1Financelivemint.com
The Fed is ready to raise rates but some say it’s a mistake
The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates for the first time in over three years, raising its benchmark rate to 3.75-4%. However, some economists argue that such a move would be a mistake due to the current inflation backdrop. The Fed is expected this week to raise the benchmark rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 3,75-3%. Fed-funds futures traders have put the odds of a hike at 91%, up from 30% before the central bank’s July meeting. Persistent inflation is the primary reason for the Fed's decision to raise rates, as prices have grown in excess of the Fed’�s 2% annual target for over five years and core inflation rose 3.1% from a year earlier. However, there are concerns that the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ changes are expected to result in a lower PCE inflation reading.
2Worldurdupoint.com
Syrian, US Foreign Ministers Discuss Bilateral Ties, Regional Developments
Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Al-Shaibani and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and regional developments during a phone call. The two ministers also stressed the importance of continued consultation and coordination on issues of mutual interest to serve shared interests and support regional security and stability. Al-shaiboni expressed Syria's appreciation for US steps to remove sanctions imposed on the country and called for continued coordination to complete technical and implementation measures and ensure their practical impact on the economic and banking sectors. The sides also agreed on the importance to support Syria's stability and economic growth.
3Techbrecorder.com
PTA asks PTML to shut down new ONIC operations
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has ordered Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (PTML) to immediately shut down new sales, activations, subscriptions, marketing and commercial operations of its ONIC digital telecom service. The Authority stated that ONIC falls within the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) framework and cannot continue without regulatory authorisation and compliance with the applicable MVNO framework. To protect existing subscribers from service disruption, PTML has been given three months to migrate/transfer existing ONIC customers to PTML. The PTA also highlighted a significant revenue-sharing arrangement under the Build-Operate Services Agreement (BOSA), where DTMS receives 55 percent of relevant revenue during the initial three years, with its share subsequently declining. The decision marks a significant regulatory development for Pakistan's emerging digital-first telecom and MVNO market.
4Financewsj.com
JGB Yields Higher Amid Inflation Fears
Japanese government bond yields have risen due to fears of inflation and expectations of rate increases from the Bank of Japan. Concerns about a protracted U.S.-Iran conflict have also boosted crude oil prices and U.K. bond yields. Investors are focusing on developments in the Middle East ahead of the Fed's rate decision later on Wednesday. The 10-year JGB yield is up by half a basis point at 3.035%, and the 20-year yield is 3.5 bps higher at 3.,920%.
5Worldthehour.com
Indictment says FBI shut down Russian plot to kill US individuals and target Ukraine supporters
The Russian Federation's intelligence services are planning targeted killings in the United States and in European nations supporting Ukraine, according to a federal indictment. The indictment alleges that a network of the intelligence services has recruited individuals in the US and other countries to surveil targets to be killed, with plans to then kill them. The associates have also been solicited to attack civilian and military infrastructure in European countries perceived to be aligned with Ukraine. The FBI disrupted the plans through "continued relentless work" from members of the Russian Intelligence Services and their affiliates. Darren Cox, head of the Washington, D.C., office of the FBI, cited "extraordinary work" by multiple FBI field offices, components, and partner agencies that disrupted Russia's attempts to conduct violent acts in the U.S.
6Politicswowt.com
Pres. Trump travels to Gastonia, NC
President Donald Trump is set to campaign for Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley in Gastonia, North Carolina. This comes amidst a closely divided Senate and the upcoming midterm election. Democrats are aiming to take the Senate seat held by Republican Thom Tills, who is not running for re-election. Whatley, a former Chairman of the Republican National Committee, has been consistently trailing behind his opponent, former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. Despite President Trump's declining approval rating in North Carolina, this visit is seen as an opportunity to energize Republican voters.
7Sportswtop.com
U.S. Open men’s final watched by record 3.2 million and key late-night match draws nearly 1 million – WTOP News
The U.S. Open men’s final, between champion Alexander Zverev and American Ben Shelton, was watched by a record 3.2 million on ABC, the highest viewership since ESPN began televising the tournament in 2009. The women’S final, won by Elena Rybakina over Aryna Sabalenka, also saw a 13% increase from last year. The quarterfinals also saw 1.3 million viewers on ESPN. The latest-finishing match in U.K. Open history between Carlos Alcaraz and Shelton averaged 1.6 million, with 967,000 viewers staying with the broadcast during the match's final moments. ESPN's full U.
8Worldsouthernhighlandnews.com.au
NZ parliament passes India trade deal to cut tariffs
New Zealand's parliament has passed legislation to implement a free trade ‘agreement with India, which would eliminate tariffs on about 95 per cent of Kiwis' exports to India. The legislation passed with support from the opposition Labour Party. Over half of all products covered would become duty-free from the day the deal takes effect. The deal also includes an agreement allowing New Zealand to invest $US20 billion in India over the next 15 years. The two-way trade between India and New Zealand totalled $NZ3.99 billion ($A3.22 billion) in the year to June 2026.
9Worldwdsm710.com
Saudi-led coalition says it destroys Houthi drone south of Mecca
Saudi Arabia's air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca, preventing it from entering prohibited airspace over the holy city. The Saudi-led military coalition is fighting Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis, and described this as a "red line" for the security of Islam's two holiest sites and pilgrims. The Houthis have taken control of parts of Yemen's Red Sea coast and have announced several major attacks on Saudi Arabia over the past week, threatening its oil exports from the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia issued security alerts across parts of the country following the attacks, which have drawn the kingdom into the Middle East war.
10Businesshcntimes.com
Saipem books USD 350m offshore contract in Angola
The Milan-based offshore services and drilling company, Saipem, has been awarded a new offshore contract in Angola worth approximately USD 350m. The contract was assigned to Azule Energy Angola S.p.A., an incorporated joint venture owned by Eni and bp. The work will involve engineering, fabrication, transportation, and installation of subsea infrastructures, including approximately 62 km of flowlines, risers and umbilicals. The project will be part of the Agogo Integrated West Hub Development, located 180 km offshore Angola at water depths up to 1,750 meters.Fabrication activities will be conducted at Saipam’s Ambriz yard in Angola.
