President Trump’s shifting tariff policies have created economic uncertainty, hindering business planning. The Fed is expected to keep interest rates steady at 4.25%-4.50% while assessing the impact of tariffs and Middle East tensions. Economist Michael Pearce noted tariffs are delaying big purchases like autos and may soon hurt consumer spending, predicting a sharper slowdown in the year’s second half as real disposable incomes take a hit.
Weak US retail sales, manufacturing output point to softening economy
