Sep 17, 2026, 08:30 PM UTC

Von der Leyen proposes associate EU membership for Canada in State of the Union address

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed associate EU membership for Canada, while Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed deeper transatlantic ties.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her annual State of the European Union address in Strasbourg, proposing that Canada become the bloc's first associate member. The initiative aims to deepen bilateral cooperation in defense, energy security, and economic resilience against external threats from Russia and ultranationalist political movements. Von der Leyen also called for greater European independence and proposed banning social media platforms for children under 13.

Addressing the European Parliament plenary, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed closer ties, arguing that shared democratic values transcend geography and that a stronger Canada enhances security for both Europe and the United States.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Expresso, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica

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Principal strategist expects Federal Reserve to hold rates in October

Principal Asset Management chief strategist Seema Shah foresees a Fed rate hold in October amid election timing and inflation trends.

Principal Asset Management Chief Global Strategist Seema Shah indicated that the U.S. Federal Reserve is likely to keep interest rates unchanged during its October meeting, citing the timing of upcoming midterm elections and potential shifts in inflation metrics. Speaking on market expectations, Shah noted that while investors may anticipate another interest rate increase later this year, an October hike remains unlikely. Financial markets continue to monitor economic indicators, particularly inflation trends, to gauge the central bank's trajectory heading into the final quarter.

Sources: Bloomberg

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Economic concerns dominate voter priorities ahead of US midterms

Economic concerns like high inflation and grocery prices are dominating voter priorities ahead of US midterms, overshadowing culture war issues, according to the Cook Political Report.

Economic pressure driven by high costs for food and fuel has emerged as the principal issue for voters ahead of the US midterm elections, according to analysis from the Cook Political Report.

Speaking on national voter priorities, Senate and governors editor Jessica Taylor stated that financial strains are overshadowing social and culture war topics across the electorate. However, Taylor noted that outcomes in critical state contests, including races in Michigan and Texas, may still hinge on candidate quality and personal political baggage. While broader inflationary trends shape the overall environment, individual candidate dynamics are expected to play a decisive role in tight local races.

Sources: Bloomberg