-- The Federal Reserve is a hot topic this week for global investors trying to time interest-rate cuts. It’s also — unusually — a prominent feature on Corporate America’s post-earnings conference calls.As data flash mixed signals about US growth, market participants are struggling to figure out the path for Fed rate cuts beyond the September meeting. US policymakers face pressure to unwind elevated rates even as inflation holds above pre-pandemic levels and threatens to stifle consumer spending.
In a statement on Wednesday, Fed Chair Jerome Powell signaled central bank officials are on course to cut interest rates in September unless inflation progress stalls, citing risks of further labor-market weakening. Policymakers held the federal funds rate in a range of 5.25% to 5.5%, a level they have maintained since last July.
Over at trucking company Old Dominion Freight Line Inc., Chief Financial Officer Adam Satterfield said “seeing some” interest-rate cuts from the Fed “would certainly help from a business standpoint.” The company, along with peers, has been hurt by a drop in freight rates following the Covid pandemic.
Trends in sales growth are also worrying. About 47% of S&P 500 firms have beaten revenue expectations so far, the smallest share in five years, figures compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence showed. That’s raising concern that consumers shouldering higher prices may be at their limits. Dublin, Aug. 01, 2024 -- The "Molecular Diagnostics for Neurodegenerative Diseases: Technology Growth Opportunities, 2024-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.This study aims to provide insights into the evolving landscape of molecular diagnostics for NDDs and implications for healthcare innovation and patient care.
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