Main Topic: The U.S. Federal Reserve's need to raise interest rates further to bring down inflation.
Key Points:
1. Governor Michelle Bowman supports the Fed's quarter-point increase in interest rates last month due to high inflation, strong consumer spending, a rebound in the housing market, and a tight labor market.
2. Bowman expects additional rate increases to reach the Fed's 2 percent inflation target.
3. Monetary policy is not predetermined, and future decisions will be data-driven. Bowman will consider consistent evidence of inflation decline, signs of slowing consumer spending, and loosening labor market conditions.
Main Topic: Federal Reserve officials express concern about inflation and suggest more rate hikes may be necessary.
Key Points:
1. Inflation remains above the Committee's goal, and most participants see significant upside risks to inflation.
2. The recent rate hike brought the federal funds rate to its highest level in over 22 years.
3. There is uncertainty about the future direction of policy, with some members suggesting further rate hikes and others cautious about the impact on the economy.
### Summary
Gold prices have continued to decline due to rising US treasury yields and a stronger dollar. The FOMC meeting minutes revealed concerns about inflation and the potential need for additional interest rate hikes. The outlook for gold prices remains subdued ahead of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's upcoming speech.
### Facts
- 📉 Gold prices have declined for the fourth consecutive week, breaking below the significant threshold of $1,900 per troy ounce and reaching their lowest point since March 2023.
- 📈 The continuous rise in US treasury yields and the dollar index has contributed to the decline in gold prices.
- 📊 US economic indicators, such as retail sales and manufacturing production, have outperformed expectations, highlighting resilient consumer spending and propelling the dollar index.
- 💸 The FOMC meeting minutes revealed concerns about inflation and the potential need for additional interest rate hikes, although two Fed officials favored keeping rates unchanged or pursuing a rate cut.
- 🇨🇳 Weakening sentiment in China and diverging monetary policies have also contributed to the strengthening dollar.
- 📆 The upcoming week will focus on flash manufacturing PMI figures and the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, where Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to address the economic outlook.
### Potential Implications
- ⬇️ Gold prices are expected to remain subdued in anticipation of Powell's speech, as elevated yields and a stronger dollar continue to impact the market.
### Summary
The majority of economists believe that the U.S. Federal Reserve will not raise interest rates again and may even cut them by the end of March, due to positive economic indicators and low unemployment.
### Facts
- 90% of economists polled expect the Fed to keep interest rates in the 5.25-5.50% range at its September meeting.
- Roughly 80% of economists expect no further interest rate increases this year.
- The Fed's preferred measure of inflation is not expected to reach its 2% target until at least 2025.
- Confidence in the economy's ability to avoid a major downturn has led to expectations that interest rates will remain higher for a longer period, causing fluctuations in bond markets.
- 23 economists predict one more rate increase this year, while two expect two more increases to 5.75-6.00%.
- A majority of 95 economists expect rates to decrease at least once by mid-2024, but there is no agreement on the timing of the first cut.
- Nearly three-quarters of economists believe that shelter costs, a main driver of inflation, will decrease in the coming months.
- The real interest rate may be adjusted by the Fed based on inflation, which could prompt a rate reduction next year rather than a stimulus.
Source: [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/futures-touch-fifers-hopes-us-fed-rate-cut-rise-boosted-2019-08-23/)
### Summary
Investors will be watching Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole symposium for clues on the economic outlook and future interest rate hikes. China's property crisis and its impact on the economy, PMI data from the Eurozone and UK, and oil prices will also be key factors to watch.
### Facts
- 🔍 Investors will be looking to Fed Chair Jerome Powell's speech at Jackson Hole for insight into the economic outlook and the future path of interest rates.
- 💹 Markets will be focused on Powell's speech and earnings from chip designer Nvidia to gauge the interest rate outlook and market sentiment.
- 🇨🇳 Expectations are rising for China to cut the loan prime rate amid concerns of a deepening crisis in the country's property sector.
- 📊 PMI data from the Eurozone and UK will offer insights into potential interest rate hikes by the European Central Bank and the Bank of England.
- ⛽️ Oil prices declined last week due to concerns over global demand and the worsening property crisis in China.
