Market perspectives
Explore emerging market trends and insights from our Investment Research team. If it’s top of mind for you, it’s top of mind for us.
Market perspectives insights
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Q1 GDP declined by 1.5%, but consumer spending remained strong
A headline-busy first quarter of 2022 weighed on economic output, but strong consumer spending growth indicates that the economy is in a better position than the top-line decline suggests.

Consumers showed their resilience in April as retail sales rose 0.9%
Retail sales posted a solid advance in April, further supported by sizable upward revisions to March sales data.

Headline inflation eased in April, but core prices rose more than expected
Although the Consumer Price Index eased from its multi-decade high in April, there is still more work to be done by the Fed to combat rising inflation.

Special market commentary: Risk on, risk off
Wednesday’s Fed rate hike announcement was good news for equities — until it wasn’t.

The Fed increases rates by 0.5% — its biggest rate hike since 2000
In response to high inflation and exceptionally tight labor markets, the Fed announced its decision to increase interest rates and reduce its balance sheet.

What is the near-term outlook for inflation?
While inflation is forecast to roll over in the coming months, a return to the Fed’s 2% target is likely to take some time.