European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde comments on monetary policy, the outlook for the euro-area economy, the inflation situation and concerns related to trade policy and geopolitical uncertainty. She speaks at a news conference in Frankfurt after the Governing Council decided to keep interest rates unchanged for the first time in more than a year. This is the opening statement of her press conference. 00:00 - ECB's decision to keep interest rates unchanged 01:50 - Euro-area economic growth in f ...

Summary of the European Central Bank Update / Briefing July 24, 2025 Industry Overview - The briefing pertains to the European Central Bank (ECB) and its monetary policy decisions in the context of the Eurozone economy. Key Points and Arguments 1. **Interest Rates Unchanged**: The ECB decided to keep the three key interest rates unchanged, maintaining a focus on stabilizing inflation at the 2% medium-term target [2][16][75]. 2. **Current Inflation Status**: Inflation is currently at 2%, aligning with the ECB's target, with domestic pressures easing as wage growth slows [2][7][8]. 3. **Economic Resilience**: The Eurozone economy has shown resilience despite global challenges, supported by strong private consumption and investment, although firms are hesitant to invest due to geopolitical uncertainties and trade disputes [3][5][6][31]. 4. **Unemployment Rate**: The unemployment rate stood at 6.3% in May, close to its lowest since the euro's introduction, indicating a robust labor market [6]. 5. **Inflation Dynamics**: Annual inflation was reported at 2% in June, with energy prices rising but still lower than the previous year. Food price inflation eased to 3.1% [7][8]. 6. **Wage Growth Trends**: Year-on-year growth in compensation per employee slowed to 3.8% in Q1, down from 4.1% in the previous quarter, indicating moderating labor costs [8][30]. 7. **Risks to Economic Growth**: Risks remain tilted to the downside, including global trade tensions, geopolitical conflicts, and potential financial market sentiment deterioration [11][12][39]. 8. **Monetary Policy Approach**: The ECB will adopt a data-dependent approach, assessing inflation outlooks and risks on a meeting-by-meeting basis without pre-committing to a specific rate path [4][16][75]. 9. **Credit Conditions**: Easier financing conditions are supporting domestic demand, with the average interest rate on new loans to firms declining to 3.7% in May [14][15]. 10. **Future Projections**: The ECB anticipates that if trade and geopolitical tensions are resolved swiftly, it could improve sentiment and spur economic activity [11][12][55]. Additional Important Content 1. **Digital Euro Development**: The ECB is focused on developing a digital euro to respond to evolving payment preferences, emphasizing the importance of maintaining currency issuance protection [51][66]. 2. **Market Reactions**: The ECB acknowledges market expectations for potential rate cuts but emphasizes that decisions will be based on data and economic developments [72][75]. 3. **Liquidity in the System**: Despite a reduction in liquidity due to various factors, the ECB maintains that there is still ample liquidity in the system, exceeding €2 trillion [60][61]. 4. **Trade Negotiations Impact**: The ECB is closely monitoring ongoing trade negotiations, indicating that resolution of uncertainties could significantly influence economic behavior and decision-making [20][24][49][55]. This summary encapsulates the key insights from the ECB's briefing, highlighting the current economic landscape, monetary policy stance, and future outlook for the Eurozone.

Market Outlook - The company has maintained a bullish outlook throughout the year, even during market downturns, and has a target of 6,600 for the S&P 500, which reflects a valuation of 22 times next year's earnings [5][6] - The recent rally of 1,300 points in the S&P 500 is among the strongest ever, but the company is now adopting a more neutral stance as it awaits tech earnings [7][10] - Expectations for tech earnings are high, and the company is cautious about potential overvaluation in tech stocks, particularly in the context of historical tech rallies [8][11] Sector Analysis - The company is bearish on Tesla, citing its high PEG ratio of 150 and concerns about its core business and profitability from future technologies like driverless cars [18][19] - In contrast, the company is bullish on Amazon, projecting a target price of $300, supported by expected 20% earnings growth driven by improvements in its retail and AWS segments [21][22] - Broadcom is also viewed positively, with a target price of $320, as its chips are essential for internet infrastructure [23] ETF and Investment Strategy - The company emphasizes the importance of active management in ETFs, particularly in fixed income, and has launched several active ETFs [25][29] - The company is likely to launch a tech-focused ETF that incorporates individual call writing strategies, reflecting a positive outlook on the tech sector [31] Bond Market and Monetary Policy - The company projects a Fed rate cut in September, which could serve as a positive catalyst for the market [13][42] - It highlights the importance of focusing on monetary policy as a key driver of economic conditions and stock prices, advocating for a stable growth rate in the money supply [66][77] Real Estate and REITs - The company believes that the death of office spaces has been overstated and is bullish on REITs, which are seen as having low leverage and high-quality assets [46][49] - It anticipates that REITs will perform well once interest rates begin to drop [49] Currency and Commodities - The US dollar has been weakening, which is expected to benefit international companies' earnings, as it depreciated by 6% year over year [50][54] - The company is neutral on gold and cautious about its momentum-driven market, while also remaining neutral on oil prices, which are expected to remain range-bound [55][64]

