Treasury
The Federal Reserve kept the federal funds rate unchanged in the 3.5%-3.75% range at its July meeting, but three regional Fed presidents dissented, advocating for a 25-basis-point rate hike. Chair Warsh called the internal debate a "benign family quarrel" and emphasized the commitment to achieving price stability.
According to the latest report from CoworkingCafe, the total shared office space in the U.S. reached 166 million square feet in Q2 2026, up approximately 17.5% year-over-year. The median monthly rent for open desks and dedicated desks decreased from $225 to $219, while hourly meeting room rates remained stable at $45. A Yardi commercial data director predicts that the share of coworking in office building inventory will continue to rise over the next five to seven years.
S&P Global's July purchasing managers' survey shows US business activity and confidence rose to an eight-month high, with companies adding jobs for the first time in three years. The services sector was the main growth engine, while manufacturing growth slowed, but supply chain delays and input cost inflation rose to multi-year highs, and Middle East conflicts further elevated risks.
As a source of capital, the heterogeneity of family offices presents unique challenges and opportunities for CFOs. Based on insights from EY experts, this article analyzes their definitions, regulatory frameworks, investment horizons, tax considerations, and key collaboration points.
The latest US Chamber of Commerce survey shows that persistent inflation became the top concern for small business owners in the second quarter, undermining their confidence. 57% of business owners listed inflation as their primary concern, up from the first quarter. Despite a slowdown in consumer price growth in June, the small business optimism index has remained below its historical average for the fourth consecutive month, reflecting both challenges and opportunities in the economic environment.
Recent research by Carly Burd, an assistant professor at North Carolina State University, shows that in tax disclosures, specific figures help analysts understand a company's tax situation better than narrative text. The study analyzed 7,944 annual reports from 2,099 companies between 2012 and 2019 and found that detailed tax figures enhance transparency, but such reports are also more likely to be downloaded by IRS employees.
U.S. retail sales rose 0.2% month-over-month in June, marking the fifth consecutive monthly increase. Falling gasoline prices reduced revenue at gas stations, but consumer spending excluding energy factors remained solid. Economists expect real household spending to grow at an annualized rate of 2.5% in the second quarter, while also warning that consumption may slow in the second half of the year.
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh testified before the Senate Banking Committee that while the US holds a leading position in artificial intelligence, it is engaged in a "proxy war" with China. He urged regulated institutions and the Fed itself to heighten vigilance against AI attacks, and mentioned the long-term threat posed by China's digital yuan to the dollar's hegemony.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the Consumer Price Index rose 3.5% year-over-year in June, down from 4.2% in May and below expectations. Fed Chair Warsh testified before the House, pledging to bring inflation down to the 2% target but emphasized the task is not yet complete. Falling energy prices were the main driver of the slowdown, while recent oil price rebounds may push July data higher. Market expectations for a rate hike this month have significantly decreased.
Fintech company Bottomline announced on Monday that it has added stablecoin capabilities to its CFO suite, allowing corporate finance teams to send, receive, and manage stablecoins while retaining approval, control, and audit processes. This move is the latest attempt in the payments and fintech sector to integrate digital assets into mainstream commercial transactions.