U.S. Economic Data Sparks Mixed Reactions Amid Fed Rate Cut Speculations

According to BlockBeats, recent U.S. economic data has led to fluctuating expectations regarding potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Over the past week, retail sales in the U.S. showed broad growth, driven by automotive sales and major online promotions. However, consumer confidence unexpectedly declined for the first time since April, alongside rising inflation expectations. Earlier reports on July's Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) presented mixed signals about the economy's resilience against U.S. President Donald Trump's comprehensive import tariffs. Both reports indicated persistent service inflation, with the PPI reaching a three-year high month-on-month. Within the Federal Reserve, there is notable disagreement over the possibility of a rate cut 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 prospects by 2027 FOMC voting member and Atlanta Fed President Bostic at 3:00 UTC+8. Additional data releases include initial jobless claims and the Philadelphia Fed manufacturing index for the week ending August 16, scheduled for Thursday at 20:30 UTC+8, and the preliminary August S&P Global Manufacturing and Services PMI at 21:45 UTC+8. Federal Reserve Chair Powell is set to speak at the Jackson Hole Global Central Bank Annual Meeting on Friday at 22:00 UTC+8.