Fitch sees defaults, arrears rising as growth slows amid tight financial conditions
Minutes of most recent meeting show that policymakers are in no rush to reduce borrowing costs
Powell said the U.S. economy and job market remain fundamentally healthy
The European economy has slogged through quarter after quarter of near-zero growth
Economy performing better than expected, pushing out Fed action
Average prices still remain far above where they were before the pandemic
Moderate price growth is forecast, and arrears is expected to rise slightly
Monthly increase means central bank could pause at July meeting
Weaker labour market, still-high interest rates and dwindling savings to crimp consumer spending
Easing financial conditions cushion impact of slowing global economy