Note: The use of emojis has been replaced with corresponding keywords.
The majority of economists polled by Reuters predict that the U.S. Federal Reserve will not raise interest rates again, and they expect the central bank to wait until at least the end of March before cutting them, as the probability of a recession within a year falls to its lowest level since September 2022.
The minutes of the Federal Reserve meeting suggest that another rate hike in 2023 is possible, although the Fed does not mention lowering rates and intends to balance the risk of overtightening policy against the cost of insufficient tightening; the market is less inclined to believe that rate hikes will occur as predicted by the Fed, with a higher chance of rates staying steady in September and a lower chance of a hike in November.
The tone of the Jackson Hole economic symposium in 2023 is expected to focus on how long rates will stay high rather than how far they may rise, as the bond market prices in a higher for longer policy path from the Fed, potentially delivering a blow to the market's expectation of a more accommodative Fed.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell stated in a speech at the Jackson Hole symposium that the central bank is prepared to raise interest rates further if needed, signaling that they do not believe inflation is fully under control. The Fed will proceed cautiously and assess economic data as they determine whether to make further policy adjustments.
The number of job vacancies in the US dropped in July, indicating a cooling labor market that could alleviate inflation, while fewer Americans quit their jobs and consumer confidence in the economy decreased, potentially impacting consumer spending; these trends may lead the Federal Reserve to delay a rate hike in September.
The Federal Reserve meeting in September may hold the key to the end of the tightening cycle, as markets anticipate a rate hike in November, aligning with the Fed's thinking on its peak rate. However, disagreement among Fed policymakers regarding the strength of the economy and inflation raises questions about the clarity and certainty of the Fed's guidance. Market skeptics remain uncertain about the possibility of a "soft landing," with sustained economic expansion following a period of tightening.
The coming week is expected to be lighter for investors, with the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision being the highlight, as US markets observe Labor Day and updates on the services sector and corporate earnings are anticipated.
Investors are becoming increasingly nervous due to concerns about the Fed potentially increasing interest rates, as well as rising 10-year interest rates and the VIX, which may put pressure on stocks; however, there are also positive factors emerging, such as improving S&P 500 profit estimates and a shift away from data dependence by Fed officials, which suggests a better finish to September is probable.
Federal Reserve policymakers are not eager to raise interest rates, but they are cautious about declaring victory as they monitor data such as inflation and job growth; most do not expect a rate hike at the upcoming policy-setting meeting.
Bond traders are anticipating that the Federal Reserve will continue with interest-rate hikes, and next week's consumer-price index report will provide further insight on how much more tightening may be required to control inflation.
This week's economic reports, including the Consumer Price Index, Retail Sales, and Consumer Sentiment Index, will provide crucial information for investors and may influence the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision.
The Wall Street Journal reports a notable shift in the stance of Federal Reserve officials regarding interest rates, with some officials now seeing risks as more balanced due to easing inflation and a less overheated labor market, which could impact the timing of future rate hikes. In other news, consumer credit growth slows in July, China and Japan reduce holdings of U.S. Treasury securities to record lows, and Russia's annual inflation rate reached 5.2% in August 2023.
Traders and investors are betting that the Federal Reserve will hold interest rates steady at its September meeting, indicating a shift in the market's interpretation of good economic news, as it suggests the Fed may be close to pausing its rate hike cycle despite inflation being above target levels and potential headwinds in the economy.
Following the European Central Bank's record high interest rate hike to 4%, there is speculation about how long rates will remain at this level, with analysts predicting a 12-month pause before any cuts are made, while also considering the impact of rising oil prices on inflation expectations in Europe and the US. The Federal Reserve is expected to hold rates steady in September, but there are divided opinions on whether another hike will be delivered this year, with markets anticipating rate cuts in 2024. Similarly, the Bank of England is anticipated to make one final hike in September as it assesses inflation and economic indicators.
The Federal Reserve is expected to announce a pause on interest rate hikes due to positive economic indicators and the likelihood of a "soft landing" for the economy, but future decisions will be influenced by factors such as the resumption of student loan payments and a potential government shutdown.
