Economic Performance - The US GDP growth rate for Q2 2025 reached 3.0%, exceeding market expectations of 2.6% and significantly higher than the previous value of -0.5%[5] - The main supports for this growth were a decrease in imports, resilient consumer spending, and private non-residential investment[5] - The contribution of net exports to GDP increased to 4.99% in Q2, a significant recovery from a 4.61 percentage point drag in Q1 due to "import rush" effects[6] Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve maintained the federal funds rate target range at 4.25%-4.5% during the July 2025 FOMC meeting, marking the fifth consecutive meeting without a change[19] - There is increasing internal dissent within the Fed, with two members advocating for a 25 basis point rate cut, indicating growing divisions[19] - Fed Chair Powell emphasized the Fed's independence and a hawkish stance, suggesting that future decisions will be data-driven rather than politically influenced[19] Inflation and Market Outlook - Short-term inflation data has not fully reflected the impact of tariffs, with expectations of continued upward pressure on inflation, which may hinder rate cuts[20] - The market's expectation for rate cuts has narrowed, with only one potential cut anticipated in October 2025, aligning with previous forecasts[20] - The 10-year US Treasury yield is expected to fluctuate between 4.5% and 5.0% in the second half of 2025 due to rising inflation expectations and economic policy impacts[20] Stock Market Trends - The US stock market may experience short-term volatility but is expected to maintain an overall upward trend, particularly in technology sectors supported by capital expenditures and performance[22] - Trump's tax reduction policies are anticipated to benefit small and medium-sized enterprises, with the Russell 2000 index likely to gain from these changes[23]