clarity improves. Some issues—geopolitics and a missing U.S. trade deal—remain. However, White links confidence to the fall in risk.

Economic Performance in the ‘Middle Innings’

White places the economy in its middle innings. He states that growth is modest and steady. The pace is as expected. The system does not run strong nor does it risk recession. Some sectors slow naturally during this phase.

Scotiabank Spotlights Consumer Spending Recovery

Scotiabank’s Chief Risk Officer Phil Thomas shows signs in consumer spending. Credit card data highlights green shoots. Thomas sees growth in retail sales during the second quarter. Challenges still hit younger consumers. Yet, the mixed data builds cautious hope for consumer strength.

Strong Earnings and Improved Credit Metrics

Both banks beat analyst expectations. BMO’s net income rose to $2.33 billion from $1.86 billion year-over-year. Earnings per share reached $3.14. Adjusted net income also improved. Scotiabank reported higher banking profits. It cut its credit loss provisions. BMO lowered total provisions from $906 million to $797 million. Scotiabank cut its provisions near a billion dollars—a $357 million drop from the previous quarter. Thomas admits that challenges persist. He links ongoing trade and macro concerns to a clouded near-term view.

Looking Ahead

BMO and Scotiabank lead the pack among the Big Six banks. Their results serve as a gauge of Canada’s economy. Tariff issues and pending U.S. trade details still weigh in. Nevertheless, rising consumer spending and stronger credit metrics hint at a wider recovery. For now, the banks expect steady, modest growth that varies by sector. Optimism remains cautious as leaders balance good data with remaining risk.

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Scotiabank Surpasses Analysts’ Expectations with Strong Q3 Earnings

August 26, 2025 | By Naimul Karim

Scotiabank (Bank of Nova Scotia) posted strong financial numbers for the third quarter ending July 31, 2025. The bank beat analyst predictions by raising profits in its global banking and markets divisions. The report shows revenue growth even as economic risks continue, especially from tariffs that affect Canadian trade.

Strong Net Income and Earnings Per Share

Scotiabank earned $2.53 billion. Last year in the same quarter, the number was $1.9 billion. This change gave a net earnings per share (EPS) of $1.84. When unusual items are removed, net income was $2.52 billion. That means adjusted EPS came to $1.88 per share. These figures beat the analyst estimate of about $1.73. CEO Scott Thomson praised the results. He tied the “very strong quarter” to rising revenue in all parts of the bank.

Decrease in Provisions for Credit Losses

Investors watch provisions for credit losses (PCLs) because they signal potential loan defaults and economic issues. In this quarter, total PCLs dropped to about $1 billion. This is $11 million less than Q3 last year and $357 million less than Q2 2025. PCLs for high-risk loans fell to $975 million in Q3 from $1.05 billion in the previous quarter. This drop mainly came from lower figures in the Canadian retail and corporate loan areas.

Segment Performance and Dividend Increase

The international banking division reported adjusted earnings of $716 million, a 7% rise over last year. In contrast, Canadian banking earnings fell 2% to $959 million compared to the previous year. Yet, they improved 56% from the prior quarter.

With its strong financial show, Scotiabank raised its quarterly dividend to $1.10 per share, up from $1.06. ### Market Context

Scotiabank is one of Canada’s Big Six banks and shows the health of the national economy. The Q3 results come at a time when trade tensions worry Canadian businesses. Analysts study the bank’s credit loss provisions to see if households and companies face stress.

Looking Ahead

The better-than-expected profits and improved credit outlook show that the bank stays strong at its core. Investors will keep an eye on global economic factors, like trade and overall trends, that may affect Scotiabank in the coming quarters.


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Contact:
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Email: nkarim@postmedia.com


This article is based on reporting by Financial Post and is authorized for publication with credit.

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German Auto Industry Faces Severe Job Cuts Amid Economic Challenges

The German auto industry loses many jobs. Data from Destatis under EY show a nearly 7% drop in work, about 51,500 jobs lost by the end of June 2025. This drop shows the links between worker loss and the wider money issues in the country.

Job Losses Hit the Auto Industry Hardest

EY finds that almost half of the 114,000 lost jobs in all German industries came from the auto field. No other sector lost work as fast. Since 2019, the auto field cut about 112,000 jobs. Jan Brorhilker of EY Germany points to falling profits, extra factory power, and weak foreign markets as the main ties that bind these cuts.

