πŸ’° Macro Β· 04

Macro

Every item from Trenri daily that fell into Macro, latest first.

May 2026 Β· 72

April 2026 Β· 148

  • Q1 GDP 2.0%, Accelerating from Q4 2025's 0.5%

    BEA advance estimate released. Investment, exports, consumption, and government spending all expanded; nominal GDP grew 5.64% to reach $31.856T. However, fell short of consensus 2.3%.

  • PCE Inflation at 4.5%, Largest Quarterly Acceleration in Years

    Q1 2026 PCE deflator surged from Q4's 2.9% to 4.5%, more than double the Federal Reserve's 2% target. Quarterly acceleration marks the largest in years.

  • FOMC on Hold, 8-4 Split Marks Largest Dissent Since 1992

    Federal Reserve held federal funds rate at 3.5-3.75% on April 29. Miran advocated for 25bp cut; three members opposed guidance on future cuts. First four-dissent decision in 32 years.

  • Initial Jobless Claims 189K, Lowest Since 1969

    Claims for week ending April 25 declined 26K to 189K, significantly below consensus of 212K. Two-year low for continuing claims at 1.766M.

  • Average US Tariff Rate Steady at 11.8%; CAPE Refund System Activated

    April average tariff rate remains 11.8% despite Supreme Court's partial IEEPA ruling. CBP activated CAPE system on April 20, beginning processing of IEEPA refund requests.

  • FOMC Votes to Hold Rates at 3.5-3.75%

    Economic activity remains solid but employment is flat; inflation faces upward pressure from energy prices. The Fed explicitly cited Middle Eastern uncertainty.

  • FOMC Records Four Dissentsβ€”Highest Disagreement Since 1992

    Governor Miran voted for a rate cut; three others opposed the easing bias language in the statement. Powell's final meeting ended in visible division.

  • ECB Holds Deposit Rate at 2%; Acknowledges Escalating Risks

    The ECB maintained its 2% deposit rate while explicitly acknowledging that Middle Eastern conflict has heightened economic risks for the eurozone.

  • BOJ Holds at 0.75%; 6-3 Split with Hawkish Dissenters

    In its April 27-28 meeting, the BOJ maintained its policy rate at 0.75%. However, three board members advocated for a 1% increase, signaling hawkish dissent.

  • Initial Jobless Claims: 189,000 for Week Ending April 25

    Initial jobless claims fell to 189,000 for the week ending April 25, down 26,000. The insured unemployment rate stands at 1.2%, signaling labor market stability.

  • FOMC 4/29 Hold Imminent β€” 8-4 Dissent Possible; Largest Since 1992

    Fed funds rate 3.50–3.75% maintenance priced at 100%. Miran favors 25bp cut; Hammack, Kashkari, Logan oppose dovish guidance. Chair Powell's final meeting.

  • World Bank β€” 2026 Energy Surge 24%; Highest Since 2022

    4/28 Commodity Outlook: Middle East conflict represents largest four-year energy price shock. Hormuz blockade implies 10 million barrel-per-day supply disruption.

  • USTR 4/28-29 Forced Labor Tariff Hearing β€” 60 Nations, Section 301 Review

    Trump administration investigating non-compliance with forced labor import bans across 60 economies. Follows 4/2 Section 232 announcement (steel/aluminum/copper restructuring; branded drugs capped at 100%) escalating pressure.

  • U.S. Average Effective Tariff Rate 11.8% β€” Tax Foundation

    Restructured after February 2026 Supreme Court ruling on IEEPA tariff illegality. Rate settled at 11.8%, down from 2025 peak but still at highest level since the 1980s.

  • China Q1 GDP 5.0% β€” Industrial Output 6.1%; Export Strength

    NBS announcement (4/16): Q1 GDP 33.4 trillion yuan ($4.9T), YoY 5.0%, accelerating from 4.5% in Q4 2025. However, 'strong supply/weak demand' imbalance flagged.

  • FOMC Maintains Rates at 3.5%-3.75% with Four Dissents

    The FOMC voted to hold the benchmark rate at 3.5%-3.75%. Four officials (Musalem, Hammack, Kashkari, Logan) dissented in favor of a 25-basis-point cut.

  • March Nonfarm Payrolls Rise 178,000; Jobless Rate 4.3%

    Nonfarm payroll employment grew by 178,000 in March, exceeding consensus, while the unemployment rate ticked slightly lower to 4.3%, confirming underlying labor market strength.

