Keyword → macroeconomics

U.S. Inflation Data Meets Expectations but Leaves Federal Reserve Path Uncertain

The latest U.S. inflation report showed consumer prices rising broadly in line with expectations, offering markets a temporary sense of stability. However, economists warn that energy price volatility and geopolitical risks could complicate the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook, leaving investors uncertain about the timing and magnitude of future interest rate decisions.

HSBC Strategists Slash U.S. Equity Overweight, Favor Global Markets

HSBC’s global strategists sharply reduced their overweight position in U.S. equities, reallocating toward emerging markets and European stocks as economic momentum abroad appears stronger. The shift reflects concerns about U.S. equity valuations and changing growth prospects, signaling cross-border flow impacts for market participants adjusting risk exposures.

Trump Imposes 15% Global Tariff After Supreme Court Voids Reciprocal Trade Barriers

President Donald Trump escalated trade tensions Monday by invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose a blanket 15% tariff on all imports, one day after the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that his reciprocal tariffs exceeded executive authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Major trading partners, including the European Union, warned that the new levies could jeopardize previously negotiated trade agreements, sending U.S. equity futures sharply lower and driving safe-haven assets higher.

U.S. Fourth-Quarter GDP Slumps to 1.4%, Core PCE Inflation Climbs to 3% in Stagflation-Lite Warning

The U.S. economy expanded at a meager annualized rate of 1.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025, sharply missing consensus expectations of 2.8% to 3%, while the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, core PCE, accelerated to 3.0% — a combination that has investors bracing for a prolonged pause in rate cuts and reigniting fears of a stagflationary environment heading into 2026.

Federal Reserve Signals Extended Rate Hold as Inflation Progress Stalls

Federal Reserve officials signaled a prolonged pause in interest-rate cuts, citing uneven inflation progress and resilient labor markets. Markets pared expectations for midyear easing as policymakers emphasized patience and data dependence, reshaping near-term asset-allocation strategies for investors.