Macro this week: Tariffs, recession fear and the Fed’s next move ahead of May 6 FOMC meeting
It's a tricky time for global financial markets, with worries swirling around US trade policy and its potential economic effects. Big tariff hikes in the ongoing US-China trade war have made the future feel uncertain, shaking things up for traders and investors.
As everyone tries to make sense of it all, key economic reports are giving us clues. Meanwhile, all eyes are on the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on May 6-7, 2025, for hints about where interest rates might be headed. Let's break down the latest data and look ahead to what the Fed might say.
Key Takeaways:
Recent US economic numbers paint a mixed picture: the job market looks stable, but inflation shows signs of cooling right before new tariffs really kick in.
Stocks and crypto are still seeing plenty of volatility, due to trade war jitters, while gold prices are hitting record highs as investors seek safe havens.
The Fed is expected to keep interest rates steady on May 6–7, but what it says about tariffs and future rate cuts will be crucial for market direction.