Rate update: Two reasons interest rates will remain flat this week

I've been writing for months about my concern about the Chinese trade dispute and its potential to move interest rates. Last week presented a poster child case for my concern. Rumors circulated that the US would rescind some tariffs and forego the planned Dec tariffs to induce the Chinese to sign phase one of a trade deal. Bond traders reacted swiftly to push rates to their highest levels in 3 months. Remember that resolving the trade dispute is considered good for the economy, and a healthy economy supports higher interest rates.

As we start this week, it looks like markets may be taking a breather. President Trump wouldn't confirm the tariff rumors, and most of the other issues that had been weighing on rates - slowing world economies, Brexit, the impeachment battle - are far from settled. So, hitting pause makes sense while markets wait for a new source of inspiration.

I doubt we'll get it this week, but we will have a couple candidates:

• We'll get two heavy-weight economic reports this week: the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measuring inflation and the Retail Sales Report. Inflation has remained muted this year, and few, including the Fed, expect that to change. Retail sales, an indicator of the consumer side of the economy, have remained solid despite the trade dispute, and most expect that to continue. If either report deviates significantly from expectations, expect interest rates to move accordingly.
• Second, Fed head Powell has two days of Congressional testimony this week. Given that Powell had a press conference following the Fed's meeting two weeks ago, I don't expect he'll reveal anything during his testimony that will move rates. However, markets will be vigilant just in case.