  • BOJ Maintains 0.75% Rate with Hawkish Dissents; 6-3 Split

    The Bank of Japan held policy rates at 0.75% in its April 27-28 meeting, but three officials dissented in favor of rate increases, marking a hawkish hold with a 6-3 split.

  • Trump Average Tariff Rate: 11.8% After Court Adjustments

    Following partial Supreme Court invalidation and adjustments, the effective average tariff rate in April stands at 11.8%.

  • USTR Holds Forced Labor Hearings for 60 Economies

    The USTR will conduct Section 301 hearings April 28-29 on forced labor goods imported from 60 trading partners.

  • Eurozone April Inflation Jumps to 3%; Energy Drives Increase

    Eurozone April flash inflation spiked to 3%. The ECB noted simultaneous upside inflation and downside growth risks have intensified.

  • Fed Expected to Hold at 3.5%-3.75% on April 29

    The FOMC is likely to maintain the benchmark at 3.5%-3.75%. Board member Miran voted against a 25bp cut, and Federal Reserve presidents from Cleveland, Minneapolis, and Dallas also dissented.

  • ECB Projects 2026 Inflation at 2.6%

    The ECB projects 2026 inflation at 2.6% with moderation expected in 2027, maintaining the main refinancing rate at 2.15%, the deposit rate at 2%, and the marginal lending rate at 2.4%.

  • U.S. Initial Jobless Claims: 214,000

    For the week ending April 18, initial jobless claims totaled 214,000 (up 6,000 from the prior week). The following week claims fell to 189,000, reaching the lowest level since 1969.

  • UN Secretary-General Warns of Global Food Emergency

    UN Secretary-General Guterres warned that the U.S.-Israel war with Iran could trigger sharply elevated fuel, fertilizer, and commodity prices, potentially sparking a global food emergency.

  • US March CPI +3.3% β€” Highest in Roughly Two Years

    Rising global energy prices reignite inflation.

  • Fed April Meeting Expected to Hold Steady β€” Potential 8-4 Split

    Target rate expected to remain at 3.50-3.75%; some members prefer 25bp rate cut.

  • IMF: 2026 Global Growth at 3.1% β€” Below Pre-Pandemic Average

    Emerging market inflation resurgence and growth deceleration converge.

  • US March Payrolls: 178K Added β€” Unemployment at 4.3%

    Healthcare, construction, and transportation lead solid hiring; April forecast at 67K.

  • Korea April Consumer Inflation Reaches 21-Month High

    Iran-conflict-driven oil spike passes through to transportation, travel, and household expenses.

  • Fed Expected to Hold Rates at 3.50–3.75% in April

    Four committee members dissenting in favor of a cutβ€”most dissents since 1992. May be Powell's final meeting.

  • March Nonfarm Payroll Growth Moderates to +178K

    Unemployment ticks down to 4.3%; ADP private payroll growth estimate for April: +40K.

  • South Korea Passes $1.77B Supplementary Budget on April 10

    Measure designed to absorb U.S.–Iran conflict impact; 70% of crude oil sourced from Middle East.

  • Global Crude Supply Disruption Reaches Record -10.1mb/d

    March production fell to 97mb/dβ€”the largest disruption on record. Hormuz transit curbs ongoing.

  • South Korea Q1 Exports Hit Record High

    AI semiconductor demand drives commodity exports at fastest pace since Q2 2021.

  • Fed Holds Rates at 3.5-3.75% for Third Consecutive Meeting

    The Fed maintained policy rates at 3.5-3.75% at its April meeting amid persistent inflation and upcoming leadership transition, with four dissenting votes in what is a rare occurrence near the end of Chair Powell's term.

  • Oil Surges 76% from Late February to Early April, Reigniting Inflation Concerns

    Brent crude rose more than 76% between late February and early April, emerging as a key variable driving the Fed's return to cautious positioning.

  • Eurozone April CPI Accelerates to 3.0% from March's 2.6%

    Energy costs surged 10.9%, the largest increase since February 2023, pushing eurozone CPI from 2.6% in March to 3.0% in April. The ECB maintained rates at 2%.

