The US Federal Reserve has decided to keep interest rates unchanged for the fourth time this year, under the new leadership of chair Kevin Warsh. Despite positive news for US borrowers, the ASX is anticipated to open lower following this announcement.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq experienced declines following the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain interest rates. SpaceX, now publicly traded, saw its shares fall 5%, marking its first drop.
Hong Kong's Antiquities and Monuments Office proposes statutory monument status for Hung Shing Temple (1847-1852) in Wan Chai and the Stanley Mosque within Stanley Prison, both currently Grade 1 historic buildings, citing significant heritage value.
The ICC has suspended Cricket Canada due to serious breaches of membership obligations. While national teams can still compete, Cricket Canada is taking corrective steps to address governance and financial issues, with the ICC monitoring progress.
A Russian lawmaker stated the Central Bank plans to cut its key rate to 13.5% at the next meeting. Meanwhile, reports indicate significant Ukrainian troop losses, shelling of Russian regions, and Russian control over African Corps strongholds in Mali. Other news includes US-Iran deal talks, French seizure of a tanker, and a large explosion over the US.
Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey has called an emergency Executive Board meeting to address multiple allegations of sexual harassment, misconduct, and ethical violations against coaches and officials, citing damage to the organization's reputation and the sport's integrity.
Maharashtra Charity Commissioner orders Tata Trusts to defer May 16 board meeting without prior notice or hearing. The directive follows complaints challenging the composition of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust's Board of Trustees, citing potential violations of amended Maharashtra Public Trusts Act.
The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at 3.5% to 3.75%, defying Trump's calls for a cut. Officials cited elevated inflation and slow job growth, with all but four of 12 voting members supporting the decision. The Senate banking committee confirmed Kevin Warsh as Fed chair, clearing his path to replace Jerome Powell next month. Warsh is expected to be more amenable to rate cuts than Powell, whose term ends May 15. Brent crude hit $119/barrel amid Middle East uncertainty, while US inflation stands at 3.3% versus the Fed's 2% target.
The Olympic Council of Asia has agreed to discuss shifting the Asian Games to odd-numbered years, the year before the Summer Olympics, at a board meeting in Sanya, China. If approved, the 2030 Doha Games and 2034 Riyadh Games would move to 2031 and 2035 respectively. The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Games remain unaffected, creating a five-year gap to the new 2031 Doha edition. The change would align the Asian Games with other continental multi-sport events and follows an IOC recommendation.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe will meet with the club's Saudi Arabian owners next week to discuss the team's poor form, which has seen them win only three of 11 Premier League games. The delegation, led by PIF chair Yasir al-Rumayyan, will quiz Howe face-to-face despite the team sitting 14th. Topics include summer recruitment plans, a new training ground, and stadium options. Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in Anthony Gordon for around £75m, with Newcastle also considering offers for Tino Livramento and Sandro Tonali to avoid European spending rule fines.
The Delhi High Court has found Hockey India and its secretary general guilty of contempt for wilfully disobeying a prior order. Officials were directed to allow Syeed Asima Ali access to executive board meetings but failed to provide necessary links for multiple sessions.
