<div id="readability-page-1" class="page"><div> U.S. Economy Grew at 2% Rate in First Quarter The GDP report-the first major economic scorecard for the quarter-showed growth of 2%, compared with analyst expectations of 2.2%. ---- Europe's Economy Stutters as War Drives Up Inflation Both the ECB and BOE, facing a mix of weaker growth and higher inflation, held interest rates steady. ---- Core PCE Inflation Ticks Up to 3.2% Annual Rate. What It Means for the Fed. The key inflation metric climbed in March as soaring oil prices spilled over into the economy. ---- U.S. Jobless Claims Fell Last Week U.S. jobless claims fell more than expected last week as layoffs remained contained despite cooling job growth. ---- Oil Prices Slide After Spiking to Four-Year High. Why Iran War Fears Are Growing. Front-month international crude prices hit a wartime high as investors worry that the U.S. could restart its attacks on Iran. ---- Eurozone Economy Slows in First Quarter on Energy Shock The conflict in the Middle East is the latest blow to Europe's hopes for a sustained revival in its economic fortunes, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and President Trump's tariff blitz last year. ---- As Hormuz Traffic Stalls, U.S. Pitches New Coalition to Get Ships Moving Again A State Department cable shows the Trump administration wants other nations to form an alliance to help jump-start ship traffic. ---- Big Tech Strikes Gold With AI, but at a Steep Cost While Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta and Amazon ride artificial intelligence to strong earnings, some investors are still worried about spending. ---- Powell Won't Leave. The Fed Won't Cut. Warsh Will Have to Deal With Both. A divided committee, external political pressures, and an energy shock-Kevin Warsh is inheriting a Fed unlike any his predecessors faced. ---- Taiwan's Economic Growth Hits 39-Year High The Taiwanese economy expanded at its fastest pace since 1987, supercharged by demand tied to artificial intelligence. ---- Yen Crosses Key Threshold, But Don't Count on Intervention Just Yet The Japanese currency weakened to as low as 160.45 against the dollar Thursday, in the wake of the Federal Reserve's decision to keep rates steady. ---- China's Factory Activity Holds Up Despite Middle East Disruptions China's factory activity held up in April, suggesting limited pressure from surging energy prices due to the conflict in the Middle East. ---- The U.A.E.'s OPEC Bombshell Signals a New Middle East Order After bearing the brunt of Iran's counterattack, the financial powerhouse is strengthening ties with Israel and challenging Saudi Arabia. <pre></pre> (END) Dow Jones Newswires April 30, 2026 09:15 ET (13:15 GMT)Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones &amp; Company, Inc.</div></div>

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U.S. economy grew at a 2% rate in Q1, slightly below expectations. Europe's economy struggles with inflation, prompting steady interest rates from the ECB and BOE. Core PCE inflation rose to 3.2% amid rising oil prices. U.S. jobless claims fell unexpectedly, while oil prices spiked due to Iran war fears. The Eurozone's growth slowed due to energy shocks. Big Tech benefits from AI, but investor concerns linger. Taiwan's economy hit a 39-year high, and China's factory activity remains stable despite Middle East disruptions.

- The U.S. economy grew at a 2% rate in the first quarter, slightly below analyst expectations of 2.2%.  
- The Eurozone economy is experiencing slowdowns due to the impacts of ongoing conflicts, leading to a mix of weak growth and high inflation.  
- Taiwan reported its fastest economic growth in 39 years, driven by demand linked to artificial intelligence, while China's factory activity remained stable despite geopolitical tensions.

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Dow Jones Top Markets Headlines at 9 AM ET: U.S. Economy Grew at 2% Rate in First Quarter | Europe's ...