  • ServiceNow Q1 Subscription Revenue +22%, RPO $27.7 Billion

    ServiceNow reported first-quarter subscription revenue of $3.671 billion, up 22% year-over-year, with EPS of $0.97 surpassing consensus of $0.80 by 21%. AI commitments are projected at $1.5 billion for 2026.

  • World Bank Warns of Largest Energy Price Shock in Four Years

    The World Bank's Commodity Markets Outlook cautions that Middle East escalation could trigger the largest energy price surge since 2022.

  • IMF April WEO Formalizes 'War Shadow' Scenario

    Base case 3.1%, severe scenario 2.0% growth and 6%+ inflation.

  • Brent Crude Enters $95 Territory; 650 Million Barrel Cumulative Loss

    Energy infrastructure attacks and Hormuz transit constraints disrupt 13 million barrels per day.

  • U.S. Credit Card Debt Surpasses $1.2 Trillion

    25% of borrowers rely on cards for everyday expenses; household resilience weakens.

  • Emerging Market Growth Revised Down 0.3pp to 3.9%

    Energy-importing nations face IMF pressure; currency and fiscal flexibility limited.

  • Social Security 2026 COLA at 2.8%; FY Inflation at 3.01%

    Wage adjustment moderates amid persistent price pressure.

  • Fed April meeting expected to hold steady (official decision April 29)

    Federal funds rate projected to remain at 3.5–3.75% for a third consecutive meeting. While Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari, Kansas City's Beth Hammack, and Dallas's Lorie Logan support a pause, some call for rate cuts; however, most oppose dovish language modifications.

  • U.S. CPI March headline month-on-month: +0.9%; gasoline +21.2%

    Largest monthly increase since June 2022. Gasoline alone posted a 21.2% increase, the largest single-month surge in BLS records since 1967.

  • IMF World Economic Outlook April: 'Global Economy in the Shadow of Conflict'

    Released during the April 14 Spring Meetings, the report reflects Middle East energy shocks with downward revisions to emerging market growth forecasts.

  • U.S. average tariff rate settles at 11.8%

    Following the February 2026 Supreme Court ruling that tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were unlawful, adjustments were made. Finished aluminum, steel, and copper products carry 50% rates; derivatives, 25%.

  • One-year inflation expectations surge 100 basis points to 4.8%

    March: 3.8%; April: 4.8%, exceeding consensus of 4.2%. Largest monthly move since April 2025.

  • Fed Pauses at 3.5-3.75% on April 29; Four Dissents (Highest Since 1992)

    Balancing tariff and energy-driven inflation against labor market softening, the Fed recorded the most dissents since 1992.

  • March Payrolls +178K; Unemployment Stable at 4.3%

    Gains centered on healthcare, construction, and transportation. Unemployment expected to hover at 4.2-4.3% through April.

  • JOLTS: 6.9M Job Openings; 0.95 Unemployed per Opening

    March data showed 6.9M job openings, 5.6M hires, and 5.4M separations, indicating labor market stabilization. Unemployment-to-opening ratio ticked up from 0.91 to 0.95.

  • April Layoff Announcements Hit 83,387; Up 38% Month-over-Month

    Challenger data recorded 83K announced cuts in April, up 38% from March but down 21% year-over-year. AI-related big-tech reductions drove the increase.

  • 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate at 6.30%, Down 46bps Year-over-Year

    Late-April average fixed rate reached 6.30% with 1.23M inventory. Fannie Mae forecasts year-end at 5.7%.

  • Fed Holds Rates; Four Policymakers Vote Against Status Quoβ€”1992 Record for Dissent

    The FOMC held its policy rate at 3.5-3.75% in April, with Cleveland's Hammack, Minneapolis's Kashkari, Dallas's Logan and Vice Chair Isaacs all dissenting against the holdβ€”the highest dissent count since 1992.

  • U.S. March CPI Accelerates to 3.3% Year-over-Year; Energy Surges 12.5%

    U.S.-Israel-Iran tensions and Strait of Hormuz blockade drove energy prices up 12.5% annually, pushing headline CPI to 0.9% month-over-month and 3.3% year-over-year, far exceeding the Fed's 2% target.

  • White House Formalizes Up to 245% China Tariffs; Trade Friction Accelerates

    The White House codified cumulative tariffs on select Chinese goods reaching 245% as of April 17, marking the apex of second-term trade tensions as retaliatory cycles perpetuated throughout the month.

