WASHINGTON, United States — Most members of the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate setting committee supported further reductions to its key interest rate this year, according to minutes from last month’s meeting released Wednesday.
A majority of Fed officials felt that the risk of unemployment rising had worsened since their previous meeting in July, while the risk of rising…
Amid ongoing government shutdown discussions, former President Donald Trump is leveraging the deadlock to advocate for significant reductions in the federal workforce. This strategy comes as part of his broader agenda to streamline government operations and reduce federal spending.
Trump’s push for workforce cuts has raised concerns among federal employees and lawmakers, who worry about the potential impacts on government services and operations. The looming layoffs could affect thousands of workers across various agencies, intensifying the stakes of the shutdown negotiations.
In response to criticisms, Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for the current administration, has defended the efforts to promote fiscal responsibility. She emphasized that the workforce reduction plans are part of a comprehensive approach to ensure efficient use of taxpayer dollars while maintaining essential government functions.
Leavitt highlighted that the administration is committed to balancing budgetary discipline with public service, aiming to achieve sustainable fiscal management without compromising critical agency missions.
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/2025/10/08/trumprsquos_best_chance_to_drain_the_swamp_654845.html
The dollar index (DXY00) extended this week’s rally on Wednesday, rising +0.32% to reach a 1.75-month high. Political uncertainty in France and Japan has put downward pressure on the euro and yen, respectively, benefiting the dollar.
Wednesday afternoon saw additional gains for the dollar following the release of the hawkish minutes from the September 16-17 FOMC meeting. However, strength in the stock market reduced liquidity demand, limiting the extent of the dollar’s gains. Meanwhile, the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, which entered its second week on Monday, remains a bearish factor for the dollar. The longer the shutdown lasts, the greater the risk of adverse effects on the U.S. economy, negatively impacting the dollar.
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### FOMC Meeting Minutes and Interest Rate Outlook
The minutes from the September 16-17 Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting displayed a slightly hawkish tone. While most policymakers indicated it would be appropriate to ease policy further over the remainder of the year, a majority emphasized upside risks to their inflation outlooks. Markets are currently pricing in a 93% probability of a -25 basis points rate cut at the upcoming FOMC meeting on October 28-29.
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### Eurozone Update: EUR/USD Falls to 6-Week Low
The EUR/USD (^EURUSD) pair extended its losses on Wednesday, declining by -0.29% to a six-week low. Weaker-than-expected economic data from the Eurozone weighed heavily on the euro. Specifically, German industrial production for August posted its largest monthly decline in nearly three and a half years, dropping -4.3% month-over-month versus expectations of -1.0%.
Adding to the euro’s woes, political turmoil in France intensified after Prime Minister Lecornu resigned following President Macron’s appointment of a new cabinet. This development raised uncertainty around the Eurozone’s second-largest economy.
ECB Governing Council Member Muller commented that the Eurozone economy is slowly picking up and inflation is aligned with the ECB’s 2% target. Still, swaps markets currently assign only a 1% chance of a -25 basis points rate cut by the ECB at the October 30 policy meeting.
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### USD/JPY Moves Higher Amid Yen Weakness
The USD/JPY (^USDJPY) rose +0.55% on Wednesday as the yen extended its weekly selloff to a 7.75-month low against the dollar. The yen came under pressure due to weak wage growth in Japan — a dovish factor for Bank of Japan (BOJ) policy — with August labor cash earnings rising less than expected (+1.5% year-over-year versus +2.7% anticipated).
Higher U.S. Treasury note yields also contributed to yen weakness. However, losses were somewhat contained after the September Eco Watchers Outlook Survey in Japan improved more than expected, reaching a nine-month high.
Concerns have mounted over the election of Sanae Takaichi as leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, making her the likely next Prime Minister. Her victory has tempered expectations of imminent BOJ policy tightening and raised worries about increased debt issuance given her support for expanded fiscal stimulus.
**Key Data Points:**
– Japan September Eco Watchers Outlook Survey: +1.0 to 48.5 (9-month high), above expectations of 47.8
– Japan August Labor Cash Earnings: +1.5% y/y, below expected +2.7%
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### Precious Metals Rally on Safe-Haven Demand
December gold (GCZ25) closed up +66.10 points (+1.65%) on Wednesday, while December silver (SIZ25) rose +1.479 points (+3.11%). Precious metals surged sharply, with December gold hitting a new contract high and nearest-futures gold (V25) reaching an all-time high of $4,049.20 per troy ounce. December silver also posted a contract high, and the nearest-futures silver logged a 14-year peak.
The ongoing U.S. government shutdown is driving safe-haven demand for precious metals. Political turmoil in France, following Prime Minister Lecornu’s resignation, is further boosting this demand. Additionally, metals are benefiting from safe-haven status amid uncertainty tied to U.S. tariffs, geopolitical risks, and global trade tensions.
