"Traders Bet on May Start for Fed Rate Cuts, March Expectations Wane"

Traders are now betting that the Federal Reserve won't start cutting interest rates until May, as stronger-than-expected economic data and comments from central bankers have reduced market confidence in the possibility of earlier rate cuts. Futures contracts now indicate a 47% chance of a rate cut by March, down from 55% earlier in the day, reflecting a shift in expectations. Despite signals from Fed policymakers that their rate-hike campaign was likely at an end, signs of continued consumer strength and ongoing inflation challenges have led to uncertainty about the timing of any rate cuts.