Dow Jones Top Markets Headlines at 3 PM ET: Warsh Embarks on High-Wire Act of Convincing Investors Without Angering Trump | Stocks …
Warsh Embarks on High-Wire Act of Convincing Investors Without Angering Trump
Trump expects lower interest rates. How Warsh navigates their relationship could shape what he can actually deliver.
—-
Stocks Down With Focus on U.S.-Iran Talks, Warsh Senate Hearing
U.S. stocks declined as investors mulled testimony from Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh and uncertainty over peace talks between the U.S. and Iran.
—-
Higher Gasoline Prices Lifted March Retail Sales
Total retail sales rose by 1.7% in March, following a 0.7% increase in February, as Americans paid more at the pump due to a sharp rise in gasoline prices amid the war in Iran.
—-
U.S. Pending-Home Sales Rose in March
The number of homes going under contract in the U.S. rose 1.5% in March, according to the National Association of Realtors’ pending home sales index.
—-
U.K. Unemployment Falls Below 5%
The unemployment rate fell in the three months through February, though that is unlikely to be sustained as the war in the Middle East raises the pressure on firms to reduce hiring or cut jobs.
—-
Hawaii and Alaska Are Feeling the Brunt of the Energy Shock
Electricity bills are rising in those oil-dependent regions, while lower natural-gas prices have insulated most of the rest of the country.
—-
German Financial Sentiment Hits Lowest Since 2022 on Energy Shock
“The economic consequences of the Iran war for the German economy go far beyond price increases,” ZEW President Achim Wambach said.
—-
Japan Lifts Ban on Arms Exports
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said transferring Japanese defense technology to friendly countries would bolster Japan’s own security and help prevent conflict.
—-
India’s Central Bank Warns of Persistent Inflation as Mideast Conflict Drags On
India’s central bank governor warned of persistent inflation risks as the Middle East conflict continues, citing the country’s exposure to the region.
—-
The end of freedom of the seas: Why global shipping may never be the same
Freedom of maritime navigation has long been considered a staple feature of the post-war liberal order but all this is changing in the era of competing superpowers
—-
Drought Is Squeezing Half the U.S. It Isn’t a Pretty Forecast for Food Prices.
Just in time for the start of the growing season, the National Drought Mitigation Center’s latest data says that 51% of U.S. states and Puerto Rico are in moderate drought or worse.
—-
Canada Inflation Accelerates to 2.4% in March
Inflation surged in Canada last month thanks to a record jump in gasoline prices, though cost pressures from the conflict in the Middle East so far appear contained and may ensure the central bank continues to leave interest rates steady.
—-
Wall Street Brings Sophisticated Quant Trading to the Masses
JPMorgan’s revenue from quantitative investment strategies for clients is up 30%, making it one of the bank’s fastest-growing businesses.
—-
New Zealand First-Quarter Inflation Higher Than Expected
New Zealand’s inflation rate came in higher than expected in the first quarter, underscoring concerns about the emergence of price pressures across the economy just as the Middle East energy shock was beginning to develop.
—-
Americans Are Losing Confidence in Having Enough for Retirement, Survey Says
Poll shows the lowest confidence in nearly a decade, partly because of concerns about inflation and government programs on which retirees rely.
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
April 21, 2026 15:15 ET (19:15 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.