Declining Revenues and Profit Warnings

Money flows in the auto field now drop. In the second quarter of 2025, revenues fell by 1.6% over the same quarter a year ago. Big makers like Volkswagen show serious profit drops and lower yearly forecasts. Although a 1.6% fall is less than the 2.1% seen across all industries, the shift raises warning flags for Europe’s largest industrial group.

Multiple Industry Headwinds

The German auto field faces many linked problems:

  • Rival makers from China push down prices and spark new ideas.
  • Companies cannot lead in the quick electric car market. Some point to slow state actions and hard rules.
  • U.S. trade rules, with high taxes on cars, add stress. German makers depend on the U.S., where a "Made in Germany" mark shows high quality.

Exports of cars and parts to the U.S. fell by 8.6% in the first half of 2025 compared to last year. Makers warn that high taxes and trade doubts may hold back future work.

Potential Relief from Trade Agreement Details

Some hope comes from a new U.S.-EU trade deal. The deal sets a 15% tax on autos, but it takes effect only after EU law cuts extra industrial fees. This rule may soon help trade run with more clear steps.

Weak German Economy Adds Pressure

The wider German money scene also shows strain. The nation’s gross domestic product shrank in 2023 and 2024. The start of 2025 was weak. After a small gain of 0.3% in the first quarter, the second quarter dropped by 0.3%.

Brorhilker sees lasting stress on exports toward both the U.S. and China. U.S. taxes slow exports while soft demand from China adds to the challenge.

Industry Restructuring Expected to Continue

Large German companies now cut costs and rearrange work structures to face these hard times. Brorhilker says these steps will mean more job cuts in the auto field.


The German auto industry stands as a key part of the country’s work mix. It now faces a path of deep change as it shifts with new money facts, trade rules, steep competition, and rising needs for electric car work.

Keywords: German auto sector, job cuts, economic woes, Volkswagen, trade policy, U.S. tariffs, electric vehicles, China competition, EY report, industry restructuring

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Bank of Montreal Exceeds Expectations, Lowers Provisions for Credit Losses in Q3

August 26, 2025 — By Naimul Karim

BMO beats forecasts. BMO lowers credit loss reserves. BMO shows strong earnings. Each word links closely to the next.

Financial Performance Overview

BMO earns $2.33 billion. This is more than $1.86 billion from last year. Net income rises. Earnings per share reach $3.14. Adjusted net income grows to $2.39 billion from $1.98 billion before. Adjusted earnings per share then come in at $3.23. These numbers beat the expected $2.97 per share.

Segment Highlights

The bank earns strong results in U.S. operations, capital markets, and wealth management. In the U.S. sector, adjusted net income hits $769 million. This marks a 42% jump year-over-year. Wealth management and capital markets rise by 21% and 12% as well.

BMO’s Canadian business weakens. Its adjusted income falls by 5%. This drop equals a $50 million decrease to $870 million.

Provisions for Credit Losses Decline

Credit loss reserves matter. They show funds set aside for loan defaults. Many banks raised these reserves due to economic risks. BMO, however, lowers them to $797 million. This is down from $906 million one year ago.

The fall comes from U.S. and capital market operations. Canadian commercial banking and unsecured personal loans see higher reserves.

Management Commentary and Market Reaction

CEO Darryl White praises “disciplined execution.” He credits clear credit improvements. U.S. operations lead in profit.

Analyst John Aiken of Jefferies Inc. says U.S. retail is strong. He warns that most divisions barely meet forecasts. He notes that lower credit loss reserves drive the gains. He worries about negative U.S. loan growth. He expects that some banks could soon do better than BMO.

Analyst Mike Rizvanovic of Bank of Nova Scotia suggests that these results may lift earnings forecasts for 2026. Dividend Announcement

BMO declares a quarterly dividend of $1.63 per common share. It stays consistent with past quarters.


BMO’s report acts as an early sign of economic trends. Its results often guide ideas about Canada’s broader economy, especially with trade issues and other uncertainties.

For more information and detailed financial updates, readers are encouraged to subscribe to the Financial Post.

Contact: nkarim@postmedia.com

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China’s Housing Fix: New Stimulus Sparks Stock Gains, Trade Talks Loom

By Bob Mason
Published: August 26, 2025, 04:06 GMT+00:00


Beijing’s New Stimulus Aims to Revive Housing and the Economy

Beijing set new policies to help its weak housing market. The city made these plans in Shanghai on August 25, 2025. The policies are meant to raise buyer demand and lift the real estate scene. Investors saw the news and grew hopeful when stocks reached highs seen in many years.