The Federal Reserve's continued message of higher interest rates is expected to impact Treasury yields and the U.S. dollar, with the 10-year Treasury yield predicted to experience a slight increase and the U.S. dollar expected to edge higher.
The Federal Reserve's upcoming meeting will focus on the central bank's expectations for key indicators such as interest rates, GDP, inflation, and unemployment, while many economists believe that the Fed may signal a pause in its rate-hiking cycle but maintain the possibility of future rate increases.
The Federal Reserve leaves interest rates unchanged but projects one more rate hike this year, causing stock markets to slump and Treasury yields to rise; Instacart shares drop, Klaviyo shares rise, and the Writers Guild of America hopes to end a five-month-long strike in Hollywood; CEO Jeffrey Gundlach warns of the "problematic" impact of the recent oil spike on the economy, potentially leading to another interest rate hike by the end of the year; despite concerns, the Fed highlights strong economic growth forecasts and suggests the possibility of the US economy continuing to run hotter than anticipated.
The possibility of a last hike in 2023 with the pause in interest rates in September may lead to the tightening and financial conditions that were not seen earlier when the Fed was raising rates faster.
Summary: The markets have experienced various shocks this week, with the most significant one coming from the Federal Reserve, making labor data more crucial than Fed discussions.
The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged while revising its forecasts for economic growth, unemployment, and inflation, indicating a "higher for longer" stance on interest rates and potentially only one more rate hike this year. The Fed aims to achieve a soft landing for the economy and believes it can withstand higher rates, but external complications such as rising oil prices and an auto strike could influence future decisions.
The September jobs report is highly anticipated by investors as they look for clues about the health of the labor market amidst higher interest rates and inflation, with projections of increased hiring and a decrease in the unemployment rate, although private sector hiring may slow and wage growth may moderate.
Federal Reserve officials are not concerned about the recent rise in U.S. Treasury yields and believe it could actually be beneficial in combating inflation. They also stated that if the labor market cools and inflation returns to the desired target, interest rates can remain steady. Higher long-term borrowing costs can slow the economy and ease inflation pressures. However, if the rise in yields leads to a sharp economic slowdown or unemployment surge, the Fed will react accordingly.
Concerns surround the upcoming release of U.S. payrolls data and how hawkish the Federal Reserve needs to be, as global markets experience a period of calm following a tumultuous week that saw Treasury yields rise to 16-year highs, crude oil prices drop, equities decline, and the yen strengthen. Japanese government bond yields are also causing concern, as investor sentiment towards the Bank of Japan's stimulus remains low.
Investors are awaiting the jobs report to determine the Federal Reserve's next move on interest rates, with wage growth and revisions to previous monthly totals being key factors to watch, amidst indications that the economy is less sensitive to rising interest rates due to lower household and corporate debt levels.
The Federal Reserve is facing a tough decision on interest rates as some officials believe further rate increases are necessary to combat inflation, while others argue that the current rate tightening will continue to ease rising prices; however, the recent sell-off in government bonds could have a cooling effect on the economy, which may influence the Fed's decision.
Investors in the week ahead will focus on the release of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September, third quarter earnings reports from companies like Pepsi, Delta, and JPMorgan, and insights from the Federal Reserve's September meeting minutes.
The September CPI report is expected to show that inflation remains above the Fed's target, increasing the likelihood of a rate hike and raising inflation expectations for 2023, potentially leading to further upside risk to rates from Treasury auctions.
The latest U.S. Jobs Report shows 336,000 new jobs added in September, exceeding expectations and indicating a strong economy that may lead to another rate hike from the Fed. Higher Treasury yields may result in more volatility in stocks and impact sectors such as mortgages and finance. However, this may also present attractive buying opportunities in beaten-down market sectors. Investors should conduct solid research and diversify their portfolios.
Minutes from the Federal Reserve's September meeting may disappoint investors hoping for a shift in the central bank's hawkish monetary policy stance, as Treasury yields have already risen and some officials suggest less need for another rate hike in the current cycle.
