Is the Fed boxing clever or scared to throw a punch?
In backing off from even a minuscule rate rise at its September meeting, the Federal Reserve is running the risk of appearing to be a follower rather than a leader.
Federal Reserve
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Fed leaves investors waiting for Trump and Clinton
The Federal Reserve’s decision announced last night to keep rates on hold has left investors waiting to see the outcome and market impact of the Presidential election before a rate rise is put back on the agenda.
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Central bank bonanza could lead to ‘Wild Wednesday’
Super Thursday has come and gone, but Wednesday could shape up to be somewhat of a ‘Wild Wednesday’ on financial markets, should the plethora of central bank announcements on the day not go according to plan.
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US equities: If you can’t beat them, join them
European investors have been dismissing US equities as too expensive for a couple of years. But as the S&P 500 continues to outperform other equity markets, appetite for the asset class is again on the rise.
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Yellen says case for rate hike has ‘strengthened’
Speaking at the annual Jackson Hole symposium, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said the solid performance of the United States labour market and current economic outlook mean the case for an increase in the federal funds rate has ‘strengthened in recent months.’
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Bond euphoria swells but don’t discount autumn shock – BAML
While bonds have become the new stocks for many investors, ‘Taper Tantrum II’ remains a real threat for asset markets this autumn, warned Bank of America Merrill Lynch ahead of Fed chair Janet Yellen’s Jackson Hole speech today.
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Is the Fed creating opportunity or danger in US credit?
The split among the members of the Federal Open Market Committee about when to raise rates, as revealed by the meeting minutes, presents some fresh food for thought for investors.
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Fed turns ‘mildly hawkish’
The Federal Reserve’s decision to hold rates at 0.25-0.5% announced last night surprised nobody, but the accompanying rhetoric suggested a more hawkish stance is emerging.
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The Fed is running out of room to manoeuvre
This week’s Federal Reserve meeting presents a particularly difficult set of circumstances to the Federal Open Market Committee.
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Asset managers expect US equity collapse
The majority of fund management companies polled this month for Expert Investor’s Fund Manager Sentiment Survey expect US equities to generate negative returns in excess of -5% in dollar terms.
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Yellen’s iron grip makes her peers look feeble
Janet Yellen’s Economic Club of New York speech provided a timely reminder that the Fed continues to dictate markets. This contrasts with the waning credibility of her counterparts in Europe and Japan.
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Is this final market wave about to hit the rocks?
Global equity markets are experiencing their worst start to the year since 2008. While some are fearing this is the start of a bear market, others believe markets are oversold and equities now look at their most compelling in years. There are valid arguments on both sides, but some seem more right than others.