March 11, 2025
United States:
US Small-Business Optimism Retreats as More Shift to Price Hikes
US small-business optimism fell to a four-month low in February and a gauge of uncertainty neared a record high as business owners grew uneasy about tariffs.
The National Federation of Independent Business optimism index declined 2.1 points to 100.7 last month. Seven of the 10 components that make up the overall index weakened, led by the steepest slide in the economic outlook since March 2022.
Europe:
Defense Spending Won’t Necessarily Slow ECB Rate Cuts, Rehn Says
A ramp-up in defense spending doesn’t have to lead to slower interest-rate reductions by the European Central Bank, according to Governing Council member Olli Rehn.
The Finish central-bank chief said higher military outlays won’t “necessarily” put a brake on monetary easing, adding to earlier remarks that he and his colleagues “will maintain complete freedom of action” amid high uncertainty.
Asia:
Japan’s Finance Minister Says Higher Yields Aren’t All Bad
Japan’s rising bond yields will have both positive and negative effects on the economy, the nation’s finance minister said Tuesday in a comment likely aimed at easing recent market concern over higher borrowing costs.
While the yield on 10-year government debt fell Tuesday amid global market concerns over the economic outlook, that move came after it hit a 17-year high of 1.575% on Monday.
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