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Kevin Hassett

Kevin Hassett
The latest news and top stories on Kevin Hassett. An American economist, he currently serves as Director of the National Economic Council, a role he assumed in January 2025. Previously, he was the 29th Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers from 2017 to 2019 and a Senior Advisor during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hassett is known for his expertise in tax policy, business investment and trade, having authored numerous papers. He has also advised multiple presidential campaigns and is a leading contender for the Federal Reserve chair in 2026.
A US military helicopter flies over the Panama-flagged Centuries, which was intercepted by the US Coast Guard on Saturday. On Sunday, officials said the US was pursuing a third tanker in waters off Venezuela. Photo: DHS via Reuters
Venezuela

US pursues third oil tanker as Trump’s Venezuela ‘blockade’ intensifies

US Coast Guard shadows a sanctioned ‘dark fleet’ supertanker as Washington moves to choke off Venezuela’s oil revenue.

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United States

US Fed delivers quarter-point rate cut as policymakers weigh inflation outlook

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China trade

‘Strong breakwaters’: China’s central bank vows to shield from external shocks

Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks’ gains slow amid signs of China slowdown

Rebound may carry on after some consolidation, as investors eye Beijing policy support towards the end of the year, analyst says.

People walk past Exchange Square in Central, home of Hong Kong’s bourse operator Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, on March 28, 2025. Photo: Matthew Miller
Yuan

China sets strongest yuan fix in over a year as Fed-cut bets rise

China’s currency is outperforming the euro and yen despite economic headwinds, with analysts pointing to Beijing’s geopolitical leverage as the driver.

United States

Trump eyes Christmas deadline to name new Fed chair: Bessent

The US treasury secretary says simplifying the Fed is key, as he conducts interviews with the five candidates to succeed Chair Jerome Powell.

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United States

Shutdown crippled US jobs report, so no unemployment rate: Trump adviser

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett also said he expects the government closure to reduce fourth-quarter GDP by 1.5 per cent.

Director of the US National Economic Council Kevin Hassett speaks to reporters outside the White House last month. Photo: AFP
United States

Shutdown chaos could see US air travel fall to a ‘trickle’, transport secretary warns

Thousands more flights cancelled or delayed as passengers face chaos triggered by the federal government shutdown.

United States

38-day US government shutdown far worse than expected: Hassett

White House adviser Kevin Hassett told reporters he expects an economic recovery after the government reopens, but did not declare a recession.

Canada

Canadians pull Reagan anti-tariff ad after furious Trump scraps trade talks

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he spoke with PM Mark Carney and will pause the ad so negotiations can resume.

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US President Donald Trump stands in front of a painting of former US president Ronald Reagan in the Oval Office in September. Photo: Reuters
US-China relations

Trump downplays Beijing threat to Taiwan as Australia touts rare earths deal

At White House meeting with counterpart, US leader praises ties with Xi and disses Aussie envoy after 10-month delay to seal minerals deal.

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US President Donald Trump greets Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House on Monday. Photo: AFP
United States

US begins sending nuclear workers home as shutdown drags on

Some 1,400 NNSA federal employees are being placed on unpaid furlough as the US endures its longest full government shutdown ever.

United States

US shutdown near end after ‘No Kings’ rallies: Hassett

White House adviser expects shutdown to end this week, citing ‘bad optics’ for Democrats during ‘No Kings’ rallies; hints at cuts if it persists.

US-China trade war

Trump team presses unlikely buyers to snap up US soybeans

Since China stopped buying US soybeans, Donald Trump is pushing countries like India to boost purchases while weighing a multi-billion-dollar farm bailout.

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A farmer handles soybeans from a field in the US state of Indiana. Photo: AP
Intel

Trump wants more investment deals like Intel’s, worrying business community

The White House announced a near-10 per cent stake in chipmaker Intel on Friday that converts government grants into an equity share.

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An Intel logo and a computer motherboard. Photo: Reuters
United States

Macroscope | Trump’s crusade against the Fed turning US into an emerging market

If Trump continues to challenge the independence of the US central bank, markets will have to stop giving his behaviour a free pass.

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