Fed Pauses as Consumers Stay Strong
A shortened trading week saw markets edge higher, supported by the landmark agreement between the U.S. and Iran. Shipping activity through the Strait remains subdued for now, but a gradual reopening is expected to help bring down oil prices and ease supply chain pressures over time, even if normalization is not immediate. The week also featured a Fed meeting on Wednesday, led by Kevin Warsh. As expected, rates were left unchanged, though the tone remained hawkish amid persistent inflation pressures. Warsh also provided some insight into the Fed’s evolving approach, including a potential shift toward more limited forward guidance. On the economic front, retail sales surprised to the upside, reinforcing the resilience of the consumer.
The Weekly Recap is published by Cetera Investment Management LLC, an SEC registered adviser owned by Cetera Financial Group. Cetera Investment Management provides market perspectives, portfolio guidance, model management, and other investment advice to its affiliated broker-dealers, dually registered broker-dealers and registered investment advisers.