Jon Erlichman breaks down Meta's earnings, James Cakmak recaps big tech earnings, and Jenny Surane discusses Elon Musk's plan to take on Dimon. Brian Jacobsen analyzes Chair Powell's remarks and explores the impact of mortgage rates on GDP growth.
The Federal Reserve remains cautious about raising interest rates and aims to achieve its inflation target of 2% by 2025.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell prioritizes anchoring inflation at the target level and is willing to tolerate temporary inflation above 2%.
Deep dives
The Fed's stance on interest rates remains unchanged
At the recent FOMC meeting, the Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates stable. Fed Chair Jerome Powell stated that while the economy is showing moderate growth, it is too early to consider further rate hikes. The Fed remains committed to achieving its inflation target of 2% but acknowledged that it may take until 2025 to reach that goal. Powell emphasized that the central bank will closely monitor economic data and make decisions based on data-driven insights. Overall, the Fed's message was one of caution and a commitment to maintaining accommodative monetary policy.
Chair Powell highlights the challenge of achieving target inflation
During the meeting, Powell acknowledged that reaching the Fed's inflation target of 2% may take longer than anticipated. He emphasized the importance of anchoring inflation at the target level once it is achieved, rather than pushing for further rate hikes. Powell also expressed a willingness to tolerate temporary inflation above 2% to make up for past shortfalls. This suggests that the Fed will prioritize the goal of stable inflation over a rapid return to target levels.
Markets react cautiously to Fed decision
Following the Fed's decision to hold interest rates steady, markets responded with a muted reaction. The S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average remained relatively unchanged after the announcement. Investors appear to be awaiting more clarity on the strength of the economic recovery and the trajectory of inflation before making significant moves.
Focus shifts to upcoming economic data
With the next Fed meeting not scheduled until September, market participants will closely watch upcoming economic data releases for further insights into the state of the economy. Key data points to watch include employment reports, ISM numbers, and senior loan officer opinion surveys. Additionally, any developments in the housing market, such as increased supply, will be closely monitored as indicators of economic health and potential future Fed actions.
Bloomberg Markets Co-Host Jon Erlichman breaks down Meta's earnings. James Cakmak, Technology Analyst at Clockwise Capital, recaps a busy week of big tech earnings. Bloomberg News Finance Reporter Jenny Surane shares the details of her story Elon Musk the Banker Wants to Take On Dimon Where Google Failed. And we Drive to the Close with Brian Jacobsen, Brian Jacobsen, Chief Economist at Annex Wealth Management. Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan.