Macro Matters: Is the Fed Too Cautious?

At its March meeting today, the Fed kept the federal funds rate at 4.25–4.50% amid concerns around tariffs and their potential impact on U.S. growth and inflation.

Macro Matters provides a concise, comprehensive look at macroeconomic themes that matter to clients.

The U.S. announced tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. Although tariffs on NAFTA countries are temporarily on hold, China is responding with its own retaliatory measures. Allspring experts discuss how these ongoing developments create uncertainty but also opportunities for active portfolio management.

At its January meeting today, the Fed kept the federal funds rate steady at 4.25–4.50%. As the new administration begins implementing its fiscal policy plans, we expect the Fed will remain cautious in monitoring inflation.

Macro Matters provides a concise, comprehensive look at macroeconomic themes that matter to clients.

Today, as expected, the FOMC announced a cut of 25 basis points in the federal funds rate, lowering it to 4.25%–4.50%. From here, the interest rate path is less clear.

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As expected, the FOMC today announced a cut of 25 basis points in the federal funds rate, lowering the rate to 4.50%–4.75%. U.S. election results suggest we could see looser fiscal policy and new trade tariffs ahead, which might lift growth as well as inflation.

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Macro Matters provides a concise, comprehensive look at macroeconomic themes that matter to clients.

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Listen in to George Bory, chief fixed income strategist for Allspring Global Investments, and his immediate reaction on the Wednesday, September 18, announcement from the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) meeting.

The Fed decided to finally lower its key interest rate, announcing a cut of 50 basis points, to 4.75–5.00%. A cut of at least 25 basis points was widely expected and welcomed.  

Macro Matters provides a concise, comprehensive look at macroeconomic themes that matter to clients.

Macro Matters provides a concise, comprehensive look at macroeconomic themes that matter to clients.

Fed officials again kept the federal funds rate at 5.25–5.50%. We believe they’ll cut for the first time this cycle in September and then analyze incoming data to inform future rate-cut decisions.

When uncertainty is high, it’s important for bond investors to prioritize flexibility. Making small decisions across multiple sectors while maintaining investment flexibility is preferable to one big macro view.

As we reach the middle of 2024, where do our experts think you should focus portfolios given shifting rate expectations, sticky inflation, and global uncertainties? Follow the insight to find out more.

Fed officials again kept the federal funds rate unchanged at 5.25–5.50%. Our base case is that they won’t cut rates until they see weakening in prices and the labor market, probably not before fall.