Policy uncertainty and new sweeping tariffs from the Trump administration are combining to create a stagflationary outlook for the U.S. economy in the latest CNBC Rapid Update.
Key Points
First quarter growth estimated at 0.3%
Core PCE inflation expected to remain around 2.9%
Slowdown in consumer and business sentiment impacting economic activity
Pros
Gradual rebound in GDP forecasted by economists
Import effect expected to abate
No consecutive quarters of economic contraction predicted
Cons
Anemic growth of 0.3% could lead to a recession
Stubborn inflation complicates Fed's response to flagging growth
Difficulty in justifying rate cuts until inflation falls convincingly