A series of central bank rate decisions over the course of 36 hours will set the tone for the global economy for the rest of the year. With the US pushing to keep interest rates high, central banks in advanced economies will be closely watched as they adapt to the expectation that rates will remain higher for longer. Weak global trade and a potential stagflationary scenario in Europe highlight the resilience of the US economy. The Federal Reserve may keep rates on hold but could signal another increase later in the year.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is set to give his annual speech on Friday and will try to offer a clear monetary policy vision while treading lightly given market volatility.
His remarks showed the Fed wrestling with conflicting signals from an economy where inflation has by some readings slowed a lot without much cost to the economy.