Economic news

In a positive sign for the economy, headline inflation slowed in February. But the reading alone likely is not enough to break the Federal Open Market Committee out of its wait-and-see mode.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell emphasized the need for patience amid uncertainty over the Trump administration's policies, saying there would be no immediate rate changes but that the Fed would proceed carefully.

Federal Reserve Gov. Michelle Bowman, one of the central bank's more inflation-wary officials, said the balance of risks for monetary policymaking could soon shift.

Employers added 151,000 employees in February and the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.1%. The reading bolsters the Federal Reserve's argument to hold rates steady amid economic uncertainty.

The president exempted Mexican and Canadian goods covered by the North American trade agreement from his 25% tariffs, offering reprieves to America's two largest trading partners.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the president is likely to defer his 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico for all goods and services covered by the North American trade agreement.

As steep tariffs on Canadian goods took effect this week, banks on both sides of the border expressed concern about the economic fallout and the uncertainty their customers face.

A March 2025 survey by the National Association for Business Economics shows growing inflation concerns — and a diminishing chance of rate cuts — in 2025, but also optimism about avoiding a recession.

Notably, Trump described the January decision to hold rates steady – which looks set to be the Fed's stance for some time — as "the right thing to do."

The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation index showed little progress toward its target of 2%, increasing the likelihood of a prolonged rate pause.