News and Trends
Moody’s Cuts Deposit Ratings At Major Banks After Downgrading US - NDTV Profit--5.19.25
Moody's Ratings cut its ratings for deposits at some of the biggest banks, including Bank of America Corp., JPMorgan Chase & Co., citing Friday's downgrade of the U.S. and the government's weakened ability to support the firms. 
Moody's cuts America's pristine credit rating, citing rising debt - Reuters--5.17.25
Moody's downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating on Friday due to concerns about the nation's growing $36 trillion debt pile. Moody's first gave the United States its pristine "Aaa" rating in 1919 and is the last of the three major credit agencies to downgrade it.
Consumer sentiment slides to second-lowest on record as inflation expectations jump after tariffs - CNBC--5.16.25
U.S. consumers are becoming increasingly worried that tariffs will lead to higher inflation. Inflation expectations are closely watched by investors and policymakers and Fed Chair Jerome Powell has said the central bank wants to make sure long-term inflation expectations do not rise because of tariffs before resuming rate cuts.
Walmart CFO says price hikes from tariffs could start later this month, as retailer beats on earnings - CNBC--5.15.25
Walmart fell just short of quarterly sales estimates, as even the world's largest retailer said it would feel the pinch of higher tariffs. Walmart is often seen as a barometer for the health of the U.S. consumer because of its thousands of stores and large customer base that cuts across age, income and region.
Annual inflation rate hit 2.3% in April, less than expected and lowest since 2021 - CNBC--5.13.25
Inflation was slightly lower than expected in April as President Donald Trump's tariffs just began hitting the slowing U.S. economy. The consumer price index rose a seasonally adjustment 0.2% for the month, putting the 12-month inflation rate at 2.3%, its lowest since February 2021.
India considering tariffs on US goods to counter Trump's levies - Fox Business--5.13.25
India is considering placing tariffs on some goods produced in the U.S. to counter the Trump administration's duties on steel and aluminum products, according to a document submitted to the World Trade Organization. The document said the potential countermeasures would impact $7.6 billion worth of products made in India that are imported into the U.S.
US consumer confidence plummets to Covid-era low as trade war stokes anxiety - AP News--4.29.25
Americans' confidence in the economy slumped for the fifth straight month to the lowest level since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic as anxiety over the impact of tariffs takes a heavy toll. The figures reflect a rapidly souring mood among Americans, most of whom expect prices to rise because of the widespread tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
Americans are betting too much of their retirement on the U.S. stock market. They should be doing this instead.- Market Watch--4.28.25
Many Americans hold nearly all of their investments in U.S. stocks. The typical U.S. investor with a retirement plan holds 79% of their assets in stocks and nearly all the rest in cash and bonds. Those who have prepared their portfolio have seen better returns this year than those who have not.
Deutsche Bank sees major trouble ahead for the U.S. dollar - Market Watch--4.24.25
Deutsche Bank's George Saravelos has been ringing the alarm bell about the U.S. dollar for some time and it now taking his warnings up a notch. Saravelos is warning that the dollar may lose its reputation as a safe-haven currency, citing a declining correlation between the currency and stocks.
"News and commentaries posted at Swiss America does not necessarily express the opinions of Swiss America nor of its personnel. Swiss America attempts to post only credible news and opinions, however we do not take responsibility for the accuracy of external content nor should it be construed as an endorsement."
