The lowest monthly gain in a year was likely enough to keep the Fed on track to pursue aggressive policy
Purchasing intentions for big-ticket items cooled slightly
As the Fed's rate hikes take effect, they will make it increasingly expensive to spend and hire
Most economists expect a rebound this quarter as solid hiring and wage gains sustain growth
Inflation and the war in Ukraine may curb consumer spending this year
Financial markets now foresee much steeper rate hikes than Fed officials signaled as recently as last month
In a speech on Thursday, the U.S. Treasury Secretary also advocated for maintaining the dollar's prominence
Unemployment dropped to its lowest rate since the pandemic erupted
Higher prices and the war in Ukraine contributed to a decline in the six-month outlook
New tax on the ultra wealthy would include ``unrealized gains''