INVESTOR INDEX 8.1.25
Fed holds interest rates steady as two Trump appointees vote to cut them
The Federal Reserve voted 9–2 to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4.25%–4.50% following its July meeting, marking the fifth straight hold as policymakers adopt a cautious “wait-and-see” stance amid ongoing inflation risks and uncertainty over tariffs’ effects on prices and growth. Despite strong economic indicators—including roughly 3% annualized GDP growth in Q2 and solid job gains—the Fed remains wary of inflation remaining “somewhat elevated” and waiting for additional incoming data before considering any cuts. Two Fed governors, Michelle Bowman and Christopher Waller, dissented—calling instead for an immediate ¼‑point rate cut, marking the first time two governors have opposed a rate vote in over 30 years. Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized the importance of the Fed’s independence from political pressure, particularly amid public criticism from former President Trump urging lower rates.
Full Article: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/fed-holds-interest-rates-steady-180605784.html?guccounter=1
US labor market adds 73,000 jobs in July while May, June reports see 'larger than normal' downward revisions
The U.S. economy added just 73,000 jobs in July 2025, falling well short of expectations, and downward revisions to May and June erased a combined 258,000 previously reported jobs, averaging a stagnant 35,000 jobs per month across May–July—the weakest streak since 2010. The unemployment rate ticked up slightly to 4.2%, and labor force participation declined to 62.2%, while gains were concentrated in health care and social assistance as sectors like manufacturing, construction, and education shed jobs. In response, President Trump fired BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, alleging bias in job data, even as economists warned this move could undermine trust in U.S. economic statistics. The weak labor figures increased market expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut, with odds for a September cut surging toward 80–90%, and Treasury yields tumbling as investors recalibrated their outlook.
Portland expands paid parking hours to boost funding, ease parking turnover
The article reports that beginning August 1, 2025, Portland’s Central Eastside parking district will extend on-street pay-to-park hours from the current 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (M–F) schedule to 8 a.m.–10 p.m., Monday through Saturday, while maintaining the usual $2/hour rate. The change is part of a phased rollout across all five city parking districts through December, with downtown scheduled to follow in early September. PBOT data showed increased evening demand around local businesses, prompting the extension to boost turnover and support restaurant, bar, and entertainment access, while generating much‑needed revenue to offset budget shortfalls after the collapse of a state transportation funding bill. Some stakeholders, including the Central Eastside Industrial Council, raised concerns that enforcement and curb zone management need to keep pace to avoid burdening businesses without real benefit.
Full Article: https://www.opb.org/article/2025/07/30/portland-oregon-parking-cost-hours-car-meter-central-eastside/