From the Desk - Economic Commentary
Brandon Casey, Member Strategies - 1/30/2026
U.S. stocks are lower in early trading Friday as investors digest a heavy slate of corporate earnings, new economic data, and developments related to Federal Reserve leadership. Markets are reacting after the president announced former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh as his nominee to succeed Jerome Powell as Fed Chair. Walsh is viewed as someone who will push for lower interest rates while maintaining Fed independence. All three major averages are on track to post a gain for the first month of 2026
Economic data released this morning showed that the Producer Price Index rose 0.5% in December, more than expected, and 3.0% for 2025, down from 3.5% in 2024. Core producer prices were up 0.4% for the month, slightly more than expected, and increased 3.5% in 2025, just below the 3.6% annual reading in 2024.
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