The election of Sanae Takaichi in Japan, a proponent of easy fiscal and monetary policy, supports demand as a store of value. Central bank buying is also underpinning gold prices. Notably, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) added 40,000 troy ounces of gold to its reserves in September, marking the 11th consecutive month of reserve increases.
Despite the dollar index rallying to a 1.75-month high on Wednesday — typically a negative factor for precious metals — safe-haven support remains strong. President Trump’s attacks on Fed independence have further bolstered gold demand. Weaker-than-expected U.S. economic data has strengthened the outlook for additional Fed rate cuts, which is bullish for precious metals. The swaps market currently indicates a 93% probability of a 25 basis point Fed rate cut at the October 28-29 FOMC meeting.
Meanwhile, fund buying of precious metal ETFs continues to support prices. Gold holdings in ETFs rose to a three-year high on Tuesday, with silver holdings reaching a three-year peak last Wednesday.
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*On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.*
*All information and data in this article is for informational purposes only. For more details, please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy.*
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**More from Barchart:**
– What Should We Expect from the Commodity Complex This Week?
– 3 Reasons for Gold’s Record Rally
– As the Bank of England Warns on Inflation, Make This 1 Trade Now
– FAQ Friday
*The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.*
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/dollar-gains-euro-and-yen-retreat
MANILA, Philippines – Business tycoon Hans Sy has been honored with the prestigious Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) 2025 “Management Person of the Year” award. This recognition highlights his significant contributions to environmental stewardship, social inclusion, and economic growth.
Sy, who serves as the chair of China Banking Corporation and the executive committee of SM Prime Holdings Inc., is the 49th recipient of this esteemed award. His leadership and commitment to sustainable and inclusive business practices have set a benchmark in the industry.
https://business.inquirer.net/551620/hans-sy-feted-as-map-2025-management-person-of-the-year
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title: 配偶者の年金加算を縮小へ 共働き増加や年齢差夫婦の不公平指摘を考慮
date: 2025-10-09 06:00
categories: [社会, くらし]
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厚生労働省は、年下の配偶者を扶養している人の厚生年金の額を加算する「加給年金」を縮小する方針を示しました。これは、共働き世帯の増加や、夫が年上で妻が年下といった年齢差のある夫婦が受け取れる制度の公平性を欠くとの指摘を踏まえたものです。
加給年金は、現行制度で一定の要件を満たす配偶者がいる受給者に対して、その配偶者を扶養していることを条件に年金額を加算する制度です。しかし、近年の共働き世帯の増加や多様な家族形態の出現により、制度の見直しが必要とされています。
厚労省では、2028年度（2028年4月以降）から加給年金の縮小を段階的に実施する予定です。これにより、年齢差のある夫婦間や共働き世帯における年金受給の公平性を高めることが期待されています。
なお、本記事は有料会員限定の記事の内容に基づいており、全文の閲覧には会員登録が必要となります。
7日間の無料トライアルや、お得な年払いプランも用意されていますので、詳しくは公式サイトをご確認ください。
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#### 2028年度以降の配偶者加給年金のイメージ
（図や詳細が掲載される予定です）
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[有料会員限定記事]
クリップ機能は有料会員のみご利用いただけます。
**‘Centre has failed Kerala people’: Kerala High Court on Wayanad Loan Relief**
*By Snehil Singh | Oct 08, 2025 04:44 pm*
The Kerala High Court has strongly criticized the central government for its refusal to waive loans of those affected by the devastating Wayanad landslides. The court declared that the Union government had “failed the people of Kerala,” emphasizing that the state “does not need the Centre’s charity.”
### Strong Judicial Critique of the Centre’s Stance
A Division Bench comprising Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Jobin Sebastian expressed sharp disapproval of the Centre’s affidavit, which claimed that there was no legal provision to waive loans for disaster-affected individuals.
“Please tell the Union Government it has failed the people of Kerala,” the court remarked sternly to government counsel, dismissing the Centre’s position as mere “bureaucratic babble.” The judges stressed, “It is not about whether the Union can act, but whether they are willing to act.”
### Highlighting Funding Disparities
The court further pointed out that while the Centre had sanctioned relief funds for Assam and Gujarat floods — even though those floods were not classified as severe — financial assistance for Wayanad’s victims was withheld.
While expressing respect for the Constitution and the principle of separation of powers, the judges made it clear they would no longer issue directions to the Union government. Justice Nambiar remarked, “We don’t need the Union’s charity,” and ordered banks to immediately halt loan recovery from the affected persons.
### Next Steps in Legal Proceedings
The bench also announced that banks would be formally impleaded in the case and asked to clarify whether they intended to waive the loans fully or partially. “Provide the names of the banks. We will issue notice to them and implead them. Until they respond, we will direct a stay on recovery actions,” the court declared.
The matter is set to be heard again in two weeks.
### Background
The High Court’s suo motu case was initiated following catastrophic landslides that struck Wayanad district on July 30, 2024. The disaster claimed dozens of lives and displaced hundreds of residents, leaving many struggling to recover financially and emotionally.
