Economic & Market Watch

In the News

Economy

• Federal Reserve rate cut expectations have surged, with JPMorgan and other analysts now predicting a quarter-point rate cut in December as consumer sentiment weakens and spending declines.
• U.S. household electricity prices have surged to their highest level in nearly two years, driven by increased demand from data centers and industrial users, adding pressure to consumer budgets.

Markets

• West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures rose to just under $60/barrel after OPEC+ reaffirmed a cautious supply stance against a backdrop of pipeline disruptions and geopolitical tensions.
• U.S. equities started December on a weak note. Stocks and bonds fell as a renewed cryptocurrency sell-off weighed on investor sentiment, with Bitcoin plunging sharply.

Current Events

• President Trump confirmed he has chosen the next Fed chair, emphasizing the need for interest-rate cuts, fueling speculation about policy direction.
• The U.S. and U.K. have reached an agreement to allow tariff-free imports of pharmaceutical products in exchange for a significant reduction in the rebates drugmakers pay to the U.K.’s National Health Service.

Meet the Team

CFC's economic research team—John Suter, Sam Kem and Antony Davies—share their expert, yet easily digestible, perspective on what you need to know.

Have feedback about the podcast? A topic you'd like the EMW team to cover? Get in touch at economicresearch@nrucfc.coop.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Trading Economics