President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are set for their first 2024 presidential debate on June 27, an unusually early and highly anticipated event hosted by CNN in Atlanta. This initial showdown, featuring muted microphones and no live audience, is expected to significantly influence the campaign's narrative and address crucial concerns for both candidates.
The U.S. Federal Reserve maintained its benchmark interest rate at a 23-year high, signaling an ongoing battle against persistent inflation. This pivotal decision, announced with a revised forecast of only one rate cut for 2024, underscores a "higher for longer" outlook for borrowing costs, impacting consumers and businesses alike.
South Korea has reactivated powerful loudspeakers along its heavily fortified border, blaring K-pop music and critical messages into North Korea, in direct retaliation for Pyongyang's recent campaign of sending hundreds of trash-filled balloons. This provocative move, reversing a 2018 de-escalation agreement, has prompted North Korea to warn of a "new response" and significantly escalates regional tensions, raising concerns about potential military clashes.
The Bank of Japan announced a reduction in bond purchases, signaling a cautious but significant move towards normalizing its ultra-loose monetary policy while keeping interest rates unchanged. This gradual approach, deferring a detailed plan until July, disappointed some market participants and led to a sharp weakening of the Japanese yen.
Hosts Germany launched their Euro 2024 campaign with a resounding 5-1 victory over Scotland, immediately signaling their intent as formidable contenders. An early goal from Florian Wirtz and a pivotal red card for Scotland before halftime cemented Germany's dominance, propelling them to the top of Group A.
NASA and Boeing have indefinitely delayed the return of the Starliner spacecraft from the International Space Station, where two astronauts are awaiting their journey home, due to significant technical concerns. Extensive evaluations are underway to address multiple helium leaks and propulsion system issues, ensuring crew safety remains the top priority before a new return date can be set.
