Global Markets and Economic Policy by Annmarie Hordern
Annmarie Hordern: U.S. public-employee pension fund assets grow to $7.3 trillion in June
Combined assets of state and local public-employee pension funds in the U.S. increased from $5.8 trillion in 2023 to $7.3 trillion in June, according to data from the Federal Reserve and as ...
AI boom not a systemic problem, Scott Bessent tells investors
Treasury secretary Scott Bessent told investors in a private meeting that he does not see a “systemic problem” with the current artificial intelligence boom, downplaying concerns that the ...
Annmarie Hordern: Saudi Arabia weighs postponing flagship investment conference in Riyadh after safety concerns
Saudi Arabia is considering whether to postpone its flagship investment conference in Riyadh following safety concerns raised privately by Wall Street executives to event organizers, including the ...
Core index rises for second month, Annmarie Hordern notes
The index for all items less food and energy increased by 0.3 percent in September, mirroring the rise seen in August. Annmarie Hordern reported that indexes for recreation, used cars and trucks, ...
Annmarie Hordern: Jamie Dimon describes ongoing U.S. economic growth driven by business investment and consumer spending
Jamie Dimon said the U.S. economy continued to be supported by strong business investment and ongoing consumer spending. He also described significant risks, including large fiscal deficits, ...
Remote work extended at King Abdullah Financial District, Annmarie Hordern notes
Annmarie Hordern reports that tenants in King Abdullah Financial District have been informed their remote work arrangement will be extended until further notice. KAFD hosts the Saudi sovereign ...
Annmarie Hordern: Further rate hikes possible as data support inflation goal
Annmarie Hordern reports that Governor Waller anticipates more interest rate hikes if economic data continue to align with expectations. Waller explained that upcoming increases would support a ...
Debt-to-GDP ratio may fall quickly, Annmarie Hordern notes
Annmarie Hordern shared remarks from a Pennsylvania Chamber event, highlighting a focus on the debt-to-GDP ratio and the potential to start reducing it soon. She relayed a comment that this ...
Annmarie Hordern: U.S. mortgage rates climb to highest level since November 2023
Annmarie Hordern reports that U.S. mortgage rates have risen for a sixth consecutive week, reaching an almost three-year high. The contract rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage increased by 18 basis ...
Scott Sheffield alleges personal assurances were broken by Exxon CEO Darren Woods, Annmarie Hordern notes
Annmarie Hordern highlights a sharp critique by Scott Sheffield regarding Exxon in the Financial Times. Sheffield accuses Exxon chief executive Darren Woods of providing personal assurances ...
Annmarie Hordern: Psychological anchoring shapes market mindset after global financial crisis
Annmarie Hordern points to the significant influence of psychological anchoring on current market sentiment. She highlights that collective thinking has been shaped by over a decade of ...
Fed members' restrictive rates view draws criticism at investor meeting, Annmarie Hordern notes
Annmarie Hordern reports that Stanley Druckenmiller criticized Federal Reserve committee members for insisting that fed funds rates are currently restrictive. Druckenmiller made the remarks to a ...
Annmarie Hordern: Canada focused on building stronger and more competitive economy
Annmarie Hordern reports that Canada’s Mark Carney has stated substantial progress has been made, but important work remains ahead for the country. According to Carney, Canada is keeping its ...
Price stability remains central for Fed chair assessment, Annmarie Hordern notes
Annmarie Hordern highlights commentary from the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board on the expectations for the Warsh Federal Reserve. The board emphasizes that a key measure of effectiveness ...
Annmarie Hordern: U.S. small business optimism index rises above long-term average
Annmarie Hordern reports that the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index increased by 2.4 points in July to reach 99.8, surpassing its 52-year average of 98.0. This represents the highest level for ...
AI drive reshapes U.S. market landscape, Annmarie Hordern notes
Annmarie Hordern highlights that the current AI buildout is a critical driver for markets and has become a massive stimulus for the U.S. economy. According to Hordern, this surge in AI activity ...
Annmarie Hordern: Japanese yen appears undervalued as economy performs strongly
Annmarie Hordern shares the view that the Japanese yen currently appears undervalued and describes the currency as very cheap. She also highlights that the Japanese economy is performing well and ...
Dallas, Cleveland and Minneapolis Fed leaders back rate increase, Annmarie Hordern notes
Annmarie Hordern reports that three Federal Reserve officials—Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan, Cleveland’s Beth Hammack and Minneapolis Fed chief Neel Kashkari—dissented in favor of raising ...
Annmarie Hordern: Delays reported in Saudi Arabia to United Arab Emirates bank transfers
Annmarie Hordern reports that several firms and individuals have recently experienced unusual delays in completing bank transfers from Saudi Arabia to the United Arab Emirates. These delays have ...
Brent crude drops under $75 a barrel for first time since Iran war began, Annmarie Hordern notes
Annmarie Hordern reports that Brent crude oil prices have dropped below $75 a barrel, marking the first time this level has been breached since the Iran war began. The move reflects significant ...
Annmarie Hordern: Trump questions need for further U.S. interest rate hikes
Annmarie Hordern reports that U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed concerns about market reactions to positive economic data, suggesting that strong reports now often lead to declines because ...
