Solid Labor Market Gives Fed Cover to Extend Rate Pause

• Jobless claims drop to lowest level in three weeks, supporting Fed’s assessment that labor market is solid

  Initial jobless claims fell by 16,000 to 207,000 in the week that ended Jan. 25, the Labor Department said Thursday. It’s the lowest level in in three weeks.
  
  MarketWatch - Jan. 30
• 

  The Fed Holds Rates Steady, Hitting Pause After a Series of Cuts

  The U.S. central bank did not cut borrowing costs amid a solid economy and rising inflation risks.
  
  The New York Times - Jan. 29
• 

  Job Market ‘Solid,’ Inflation ‘Remains Somewhat Elevated,’ Fed Says

  Despite inflation, all told, the economy is holding steady.
  
  Inc. - Jan. 29

• 3 CD accounts to consider with the Fed pausing interest rates

  The Fed is keeping interest rates paused. Here are three CD accounts to consider now with rates still high.
  
  CBS News - Jan. 29

• Is the Fed interest rate pause good for mortgage rates?

  The Fed's rate pause is likely to impact borrowing costs — but will it make mortgage loans more affordable?
  
  CBS News - Jan. 29

• This may be ‘most critical thing’ for markets facing Fed interest-rate decision

  The Federal Reserve is about to wrap up its first interest-rate-setting meeting of 2025.
  
  MarketWatch - Jan. 29
• 

  The Fed Is About to Hit Pause on Rate Cuts. Here’s Why.

  Faced with a solid economy and mounting inflation concerns, the U.S. central bank has said it will “move cautiously” on cutting interest rates.
  
  The New York Times - Jan. 29

• Here's the financial impact of the Fed's expected pause on rate cuts

  The Fed is expected to hold off on another rate cut at its Jan. 29 meeting. Here's what it means for your finances.
  
  CBS News - Jan. 28
• 

  The Fed Could Give the Stock Market Exactly What It Wants

  A key inflation metric cooled for the first time in six months.
  
  Inc. - Jan. 16

• Fed’s Collins says her concerns about labor-market fragility have decreased

  The U.S. labor market remains healthy and the Federal Reserve can take a gradual and patient approach to future rate cuts, Boston Fed President Susan Collins said Thursday.
  
  MarketWatch - Jan. 9

More from The New York Times

• 

  Live Updates: U.S. Hiring Slowed in January

  Employers added 143,000 jobs last month, fewer than expected, signaling a more subdued labor market even as the unemployment rate edged down to 4 percent.
  
  The New York Times - 7m
• 

  What Privatization of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Means

  Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were bailed out by the government during the housing crisis nearly 17 years ago. The Trump administration is considering letting them go private again.
  
  The New York Times - 27m
• 

  Trump, the Panama Canal and China’s Role: What We Know

  The canal’s two biggest ports are operated by a Hong Kong company with global reach. The Trump administration sees a Chinese threat to U.S. security.
  
  The New York Times - 45m
• 

  Hosting Its Next Super Bowl, New Orleans’s Superdome Is Turning 50

  The distinctive domed building, turning 50 this year, is known for hosting the Super Bowl, but to locals, it’s also “the city’s living room.”
  
  The New York Times - 23h

• Trump’s Attacks on DEI Get Approval From Some in the Left Wing

  Many Democrats and activists are rallying to defend diversity programs, but others say they distract from deeper efforts to address inequality.
  
  The New York Times - 23h

More in Business

• 

  Live Updates: U.S. Hiring Slowed in January

  Employers added 143,000 jobs last month, fewer than expected, signaling a more subdued labor market even as the unemployment rate edged down to 4 percent.
  
  The New York Times - 7m
• 

  US economy created 143,000 jobs in January

  Decline in unemployment rate bolsters Fed case for slow rate cuts
  
  Financial Times - 8m
• 

  When It Comes to Investing, Is A.I. Worth the Hype?

  After the arrival of a less costly A.I. model from China, U.S. markets and academics are wrestling with the ultimate economic value of the technology.
  
  The New York Times - 15m

• How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt

  A new report finds that people are spending more on their cards and paying down less. Financial experts offer tips for reducing that debt, starting with looking at your spending habits.
  
  The New York Times - 15m

• U.S. economy added just 143,000 jobs in January but unemployment rate fell to 4%

  Nonfarm payrolls were projected to increase by 169,000 in January, according to the Dow Jones consensus forecast.
  
  CNBC - 20m