The pivot from rate hikes in 2022 and 2023 to rate cuts was widely forecast, and a big reason behind the S&P 500's epic 24% return in 2024. Most thought the Fed would continue to put its foot on the economic gas pedal, reducing rates in 2025, too.

Weaker labor-market data this week could bolster the case for the Federal Reserve to resume interest-rate cuts soon. “My view is that I do think the Fed should cut in July,” said Matt Brill, head of North America investment-grade credit at Invesco Fixed Income,

The latest labor market data reinforces the central bank’s wait-and-see approach to lowering borrowing costs, despite pressure from President Trump.