The Fed will likely pause interest rate hikes at its policy meeting this week. The Federal Reserve (Fed) meets this week, culminating in its rate decision on Wednesday, January 30. We expect the Fed to pause in response to slower global growth, trade tensions, and market volatility, although we believe at least one and possibly two more rate hikes are likely before the end of the cycle. At the same time, we recognize the possibility that the Fed’s December hike may have been its last.

Below, we’ll discuss potential stock market implications if the Fed is done, or nearly done, hiking interest rates. For more of our tho

Tensions around U.S. monetary policy remain high as recession fears grow and markets seek further reassurance that the Federal Reserve (Fed) is prepared to slow or stop future rate hikes as needed. The Fed will meet this week and make a rate announcement on Wednesday, January 30. Policymakers’ last rate announcement rattled investors, who have watched global economic data deteriorate, but Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s comments on flexibility have calmed markets. Although the bulk of U.S. data remains solid, growing uncertainty over several issues leaves the Fed with a delicate balancing act as it decides its next policy steps.

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Brexit uncertainty continues to cloud Europe’s economy. On January 15, more than two-thirds of the U.K. Parliament voted against British Prime Minister Theresa May’s European Union (EU) separation deal, another bump in the road for “Brexit.” That outcome had been anticipated, though the wide margin underscored the tough road ahead. Even though May survived a no-confidence vote the next day, the margin was narrow, and the path forward remains unclear.

Here we discuss potential market implications of the United Kingdom’s ongoing effort to leave the EU. We also share our updated views on European equiti

Recent U.S. economic data have sent a lot of conflicting signals. Jobs data, pricing data, and corporate earnings reflect a solidly growing domestic economy with manageable inflation, but manufacturing reports show a downturn in demand that points to potential weakness ahead. Wall Street’s economic outlook is more clouded than at any point of the cycle, so this week, we’ve turned to Main Street for direction via the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) Beige Book survey.

Healthy, but High Uncertainty

The Beige Book, a qualitative assessment of the domestic economy and each of the 12 Fed districts, is prepared eight time