AM Best has revised the outlook to positive from stable for the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of B++ and the Long-Term ICR of ?bbb? of Pedcor Assurance Company.
AM Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of A+ and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ?aa? to AXA XL Excess & Surplus Lines Insurance Company, a subsidiary of AXA S.A. The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings is stable.
The U.S. current account deficit narrowed sharply in the fourth quarter, hitting the lowest level in nearly five years, amid a rise in primary income and a reduction in the goods trade deficit partly because of tariffs on imports.
Ripple is piloting its RLUSD stablecoin in a trade finance sandbox backed by Singapore's central bank, targeting faster and more efficient cross-border payments. The pilot, part of the Monetary Authority of Singapore's BLOOM initiative, involves Ripple partnering with Unloq to automate trade payments, CoinDesk reported on Wednesday.
The interest rate on the most popular U.S. home loan surged by the most in 11 months last week to the highest since October as rising oil prices from the war in Iran fanned inflation fears, forcing up yields on the Treasury bonds most influential to mortgage rates.
Uniform retailer Cintas (CTAS) raised its annual forecasts for revenue and profit on Wednesday, betting on resilient demand for its workplace essentials and facility services. The company also beat Wall Street estimates for third-quarter revenue, benefiting from employment growth in key U.S. industries such as healthcare, social assistance and construction.
America?s permitting system is driving billions in hidden costs and slowing critical housing, infrastructure, and economic development projects, according to a new report from?Labrynth, an AI-native regulatory intelligence company.
Brazil's government has issued an executive order establishing 15 billion reais in credit lines managed by state development bank BNDES to support companies hit by geopolitical instability, it said on Wednesday. * The package is aimed at exporters and companies considered strategic to Brazil's trade balance, the government says.
* BANK OF CANADA SAYS IT RESUMES MARKET OPERATIONS; WILL PROCEED WITH ITS REGULAR SCHEDULE FOR MARKET OPERATIONS, INCLUDING TODAY'S AM AUCTION OF RECEIVER GENERAL BALANCES.
By Jamie McGeever. Markets overshoot, and the dramatic surge in bets on higher interest rates in light of the Middle East energy shock is the latest case in point: the move may be logical, but its magnitude is questionable. As the dust settles on one of the busiest central bank weeks in years, the Iran war shows no sign of ending and markets remain in flux.
Gold's violent reversal this month shows how a quick sentiment flip can erase value. Prices peaked just shy of $5,600 an ounce in late January, capping a powerful rally driven by geopolitical tension, central bank demand, and retail momentum.
Chile's central bank reduced its growth expectations for the country's economy in 2026 while its inflation forecast increased amid pressures from rising global fuel prices.
The US Q4 current account deficit narrowed to $190.75 billion from a revised $239.14 billion in the previous quarter, compared with expectations for a $208.5 billion deficit from a survey compiled by Bloomberg as of 7:30 am ET. The narrower current account deficit reflected a smaller goods and services gap, the return to surplus for the primary income component and a smaller secondary income gap.
Chile's gross domestic product is expected to grow between 1.5% and 2.5% this year, the central bank said on Wednesday, reducing its forecast from a previous range of 2% to 3%. The bank also raised its forecast for inflation in 2026 to 3.6% from a previous 2.9%, amid pressures from rising global fuel prices.
Iowa lawmakers have to merge competing visions for property tax reform after multiple bills passed out of committee in the state House and Senate this month.
Liberty Energy Inc. (LBRT) today announced that it proposes to offer $450.0 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2032, subject to market conditions and other factors, in a private offering to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
U.S. corporate finance chiefs' outlook for the economy improved over the first months of the year, at least until the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, with executives expecting to increase employment amid solid revenue growth, though with continued pressure as well to raise prices, according to a Federal Reserve survey.
U.S. corporate finance chiefs' outlook for the economy improved over the first months of the year, at least until the outbreak of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, with executives expecting to increase employment amid solid revenue growth, though with continued pressure as well to raise prices, according to a Federal Reserve survey.
PANAMA CITY, March 25, 2026 Bladex,?a Panama-based multinational founded by the central banks of 23 Latin American and Caribbean countries to promote foreign trade and economic integration in the region, today hosted its 2026 Investor Day, "Our 2030 Vision."
