Month: January 2025

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Record low US home sales in 2024

En 2024, el mercado inmobiliario de Estados Unidos sufrió una notoria caída, con las ventas de viviendas existentes disminuyendo a niveles que no se veían desde 1995. La Asociación Nacional de Agentes Inmobiliarios informó que solo se vendieron 4.06 millones de casas durante el año, lo que representa una disminución del 0.7% respecto a 2023. Esta reducción resalta las dificultades que enfrentan tanto compradores como vendedores en la situación económica actual.In 2024, the United States housing market experienced a significant downturn, with existing-home sales plummeting to levels not seen since 1995. The National Association of Realtors reported that only 4.06…
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Trump’s tariff intentions become clearer

At the end of January 2025, the U.S. government revealed its intentions to impose tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals, steel, and computer chips. This action seeks to strengthen local manufacturing and tackle trade imbalances. Yet, these steps might profoundly impact global trade relations, especially influencing major U.S. partners in Asia.Effect on Semiconductor SectorThe semiconductor industry is set to be notably impacted by these planned tariffs. Asia leads in worldwide chip production, producing over 80% of the planet's semiconductors. Prominent firms such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and South Korea's Samsung Electronics along with SK Hynix are key suppliers to the…
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Economic growth persists in the US

During the last quarter of 2024, the economy of the United States grew at an annualized pace of 2.3%, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This expansion rate was below the expected 2.6% and signaled a slowdown compared to the 3.1% increase noted in the previous quarter.Primary Factors of Economic ExpansionGrowth in the fourth quarter was mainly fueled by a rise in consumer spending and government outlays. As a major factor of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), consumer spending stayed strong, indicating continued household consumption. Government outlays also played a positive role, with significant boosts in federal and state…
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Economic growth persists in the US

During the last quarter of 2024, the economy of the United States grew at an annualized pace of 2.3%, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This expansion rate was below the expected 2.6% and signaled a slowdown compared to the 3.1% increase noted in the previous quarter.Primary Factors of Economic ExpansionGrowth in the fourth quarter was mainly fueled by a rise in consumer spending and government outlays. As a major factor of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), consumer spending stayed strong, indicating continued household consumption. Government outlays also played a positive role, with significant boosts in federal and state…
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Economic growth persists in the US

During the last quarter of 2024, the economy of the United States grew at an annualized pace of 2.3%, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This expansion rate was below the expected 2.6% and signaled a slowdown compared to the 3.1% increase noted in the previous quarter.Primary Factors of Economic ExpansionGrowth in the fourth quarter was mainly fueled by a rise in consumer spending and government outlays. As a major factor of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), consumer spending stayed strong, indicating continued household consumption. Government outlays also played a positive role, with significant boosts in federal and state…
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Economic data skepticism and its potential consequences

In January 2025, the U.S. economy displayed a blend of resilience and new challenges appearing in different sectors.Trends in Business Activity and EmploymentThe S&P Global Flash U.S. Composite PMI Output Index, which tracks the manufacturing and services sectors, fell to 52.4 in January from 55.4 in December, reaching its lowest point since April. Even with this reduction, the index stayed above the 50 mark, suggesting ongoing expansion. The deceleration was mainly due to the services sector, whereas manufacturing saw growth for the first time in seven months, spurred by anticipated loosened regulations and reduced taxes under the current administration. Remarkably,…
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Border detentions in December remain stable, reaching the lowest levels since 2020

Border detentions in December remain stable, reaching the lowest levels since 2020

Border detentions for unauthorized crossings from Mexico into the United States in December showed little change from the previous month, maintaining the lowest levels since July 2020. A senior U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed Monday that December detentions are expected to finish near November's total of 46,612. The official added that preliminary data suggests around 44,000 arrests earlier this month. December marks the sixth consecutive month that detentions at the southern border were lower than the monthly averages seen in 2019, signaling a continued decline in unauthorized crossings. The official also noted…
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Panama celebrates 25 years of sovereignty over the Panama Canal

Panama celebrates 25 years of sovereignty over the Panama Canal

This year marks a significant milestone for Panama as the nation celebrates 25 years since it assumed full control of the Panama Canal. On December 31, 1999, the canal was officially transferred to Panama by the United States under the terms of the Torrijos-Carter treaties signed in 1977. The historic transfer symbolized a triumph of sovereignty and national pride for the Panamanian people, who see the canal as vital part of their identity and economic backbone. President José Raúl Mulino presided over the anniversary celebrations, underlining the importance of the canal to Panama's sovereignty and development. In a message shared…
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New York City's congestion pricing will begin amid legal challenges

New York City's congestion pricing will begin amid legal challenges

Cars traveling through Manhattan will face new tolls starting just after midnight on January 5, 2025, as New York City implements the nation's first congestion pricing plan. However, the plan continues to face legal challenges, particularly from the state of New Jersey, which argues that the program could lead to environmental damage and economic consequences beyond the river. Key details on congestion pricing Under the congestion pricing system, motorists entering Manhattan below 60th Street will pay: Peak times (weekdays 5am-9pm, weekends 9am-9pm): $9 Off-peak times: $2.25 (a 75% discount) The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) expects a 10% reduction in cars…
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Ukraine blocks the transit of Russian gas to Europe, ending decades of energy dominance

Ukraine blocks the transit of Russian gas to Europe, ending decades of energy dominance

On New Year's Day, Ukraine officially cut off the flow of Russian natural gas to several European countries, marking the end of Moscow's long-standing dominance of European energy markets. The move, which had been widely anticipated, comes as the five-year transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine expired without renewal amid the ongoing war between the two nations. At around 8am local time on Wednesday, Russian state energy giant Gazprom confirmed that gas exports to Europe via Ukrainian pipelines had stopped. This development, which follows more than three decades of transit of Russian gas through Ukraine, highlights changing energy dynamics in…
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