Officials said the rules start on August 26. They ease rules for buying houses and raise limits on loans from housing funds. Buyers can use funds for down payments. The state also drops a temporary tax for first-time buyers who live outside the area. It cuts taxes on houses bought later by outsiders. The state will treat house loans the same, no matter if it is first or second. The aim is clear: help home buyers and steady the market.


Housing Data Sparks the New Plan

The housing market showed poor signs. From January to July 2025, building work in real estate fell 12% compared to last year. In July, home sales areas dropped 4% against last July. June dropped by 3.5% before. Total sales fell 6.5%. New houses lost 0.3% of their value in July. For the first seven months, average home values slipped 4.5%.

These numbers show tough winds for a market that once powered China’s growth. A weak real estate scene joins the problems from trade strains with the United States. Factories slowed and buyers lost some hope.


Stock Market Lifts on Stimulus News

The news raised investor mood. The Hang Seng Mainland Properties Index jumped 3.64% at first and ended the day up 2.72%. Main indices in Mainland China moved up too. The CSI 300 hit highs seen in three years, and the Shanghai Composite reached a 10-year peak. Some experts watch the stocks and say that while the rise is real, retail investors act with care unlike past rallies.

Economist Hao Hong said that stock markets help shape how consumers feel. He thought a stock rebound can quickly lift home feel. He warned that slow retail cheer might help keep the rise steady and not cause a burst.


Economy Faces Growth Hurdles and Needs More Help

The mix of policy changes now lifts the market. Yet experts say more state support may be needed to reach the 5% GDP goal for 2025. Job loss among youth is a big worry. Youth rates rose from 14.5% in June to 17.8% in July, the highest in nearly a year. The overall rate sits at 5.2%. These job issues add fear to China’s growth path, hurt by trade strains and internal shifts.

Natixis Asia Pacific’s head economist Alicia Garcia Herrero said, "China may hit its target next year. But more state aid is needed, and the next half of the year will test us. Many gaps lie ahead, but the state has extra help if we need it."

A recent letter from Kobeissi pointed out signs of weakness:
• Fixed-asset growth slowed to 1.6% – the lowest in five years.
• Property growth fell by 12% – the worst drop since 2020’s lows.
• Retail sales grew only 3.7% in July, down from 4.8% in June.
• Industrial work grew at a slow 5.7% annually, the weakest since November.
• Yuan new loans showed a decline for the first time in twenty years, a sign of soft credit demand.


Market Moves and the Road Ahead

On August 26, 2025, stocks dipped in the morning but kept near recent highs by the close. The CSI 300 gained over 9% in August and more than 13% for the year. The Shanghai Composite gained about 8.5% in the month and more than 15% year-to-date. The Hang Seng Index grew by 28.6% this year.

These gains depend on more state help and better US-China ties. Rising trade strains or slow policy work can shake investor trust.


Trade Talks on the Horizon

With many pressures on the economy, traders and officials now watch US-China trade talks. The future of these talks can shift China’s path and affect world trade. As Beijing uses more measures to steady the market amid hard global and local issues, everyone watches how new trade steps and local plans join to impact both the market and the economy.


Conclusion

The new housing rules in China lifted stocks and brought careful hope to a slowing market. Yet experts say more state aid may be needed to hit growth goals and keep jobs safe. With trade talks coming, the next weeks will shape China’s path and how investors feel.


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Canadian Banks Anticipated to Set Aside Less for Bad Loans in Q3 Amid Easing Tariff Concerns

By Naimul Karim, Financial Post – August 25, 2025

Canada’s banks are set to share their third-quarter earnings this week. Analysts now expect that banks will set aside less money for bad loans. They see lower risk in borrowers. The easing tariff talks and fewer trade tensions add to this view. Each word links closely to the next, so the ideas stay clear and easy.

A Shift from Prior Quarters

Earlier in 2025, Canada’s Big Six banks acted with care. They saved extra funds for credit risk. In the second quarter, banks raised their funds for potential credit losses. They did this to guard against a possible trade war. U.S. tariffs once spooked the markets and stirred worry. Analysts noted that banks built large buffers then. Now, cooler views and steadier risk checks have emerged.

Growing Comfort Among Investors

Investors feel more at ease today. CIBC World Markets analyst Paul Holden said, “We are now comfortable with credit loss provisions that seem flat. Next year, we may even see smaller amounts.” Even if the 2025 economy is not at full strength, low unemployment and strong credit measures support stability. In recent months, Canadian bank stocks have gained about eight percent on average. Each word here connects simply to show this growing trust.

