The current tariff situation could complicate decisions on interest rates

The Federal Reserve will meet next week, and there could be an announcement on interest rates.

They are a big topic heading into planting season, but frequent Market Day Report guest and Senior Market Analyst with Barchart, Darin Newsom, says tariffs could keep rates higher for longer.

“I mean, it just happens. We saw it before when we started getting into trade wars and putting tariffs on all of our trade partners. Inflation is sparked, and then that’s what happens, and then when you tell the Fed that they’re not allowed to raise interest rates to combat inflation, which is what happened last time, then inflation tends to get out of hand. So, you know, if the Fed is going to sit back here and watch all these trade problems go on and they’re going to see, okay, this is going to light the fire under inflation again, they’re not going to be in any hurry to lower rates, they’re not going to be forced to lower rates.”

The FOMC meeting begins next Tuesday, with a rate announcement happening on Wednesday. A summary of economic projects will also be released.

Related Stories
Lower freight costs helped sustain export demand amid a challenging pricing environment.
Producers across the country spent the week balancing spring planning with tight margins and uneven moisture outlooks. Input purchasing stayed cautious, while marketing and cash-flow decisions remained front and center for many operations.
Income support helps, but farm finances remain tight heading into 2026.
Nationwide highlights expanded insurance options for cattle operations and their company initiatives to promote grain bin safety and support women in agriculture.
New Holland VP Ryan Schaefer shares insights into the brand’s legacy and innovations that support U.S. cattle producers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Dr. Seth Meyer Concludes Service; Dr. Justin Benavidez Appointed USDA Chief Economist
USDA data indicates that 13.7 percent of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2024, the highest rate since 2014, even as most households remained food secure.
Weather, Tight Supplies, and Planning Shape Farm Decisions
Cotton demand depends on demonstrating performance and reliability buyers can rely on, not messaging alone.
Read the full press release published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Lily Pryer’s passion shows how National FFA members are making an impact in classrooms and communities all across Rural America.