Wall Street and policymakers at the Federal Reserve are optimistic that the rise in long-term Treasury yields could put an end to historic interest rate hikes meant to curb inflation, with financial markets now seeing a nearly 90% chance that the US central bank will keep rates unchanged at its next policy meeting on October 31 through November 1.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for September 2023 is expected to show a slow increase in prices, with market expectations forecasting a 0.3% increase in core inflation on a monthly basis and 4.1% on a yearly basis, which may lead to stronger market reactions if the figures exceed expectations. Banks such as Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America have provided their predictions for the upcoming CPI report. Analysts suggest that if the core CPI exceeds 0.1% on a monthly basis, it could lead to a decline in the stock market as it may indicate a potential interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve. This data is particularly significant as it precedes the FOMC meeting scheduled for October 31-November 1.
Investors are closely monitoring the bond market and September CPI data to determine the Fed's stance on interest rates, with Seema Shah of Principal Asset Management highlighting the circular nature of market reactions to yield spikes and their subsequent declines. She suggests that while there are concerns about upward momentum, the equity market will find comfort in a continued drop in yields and could remain range-bound for the rest of the year. Diversification is recommended as the market narrative remains unclear, and investors may consider waiting until early 2024 for greater clarity on the economy and the Fed's actions.
Markets are increasingly expecting a Fed pause in interest rate hikes, with the chance of a rate increase in November dropping to 15.8%, down from 23.1% a week ago and 38.4% a month ago, as volatile Treasury yields play a major role in shaping market expectations.
The Federal Reserve officials were uncertain about the future of the economy and decided to proceed with caution in their interest-rate policy, weighing the risks of overtightening versus insufficient tightening. They were divided on the frequency of rate hikes, with a majority supporting one more increase, but some feeling that the policy rate was nearing its peak. The recent spike in long-term bond rates has led to speculation that the Fed may not raise rates again this cycle.
The minutes from the Federal Reserve's September policy meeting confirm that the central bank is closely monitoring data on inflation, adding significance to today's consumer prices report; the report is expected to show a marginal decrease in inflation pressures in September, which would be welcome news for the U.S. central bank, although the path to lower inflation and a return to the 2% target remains uncertain due to the potential impact of higher energy prices caused by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Federal Reserve officials are expected to pause on raising interest rates at their next meeting due to recent increases in bond yields, but they are not ruling out future rate increases as economic data continues to show a strong economy and potential inflation risks. The Fed is cautious about signaling an end to further tightening and is focused on balancing the risk of overshooting inflation targets with the need to avoid a recession. The recent surge in bond yields may provide some restraint on the economy, but policymakers are closely monitoring financial conditions and inflation expectations.
The Federal Reserve is expected to lower interest rates by the end of 2024, but the decline will be mild and likely to occur in the second half of the year, with the possibility of one more rate increase in 2023, according to policymakers and markets. The forecast for rate cuts is not as significant as the rate increases seen in previous years, with a projected decline of 1% in the Fed funds rate by the end of 2024. The Fed's own projections indicate short-term rates around 5% at the end of 2024, suggesting a slower trajectory for rate declines compared to market expectations. The Fed has scheduled eight meetings in 2024 to set the Fed funds rate, with the potential for rate cuts starting in June or later. The decision to lower rates may not happen until the summer of 2024, as the Fed has emphasized that it plans to cut rates gradually rather than making immediate cuts. The outlook for rates is based on the expectation that inflation will take more time to reach the Fed's target of 2% and that unemployment will increase slightly. The main risk to the rate outlook is a more severe recession in 2024, but the Fed's current focus is on addressing inflation. Recent data for 2023 has been positive, indicating that the economy may have avoided a recession. Overall, while interest rates are expected to decline in 2024, the decrease will be modest and delayed.
The strong performance of the US consumer, with retail sales rising 0.7% in September, could lead to more Federal Reserve rate hikes and upside risks to inflation entering the fourth quarter of 2023.
The markets have misunderstood recent statements from Fed officials, leading to the belief that higher interest rates have already done their job, when in fact the Fed may need to raise rates again if the strong US economy continues to drive rates higher.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's upcoming remarks at the Economic Club of New York may provide insight into the central bank's strategy on interest rates, potentially affecting the market and indicating if the Fed agrees with recent speakers who believe rate hikes are over.