  • U.S. Gasoline Averages $4.30, Diesel $5.80 Per Gallonβ€”April Monthly Peak

    EIA data pegged April U.S. retail gasoline at roughly $4.30 per gallon and diesel at $5.80+, marking monthly highs. Global oil supply fell 10.1 million barrels per day in Marchβ€”a record disruptionβ€”driven by Strait blockade and Middle East infrastructure damage.

  • Bank Indonesia Rate Hold Consensus; South Korea Faces Fiscal Pivot

    All 31 economists in a Reuters poll expect Bank Indonesia to hold at 4.75%, while Seoul navigates supplemental budgets and tax shortfalls, redirecting capital from domestic property to domestic equity and innovation amid consumption weakness.

  • Fed Holds Policy Rate at 3.50–3.75% (April 29)

    FOMC held rates steady April 29; only one dissenter called for a -25bp cut. Energy-driven inflation and stable employment push near-term rate cut odds into the second half.

  • NY Fed SCE: One-Year Inflation Expectations at 3.6%

    New York Fed's Survey of Consumer Expectations shows one-year inflation rising 20 basis points to 3.6%. Long-term anchors remain stable, signaling near-term inflation repricing.

  • BLS March Employment: +178,000, Unemployment at 4.3%

    Nonfarm payrolls added 178,000 jobs in March; unemployment rate held at 4.3% (7.2 million). Healthcare, construction, and transportation drove gains; federal employment declined.

  • World Bank Commodity Outlook: Energy Prices Rise 24%

    World Bank's April Commodity Markets Outlook projects 2026 energy prices 24% higherβ€”the steepest rise since the 2022 Ukraine invasion.

  • Global Equity Funds See Fourth Straight Week of Inflows (Through April 15)

    Global equity funds posted four consecutive weeks of net inflows through April 15, buoyed by solid earnings reports and ceasefire optimism.

  • Fed officials appear at Washington Economic Festival global macro session

    On April 17, Federal Reserve board member Stephen Miran participated in a global macro panel at the Fed's Washington Economic Festival. Michael Barr spoke at a rural investment conference the same day.

  • BOJ votes 6-to-3 to hold rates at 0.75%

    Takata, Tamura, and Nakagawa dissented in favor of a 1.0% increase. Despite energy concerns from the Iran conflict, the BOJ maintained its highest rate since September 1995.

  • ECB holds policy rate at 2.15% on April 30

    The deposit rate stands at 2.0% and the marginal lending rate at 2.4%. The central bank took a wait-and-see stance amid Middle Eastern inflation concerns and growth weakness.

  • March nonfarm payrolls add 178k; unemployment holds at 4.3%

    The March BLS report showed nonfarm employment up 178k, with healthcare accounting for 76k and ambulatory care services for 54k. The labor force participation rate held at 61.9%.

  • Fed projects 'modest' Q1 GDP growth as immigration restrains labor supply

    Q1 GDP growth appears modest, with business investment offsetting consumer weakness. The sharp decline in net immigration during 2025 is restraining both population and labor-force growthβ€”a policy variable.

  • Fed Positioned to Hold Rates at 3.5–3.75%, Setting Up April 29 Showdown

    The FOMC signaled an 8-4 split hold at 3.5–3.75%. The dissent tallyβ€”the highest since October 1992β€”hints at dovish pressure. This meeting may be Chair Powell's last.

  • U.S. March CPI Accelerates to 3.3% YoY, Energy Jumps 10.9%

    March CPI rose 3.3% year-on-year, up from 2.4% in February. Month-on-month, inflation hit 0.9%, with energy surging 10.9% and gasoline the prime driver. Food prices held steady.

  • U.S. Adds 178K Non-Farm Jobs in March; Jobless Rate at 4.3%

    The BLS reported 178,000 non-farm job gains in March with a 4.3% unemployment rate. Healthcare, construction, and transportation led the surge; federal employment declined.

  • JPMorgan Q1 EPS $5.94, Bond Trading Revenue Surges 21%

    JPMorgan posted Q1 EPS of $5.94 (vs. consensus $5.45) on $50.54 billion revenue (+10%). Fixed-income trading jumped 21% to $7.08 billion, though net interest income guidance was lowered to $103 billion.

  • Wells Fargo Q1 Net Income $5.3B, EPS $1.60

    Wells Fargo delivered Q1 net income of $5.3 billion and diluted EPS of $1.60, supported by cost discipline and rebounding fee revenue.