Economic Barometer and Upcoming Earnings

Canada’s big banks act as clear signals for the national economy. Their earnings tell us not only about their own health but also about wider trends. This week starts Tuesday with Bank of Montreal and Bank of Nova Scotia. Wednesday follows for Royal Bank of Canada and National Bank of Canada, and Thursday concludes with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and Toronto-Dominion Bank. Lower credit loss numbers add a positive note, though some experts remain cautious. John Aiken of Jefferies Inc. warns that stock values may seem too high. When earnings miss, even good news might not lift shares further.

Conclusion

The soon-to-be-released reports show that Canadian banks now need less reserve for bad loans. This change supports a stronger view of financial stability. With tariff concerns easing, investors look past today’s risks to a steadier future.


Contact:
Naimul Karim
Email: nkarim@postmedia.com


Photo Caption:
Canada’s Big Six banks, which hold most of the nation’s financial power, issue quarterly results that help forecast economic health. (Photo by Andrew Lahodynskyj/The Canadian Press files)


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From the ‘Big Stay’ to a ‘No-Hire, No-Fire’ Freeze: How Labor Markets Are Shifting in 2025

The labor world in the United States and the United Kingdom is changing fast. Covid-19 left a mark with many workers leaving their jobs. After what many called the “Great Resignation”, 2025 now shows a new trend. Workers hold on to their jobs, and firms slow new hiring and cuts. This change brings what some call the “Great Stay” and a freeze on both adding and letting go of staff.

The Pandemic-Era Shakeup: Great Resignation Recap

At the height of Covid-19, workers moved frequently. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed nearly 50.5 million Americans quit in 2022, up from 47.8 million in 2021. People left to seek better pay, work from home options, and more satisfying roles.

Enter the Great Stay: Workers Holding Firm

In 2025, the scene flips. Nela Richardson, Chief Economist at ADP, names this stage the “Great Stay.” She points out that workers have the jobs they want. They keep the benefits from remote work and better pay while staying in a role longer than usual.

“People are staying put. They’re not leaving. And they’re staying put in sectors like IT and software development, where you’d usually expect a lot of movement,” Richardson said in a CNBC interview.

Workers now keep close to their roles, a clear break from the past chaos.

Employers’ Cautious Approach: No-Hire, No-Fire Market

Firms now act with care in a time of uncertain money. They stop new hiring and avoid layoffs. Richardson describes the scene as a “no-hire, no-fire” situation:

  • Hiring decisions put on hold: Companies unsure of the economic path wait before adding more staff.
  • Low layoff rates: Even with few hires, early claims for jobless benefits stay low. This shows that firms hold on to their staff.

This pause is a watchful step. Firms do not plan to cut numbers; they wait to see what comes next.

Signs of Cooling in Labor Markets

Recent numbers tell a clear story. In the U.S., nonfarm payrolls grew only 73,000 in July 2025. This number falls short of many predictions. The unemployment rate rose to 4.2%. These numbers may shape the Federal Reserve’s talk of interest rate cuts in their September meeting.

Parallel Trends in the United Kingdom

Workers in the UK face a similar scene. After record-high job openings in 2021 and early 2022 with nearly 1.3 million vacancies, the scene changed in mid-2025. The Office for National Statistics showed a 5.8% drop in job vacancies between May and July 2025 in 16 of 18 sectors.

The ONS also noted that:

  • Many companies are not recruiting or replacing staff who leave.
  • People aged 16-64 see a rise in doing neither work nor job hunting, with inactivity near 21%.

Monica George Michail from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research sees higher labor costs and tax and wage rises as part of the reason. Neil Carberry, CEO of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, sees the same trend as a “Big Stay” like in the U.S. He notes that job growth depends on economic strength and a firm business mood. With both low now, companies wait for clearer signs before moving ahead.

What Does This Mean for Workers and Employers?

  • For workers: The Great Stay means more job security. This low movement may strengthen how workers speak up for better terms, but it can also make it hard to change roles.
  • For employers: Holding off on hiring shows care in tough times. Yet, this pause might slow growth and new ideas when firms need fresh talent.

Conclusion

The shift from the past churn of the Great Resignation to today’s Great Stay and the no-change hiring mode shows how doubt about money shapes work trends. Workers stick with their roles, and firms keep a close eye on any changes. This quiet mode may continue as 2025 unfolds. Leaders in government and commerce must soon watch these trends to keep balance while seeking a fresh burst of growth.


