Weekly Data Summary Report
As of May 19, 2025
Below is the summary of the United States, which is mainly based on economic indicators, critical events related to President Donald Trump’s trade conflict with other trading partners, and GOLD prices within this week.
Disclaimer: Please note this is opinion-based; do not take it as investment advice.
Economic Indicators and The Federal Reserve
In the economic aspect, there are two major economic indicators that provide the most crucial information regarding the US economic situation. One is the inflation data from consumers and producers, which remains above the restrictive level, and another is the demand data—retail sales, which scaled back ahead of an uncertain economic outlook and inflation pressure.
Both are hindering consumer and business sentiment, which will likely restrain some consumption and growth within. As a result, Michigan consumer sentiment skewed lower this time while projections on inflation rose.
With that in mind, several projections are downgrading from three rate cuts to one or two rate cuts this year. According to the CME Fedwatch Tool, two rate cuts stand on the bar as of today.
Other Important News
Regardless, do consider the rising debt problem in the U.S., which Moody’s reduced the U.S. credit rating from Aaa to Aa1 on Friday, and that can be explained by a recovering gold price. This move could have added more concerns about the market and led investors to profit-taking.
President Donald Trump
- Trump has grown frustrated with his administration’s efforts to facilitate a deal between Russia and Ukraine and has lately taken to blaming both sides for making the deal more difficult to end. He posted on social media that he plans to speak separately with the respective leaders (9 PM in Cambodia time) to end “the bloodbath”.
- Iran and the US are getting closer to a deal, hinting at a possible agreement.
- Trump’s next trip would focus on China’s trade agreement.
- Israel’s military begins what it calls a large-scale ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, killing at least 151 Palestinians on Sunday amid rising starvation in Gaza.
Market Reaction:
GOLD prices dropped by 4.69% from last week.