The major foreign exchange rates have remained stable overnight Tuesday, as market participants wait to see if there is any progress in talks between the United States and Iran to end the conflict, said MUFG. The price of oil has settled back closer to US$100/barrel for Brent.
* Lagarde says inaction may be hard to communicate. * Lane flags selling prices, wages as key. * Investors expect multiple ECB rate hikes this year. * Mounting signs that Iran crisis is hurting the economy. * Rehn says ECB should look beyond oil prices. By Balazs Koranyi and Francesco Canepa.
The Canadian province of Manitoba is estimating a budget deficit of $1.7 billion, 1.7% gross domestic product, in the outgoing 2025/26 fiscal year, said CIBC. While that is more than double last year's budget projections, the deterioration is largely linked to drought conditions that negatively impacted Manitoba Hydro and increased spending on fighting wildfires, noted the bank.
On Holding (ONON) said on Wednesday co-founders David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti will take over as co-CEOs from May 1, as Martin Hoffmann steps down after guiding the upstart Swiss sportswear brand through a blockbuster public listing. The change at the helm comes when the 15-year-old company is navigating a shifting tariff landscape and soft consumer sentiment in the U.S., its largest market.
* Iran's military rejects Trump's talk of negotiation. * Oil prices drop, dollar eases. * Gold rebounds after touching 4-month low on Monday. By Noel John.
The pilot with supply chain firm Unloq under MAS's BLOOM initiative would trigger cross-border payments automatically when shipment conditions are verified, a use case that connects Ripple's stablecoin ambitions to a concrete commercial application.
* US proposes plan to end war in Iran. * Oil prices drop on prospect of Middle East ceasefire. * US dollar edges down 0.2% By Noel John. Gold rose more than 2% on Wednesday, buoyed by a softer dollar, while a drop in oil prices eased concerns about elevated inflation and higher global interest rates, amid reports of a U.S. plan to end the Middle East war.
Gold rose more than 2% on Wednesday, buoyed by a softer dollar, while a drop in oil prices eased concerns about elevated inflation and higher global interest rates, amid reports of a U.S. plan to end ...
* Goolsbee cites energy prices as inflation risk. * Fed held rates steady, but future cuts uncertain. * Oil prices surge due to Iran conflict, impacting inflation.
The U.S. Federal Reserve may need to keep interest rates steady "for some time" before further cuts are warranted, Fed Governor Michael Barr said on Tuesday, noting continued inflation above the Fed's 2% target and the risks posed by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The job market "appears to be stabilizing," Barr said in remarks prepared for delivery to a community development conference.
The U.S. Federal Reserve may need to keep interest rates steady "for some time" before further cuts are warranted, Fed Governor Michael Barr said on Tuesday, noting continued inflation above the Fed's 2% target and the risks posed by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The job market "appears to be stabilizing," Barr said in remarks prepared for delivery to a community development conference.
* Oil prices surge amid Strait of Hormuz shipment disruptions. * U.S. Treasury yields increase, dollar strengthens. * Euro zone growth stalls due to inflation and war impact. By Caroline Valetkevitch and Amanda Cooper.
KBRA assigns a long-term rating of AA- to the City of Austin, TX Airport System Revenue and Refunding Bonds, Series 2026A and Airport System Revenue and Refunding Bonds, Series 2026B. Key Credit Considerations The rating actions reflect the following key credit considerations: Credit Positives. Credit Challenges. Rating Sensitivities For Upgrade. For Downgrade.
Chile's central bank on Tuesday held its benchmark interest rate at 4.5% in a unanimous decision, in line with expectations, as inflation remains within the bank's target range but the war in the Middle East raises oil prices and inflation expectations.
Harrow said late Tuesday it priced a private offering of $50 million of 8.625% senior unsecured notes due 2030. Net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes. The offering is expected to be close Friday, according to the company. MT Newswires does not provide investment advice.
Chile's central bank on Tuesday held its benchmark interest rate at 4.5% in a unanimous decision, in line with expectations, as inflation remains within the bank's target range but the war in the Middle East raises oil prices and inflation expectations.
Harrow, a leading provider of ophthalmic disease management solutions in North America, today announced the pricing of its private offering of $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.625% senior unsecured notes due 2030.