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Recession Specials Resurface as a Sign of Waning Consumer Sentiment

August 23, 2025 — Uncertainty grows as the economy stalls. Concern spreads. Many US businesses do simple acts. They bring back recession specials. These offers help them hold on to buyers who worry. In this way, the mood of shoppers now seems like that during the Great Recession nearly twenty years ago.

The Return of Recession Specials

During the Great Recession in the late 2000s, many bars and restaurants used low-price menus or “recession specials” to fight hard times. Media and online talk placed these deals in the spotlight. A 2008 Grub Street write-up called it “Your Definitive Guide to Recession Specials.” A 2009 New York Times story listed special deals at New York City restaurants.

Now, in 2025, similar acts appear. Worry grows over tariffs and a slowing economy. Several spots in cities like New York and San Francisco now run budget-friendly deals that they call recession specials:

  • Clever Blend, a coffee shop in Brooklyn, tags a "$6 gelato and espresso recession special."
  • Wicked Willy’s, a bar in Manhattan, runs a "Recession Pop Party" where guests join in despite economic stress.
  • Market Hotel, a Brooklyn concert hall, hosts events that play with economic themes. Their invite reads: "dress like rent’s due and you’re dancing through it."
  • In San Francisco’s Bay Area, the Super Duper burger chain sells a “Recession Combo.” This combo gives a seasonal Oklahoma-style smash burger, fries, and a drink for $10. It saves buyers $5 compared to the normal price.

Why the Recession Burger?

Ed Onas, the Vice President of Operations at Super Duper, tells us the name is not born from fresh fear. He points to the burger’s old roots in the Great Depression. Back then, adding sliced onions to beef made the meal stretch further. The name fits the discount. It shows a response to high inflation and gives real worth for money.

This deal grew fast. It topped lists on a local San Francisco forum, with many votes and talks. The trend grew so strong that Super Duper now plans to keep the Recession Burger on its menu.

Consumer Sentiment: A Growing Concern

Hints of the public mood show low consumer trust. The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 58.6 in August 2025 from 61.7 in July. This drop builds on a waning trend seen over the year.

Joanne Hsu, who leads consumer surveys at the University of Michigan, lists causes:

  • Many see an economy that slows further, with rising prices and poor business work.
  • The labor market may weaken, and job loss may rise.
  • These fears touch all age groups. Young Americans feel the weight of economic risk as much as older ones.

Hsu warns that low trust and worries over steady income may make buyers spend less. This drop in spending matters for the health of the economy.

What This Means for Businesses and Consumers

The return of recession specials is more than a simple sales trick. It marks the state of the economic mood. Shops and venues in fast-changing areas, such as food and fun, may use these deals more as buyers keep close watch on cash and budgets.

For shoppers, these deals give some ease. They provide cheap choices when funds worry. The trend also shows we must keep a sharp eye on the economic road ahead.


As plans shift and fear of financial strain grows, the "recession special" may come back again in many spots—a sign that both sellers and buyers prepare for hard times.


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Spain’s Economy Thrives Amid European Challenges: Key Drivers Behind the Boom

Spain’s economy shows strong growth and grit in 2025. It beats expectations as it works fast among European peers. New data show Spain’s GDP beat targets by growing 0.7% in Q2, beyond a forecast of 0.6%. This work puts Spain first in GDP growth in the euro zone, with an annual pace near 2.5% compared to France’s 0.6%, Germany’s 0%, and Italy’s 0.7%.

Key Contributors to Spain’s Economic Success

Several key points help Spain’s economic climb:

  • Strong Investment and Consumption: Private spending and public work push growth. The EU’s Next Generation EU funds back these moves.
  • Booming Tourism Sector: Tourism adds about 12% to GDP now. The travel field bounced back after the pandemic. Spain draws guests with low costs and rich culture.
  • Growing Workforce Through Immigration: New residents help the labor pool grow. Almost 90% of this rise comes from migration. The state has given nearly a million work visas and permits in the next three years.
  • Diversification Beyond Tourism: Fields like IT, finance, and other services add export value. They bring in more than €100 billion, outdoing travel income.
  • Low Energy Costs: Years of green power work cut electricity prices by 40%. This drop makes production cheaper and pulls in investors to areas such as solar power and batteries.

Tourism and Immigration: Catalysts Amid Challenges

Tourism boosts jobs, as the work force grew by 9.7% in 2024. Yet high visitor numbers have stirred local protests, especially in cities like Barcelona.

