As the effect of the Trump administration’s fluctuating tariff policies have heightened uncertainty for consumers and the markets, economists have begun to worry about the looming risk of stagflation, an economic condition not seen in the United States since the 1970s. Though the U.S. economy is still in a “strong position” according to the Federal Read more
Economic Outlook
Shockwaves: Which Way Is Up?
Whether it’s the volatility in the stock market, concerns about tariff-induced inflation, the fluctuation in interest rates, or the growing talk of recession (and stagflation), the economic outlook in April was more fluid and less predictable day-to-day, and that seems unlikely to change any time soon. Even though the Trump administration has suspended its country-by-country Read more
What’s Next? Entering a New Phase of Uncertainty
Even the most cursory glance at the headlines will make it clear that we are living in a time of heightened political, economic, and cultural upheaval, with tectonic shifts that make it just that much more difficult than usual to see where it is all heading. In the markets, uncertainty refers to a situation in which the Read more
What Do You Know About Current Economic Trends? Take Our Quiz
Given this is an election year, chances are you have heard a lot of economic figures thrown around. (Some are even true.) While it’s always a good idea to keep up with the economic trends, there is a lot of data out there and it might be difficult for you to keep track. (It’s OK, Read more
A Shear Guessing Game: Will the Fed Cut Rates?
The Federal Reserve’s battle against inflation had gone better than expected until it recently got bogged down. Thus, the effort to combat inflation can’t be called a victory just yet. Though the initial predictions for Fed rate cuts for 2024 ranged from three to six, expectations have shifted dramatically with the market now pricing in Read more
When Not If: Economic Data and The Fed’s Rate Cut(s)
The Federal Reserve increased rate in 2022 and 2023 as the central bank sought to contain surging inflation. Now, in 2024, with price pressures easing and the economy still strong, Fed officials are poised to bring rates down at a slower pace. Because the Fed’s benchmark rate influences lending costs for mortgages, cars, and credit Read more