  • IMF 'Shadow of War' Report; Global Growth at 3.1%, U.S. Slowing

    The IMF released 'Global Economy in the Shadow of War' on April 14, projecting 3.1% global growth in 2026 and 3.2% in 2027, both downward revisions. India's labor and regulatory reforms are expected to offset near-term fiscal deficits. The U.S. remains solid but faces deceleration risks.

  • March U.S. CPI +3.3%; Core +2.6% Widens Divergence

    Headline inflation of 3.3% year-over-year is the highest since April 2024, driven by war-related energy shocks. Core inflation remains anchored at 2.6%, creating policy signal conflict as the April 29 FOMC approaches.

  • JPMorgan Q1 Net Income Up 13% to $16.5B; EPS $5.94

    JPMorgan reported Q1 net income of $16.5 billion (up 13%) with EPS of $5.94 versus consensus $5.45. Revenue rose 10% to $50.5 billion. However, the bank trimmed 2026 net interest income guidance to approximately $103 billion from $104.5 billion.

  • Goldman Sachs Q1 Equities Trading at Record; Net Income $5.63B

    Goldman delivered Q1 EPS of $17.55 versus consensus $16.49, with revenue of $17.23 billion beating consensus $16.97 billion. Net income climbed 19% to $5.63 billion. FICC trading missed at $4.01 billion, down 10%, across rates, MBS, and credit.

  • USTR Section 301 Comment Period Closes April 15; China 50% Tariff Threat

    USTR closed its comment period April 15 for Section 301 investigations into 16 countries including China, EU, India, Japan, and South Korea. Trump threatened 50% tariffs on China on April 13, citing reports of air defense systems supplied to Iran. Section 232 automotive parts procedure also closed April 14.

  • Core CPI 2.6%, Shelter 3.0%

    March's headline CPI of 3.3% was tempered by core inflation (ex-food and energy) at 2.6%; shelter rose 3.0%. Markets bet April 14 on an energy-driven transitory scenario.

  • Fed Holds in April: 8–4 Vote, Highest Dissent Since 1992

    At its April 29 meeting, the Fed held rates at 3.50–3.75%. Governor Michele Miran dissented in favor of a 25bp cut; three officials objected to the statement language. Four dissents mark the first such count since October 1992.

  • IMF Downgrades Global Growth, Upgrades Inflation

    The IMF's April 14 WEO revision reflects Middle East conflict and energy supply disruption, cutting growth forecasts while lifting inflation estimates.

  • Weekly Jobless Claims Remain in Healthy 200K Range

    Initial claims through April 11 came in at 207Kβ€”normal levels. For the week ending April 25, claims dropped to 189K, the lowest since September 1969, signaling continued labor market stability.

  • Effective Tariff Rate Hits 11.8%; Semiconductor Levies Loom

    Commerce Secretary Raimondo told ABC's 'This Week' on April 13 that electronics exemptions are temporary and semiconductor tariffs will arrive within months. Trump threatened 50% additional tariffs on China the same day.

  • IMF WEO: Global growth cut to 3.1% for 2026

    War clouds loom over trade, AI, and financial shocks. China 4.5%, EU 0.9%.

  • U.S. GDP 2026 forecast slashed from 2.4% to 1.7%

    RSM downgrade. WSJ economist survey: 33% probability of 12-month recession, up from January.

  • Core PCE March at 3.2% YoY; FOMC poised for April 29 hold

    Energy inflation reignites. Fed vote split 8–4, widest dissent since October 1992.

  • Dollar weakness fuels emerging-market currency rally

    Bank of America: 2026 sees 4Γ— outflow of U.S. to foreign assets. South Korea foreign inflows swing to β‚©1.13T buy in April.

  • U.S. labor-market warning: quits rate at 1.9%, lowest since 2020

    Participation rate 61.9%. Hiring and layoffs both coolingβ€”signals of a frozen labor market.

  • U.S. March CPI +3.3% YoYβ€”Two-Year High

    BLS April 10 release: energy drove the bulk of gains. Market consensus shifted from pricing cuts this year to zero cuts, potentially into 2027.

  • Weekly S&P 500 Rally: +3.6% Best Week

    April 10 close: S&P 500 at 6,816.89 (-0.11% daily), but +3.6% weeklyβ€”best week since November. Nasdaq +4.7%, Dow +3%, led by NVIDIA and Broadcom.

