Economy
Morningstar breaks down policies and events that impact the overall economy. Learn about relevant shifts, shocks, and developments in the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy.
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Economic Topics
Inflation
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What’s the Difference Between the CPI and PCE Indexes?
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Neil Shearing: What You Might Be Missing About the Current Economy
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Markets Brief: Will the New Inflation Story Hurt Stocks?
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What Hot Inflation and Delayed Rate Cuts Mean for Investors
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March CPI Report: Why Is Inflation Still So Sticky?
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March US CPI Report Shows Inflation at a 3.5% Annual Rate, Higher Than Expected
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Forecasts for March CPI Report Show More Mixed Signals on Inflation
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Why We Expect Inflation to Fall in 2024
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Morningstar Market Insights: Central Banks, Inflation, and Patient Investing
Employment
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Despite Strong Jobs Report, Fed Still Seen on Track to Cut Rates
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March US Jobs Report: 303,000 Rise In Payrolls, Stronger Than Expected
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March Jobs Report Forecasts Show Still-Strong but Slowing Hiring Gains
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Why We Expect the Job Market’s Slowdown to Renew in 2024
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Why the February Jobs Report Shows Solid—But Not ‘Hot’—Hiring Gains
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February U.S. Jobs Report: 275,000 Rise in Payrolls, Above Expectations
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Forecasts for February Jobs Report Show Continued Strong Growth
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Work Doesn’t Have to End When You Retire
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Strong January Jobs Report Takes March Fed Rate Cut Off the Table
More in Economy
These 4 Charts Show Plunging Expectations for Fed Rate Cuts
The hot March CPI report has bond traders significantly paring back rate cuts in 2024.
March US CPI Report Shows Inflation at a 3.5% Annual Rate, Higher Than Expected
Core CPI rises at 3.8% annual rate.
Markets Brief: What Fewer Rate Cuts Could Mean for Stock Valuations
Insights into key market performance and economic trends from Dan Kemp, Morningstar’s global chief research and investment officer.
Despite Strong Jobs Report, Fed Still Seen on Track to Cut Rates
Inflation data will be key to when the Fed will lower rates.
March US Jobs Report: 303,000 Rise In Payrolls, Stronger Than Expected
Unemployment rate edged down to 3.8%.
Q1 2024 In Review and Q2 Market Outlook
Our analysts put the first-quarter performance trends for stock sectors, bonds, and funds into perspective—and look ahead with a fresh market outlook for the second quarter.
When Will the Fed Start Cutting Interest Rates?
Our latest economic forecast for interest rates, inflation, and GDP growth.
Why We Expect Inflation to Fall in 2024
Wondering when inflation will go down? We’re optimistic about what’s ahead.
Markets Brief: Why Q1 Was a Triumph for Optimists
Insights into important market performance and economic trends from Dan Kemp, Morningstar’s global chief research and investment officer.
Morningstar Market Insights: Central Banks, Inflation, and Patient Investing
A look at key market and economic trends from Dan Kemp, Morningstar’s global chief research and investment officer.
Fed on Track for June Rate Cuts and More
We’re looking for deeper rate cuts than the Fed’s dot plot suggests.
Japan Raises Interest Rates for the First Time In 17 Years
Japan’s stock market hit record highs this month. Now the cost of borrowing is in positive territory.
Markets Brief: Why You Should Watch the Dot Plots at the Fed’s March Meeting
Will the Fed signal an interest-rate cut in June, but with fewer to follow?
What Is the Federal Reserve and How Does It Work?
Understand the Fed’s goals and what they mean for your investments.
February CPI Report: What Higher-Than-Expected Inflation Means for Fed Rate Cuts
This month’s report looks more concerning for inflation optimists than January’s report.
February US CPI Report Shows Inflation at a 3.2% Annual Rate, Higher Than Expected
Core CPI at an above-forecast 3.8% annual rate.
Why the February Jobs Report Shows Solid—But Not ‘Hot’—Hiring Gains
Fed interest rate cuts still expected for June.
February U.S. Jobs Report: 275,000 Rise in Payrolls, Above Expectations
January’s big job gain revised down as unemployment rate increases to 3.9%.
Lessons From the Worst Bond Market Ever
What to make of the inverted yield curve.
How to Read a CPI Report
What investment professionals see.