"You would think global instability leads to flight for quality, but you also have the inflationary pressures that come with higher oil prices. I would say the inflationary pressures have been winning, and that's why you're seeing Treasury and muni rates move higher," said Keith Richard, head of public finance at Siebert Williams Shank.
* BANK OF CANADA SAYS IT IS EXPERIENCING AN INTERNAL COMPUTER SYSTEMS ISSUE; CALL FOR TENDERS FOR WEDNESDAY AUCTION OF RECEIVER GENERAL BALANCES HAS BEEN DELAYED. * BANK OF CANADA SAYS OTHER MARKET OPERATIONS MAY BE AFFECTED. * BOC: WHILE THE ISSUE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AND RECOVERY IS UNDERWAY, WE DO NOT CURRENTLY HAVE A TIMELINE FOR WHEN IT WILL BE COMPLETELY RESOLVED.
* Investors watch oil prices, interest rates, Iran headlines. * Jefferies gains on report Japan's SMFG plans possible takeover. * Barclays raises year-end target for S&P 500 to 7,650 from 7,400. * Ares Management (ARES), Apollo Global limit redemptions at funds. By Sin?ad Carew and Purvi Agarwal.
Financial stocks rose in late Tuesday afternoon trading, with the NYSE Financial Index up 0.5% and the State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF adding 0.3%. The Philadelphia Housing Index was rising 0.2%, and the State Street Real Estate Select Sector SPDR ETF was decreasing 0.5%. Bitcoin was declining 2.1% to $69,413, and the yield for 10-year US Treasuries climbed 5.2 basis points to 4.3...
Financial stocks rose in late Tuesday afternoon trading, with the NYSE Financial Index up 0.5% and the State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF adding 0.3%. The Philadelphia Housing Index was rising 0.2%, and the State Street Real Estate Select Sector SPDR ETF was decreasing 0.5%. Bitcoin was declining 2.1% to $69,413, and the yield for 10-year US Treasuries climbed 5.2 basis points to 4.3...
* Pakistan offers to host peace talks to end war on Iran. * Spot gold down over 21% from record peak hit in January. * Platinum edges 1% higher. By Ashitha Shivaprasad. Gold prices extended their decline on Tuesday, weighed down by persistent Middle East tensions that fanned worries of inflation and expectations of higher interest rates globally.
* Two-year yield spikes on soft auction, last at 3.944% * Yields higher as Iran war persists. * 10-year yield last up to 4.419% By Matt Tracy. U.S. Treasury yields rose on Tuesday after an auction of two-year notes met underwhelming demand, as market uncertainty persists around the Iran war and elevated oil prices.
Financial stocks were up in Tuesday afternoon trading, with the NYSE Financial Index slightly higher and the State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF adding 0.2%. The Philadelphia Housing Index was rising 0.7%, and the State Street Real Estate Select Sector SPDR ETF was decreasing 0.2%. Bitcoin was declining 2.4% to $69,206, and the yield for 10-year US Treasuries climbed 8.9 basis points ...
Schweizerische Nationalbank : * SNB CHAIRMAN: POLICY INTEREST RATE IS MAIN TOOL, BUT THERE ARE SITUATIONS WHERE FOREX INTERVENTIONS ARE MORE SUITABLE. * SNB CHAIRMAN: NEGATIVE INTEREST RATES WORKED IN THE PAST, BUT THEY HAD NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS. * SNB CHAIRMAN: WE ARE PREPARED TO INTRODUCE NEGATIVE RATES, BUT THE HURDLE TO LOWER RATES INTO NEGATIVE AREA IS HIGHER.
The weakness in fixed-income markets comes after stocks and bonds saw strength Monday following President Donald Trump's announcement of a five-day pause on strikes on Iranian power plants amid talks between the two countries.
In general the bond market is volatile, and fixed income securities carry interest rate risk. (As interest rates rise, bond prices usually fall, and vice versa. This effect is usually more pronounced for longer-term securities.) Fixed income securities also carry inflation risk and credit and default risks for both issuers and counterparties. Unlike individual bonds, most bond funds do not have a maturity date, so avoiding losses caused by price volatility by holding them until maturity is not possible.
Lower-quality debt securities generally offer higher yields, but also involve greater risk of default or price changes due to potential changes in the credit quality of the issuer. Any fixed income security sold or redeemed prior to maturity may be subject to loss.
Before investing, consider the funds' investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Contact Fidelity for a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.
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