Post #15627

🇺🇸COMING UP: Must Read Before Big News Federal Reserve policymakers are balancing a softening labor market against inflation that remains elevated. While the Fed cut rates last month, the decision was narrowly split and officials signaled further easing is unlikely near term as they await clarity on jobs, inflation, and an economy they see regaining momentum. Today’s jobs report should offer a cleaner read after recent data was distorted by the government shutdown. Economists expect ~60-70k jobs added and the unemployment rate to dip to 4.5%, following November’s surprise rise to 4.6%. Rate markets see only a small chance of a cut this month and about 45% odds of a March cut. Markets are also watching for President Trump’s pick for the next Fed Chair, with Jerome Powell’s term ending in May. Adding uncertainty, the Supreme Court is set to issue rulings today, raising speculation around the legality of Trump-era tariffs and the potential risk of tariff refunds, which could carry market implications.