News and Trends
US dollar suffers worst start to year since 1973 - Financial Times--6.30.25
The U.S. dollar is headed for its worst first half of the year since 1973, as Donald Trump's trade and economic policies prompt global investors to rethink their exposure to the currency. The dollar index has slumped more than 10 percent so far in 2025, the worst start to the year since the end of the gold-backed Bretton Woods system. 
Fed holds key rate steady, still sees two more cuts this year - CNBC--6.18.25
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday kept interest rates steady amid expectations of higher inflation and lower economic growth ahead. Still, the FOMC expects to make two rate reductions later this year.
Social Security fund could run dry ahead of earlier forecast, trustees say - MSN--6.18.25
The trust funds for Social Security and Medicare will run out of money is less than a decade, according to a report released Wednesday. The programs' trustees warned that the funds' depletion date is significantly closer than predicted a year ago.
Retail sales fell 0.9% in May, worse than expected, as consumers pulled back - CNBC--6.17.25
Consumer spending pulled back sharply in May, weighed down by declining gas sales and looming unease over where the economy is heading. The decline followed a 0.1% loss in April and came at a time of unease over tariffs and geopolitical tensions.
The Dollar’s Fading Appeal - National Review--6.16.25
More evidence is coming out suggesting that the U.S. dollar is losing some of its appeal as a safe haven. Central banks have been selling Treasuries since March, suggesting that they are diversifying away from dollar assets, according to Bank of America Corp.
Many exporters no longer want dollars, US bank executive says - Yahoo! Finance--6.16.25
The head of currency sales for US Bancorp says that she increasingly hears the same message: Their foreign counterparties no longer want to be paid in dollars. While it remains to be seen if and when the shift manifests itself in official data, oversees vendors wanting to transact in local currencies "could speak to the dollar's reputation."
Oil prices surge, stocks tumble in the wake of Israel's strikes on Iran - NBC News--6.13.25
Oil prices surged and stocks tumbled on Friday in the wake of Israel's strikes on Iran's top military officials and nuclear sites. Israel launched strikes on Iran early Friday, a dramatic escalation of long-running tensions between the two countries.
Americans' Fears of Stock Market Crash Skyrocket - Newsweek--6.13.25
Americans' fears of the stock market crashing are skyrocketing as the economy remains uncertain and President Donald Trump's tariffs take effect, according to a new report. Nearly 26% of the population worries that Wall Street might hit rock bottom and concerns of a broader economic slowdown have increased by 17.5%.
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