0619 GMT - The U.S. economy is still on solid footing, and this means that the bar for further rate cuts in the U.S. may be quite elevated, Russell Investments' BeiChen Lin says in a note. Russell Investments sees the potential for only one cut in the second half of the year, or possibly even no cuts at all until 2027, the senior investment strategist says. "Even as energy prices may temporarily boost inflation, a balanced labor market and subdued shelter inflation place a ceiling on just how high inflation can go," he says, considering rate hikes this year unlikely. A 'hold' at Wednesday's Fed rate decision is almost guaranteed but any hints Chair Powell might drop about the path of future interest rates will be key, Lin says. (emese.bartha@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 18, 2026 02:19 ET (06:19 GMT)

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