It came as no surprise that the Federal Reserve maintained its benchmark rate—the fed funds rate—at 4.25% to 4.50% during last Wednesday’s meeting. Despite the moderation in the rate of inflation, central bankers didn’t hint at any near-term cut in interest rates.

Inflation remained mild in May, showing little upward pressure. According to last week’s report from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose just 0.1% for the month, while the annual rate settled at 2.4%.

April exports rose $8.3 billion to a record $289.4 billion. April imports fell $68.4 billion to $351.0 billion. The decline in imports included a $33.0 billion drop in consumer goods, $8.3 billion in automobiles and auto parts, and $23.3 billion in industrial supplies.

On Friday, the University of Michigan reported that the Consumer Sentiment Index for the U.S. fell to the second-lowest reading on record, with the mid-May level falling to 50.8 from April’s 52.2. “Tariffs were spontaneously mentioned by nearly three-quarters of consumers, up from almost 60% in April; uncertainty over trade policy continues to dominate consumers’ thinking about the economy,” the Director of the Survey said.

On Friday, the University of Michigan reported that the Consumer Sentiment Index for the U.S. fell to the second-lowest reading on record, with the mid-May level falling to 50.8 from April’s 52.2. “Tariffs were spontaneously mentioned by nearly three-quarters of consumers, up from almost 60% in April; uncertainty over trade policy continues to dominate consumers’ thinking about the economy,” the Director of the Survey said.

On Friday, the University of Michigan reported that the Consumer Sentiment Index for the U.S. fell to the second-lowest reading on record, with the mid-May level falling to 50.8 from April’s 52.2. “Tariffs were spontaneously mentioned by nearly three-quarters of consumers, up from almost 60% in April; uncertainty over trade policy continues to dominate consumers’ thinking about the economy,” the Director of the Survey said.

Reciprocal tariffs were announced Wednesday afternoon. In most cases, they are far higher than expected and varied considerably. Vietnam at 46%, the European Union at 20%, China at 54% (20% existing + 34% reciprocal), and the United Kingdom at 10%, according to the White House.

Reciprocal tariffs were announced Wednesday afternoon. In most cases, they are far higher than expected and varied considerably. Vietnam at 46%, the European Union at 20%, China at 54% (20% existing + 34% reciprocal), and the United Kingdom at 10%, according to the White House.

Reciprocal tariffs were announced Wednesday afternoon. In most cases, they are far higher than expected and varied considerably. Vietnam at 46%, the European Union at 20%, China at 54% (20% existing + 34% reciprocal), and the United Kingdom at 10%, according to the White House.

Reciprocal tariffs were announced Wednesday afternoon. In most cases, they are far higher than expected and varied considerably. Vietnam at 46%, the European Union at 20%, China at 54% (20% existing + 34% reciprocal), and the United Kingdom at 10%, according to the White House.

Reciprocal tariffs were announced Wednesday afternoon. In most cases, they are far higher than expected and varied considerably. Vietnam at 46%, the European Union at 20%, China at 54% (20% existing + 34% reciprocal), and the United Kingdom at 10%, according to the White House.