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As signs of easing global trade tensions begin to emerge, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is scheduled to meet this week. Analysts widely expect the Fed to hold interest rates steady for a fifth consecutive time. This anticipated decision comes as the U.S. President continues to push for rate cuts, persistently pressuring the Fed to adopt a more accommodative monetary stance.
So far, the Federal Reserve has kept its benchmark rate within a range of 4.25% to 4.5%. While some officials project two cuts by the end of the year, markets are waiting for the Fed’s patience to run out. According to the CME Group’s FedWatch tool, investors have priced in a 62% chance of a rate cut in the September meeting. By then, the Fed will have access to the July and August employment reports—key indicators of whether the labor market is weakening or remains resilient.
The upcoming week marks the peak of Q2 earnings season, with 37% of S&P 500 companies reporting results, including four major tech firms. In parallel, the August 1st tariff deadline for the EU and other countries is approaching, while legal challenges over existing tariffs remain ongoing.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, many large U.S. corporations have so far absorbed the bulk of tariff-related costs without passing them on to consumers. This strategy aims to maintain market share and avoid drawing criticism from President Trump. However, the question remains—how long can this continue?
Examples from the report include:
• General Motors paid over $1 billion in tariffs in Q2 alone without announcing any price hikes.
• Nike expects a $1 billion hit from tariffs this fiscal year and is planning price increases.
• Hasbro is working on a combination of price hikes and cost cuts to offset $60 million in tariff impacts.
• Walmart has made slight pricing adjustments (e.g., bananas rising from $0.50 to $0.54) and managed pressure through inventory reductions.
This week is shaping up to be one of the busiest on the economic calendar in recent months. A flood of key data on growth, inflation, and employment, alongside three major interest rate decisions, has markets on high alert.
On Tuesday, attention will turn to two significant reports: the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) and the U.S. Consumer Confidence Index for July. These metrics will offer a clearer view of labor market dynamics and household sentiment heading into critical monetary policy decisions.
The most anticipated day is Wednesday. That day brings the ADP private payrolls report, the first estimate of Q2 GDP, and pending home sales data. Additionally, both the Bank of Canada and the Federal Reserve will announce rate decisions—events with the potential to simultaneously steer global market trajectories.
On Thursday, the July Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index will be released—a key inflation gauge closely monitored by the Fed. Weekly jobless claims data will also be published that day.
The week concludes Friday with two heavyweight economic indicators: July’s Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) report, a crucial input for Fed policy decisions, and the ISM Manufacturing PMI, which offers insights into the health of the real economy.
Some economists argue that a September rate cut may be premature, and even suggest that no rate changes might occur in 2025. Analysts expect Fed Chair Jerome Powell to reiterate a data-dependent stance, consistent with previous meetings.
Still, beyond political dynamics, the July meeting holds independent significance.The Fed’s internal policy tone is gradually leaning more dovish, and subtle signals of this shift may emerge in the final statement. Given that only one meeting remains before September, if policymakers are leaning toward a rate cut then, it’s critical that the groundwork for such communication be laid now.
