The downshift in US economic output in the first quarter hasn’t raised business-cycle risk, based on the latest economic updates. A proprietary set of analytics developed by CapitalSpectator.com show that the probability remains virtually nil that a recession has started or is imminent.
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Add BlackRock’s CEO to the list of high-powered people in finance who are skeptical that a flattening yield curve reflects a threat that’s brewing for the US economy. Although a narrowing spread between short and long Treasury rates has been a warning sign in the past, this time is different, said Larry Fink, head of the world’s biggest money manager.
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N. Korea threatens to halt all talks unless its demands are met: Reuters
Trump offers “protections” to N. Korea if it gives up nukes: The Hill
China cast doubt on reports of trade deal with US: Bloomberg
Trump doubts that trade negotiations with China will succeed: CNBC
European leaders vow to blunt new US sanctions on Iran: NY Times
US Leading Index advances for sixth straight month in April: CNBC
Philly Fed mfg index posts sharp rise, far above expectations: MarketWatch
US initial jobless claims tick up, but still near 50-year low: MarketWatch