During the December meeting, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell announced a cut to the federal funds rate range and discussed the potential impact of tariffs on inflation in a post-meeting press conference. He emphasized that there are still many unknown factors regarding the scale and duration of tariffs and that it is premature to draw any conclusions. Powell also mentioned the need to consider both inflation and the labor market when making policy decisions, especially in light of potential changes.
England's hopes of a 5-0 series sweep against West Indies in the fourth T20 were dashed by a stunning century stand from Shai Hope and Evin Lewis, who helped the hosts chase down a target of 219 with six balls to spare. Despite a valiant effort from Jacob Bethell (22-ball fifty), who powered England to an imposing 218-5, the West Indies openers took control of the match with a 136-run partnership. Although England fought back with three quick wickets in the 10th over, West Indies regrouped to clinch their first victory thanks to a confident knock from Rovman Powell and a series of back-to-back sixes from Sherfane Rutherford. The win was also the fourth consecutive victory for the side chasing in the series. However, England's concerns over Liam Livingstone's injury may dampen their spirits as they head into the final match of the series.
England's Saqib Mahmood dominated the cricket field, taking key wickets and leading his team to a victory against West Indies in the third T20 match in St. Lucia. With impressive performances from Sam Curran and Jos Buttler, England secured a 3-0 series sweep against West Indies. Despite a strong effort from West Indies' Rovman Powell and Shai Hope, the team was unable to defend their home turf against England's fierce playing.
England's captain Jos Buttler showcased his batting prowess during the second T20 cricket match against West Indies, scoring a solid 83 runs before being caught by West Indies' captain Rovman Powell. However, Buttler's efforts were not enough as West Indies' Terrance Hinds and Sherfane Rutherford also put up a strong performance, leading their team to victory. A celebratory moment occured when England's Dan Mousley and wicket keeper Phil Salt successfully took down West Indies' captain Powell, solidifying England's defeat. With both teams displaying their talents, it was an intense and exciting match for cricket fans worldwide.
The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates for the second time in four years due to concerns about the future direction of the US economy after Republican Donald Trump was elected president. While inflation continues to rise and the job market is stable, the Federal Reserve is taking a cautious approach with rates now set at 4.5%-4.75%. Economic analysts predict that rates will further decrease in the coming months, but Trump's policies on taxes, immigration, and tariffs could complicate the situation by increasing government borrowing and inflation. While the Fed remains optimistic, many are scaling back their expectations for future rate cuts. There are also questions about how Trump's presidency will impact the economy, with Fed Chair Jerome Powell stating that it is too early to make any predictions.
The West Indies bounced back from a shaky start to their innings in the T20 series decider against Sri Lanka, thanks to a blazing partnership between Rovman Powell and Gudakesh Motie. With Sri Lanka's spin arsenal causing trouble for the tourists, the duo added 54 runs in quick time to take the West Indies to a competitive total of 162-8. Though Sri Lanka fought back with their own spinners, the West Indies have set up an exciting finale to the series.
In the highly anticipated third T20 match against Sri Lanka, West Indies won the toss and decided to bat first. The tourists made two changes to their team, bringing in Shai Hope and Fabian Allen. Sri Lanka, determined to secure their first bilateral T20 series win against the Windies, kept the same team that won the second match. Both captains are confident in their team's chances, with West Indies captain Rovman Powell hoping for a total of 140 and Sri Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka wanting to continue their winning form.
In their first T20I match against Sri Lanka, West Indies claimed a 5-wicket victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Brandon King and Evin Lewis led the way for the West Indies with impressive half-centuries in their successful chase of 180 runs. West Indies captain, Rovman Powell, won the toss and chose to bowl first, citing wet conditions on the field and relying on the strength of their bowlers. Though Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka also preferred to bowl first, the team was unable to stop the West Indies from securing a comfortable win.
In a highly-anticipated T20I match between Sri Lanka and West Indies, it was the home team that emerged victorious with a thrilling 6-wicket win. West Indies started strong with K. Powell scoring 89 runs, but Sri Lanka's M. Pathirana took 3 crucial wickets, limiting them to 164/4. Sri Lanka's R. Chase and S. Rutherford fought hard but couldn't secure a win, as Sri Lanka's experienced A. Mathews sealed the victory with a six in the 17th over.
The West Indies cricket team will be without their senior players Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, Akeal Hosein, and Shimron Hetmyer for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. The quartet has opted-out citing "personal reasons." The team's revamped selection committee, under head coach Darren Sammy, has recalled Evin Lewis and Brandon King and handed maiden call-ups to pace bowling allrounders Terrance Hinds and Shamar Springer. Captain Rovman Powell and vice-captain Roston Chase will lead the squad in the absence of the senior players.