US inflation at 3% in September: Gas prices rise, rent growth eases; Trump’s tariffs raise consumer goods costs

US inflation hits 3% (AP) US inflation remained elevated in September, fueled by a surge in gas prices, even as rent growth slowed, reflecting a mixed picture for consumers in an economy with steady growth but sluggish hiring.According to the labor department report, cited by AP, consumer prices rose 3% from a year earlier—the highest…

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Social security benefits to rise 2.8%: Retirees to see $56 monthly boost; senior citizens say increase not enough

Social security benefits to rise 2.8% (AP) The Social Security administration on Friday announced that its benefits will increase by 2.8% in 2026, giving retirees an average monthly boost of more than $56. The rise reflects moderating inflation after several years of higher cost-of-living adjustments (COLA).The increase will take effect in January for nearly 71…

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Gold reserves vs dollar assets: Why is RBI buying gold & reducing investments in US treasury securities – top points to know

The central bank has added 600 kilograms to its gold reserves this fiscal year. (Representative image) In a strategic shift, India is betting on gold rather than dollar-based assets for its foreign exchange reserves. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is showing a preference for gold over dollar-based investments, data suggests. As of October 10,…

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Trump-Xi meeting: Asian stock markets surge after confirmation; US-China trade tensions expected to ease

Representative image (AI-generated) Asian stock markets remained mostly high on Friday after the White House confirmed that US President Donald Trump will meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping next week.The announcement eased some uncertainty over trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies, although the likelihood of a major trade deal remains unclear.Chinese markets also gained…

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Lesson from China’s export restrictions: India eyes fertilizer plant project in Russia; aim to protect against supply shocks

Representative image (AI-generated) Indian fertiliser companies are preparing to set up a urea manufacturing facility in Russia, a move that is likely to be announced during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India in December. This would be India’s first fertiliser venture in Russia.The plant will use Russia’s abundant ammonia and natural gas reserves, ensuring…

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