  • JPMorgan Q1 EPS $5.94 Beats

    April 14 earnings: Q1 net income $16.49B (+13% YoY), revenue $50.54B vs. consensus $49.17B. Trading revenue +21%, investment banking fees +28%. Full-year NII guidance cut to $103B from $104.5B.

  • Iran Ceasefire, Eight Days In: Crude -16.5%

    Post-ceasefire announcement April 8, WTI crude futures crashed ~16.5% to $94/barrel, down from $117 peak.

  • EU ETS Emissions -1.3%, Decarbonization on Track

    April 10 EU Commission disclosure: 2025 validated ETS emissions down 1.3% year-over-year. Shipping -3%, power -0.4%. 2030 target of -62% remains on trajectory.

  • U.S. March CPI: 3.3% YoY, 0.9% MoM

    Year-over-year CPI rose to 3.3%, month-over-month 0.9%. Energy climbed 10.9%, with gasoline alone up 21.2%, explaining roughly 75% of monthly inflation. Core CPI remained anchored at 0.2% MoM and 2.6% YoY.

  • Stephens: Iran-Driven Inflation 'Just Beginning'

    Stephens and Purdue analysis warns that March CPI 'remains early innings,' with food, transportation, and finished-goods price passthrough likely to accumulate over coming months.

  • IMF April WEO: Global Economy 'Tested Again'

    Released ahead of the IMF spring meetings, the April WEO chapter titled 'Global Economy Tested Again' signals downward growth revisions amid Iran conflict, tariff uncertainty, and interest-rate environment headwinds.

  • U.S. March PPI: 0.5% MoM, 4.0% YoY

    Final-demand PPI for March (released April 14) rose 0.5% month-over-month and 4.0% year-over-year. As of April 11, March PPI represents the most recent available data point.

  • U.S. April Jobs: Economist Consensus +55K–67K, 4.3% Unemployment

    The economist consensus expects April nonfarm payroll growth of 55,000 to 67,000 jobs and a 4.3% unemployment rate, representing a sharp deceleration from March's 178,000. April employment data releases May 8.

  • U.S. March CPI 3.3%, April FOMC pause locked in

    Gasoline 21.2% surge carries headline; core at 2.6% annually. April 28-29 meeting priced at 0% rate-cut odds.

  • IMF April WEO: 2026 growth 3.1%, inflation 4.4%

    Near-term war assumption lifts global growth downward by 0.1 percentage point; energy +19% assumption. Downside risks skew one-way.

  • ECB holds steady in April; June hike moves into focus

    Deposit rate 2.0%, main refinancing 2.15% unchanged. Eurozone inflation accelerates to 3% in April despite growth concerns keeping rates flat.

  • Dollar weakens; EM and tech stocks rally

    April 9 ceasefire hopes trigger risk-on rotation. Korean and Japanese tech lead gains; emerging-market currencies bounce.

  • U.S. March nonfarm payroll +178,000; unemployment 4.3%

    April 3 release. Healthcare, construction, and transport drive gains; labor market shows modest softening. April data due May 8.

  • IMF WEO: 2026 global growth cut to 3.1%

    Iran war and Hormuz closure are now core assumptions in Chapter 1. Inflation seen edging higher this year, then softening in 2027.

  • BLS: March nonfarm payrolls +178K, jobless rate 4.3%

    The April 3 employment report crushed consensus (+59K), with healthcare, construction, and transport leading gains. Hourly pay up 0.2% month-on-month and 3.5% year-on-year.

  • JPMorgan Q1 EPS $5.94; trading hits record $11.6B

    First-quarter revenue jumped 10% to $50.54B; trading surged 20% for a quarterly record. Net interest income guidance trimmed slightly to $103B.

  • March CPI report due April 10

    Energy's 12.5% surge expected to lift headline to 3.3% and core to 2.6%.

  • Brazil and Mexico face narrowing fiscal space, World Bank warns

    The World Bank LAC Economic Update flagged budget constraints and trade uncertainty as key risks.

  • US March CPI Rises 0.9% MoM, 3.3% YoYβ€”Two-Year High

    BLS posted March CPI at +0.9% MoM seasonally adjusted and +3.3% YoY, with gasoline up 21.2% accounting for roughly three-quarters of headline inflation.

