HONG KONG — Shares were mixed Friday in Asia after Wall Street drifted higher as reports suggested the Federal Reserve may have more leeway to cut interest rates later this year. That is, to
Shares were mixed Friday in Asia after Wall Street drifted higher as reports suggested the Federal Reserve may have more leeway to cut interest rates later this year. That is, to support the US economy if it weakens under the weight of President Donald Trump’s high tariffs.
US futures and oil prices were little changed.
Markets have calmed somewhat after the turmoil unleashed by Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs offensive. This was aimed at compelling companies to base manufacturing inside the United States. But the policies are already taking a toll.
The United Nations on Thursday forecast slower global economic growth this year and next. The UN pointed to the impact of the tariffs and worsening trade tensions.
UN economists also cited the volatile geopolitical landscape and threats of rising production costs, supply chain disruptions and financial turbulence.
