archiveFederal Reserve System

The stock market has fallen fast over the past month. Business and consumer sentiment is souring, and investors are afraid that economic data will soon start to show deeper cracks.The question on Wednesday: Will the Federal Reserve also express concern about the path ahead?So far, Fed officials have largely avoided commenting on an uncertain outlook while current economic data remain solid. A healthy labor market has allowed the central bank to continue to point to economic resilience as it holds interest rates high in response to stubborn inflation.But in addition...

Howard Schneider  |  ReutersInterest rate decision looms as Fed discusses tariffs and trade war impactsWith rising tariffs looming, experts warn of increased consumer prices as the Federal Reserve convenes to address economic implications. (Scripps News)Scripps NewsTumbling stock markets and signs of tightening credit may make the Federal Reserve's job even more difficult this week as U.S. central bank policymakers try to weigh whether consumer spending will suffer as households take stock of the potential blow to their net worth and greater difficulty in obtaining loans.U.S. retail sales for February, reported on Monday in the...

Recession fears persist amid inflation and trade warsPresident Donald Trump did not rule out the possibility of a recession in a recent Fox News interview, amid his administration's continuing trade war.The U.S. economy may be heading toward a recession due to recent economic policies and global uncertainty.A recession is characterized by a decline in economic activity, including a drop in GDP, increased unemployment, and reduced consumer spending.Experts suggest preparing for a potential recession by building an emergency fund, reducing debt, and diversifying investments.Are we heading for a recession?On Monday, U.S....

Katie Brockman  |  The Motley FoolThe Trump administration implemented 25% tariffs against Canada and Mexico on March 4, as well as an additional 10% tariff on goods from China — bringing the total tariff on Chinese-made goods to 20%. The countries swifly issued retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, escalating tension between the countries and rattling the stock market.Major indexes dropped sharply after the tariffs took effect, with the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) falling by 2.96% since Monday, as of this writing. The Nasdaq (NASDAQINDEX: ^IXIC) dipped by around 2.98% in...

Alden Bentley, Harry Robertson and Ankur Banerjee  |  ReutersTrump doubles tariffs on China; China retaliates with tariffs on US goodsUnited States President Donald Trump doubled the tariff on Chinese imports, bringing that rate to 20%. China retaliated by announcing 15% tariffs on various imports from the US.Fox - SeattleThe dollar fell to a three-month low on Tuesday as concerns about slowing growth and the impact from tariffs on the U.S. economy outweighed any potential boost from new levies on Canada, China and Mexico.President Donald Trump's 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico took effect Tuesday, along with a doubling of duties on Chinese goods to 20%.In response, China said it will...