Monetary Policy Stance - Christopher Waller advocated for a rate cut at the upcoming meeting in two weeks [1] - Waller's views have shifted from hawkish to dovish over the past couple of years [1] - The speaker expressed concern that the optimal time for rate cuts was in April and May [2] - The current level of interest rates is considered restrictive [3] - The speaker would like to see the Fed make further adjustments, believing they paused prematurely [3] Economic Outlook - Anticipation of economic reacceleration in September, October, and November [3] - The speaker believes the "one big beautiful bill" contains incentives for business investment [2]

Bond traders are boosting bets that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates more aggressively next year as speculation mounts that a change of leadership at the central bank will deliver easier monetary policy https://t.co/87NovKQONP ...

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry or Company Involved - The discussion primarily revolves around the Federal Reserve's monetary policy, inflation, tariffs, and the labor market in the United States. Core Points and Arguments 1. **Monetary Policy Outlook** - Most FOMC participants agree on a cautious approach, suggesting that the time for adjusting monetary policy may be approaching, but inflation remains above target [2][3][4] - Expectations for three consecutive 25 basis point cuts in September, October, and December 2023, with two additional cuts in 2026, leading to a terminal funds rate of 3-3.25% [2] 2. **Impact of Tariffs on Inflation** - Tariffs are expected to have a modest impact on inflation, with some officials suggesting a one-time price increase rather than persistent inflation [4][5] - Governor Waller noted that a significant portion of tariff increases may not be passed on to consumers [4] - Overall, tariffs could boost inflation by approximately 1 percentage point in the latter half of 2023 and early 2024 [4] 3. **Labor Market Conditions** - The labor market is characterized as strong, but there are concerns about potential downside risks, with expectations of the unemployment rate rising to around 4.5% by the end of 2023 [7][8] - Some officials expressed caution regarding the stability of the labor market, indicating that while it appears healthy, there are signs of fragility [7][8] 4. **Inflation Trends** - Underlying inflation is reportedly closer to the Fed's 2% target than the reported figures suggest, with some officials noting a gradual decline in inflation [6][9] - Core PCE inflation is anticipated to be around 3% by the end of 2023, with a return to the 2% target by 2027 [6] 5. **Restrictiveness of Current Policy** - The current fed funds rate is viewed as modestly restrictive, with some officials arguing that it is higher than necessary for economic conditions [9] - There is a consensus that maintaining a restrictive monetary policy is essential to achieve maximum employment and price stability [9] Other Important but Possibly Overlooked Content 1. **Diverse Perspectives on Tariff Effects** - Some officials believe that the full effects of tariffs on prices may take longer to materialize, potentially extending into 2026 [4][5] - There is a recognition that businesses may be adjusting their pricing strategies in response to tariffs, which could mitigate the immediate impact on consumers [4] 2. **Cautious Approach to Rate Cuts** - Officials emphasize the importance of waiting for more data before making preemptive rate cuts, indicating a preference for an "actively patient" approach to monetary policy [3][4] 3. **Economic Conditions and Consumer Behavior** - Despite higher prices due to tariffs, consumer spending remains resilient, which may limit the adverse impact of tariffs on economic growth [4] 4. **Potential for Future Adjustments** - The Fed is prepared to respond to changes in economic conditions, particularly if there are signs of weakening in the labor market or persistent inflationary pressures [3][7] This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the conference call, highlighting the Federal Reserve's current stance on monetary policy, inflation, tariffs, and labor market conditions.

Market Trends & Industry Dynamics - Japan's automakers are increasing loan rates [1] - This is a consequence of the Bank of Japan's shift away from three decades of ultra-loose monetary policy [1] Potential Impact on Consumers - The central bank's policy shift is affecting consumers [1]

What exactly about the job that Jay Powell has done is not up to measure. The labor market is holding up well. Inflation has not reared its ugly head.I mean, it's above the 2% target, but it hasn't blown up just yet. Where do you see the economy failing under his leadership. It's great to be with you.If you look at Jay Powell, his tenure, I mean, we do have to remember that it was under his watch that we saw a 40 year high inflation. They were way too late to recognizing the inherently inflationary impact o ...

💥BREAKING:FED’S POWELL DOES NOT COMMENT ON ECONOMIC OR MONETARY POLICY OUTLOOK IN WELCOMING REMARKS TO THE FED BANKING CONFERENCE. ...

>> Welcome back to Squawk Box. The Federal Reserve, holding its large bank capital conference today focused on regulatory and oversight reform. Leslie Picker joins us with Federal Reserve vice chair of supervision Michelle Bowman.Good morning Leslie. >> Hi. Good morning Andrew.Thank you. And Mickey, thank you very much for being here. It's a big day for you.Just six weeks into the role. You've moved very quickly with a slew of proposed deregulatory actions. And the level of capitalization at the banks is ki ...