Federal Reserve Leaves Rates Unchanged

Bloomberg Television162 minutes read

Ancestors have practiced music for centuries. Bloomberg covers market-moving names and changes in the labor and energy markets.

Insights

  • Ancestors have practiced music for centuries.
  • Bloomberg provides comprehensive business coverage globally.
  • The Federal Reserve leaves rates unchanged at 5.25 to 5.5%, citing solid growth and elevated inflation.
  • The FED projects a 2.1% growth for this year, up from 1%, and 1.5% growth next year, up from 1.1%.
  • The Fed aims to restore price stability to benefit all, especially those on fixed incomes who are most affected by inflation.

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Recent questions

  • What does the Federal Reserve aim to achieve?

    Economic stability through rate adjustments.

  • Who provides comprehensive global business coverage?

    Bloomberg

  • What is the Federal Reserve's current interest rate?

    Unchanged at 5.25 to 5.5%

  • Who are some experts discussing the Federal Reserve's future actions?

    Kathy Jones, Matt Lazetti, and Jim Karen

  • What are some potential risks to the economy?

    Government shutdown, student loan repayments, oil price shocks

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Summary

00:00

"Global Business Updates and Market Analysis"

  • Ancestors have practiced music for centuries.
  • Bloomberg covers market-moving names and changes in the labor and energy markets.
  • Over-tightening is cautioned against, with a focus on course correction.
  • Pressure increase is debated, with a need for continuous good news.
  • Bloomberg provides comprehensive business coverage globally.
  • Wall Street and Europe trading updates are provided by Manas Granny and Danny Berger.
  • Risk analysis and informed trading decisions are emphasized.
  • The FED decision countdown is highlighted, with market updates and forecasts.
  • Various experts discuss the FED's future actions and economic projections.
  • The FED aims to control inflation and maintain economic stability through rate adjustments.

15:26

Fed's Future Actions and Market Uncertainty

  • Decision to be reserved for September, approximately 15 minutes away, with current equity market status: S&P 500 nearly unchanged, up by 0.1%, NASDAQ down by 0.14%.
  • Bond market reflecting high rates, with the two-year yield above 5% and the 10-year in the 430s, 30-year around 440 basis points.
  • Dollar strength observed due to elevated front-end bond yields, Euro holding at around 1.0726 against the dollar.
  • Discussion with experts including Kathy Jones, Matt Lazetti, and Jim Karen on real yields, Fed policy tightening, and potential rate hikes.
  • Uncertainty regarding Fed's future actions, with focus on 2026 projections and potential GDP growth.
  • Fed's view on inflation, interest rates, and potential rate hikes, with emphasis on achieving a sufficiently restrictive stance.
  • Expectations for Fed's growth and inflation projections to be revised slightly, with a focus on 2024 forecasts.
  • Consideration of potential mild recession, impact on markets, and Fed's inflation targeting strategies.
  • Upside risks in the market, including potential for quick recovery post-recession and opportunities for investors.
  • Client concerns regarding market entry points, duration extension, and yield locking strategies.

28:49

Fed Holds Rates, Projects Growth and Inflation

  • The Eccles building is data-dependent, considering global factors like China, as per Neil Johnson from Isis Macro.
  • The Federal Reserve leaves rates unchanged at 5.25 to 5.5%, citing solid growth and elevated inflation.
  • The Dot Plot indicates 12 members foresee a 25 basis point rate hike this year, with a high dot at 6.25%.
  • The Fed projects a 2.1% growth for this year, up from 1%, and 1.5% growth next year, up from 1.1%.
  • Unemployment is expected to drop to 3.8% this year and 4.1% in the next two years.
  • PCE headline inflation is forecasted at 3.3% this year, with core PCE falling to 3.7% next year and 2.6% in the following year.
  • No changes in QT or IOR/Repo rates are mentioned.
  • The S&P 500 is down by 0.2%, while the NASDAQ remains almost unchanged post-Fed decision.
  • Yields on a two-year bond in America are around 5.05%.
  • The US dollar strengthens post-decision, with the Euro at 106.89 against the dollar.

