Monetary policy

Unemployment remained relatively stable amid declining consumer confidence and an emerging trade war, which have roiled markets.

Get expert analysis of the May FOMC meeting, inflation outlook, and Powell's comments. Join Wilmington Trust's chief economist Luke Tilley on May 8 at 1 p.m. for key takeaways and forecasts.

With no policy changes expected, analysts are eagerly awaiting the new Summary of Economic Projections for clues about future monetary policy.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell emphasized the need for patience amid uncertainty over the Trump administration's policies, saying there would be no immediate rate changes but that the Fed would proceed carefully.

The Federal Reserve appears to be on hold, waiting for clarity on inflation and fiscal policy. The March 19th Federal Open Market Committee meeting, with a new Summary of Economic Projections will illuminate members' revised thoughts on interest rates. Join us March 20 at 12:00 pm as Mike Goosay, Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income at Principal Asset Management, breaks down the meeting, Chair Powell's press conference and the SEP.

Muni yields were bumped one to eight basis points, depending on the scale, while UST yields fell three to 10 basis points, with the greatest gains out long.

"There are a lot of moving parts here with the potential to either help or hinder the Fed's quest for price stability and maximum employment" this year, noted BMO Deputy Chief Economist Michael Gregory, who says the Fed will "stand pat."

The Federal Open Market Committee cut the fed funds target again in December but signaled fewer cuts in 2025. There was some dissent. The markets are watching to see if the Federal Reserve pauses its easing cycle in January. Join us at noon, Eastern, on Jan. 30 as Brian Rehling, head of global fixed-income strategy at Wells Fargo Investment Institute, recaps and parses the previous day's FOMC meeting and Fed Chair Jerome Powell's press conference.

Analysts are unsure what the Federal Open Market Committee will do with monetary policy in 2025. The panel projects two rate cuts, but some analysts expect more, and others see fewer.

A week ahead of inauguration day, Scott Colbert, executive vice president, director of fixed income and chief economist at Commerce Trust, takes a look at how the Federal Reserve and the economy will fare in President-elect Donald Trump's second run in the White House. Social Media Pitch: X: As we prepare for Trump 2.0, Join us live at 11 a.m. on Jan. 16 to hear Scott Colbert, executive vice president at Commerce Trust, as we discuss the economy and the Fed in a second Trump presidency. FB/LI: As we prepare for Trump 2.0, Join us live at 11 a.m. on Jan. 16 to hear Scott Colbert, executive vice president at Commerce Trust, discuss the economy and the Fed in a second Trump presidency. The relationship between Trump and Fed Chair Jerome Powell has been contentious, but Trump has backed away from suggestions he'd fire the chair.