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*This judgment highlights ongoing tensions between the state and central governments over disaster relief and loan waiver policies, reflecting broader challenges in addressing the needs of vulnerable communities in India.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/we-don-t-need-your-charity-kerala-hc-to-centre/story
**‘Centre has failed Kerala people’: High Court on Wayanad Loan Relief**
*By Snehil Singh | October 8, 2025, 4:44 PM*
The Kerala High Court has strongly criticized the central government for its refusal to waive loans of those affected by the devastating landslides in Wayanad. The Division Bench, comprising Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Jobin Sebastian, stated that the Union government had “failed the people of Kerala” and emphasized that the state “does not need the Centre’s charity.”
### Court’s Legal Critique: ‘Bureaucratic Babble’
The court was highly critical of the Centre’s affidavit, which argued that there was no legal provision allowing the waiver of loans for disaster-affected individuals. Addressing government counsel, the judges remarked, “Please tell the Union Government it has failed the people of Kerala,” dismissing the Centre’s stance as mere “bureaucratic babble.”
They clarified, “It is not about whether the Union can act, but whether they are willing to act.”
### Funding Disparity Highlighted
Highlighting a funding disparity, the court noted that the Centre had sanctioned relief funds for Assam and Gujarat floods, although these were not classified as severe disasters. While expressing respect for the Constitution and the separation of powers, the judges clearly stated they would no longer issue directions to the Union government.
“We don’t need the Union’s charity,” Justice Nambiar asserted, while simultaneously ordering banks to immediately stop all loan recovery proceedings against the affected persons.
### Legal Proceedings and Bank Involvement
The bench announced that banks would be impleaded in the case and directed them to clarify whether they planned to waive loans, either fully or partially. “Provide the names of the banks. We will issue notices and implead them. Until we receive their responses, we direct a stay on all recovery actions,” the court said.
The matter is scheduled to be heard again in two weeks.
### Background
This suo motu case was initiated by the Kerala High Court after massive landslides struck Wayanad on July 30, 2024, resulting in dozens of deaths and displacing hundreds of residents.
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*Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/we-don-t-need-your-charity-kerala-hc-to-centre/story
**Bombay High Court Demands ₹60 Crore Deposit to Consider Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra’s Plea to Travel Abroad**
The Bombay High Court on Wednesday demanded a ₹60 crore deposit to consider the plea filed by actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra seeking permission to travel abroad, according to reports by news agencies.
This order comes after the couple approached the High Court to quash a Look Out Circular (LOC) issued against them in connection with an FIR relating to an alleged ₹60 crore fraud case.
**Details of the Fraud Case Against Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty**
The case originates from a complaint filed by businessman Deepak Kothari, who accused Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra of inducing him to invest ₹60 crore in their now-defunct venture, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, between 2015 and 2023. Kothari alleged that the funds were later diverted for personal use.
Raj Kundra has already been questioned by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police. The LOC against the couple was issued at the request of the EOW.
On Tuesday, Shilpa Shetty was questioned by EOW officials for approximately four and a half hours in connection with the ₹60 crore fraud case.
**What Was the Couple’s Plea?**
In their petition, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra claimed that Shilpa resigned from the company in 2016. They emphasized the need to travel abroad for professional commitments and argued that denying them this opportunity would amount to a violation of their fundamental rights.
The Bombay High Court’s demand for a ₹60 crore deposit highlights the seriousness of the case as it continues to unfold.
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/deposit-rs-60-crore-bombay-high-court-tells-shilpa-shetty-raj-kundra-amid-plea-seeking-permission-to-travel-abroad-11759913314874.html
GENEVA (AP) — The World Trade Organization is sharply raising its forecast for trade growth in goods this year after an unexpectedly strong first half. This growth has been driven by rising AI-related purchases, front-loaded imports in the U.S. over tariff fears, and robust developing-world trade.
The Geneva-based trade body said Tuesday that its economists are increasing their prediction of global trade expansion, reflecting these positive developments.
Japan has recently expanded its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification agreement to include Indonesia, marking its 15th such partnership with countries around the world. This strategic arrangement is designed to streamline customs clearance processes and boost logistics and business exchanges between the two nations.
The agreement was officially signed by the Japanese government and Indonesia on October 8th. Under this framework, companies that have demonstrated reliable security and compliance systems will be granted AEO certification. This certification allows eligible companies to benefit from faster and more efficient import and export procedures, reducing delays at customs checkpoints.
Japan has already implemented similar agreements with 14 other countries, and the addition of Indonesia further enhances this network. The Ministry of Finance, which oversees customs operations, emphasized that the new pact will enable cargo inspections during import and export to proceed more promptly, facilitating smoother trade flows.
Both Indonesia and Japan are key trading partners for each other. With this new agreement in place, the governments expect to strengthen bilateral economic ties while supporting seamless logistics and business operations. This move is anticipated to invigorate trade activities and promote greater cooperation between the two countries in the years ahead.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147195.php