43:30

Federal Reserve's Forecast: Growth, Inflation, Uncertainties

  • Higher yield levels were sustained, potentially leading to restrictive levels in the future.
  • The Federal Reserve's optimism about growth for next year was questioned due to various headwinds like higher oil prices and student loan repayments.
  • The Federal Reserve's decision remained unchanged, with a significant upgrade to GDP projections for this year and next.
  • Projections indicated a potential increase in interest rates in the coming years, with a focus on achieving a soft landing.
  • The Federal Reserve's forecast aimed to return to target inflation levels and maintain low unemployment rates.
  • The Federal Reserve's outlook was viewed as aspirational, with uncertainties still present in the economic landscape.
  • Concerns were raised about the Federal Reserve potentially missing disinflationary tendencies and the importance of plain vanilla inflation.
  • The Federal Reserve's forecast was critiqued for potentially overlooking significant changes in the economy post-2020.
  • The importance of data-driven decision-making in response to the Federal Reserve's forecasts was emphasized.
  • The bond market was viewed as not offering significant capital appreciation opportunities, with a focus on roll and carry strategies instead.

57:36

Federal Reserve signals stable rates, inflation challenges ahead.

  • The Federal Reserve has indicated that interest rates will remain stable for a while, prompting a cautious approach.
  • Jim Bianco and Greg Peters have been at the forefront of defining longer-term yield trends.
  • The Federal Reserve's news conference with Chairman Powell is imminent, with the two-year yield currently at 5.14%.
  • The Follies began in August 2007, with a headline indicating a two-year yield back to 2006 levels.
  • Chairman Powell emphasizes the Fed's commitment to promoting employment and stable prices, acknowledging the challenges posed by high inflation.
  • The FOMC has tightened monetary policy significantly since last year, with a focus on reducing Securities Holdings.
  • Economic indicators suggest solid growth, with consumer spending robust but business fixed investment impacted by higher interest rates.
  • Labor market conditions are improving, with job gains averaging 150,000 per month, though inflation remains above the 2% goal.
  • The FOMC projects a gradual decline in inflation, aiming for 2% by 2026, with a focus on balancing economic activity and inflation risks.
  • The committee maintains a restrictive monetary policy stance, with plans to carefully assess data for further policy firming to achieve long-term goals.

01:13:31

Fed monitors data for rate decisions and inflation.

  • The Federal Reserve is carefully assessing incoming data and evolving risks to make decisions meeting by meeting.
  • The impact of one more interest rate hike at the end of the year on the economy or inflation is uncertain.
  • The Fed aims to reach a policy stance that brings inflation down to two percent over time.
  • Stronger economic activity may necessitate more rate adjustments.
  • The neutral rate may be higher than the longer run rate, affecting economic resilience.
  • The economy needs below-trend growth to achieve consistent two percent inflation.
  • The labor market is rebalancing without increased unemployment, indicating progress.
  • A soft landing is a plausible outcome, but not a baseline expectation.
  • The Fed focuses on real rates and needs compelling evidence to normalize policy stance.
  • GDP growth driven by consumer spending is being closely monitored for its impact on inflation.

01:28:15

Economic Risks and Uncertainty in Forecasting

  • The list of potential economic risks includes a government shutdown, resumption of student loan payments, higher long-term rates, and oil price shocks.
  • Uncertainty surrounds the economic effects of a potential strike, with potential impacts on economic output, hiring, and inflation depending on its breadth and duration.
  • Energy prices, if sustained at higher levels, can affect consumer spending and expectations about inflation, influencing macroeconomic effects.
  • The Federal Reserve aims to achieve a soft landing in the economy to restore price stability and avoid prolonged periods of uncertainty and inflation.
  • Forecasting economic trends is challenging, with recent stronger growth leading to higher rates and lower unemployment forecasts.
  • Inflation trends are influenced by the unwinding of pandemic-related supply chain disruptions and monetary policy measures aligning supply with demand.
  • The Fed's cautious approach to rate increases considers the need to carefully balance the risks of overtightening or undertightening as they aim to bring inflation down to two percent.
  • Base effects and monthly inflation readings guide the Fed's assessment of inflation trends, with a focus on longer-term data to avoid misleading short-term volatility.
  • Energy price increases can impact consumer spending and sentiment, with the Fed monitoring the effects on inflation and consumer expectations.
  • Consumer credit levels are being closely watched, with measures of consumer distress returning to pre-pandemic levels but not yet at concerning highs.

