The AI boom stumbles

US consumers are still in love with buying things, buoyed by stock markets that are near all-time highs. But could sky-high mortgages and diesel prices spoil their shopping spree? And if the strains on the economy continue, what does that mean for the November midterm elections? ...  Show more

France’s borrowing costs are skyrocketing. And its leading candidates for next April’s presidential elections - on both extremes of the political spectrum - seem alarmingly unalarmed. All of this gives hosts Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong, and markets correspondent Ian Smith, a b ...  Show more

The Fed chairman reiterated a wait-and-see approach on rates with tariff impact uncertain. (0:15) Consumer confidence unexpectedly tumbles. (1:39) Trump lashes out at Israel and Iran. (2:04)Show NotesOil prices sink on Iran export expectationsDoughnut divorceSpeeding Tesla robota ...  Show more

The Fed chief  Show more

The FOMC keeps rates steady, but with two dissenting votes. (0:16) Odds of a rate cut in September fall below 50%. (1:33) Stocks sell off and yields rise as Chairman Powell speaks. (1:46)Show NotesQ2 GDP tops forecasts, but underlying growth a worry Episode transcripts seekingalp ...  Show more

 Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell is warning that US tariffs are ‘likely’ to put at risk the central bank’s goals of keeping prices and unemployment in check, and chipmakers are reeling from a tough week. Plus, UK inflation fell more than expected to 2.6 per cent in March and the ...  Show more