INFLATION

Federal Reserve policymakers continue to signal that gradual U.S. interest rate hikes will be enough to tame inflation despite a fast-growing economy, even as a jump in longer-term borrowing costs suggests investors may be increasingly nervous about that rosy scenario.

It is thought that it doesn't help much to cut official interest rates toward or beyond zero, and maybe it doesn't, but new research suggests the answer has a lot to do with the housing market.

The Federal Reserve’s steady interest rate hikes are the best way to protect the U.S. economic recovery and keep job growth as strong as possible and inflation under control, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said on Friday in a high-profile endorsement of the central bank’s current approach to policy.

U.S. consumer spending increased solidly in June as households spent more at restaurants and on accommodation, building a strong base for the economy heading into the third quarter, while inflation rose moderately.

The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates unchanged on Wednesday, but solid economic growth combined with rising inflation are likely to keep it on track for another two hikes this year even as President Donald Trump has ramped up criticism of its push to raise rates.

Trump said he was concerned about the potential impact on the U.S. economy and American corporate competitiveness from rising rates and a stronger dollar.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, discounting the risk that a trade war may throw a global recovery off track, said the economy is on the cusp of “several years” where the job market remains strong and inflation stays around the Fed’s 2 percent target.

U.S. producer prices increased more than expected in May, leading to the biggest annual gain in nearly 6-1/2 years, but underlying producer inflation remained moderate.

U.S. monthly consumer inflation rose moderately in May as gasoline price increases slowed, suggesting the Federal Reserve could continue to gradually raise interest rates this year.

The Venezuelan bolivar has struggled to maintain its value against skyrocketing inflation.

Expected inflation, which often influences the real thing, appeared to hit a plateau, according to the New York Fed's latest data.

With consumer confidence at a 15-year high and stock market indexes toppling records, the Fed's interest rate may be ripe for another increase.

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro has increased the country’s minimum wage for the fifth time in a year.

A total of 19 states have voted to raise their minimum wage in the New Year, including New York, California and Arizona.

Amid the country’s growing economic crisis, Venezuelans are increasingly using digital currency bitcoin.

Venezuelan parents are taking drastic measures as food becomes increasingly scarce.

In a reaction to surging inflation, Venezuela will issue new banknotes this month.

But St. Louis Fed president wants to boost interest rates to increase the rate of return on safe investments.

The mood soured after data showed Chinese imports in dollar terms contracted in September while exports dropped by a sharper-than-expected 10 percent.

According to minutes from a Sept. 20-21 meeting, several voting Fed policymakers judged a rate hike would be warranted "relatively soon" if the U.S. economy continued to strengthen.

ATM fees have been rising faster than inflation for nearly two decades.