Moody’s Downgrade, RBNZ Rate Cut, and Walmart’s Strong Q1

In today's episode, we delve into Moody's downgrade of the U.S. government's credit rating, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's anticipated rate cut, and Walmart's impressive Q1 financial results. Join us as we explore the implications of these developments on global markets and economies. Plus, insights into the monetary policy decisions in Oceania and their potential impacts on borrowers and investors.

Sources:
https://www.westpaciq.com.au/economics/2025/05/preview-of-rbnz-may-2025-monetary-policy-statement
https://www.ofx.com/en-us/forex-news/daily-and-weekly-market-news/2025/05/19/new-zealand-trades-lower-shifting-expectations-around-rbnz-rate-cut/
https://www.mpamag.com/nz/news/general/westpac-expects-rbnz-to-cut-ocr-as-inflation-risks-return/536500
https://mortgagerates.co.nz/news/another-ocr-drop-expected-will-mortgage-rates-follow-suit
https://www.goodreturns.co.nz/article/976524438/it-s-not-the-ocr-cut-but-the-monetary-policy-review-that-counts.html
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/banks-passing-on-latest-rate-cut/ncdlfg9ia
https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/interest-rates/rba-slashes-cash-rate-for-second-time-after-may-board-meeting/news-story/29ff5e0242ef898a2b85c9d21a37fcdd
https://www.commbank.com.au/articles/newsroom/2025/05/interest-rates-announcement-may.html
https://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2025/mr-25-13.html
https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/interest-rates/key-detail-in-latest-interest-rate-cut-as-rba-keeps-a-close-eye-on-the-us/news-story/7358f71a6a4ec65f1e9ce5baaf5bc261
https://ratings.moodys.com/ratings-news/443154
https://www.moodys.com/web/en/us/about-us/usrating.html
https://www.csis.org/analysis/moodys-downgrade-signals-deeper-risk-us-debt-undermining-global-leadership
https://www.investopedia.com/moody-s-downgrades-us-government-s-credit-rating-11736955
https://www.investopedia.com/walmart-to-cut-jobs-as-it-focuses-on-future-of-retail-11739925
https://www.freshplaza.com/north-america/article/9732842/walmart-first-quarter-results/
https://www.mirrorreview.com/news/walmart-q1-2025-results/