  • Core CPI Stable at +0.2% MoM, +2.6% YoY

    Stripping out food and energy, core CPI edged up 0.2% MoM and 2.6% YoY in March, signaling stable underlying pressure.

  • IMF April WEO: Global Growth Forecast Slips to 3.1%

    The IMF penciled in 2026 global growth at 3.1% and 2027 at 3.2%, assuming contained conflict, and warned of acute vulnerability for commodity-importing emerging nations.

  • 1Q26 US Private Payroll Surge Runs 2.5x the 2025 Monthly Average

    Treasury TBAC data showed first-quarter private payroll growth running 2.5 times the 2025 monthly average.

  • Fed Rate-Cut Consensus Evaporates, Markets Pricing Zero Cuts for 2026

    JPMorgan Global Research found markets have priced out any 2026 rate cuts as of April 8, with the next move likely a 25 basis point hike in Q3 2027.

  • March US CPI: headline +0.9% monthly, +3.3% year-over-year

    BLS March seasonally adjusted: month +0.9%, annual +3.3%. Core: month +0.2%, annual +2.6%. Sticky inflation persists.

  • Treasury: Q1 private payroll growth 2.5x 2025 average

    Monthly private employment gains exceed 2025 average by 2.5x or more, underscoring labor-market resilience. April jobs report drops next month.

  • IMF WEO April: 'Global economy in war's shadow'

    Ahead of Spring meetings, IMF flags Hormuz closure and energy prices as core downside risks to 2026 growth.

  • Bessent signals secondary sanctions on Iran oil buyers

    Treasury Secretary Bessent formalizes intent to apply secondary sanctions on nations holding Iranian funds and purchasing Iranian crude. Leverage for ceasefire talks.

  • EIA: Brent climbs from $81 in Q1 to $115 average Q2 peak

    Short-term energy outlook: Q2 average peaks near $115, then gradually slides to $88 by Q4.

  • Q1 private wage growth accelerates 2.5x 2025 monthly average

    Treasury TBAC data shows Q1 2026 private payroll growth exceeded 2025's monthly average by 2.5x, driven partly by supply-shock wage pressures.

  • Bank of Korea: supply shock could push GDP below 2 percent

    The Bank of Korea signaled in April that Middle East supply disruption could drag growth below 2 percent while full-year CPI exceeds its February forecast of 2.2 percent.

  • EIA: April US gasoline peaks at $4.30/gallon, diesel over $5.80

    EIA's April STEO projects US gasoline monthly average of $4.30/gallon with diesel exceeding $5.80. Global crude supply collapsed 10.1 million barrels daily in March to 97 million barrels.

  • March headline CPI rises 0.9 percent MoM, 3.3 percent YoY

    BLS April 10 release (March data): CPI gained 0.9 percent monthly and 3.3 percent year-on-yearβ€”the highest since April 2024. Gasoline surged 21.2 percent, accounting for 75 percent of the headline move. Core remained stable at 0.2 percent MoM and 2.6 percent YoY.

  • New Development Bank cumulative approvals hit $42.9 billion

    BRICS' New Development Bank has approved 139 projects totaling $42.9 billion as of April, with Brazil accounting for $7 billion across 29 deals.

  • US March CPI rises to +3.3% YoYβ€”highest since May 2024

    BLS reported March CPI at +3.3% year-on-year, the highest reading since May 2024. Gasoline soared 21.2% and drove the index; April average gasoline is forecast near $4.30/gallon and diesel at $5.80.

  • Fed holds at 3.50–3.75%; likely stays through year-end

    The Fed kept rates steady at 3.50–3.75% in April. Bond markets now price in high odds the Fed stays put through December, citing inflation softness, labor-market cooling, and oil-shock volatility.

  • Cleveland Fed Inflation Nowcasting

    The Cleveland Fed's real-time inflation model tracked April CPIβ€”Hormuz-blockade pass-through in gasoline emerged as the key variable.

  • Richmond Fed: National economic indicators April chartbook

    Richmond Fed's April 20 chartbook pdf compiles employment, inflation, and industrial production. The low-hire/low-fire labor dynamic repeated.

  • Morningstar: April payroll consensus +70k; unemployment 4.3%

    Morningstar compiled April consensus: nonfarm payrolls +70,000 (March +178,000) and jobless rate holding at 4.3%. Low-hire/low-fire momentum stays solid.