Immigration stays a key factor. While some nations close doors, Spain welcomes extra workers from Latin America and North Africa. These workers fill needed roles, especially in services, and help hold down wage rises even as prices rise in Europe.

Benefits from EU Recovery Funds and Foreign Direct Investment

Spain holds €163 billion in EU recovery funds, second only to Italy. Roughly 70% of these funds—around €55 billion—go to new investments in modern work, especially in clean power and services beyond travel.

Foreign money also flows in, as Spain ranks fourth in the EU for such investments. China plans an €11 billion spend in 2025 with 33 new projects, while US investment stays ahead overall. The focus remains on green power, new transport, and new tech.

Government Perspective and Outlook

Spain’s Finance Minister, Carlos Cuerpo, calls the nation “a great outlier” in growth and appeal. Yet the team faces these tasks:

  • Balancing Wage Growth with Living Costs: Pay must match rising prices.
  • Addressing Youth Unemployment: Spain now shows the highest youth work rate in the EU.
  • Managing Public Debt and Deficit: Solid choices are needed for long-term health.
  • Navigating Political Divides: Political splits may shape future plans.

Innovation in Renewable Energy and Industry

Spain now hosts major work in solar energy. A China-based firm, Arctech, begins a European project in Madrid. The nation uses clean power to keep bills low and draw in jobs like electric car making. For instance, Stellantis and CATL planned a $4.3 billion lithium battery plant in Zaragoza. This plan shows Spain’s growing role in green industry chains.


Spain’s economy moves forward with high consumption, smart investing, extra workers, a recovered travel scene, and low power costs. This mix makes Spain a top spot for international investors and businesses even as it meets social and political tests.

As Spain uses these strengths, it may serve as a model for recovery and steady growth in Europe.


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Powell Signals Possible Fed Rate Cut as Policy Risks Shift After Jackson Hole Speech

By James Hyerczyk | August 22, 2025, 14:27 GMT

At the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, Powell spoke in a clear, tight manner. He flagged that the Fed may cut rates soon. He did not promise a change, but his speech showed that the Fed sees more risk to growth. The market now links his words with a possible rate cut at the September FOMC meeting.

Cautious Yet Dovish Tone from Powell

Powell chose his words with care. His calm tone met market views that hint at softer policy soon. He tied today’s economic shifts to growing risks for growth. Powell said the risks might push the Fed to adjust its policy. His words kept the option for a cut open while urging care in each step.

Market Reacts: Stocks Rally, Yields Decline

Soon after Powell’s talk, U.S. stocks climbed. The Dow rose by over 600 points in one day. The two-year Treasury yield dropped 8 basis points to 3.71%. These moves reflect market ties between his words and a coming rate cut. Powell made it clear that future moves will rest on fresh economic data.

Mixed Economic Signals: Solid Labor Market, Inflation Risks

In his talk, Powell painted a picture that mixed strength with warning. The labor market stayed strong and overall growth held steady. Yet he pointed to trade and tariff risks that may push prices up. Supply problems from trade issues add pressure on inflation. Powell said reset time is needed before these factors calm down. His tone shows that the Fed will work from real data each day.

Revisiting Fed Framework and Maintaining Credibility

Powell recalled the 2020 move to flexible average inflation targeting. This plan let inflation rise above 2% for a time. He admitted that an unexpected run in prices after the pandemic forced a tough look at the plan. The goal remains a steady 2% inflation mark. Powell’s words stressed that the Fed must keep its promise on price stability while watching for growth risks.

Independence Amid Political Pressure

Powell also addressed the topic of politics. He stated that the Fed makes choices from data alone. His clear words push back on claims of political influence. In doing so, he upheld the idea that the Fed’s work rests on economic facts.

Looking Ahead: Data the Deciding Factor for September

Powell kept his focus on data. He said that future moves depend on fresh numbers, especially from inflation and consumer spending. Even though many now tie his words to a rate cut, the Fed waits for clear signals. Analysts see a chance to buy during market pulls when the data comes in weak. The big test lies ahead in September, with each number playing its part.


Summary

Powell’s Jackson Hole talk hints at a near-term rate cut as the Fed sees extra risk for growth. Markets pushed stocks up and pulled yields down, yet the Fed stands by a data-first path. Investors should look to upcoming reports as the September meeting draws near.


About the Author:
James Hyerczyk is a market analyst and teacher from the U.S. He brings over 40 years of experience in following price moves and chart trends. He has written two books on technical analysis and works with both futures and stocks.


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