Core Viewpoint - The March 2025 non-farm payroll data in the U.S. exceeded expectations, with healthcare services and leisure hospitality being the main contributors. The slight increase in the unemployment rate is primarily due to a rise in labor force participation, indicating a healthy job market overall, although there are signs of marginal weakening [1][3][4]. Summary by Sections Employment Data - In March 2025, the U.S. added 228,000 non-farm jobs, surpassing the expected 140,000 and the revised previous value of 117,000. The unemployment rate was 4.2%, slightly above the expected 4.1% and the previous 4.1%. Year-on-year wage growth was 3.8%, below expectations and the previous value of 4%, while month-on-month growth was 0.3%, consistent with expectations and higher than the revised previous value of 0.2% [2][3]. Sector Contributions - The private sector added 209,000 jobs, exceeding the market expectation of 135,000 and the revised previous value of 116,000. Job gains were seen across various sectors, with the goods-producing sector adding 12,000 jobs and the service sector adding 197,000 jobs. Notably, education and healthcare services contributed 77,800 jobs, while leisure and hospitality added 43,000 jobs [3][4]. Labor Force Participation - The labor force participation rate in March was 62.5%, higher than the previous and expected values of 62.4%. The slight increase in the unemployment rate was attributed to this rise in participation, with the unemployment rate moving from 4.139% in February to 4.152% in March [4][5]. Federal Reserve's Stance - The March employment data did not raise concerns for the Federal Reserve, which prioritized inflation risks over economic growth pressures. Powell's statements indicated no intention for risk management-style rate cuts similar to those in 2019, reflecting a cautious approach to monetary policy amid rising inflation concerns [6][7]. Market Implications - The significant increase in non-farm payrolls and the slight rise in unemployment are viewed as a "calm before the storm" regarding tariff impacts. The market consensus suggests that the current employment data may not provide sufficient safety margins due to the unexpected breadth and depth of Trump's tariff increases, which could lead to economic adjustments [7][8]. Future Outlook - In the absence of a "Trump Put," market sentiment is expected to remain subdued, continuing to adjust in a "stagflation-like environment." The Federal Reserve's focus on inflation risks may hinder any immediate easing measures, despite favorable employment data [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the Federal Reserve's current stance under Powell, characterized as "duck-like," indicating a lack of decisive action while trying to appease both the market and the White House amidst rising economic uncertainties [1][10]. Summary by Sections Federal Reserve's Position - Powell's approach reflects a compromise between being overly aggressive and overly passive, indicating that the Fed is not clear on the economic situation, leading to a lack of coherent monetary policy [1][10]. - The March FOMC meeting showed a degree of independence, with the Fed not overly concerned about soft data and emphasizing the importance of addressing inflation [3][10]. Market Reactions and Economic Policies - The Fed's unexpected slowdown in balance sheet reduction and its temporary judgment on tariff impacts suggest a commitment to a "Fed Put," although this commitment is not strong due to political constraints [4][5][10]. - Powell's reluctance to directly address the negative impacts of Trump's policies indicates a cautious approach, with the Fed needing to see greater chaos to justify more aggressive actions [5][11]. Economic Uncertainty - The article highlights that the current policy mix serves as a short-term reassurance for the market and a friendly response to Trump, with tariffs viewed as a one-time shock that does not require significant monetary policy adjustments [10]. - The uncertainty surrounding economic policies is expected to increase, with the Fed likely to lag in its responses to economic data, which may force it to act more decisively in future meetings [11].