Fed's Next Rate Hike: What to Expect?

Fed's Next Rate Hike: What to Expect?

2022-08-04 • Updated

The US central bank will lift interest rates at its next meeting on Wednesday, July 27. We'll watch if the Federal Reserve goes with a 75-basis-point or a 100bp hike. Several factors influence the Fed's decision. In theory, the Fed's goal in using a rate hike tool is to tame inflation without causing a recession.

Factors that affect the Fed's decision

To decide on the appropriate rate hike, FOMC members will look at the key inflation metrics such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the indicators of economic growth such as employment numbers to get a better view of the economy.

1. Inflation

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the daily inflation of products and services. The change in this indicator shows how higher/lower prices were during the previous month. Inflation in the US continues to surprise everyone after the last reading came above expectations and jumped to 9.1% in June (the highest level in 40 years), compared to 8.6% in May.

CPI.png

Inflation will continue to heat up and is expected to remain elevated in the coming months. It might prompt the Fed to continue raising rates. However, it won't need to raise rates at a more aggressive pace than the current one. There are tentative signs that inflation might start to calm down relatively, and we are on the cusp of a shift in price growth.

The reasons are lower energy and oil prices. In addition, wage growth has cooled from an elevated level early this year because companies are now halting/slowing hiring to counter the rising prices. With lower commodity prices - particularly food and base metals - price growth may calm slightly.

Gasoline prices are unlikely to continue falling, with the prospect of oil rising again. But a broader decline in commodity prices should help reduce pressures on core inflation.

2. Strong and stable Labor Market

Robust US unemployment data may serve as an argument for the Federal Reserve to raise rates further. Nonfarm payrolls increased by 372K in June, but the unemployment rate remained at 3.6%, defying fears of recession. The June employment report indicates that the US economy is neither on the cusp of recession nor is overheating. 

NFP.png

However, despite the strong US labor market, the Fed won't risk accelerating rate hikes, fearing that efforts to contain inflation, if excessive, will lead to a recession and a sharp increase in unemployment. Raising rates may cause a slowdown in the economy and will likely lead to increased unemployment over time.

When will the Fed raise rates? And by how much?

Bets to hike rates by a whole percentage point increased after inflation in America surged to 9.1%. Higher rates should cool the raging prices. However, concerns about the impact of rate hikes on the US economy may limit the rate increase by 75 basis points.

Overall, the market is ready for a 75-point hike. If the Fed signals slower rate increases in the future, the USD may slip versus other major currencies, while the US500 will get a boost.

LOG IN

Similar

CAD: Markets Await GDP Release
CAD: Markets Await GDP Release

During the Asian session on Wednesday, the USD/CAD pair rebounded after two days of losses, reaching around 1.3590. This uptick is fueled by a stronger US dollar and lower crude oil prices, which put pressure on the Canadian dollar. The decline in Western Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil prices to approximately $80.70 is attributed to...

XAUUSD: Markets Slow Down Ahead of NFP
XAUUSD: Markets Slow Down Ahead of NFP

Gold prices rose on Monday as the US Dollar weakened amidst speculation about potential Federal Reserve rate cuts starting in June. This weakened Dollar was partly due to improved risk sentiment pushing US Treasury yields lower. Despite facing challenges from declining yields, gold prices recovered to nearly $2,170 per troy ounce, driven by the Dollar's weakness. Federal Reserve Chair...

CAD: Signs of Growth May Persist
CAD: Signs of Growth May Persist

Canadian retail sales showed a slight rebound in February, rising by 0.1% after a 0.3% drop in January. However, this failed to fully offset the steeper decline earlier in the year, suggesting a weakening momentum in consumer spending. The increase in February was driven by gains in sectors such as sporting goods, hobby retailers, and building materials. Despite the...

Latest news

WTT: Currency Pairs To Trade In April
WTT: Currency Pairs To Trade In April

Hello again my friends, it’s time for another episode of “What to Trade,” this time, for the month of April. As usual, I present to you some of my most anticipated trade ideas for the month of April, according to my technical analysis style. I therefore encourage you to do your due diligence, as always, and manage your risks appropriately.

Deposit with your local payment systems

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!

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