05/01/2026 – In this episode, Nationwide’s Chief Economist Kathy Bostjancic and Chief Market Strategist Mark Hackett unpack the Fed’s decision to hold rates steady at the April FOMC meeting and what it signals as leadership at the central bank enters a period of transition. They discuss how changes inside the Fed and shifting policy expectations could shape what comes next, while also breaking down why equity markets have remained resilient despite geopolitical uncertainty.

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Authors

Kathy Bostjancic headshot

Kathy Bostjancic

Chief Economist

Kathy Bostjancic is Senior Vice President and Chief Economist for Nationwide Mutual.

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Mark Hackett, CFA, CMT

Mark Hackett, CFA, CMT

Chief Market Strategist, Nationwide Investment Management Group

Mark Hackett is the Chief Market Strategist for Nationwide’s Investment Management Group, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the asset management industry to the role.

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Disclosure statement

The information provided by Nationwide Economics is general in nature and not intended as investment or economic advice, or a recommendation to buy or sell any security or adopt any investment strategy.

Additionally, it does not take into account any specific investment objectives, tax and financial condition or particular needs of any specific person. The economic and market forecasts reflect our opinion as of the date of this report and are subject to change without notice. These forecasts show a broad range of possible outcomes. Because they are subject to high levels of uncertainty, they will not reflect actual performance. We obtained certain information from sources deemed reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness or fairness.