U.S. Economic News
February 8, 2019
U.S. News
The Wall Street Journal reports that St. Louis Federal Reserve President James Bullard stated the central bank does not need to raise rates any further to achieve its job and inflation goals. The Federal Open Market Committee voted last week to refrain from raising interest rates amid a slowing global economy and a lack of inflationary pressures. WSJ
According to a survey by the Wall Street Journal, economists say another government shutdown would dampen economic growth as well as business and consumer sentiment. According to one respondent, the negative impact on confidence would be larger than the drop in government spending and services. WSJ
The Financial Times reports that Donald Trump has ruled out a meeting with China President Xi Jinping before the March 1 deadline to reach a trade deal, thwarting hopes of an agreement to prevent further tariffs between the two nations next month. Robert Lighthizer and Steven Mnuchin are scheduled to visit Beijing next week for a new round of talks. FT