Timing of the next Fed rate hike

Timing of the next Fed rate hike

2019-11-11 • Updated

Investors are always concerned with the question of when the Fed will raise interest rates. The timing of the next hike is a balancing act between the need for preemptive policy to stave off heightening inflation rates against the need to let labor market strength continue to eat away at any residual underemployment. Everyone who needs to determine the odds of rate increases at the upcoming meetings should look at the economic data releases reflecting the performance of country’s economy. So, we did skim through the key data and noticed some distortions that would probably divert Fed’s policymakers from hiking in June.

CPI figures – the well-known bedrock behind the Fed’s rate hiking intentions – fell for the first time in 13 months. The headline fell short of market expectations having printed at -0.3%.  US retail sales decline 0.2% last month marking the worst two-month stretch in two years and warning traders of the softness in the first-quarter US growth data (will be released on this Friday). Core CPI numbers dropped 0.1% as if they wanted to remind the Fed, that they won’t always be at its targeted levels and that there shouldn’t be any sense of urgency for the Fed to raise rates.

Consumer confidence declined to 120.3 in April from a revised 124.9; the March jobs report had a weaker-than-expected headline. The soft data won’t knock the Fed’s officials off tightening course, but it may retard it.  

According to BofA analysts, next rate increases will likely be approved at the Fed's September and December meetings in 2017. Then, the Fed will likely proceed with shrinkage of its balance sheet.

BofA believes that the Fed will signal about its readiness to trim $4 trillion portfolio in September. In December, it will release a formal balance sheet reduction plan and final changes will be made public in March 2018. The announcement of the balance sheet reduction is a tightening measure. So, it might have an impact equal to a 25 bp rate hike.

Market participants seem to be more optimistic about June rate increases than banks’ analysts. The CME Group FedWatch reflects a 68% probability of a hike in June.

 

The main focus will be on the upcoming US labor and inflation data. If it is not strong enough, there won’t be a rate hike in June.

The US dollar has weakened in the past weeks. The US dollar index was steadily falling since the beginning of this year. It found support at 98.70, and now it is hovering around 99. 

 

Similar

Oil Market Outlook
Oil Market Outlook

Oil prices rebounded slightly on Friday but are still expected to show losses for the week due to concerns about slowing growth in the US and China. US crude futures rose 2.7% to $70.41 per barrel, while the Brent contract increased by 2.5% to $74.33 per barrel.

China’s rebound and energy prices
China’s rebound and energy prices

China's economy is rocketing. On the other hand OPEC+ countries take the decision to cut the production. What will be the impact on the oil price?

Latest news

Gold and the Majors ahead of the NFP
Gold and the Majors ahead of the NFP

Let's dive into the latest developments shaping the global economic landscape. Good news first: the threat of an unprecedented US debt crisis has receded, as US lawmakers passed a bill to raise the debt ceiling and avoid a catastrophic default. Phew! But don't pop the champagne just yet, because storm clouds are still looming. High inflation, rising interest rates, and sluggish growth are challenges that have yet to disappear.

The Oil Market in the Month of June
The Oil Market in the Month of June

Thanks to the incredible advancements in horizontal drilling and fracking technology, the United States has experienced a mind-blowing shale revolution. They've become the heavyweight champion of crude oil production, leaving Saudi Arabia and Russia in the dust. They even turned the tables and became net exporters of refined petroleum products in 2011.

Gold’s Next Move Could Be Huge!
Gold’s Next Move Could Be Huge!

Let's dive into the world of gold. Currently, the price of gold, represented by XAUUSD, is stuck in indecision, hovering around the $1,975 mark. The market is anxiously awaiting two important factors: the release of the Federal Reserve's meeting minutes and the extension of the US debt ceiling.

Deposit with your local payment systems

Feel the Team Spirit

Data collection notice

FBS maintains a record of your data to run this website. By pressing the “Accept” button, you agree to our Privacy policy.

Callback

A manager will call you shortly.

Change number

Your request is accepted.

A manager will call you shortly.

Next callback request for this phone number
will be available in

If you have an urgent issue please contact us via
Live chat

Internal error. Please try again later

Don’t waste your time – keep track of how NFP affects the US dollar and profit!

Beginner Forex book

Beginner Forex book will guide you through the world of trading.

Beginner Forex book

The most important things to start trading
Enter your e-mail, and we will send you a free Beginner Forex book

Thank you!

We've emailed a special link to your e-mail.
Click the link to confirm your address and get Beginner Forex book for free.

You are using an older version of your browser.

Update it to the latest version or try another one for a safer, more comfortable and productive trading experience.

Safari Chrome Firefox Opera