  • U.S. March CPI 3.3%, core 2.6%, shelter 3.0%

    March CPI rose 3.3% year-over-year; core CPI (less food and energy) came in at 2.6%; shelter costs climbed 3.0%. Cleveland Fed's Nowcasting index confirms the trend.

  • Fed holds rates at 3.5–3.75% for third consecutive meeting

    The Federal Reserve kept rates at 3.5–3.75% in April's FOMC, a third consecutive hold. Inflation remains above target, labor-market cracks have widened, and Middle East oil uncertainty looms.

  • March payroll: +178k jobs, 4.3% jobless rate

    The BLS reported March nonfarm payroll growth of +178,000 and a 4.3% unemployment rate. Gains concentrated in healthcare, construction, and transport-warehousing; federal hiring continued to decline.

  • Trump Section 232 overhaulβ€”branded drugs face 100% tariffs

    Trump's April 2 announcement reshapes steel, aluminum, and copper tariffs under Section 232 and slaps new tariffs up to 100% on brand-name drug imports. This follows February's Supreme Court ruling voiding IEEPA reciprocal tariffs.

  • Brent averages $103; $150 peak scenario on table

    EIA's April short-term outlook showed March Brent averaging $103/barrel; IEA pegged physical-market crude at $150/barrel. EIA projects a $115 peak in Q2 before gradual stabilization as shutins resolve.

  • US March nonfarm payroll jumps 178k, crushes 59k consensus

    BLS April 3: nonfarm jobs +178k, unemployment 4.3% flat. Healthcare +76k, Jan-Feb revisions -7k combined, wages +9 cents to $37.38.

  • Patent drug tariffs max 100%; MFN deal holders get free pass

    Section 232 drug tariffs phase in over 120 days (large) and 180 days (small); MFN price deals and domestic production commitments can hit 0% through Jan 20, 2029. Annex III seventeen firms accelerate July 31.

  • Finished steel, aluminum, copper hit 50% flat tariff

    April 2 proclamation: 50% ad valorem on coils, sheets, and metal-majority finished goods; 25% on derivatives.

  • $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget request looms as post-WWII record

    April 3: White House preps largest defense budget outlay increase ever sought by a sitting president.

  • South Korea April consumer sentiment plunges to 99.2

    Korea April consumer confidence index dropped to 99.2 from 107 prior month, slipping below neutral 100 and signaling weakened near-term outlook.

  • U.S. March CPI 3.3% YoY, Q1 average inflation accelerates to 0.4% monthly

    U.S. 12-month CPI inflation for March stood at 3.3% (up from 2.4% year-earlier), while core CPI softened to 2.6%. Energy volatility from Middle East strife lifted Q1 average inflation to 0.4% monthly from 0.2% in Q4 2025.

  • Brent vaults from $61 to $118/barrel in Q1 as Hormuz closure tightens supply

    Brent futures started Q1 at $61/barrel and closed at $118/barrel. The Strait of Hormuz de facto closure from Feb. 28 military action drove the shock; EIA pegs daily supply loss at 10 million barrelsβ€”a record.

  • World Bank: Middle East war unleashes largest energy price spike in four years

    World Bank's April Commodity Markets Outlook calls the Middle East conflict the largest energy price surge in four years.

  • IMF April WEO: Global economy tested in shadow of war

    IMF's April World Economic Outlook frames the backdrop as "global economy in the shadow of war," flagging both resilience and risk.

  • May 12: U.S. April CPI printβ€”first inflation snapshot post-energy shock, Fed decision hinge

    The Labor Department will release April CPI at 8:30 a.m. ET May 12. As the first full-month inflation read after the Hormuz strait shock, it will frame Fed policy pivot.

  • Fed raises 2026 inflation outlook from 2.4% to 2.7%

    The FOMC lifted its March Summary of Economic Projections headline inflation forecast from 2.4% to 2.7% (+30bp) and core PCE from 2.5% to 2.7%.

  • US equities rally on Iran ceasefire signal as risk-off premium unwinds

    Iranian President's peace overtures sent Dow soaring 1,000-plus points and Nasdaq climbing 3.4%, as risk assets shed war premiums.

  • EIA and IEA to release early April energy outlooks

    The EIA Short-Term Energy Outlook and IEA Oil Market Report expected in early April mark the first official supply/demand revisions since Iran disruptions.

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