According to BlockBeats, recent U.S. economic data has led to volatile expectations regarding potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Over the past week, retail sales in the United States showed broad growth, driven by auto sales and significant online promotions. However, consumer confidence unexpectedly declined for the first time since April, alongside rising inflation expectations.
Previous reports on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for July and the Producer Price Index (PPI) showed mixed signals regarding the resilience of the economy against the broad tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Both reports indicated continued inflation in services, with the Producer Price Index reaching its highest level in three years on a month-to-month basis. Within the Federal Reserve, there is notable disagreement regarding the possibility of rate cuts in September.
Key events this week include a speech by Federal Reserve Governor Waller at a blockchain seminar in Wyoming on Wednesday at 23:00 UTC+8. On Thursday, the Federal Reserve will release the minutes of its monetary policy meeting at 2:00 UTC+8, followed by a speech on economic outlook from a 2027 Federal Open Market Committee member and Atlanta Fed President Bostic at 3:00 UTC+8. Additional data scheduled for release includes initial unemployment claims and the Philadelphia Fed manufacturing index for the week ending August 16, scheduled for release on Thursday at 20:30 UTC+8, and the global manufacturing and services purchasing managers' index for August at 21:45 UTC+8.
Federal Reserve Chair Powell is scheduled to speak at the annual global central banking conference in Jackson Hole on Friday at 22:00 UTC+8.
