There is only one state in the United States that does not require adults to wear seat belts. New Hampshire is located in the northeast, not the south, and is influenced by libertarian ideology. Libertarians are liberal in their pursuit of personal freedom, but conservative in their emphasis on economic freedom. The U.S. presidential election is no longer a simple one of North vs. South or Democrats vs. Republicans, but is about to get into full swing, incorporating a variety of ideas. Below are 5 news items to keep in mind as you start your day.
Trump lead
An opinion poll conducted ahead of the New Hampshire primary election to be held on the 23rd for the Republican nomination for the US presidential election found that former President Trump’s popularity was high among voters who were likely to vote. Her approval rating was 50%, with former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley at 39%. The poll was commissioned by CNN and conducted by the University of New Hampshire. Ms. Haley has the backing of Wall Street billionaires and will hold a fundraising event in New York on the 30th. Florida Governor DeSantis has announced that he is withdrawing from the presidential race.
FOMC focus points
The US Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is expected to keep interest rates unchanged for the fourth consecutive meeting on the 30th and 31st. But the real focus is on the March FOMC meeting and beyond. Officials have given no indication they plan to use the January meeting to cut interest rates in March. Hawks may be reluctant to abandon guidance in the January statement that leaves open the possibility of further rate hikes, as bond and stock prices rise on expectations for rate cuts. Atlanta Fed President Bostic said on the 18th that the worst outcome would be for the Fed to cut interest rates and then have inflation rise, forcing them to raise rates again.
Musk’s new AI company
Elon Musk’s new artificial intelligence (AI) company xAI, which aims to raise $1 billion, has secured a $500 million commitment from investors, people familiar with the matter said. The company is negotiating a valuation of $15 billion to $20 billion, but terms are still subject to change in the coming weeks. Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the report was “fake news.”
The future of the Middle East
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has called on the United States to support an immediate ceasefire over the fighting between Israel and Hamas. Iran accused Israel on the 20th after a rocket hit a building in the Syrian capital Damascus, killing at least five people, including an Iranian military adviser who lived there. The US military launched an airstrike and destroyed a Houthi anti-ship missile that was preparing to launch into the Gulf of Aden.
Skeptical of Chinese assets
Skepticism about Chinese assets is spreading beyond stocks,Renminbi and government bondsInvestors expect that the stock will underperform. Mizuho Bank’s Ken Zhang said pressure on the yuan and banks’ weak net interest margins will limit the PBOC’s room to cut rates. The loan prime rate (LPR) announced on the 22nd is expected to remain unchanged.
Other notable news
Russian president intends to visit North Korea early, talks with North Korean foreign minister – KCNA
Warren Buffett urges CEO to continue reorganization of Citi – Report
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2024-01-21 21:00:00
