U.S. Economy Faces Challenges Amid Job Growth, Inflation Concerns

As of March 2025, the U.S. economy has added 151,000 jobs in February, falling short of expectations, with the unemployment rate rising to 4.1%. Concerns over trade policies, particularly President Trump's 25% tariffs on imports from key trading partners, have led to a decline in consumer confidence, which dropped significantly in February. Inflation is also a concern, with the Consumer Price Index rising by 0.2% month-over-month, marking a 2.8% increase year-over-year. Despite these challenges, the Federal Reserve has opted to maintain current interest rates as it monitors mixed economic signals and potential inflationary pressures. In contrast, China's economy has shown resilience with a 5.0% growth rate in 2024, although it faces challenges with real estate and consumer confidence. The ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China contribute to global economic uncertainty, affecting both markets.