01:43:29

Impact of Historic Lows on Interest Rates

  • Recent historic lows will impact future interest rate decisions, particularly in relation to supply and house prices.
  • Inflation is affected by expiring leases, leading to a decrease in Housing Services inflation as leases are renewed at lower rates.
  • Lock-ins on low mortgage rates may stagnate the housing market, making it difficult for individuals to move due to higher new mortgage costs.
  • Consumer confidence may be impacted by factors like possible government shutdowns and high gas prices, potentially affecting consumer spending and inflation.
  • The FED aims to restore price stability to benefit all, especially those on fixed incomes who are most affected by inflation.
  • The economy's resilience may be due to strong household and business balance sheets, leading to sustained spending despite interest rate hikes.
  • The FED is considering the efficacy of interest rates and their impact on different income groups, with lower-income individuals facing challenges with rising rates.
  • The FED surveys low-income Americans to assess economic health, noting that government transfers during the pandemic improved financial conditions for many.
  • The FED projects one more rate hike this year, with revised GDP forecasts and lower inflation expectations, aiming for a soft landing in the economy.
  • Market reactions post-FED meeting show increased two-year yields and a stronger Bloomberg dollar index, indicating market belief in higher rates and a longer-term trend.

01:58:03

Fed Holds Rates, Signals Hawkish Pause Ahead

  • The stock market is down one percent, with New York's X down 1.3 percent, reflecting a hawkish pause for a longer period.
  • The Federal Reserve, led by Jay Powell, decided to hold rates based on progress made since the July hike.
  • Real interest rates are above mainstream estimates, but uncertainties exist in gauging policy stance.
  • The Fed is prepared to raise rates further if needed and will maintain a restrictive policy until confident about inflation.
  • Bill Dudley highlighted five key aspects to watch in the Fed's forecast, including rate hikes, unemployment outlook, and neutral funds rate.
  • Dudley noted a potential soft landing due to a stronger economy and increased estimates of the long-term Federal fund rate.
  • The market's reaction to the Fed's decision was mixed, with bond yields up and stock prices affected.
  • Keeping a rate hike in the forecast may restrain markets from assuming the Fed is done, preventing unwanted easing in financial conditions.
  • The Fed's decision signals rates will stay elevated for 9-12 months, impacting consumers and firms with higher cost of capital.
  • The Fed aims for a soft landing in both inflation and the labor market, with projections aligning with expectations for gradual economic slowdown.

02:10:54

"Market anticipates Fed rate hikes, inflation impact"

  • Companies are experiencing rising default rates, especially for lower-rated credits with higher leverage and lower interest coverage ratios.
  • The S&P 500 has seen a 4% increase since the Federal Reserve began raising interest rates in March 2022, with a 23% increase from its low in October of the previous year.
  • Historically, the stock market tends to remain stable on Fed days, but there have been 101 trading days without a decline of at least 1.5%, the longest streak since 2018.
  • Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell emphasized the importance of real yields being positive and needing to remain so for some time.
  • The market expects the Fed to maintain policy rates above inflation for the next few years, despite potential fluctuations in real rates.
  • The delay in monetary policy effectiveness is attributed to the long-term debt structuring by households and businesses since the late 1990s.
  • The market anticipates a potential unwinding of bets on interest rate cuts following the Fed's projections, leading to a shift in two-year yields.
  • Expectations for inflation and Fed rate hikes have evolved, with higher inflation potentially driving a further increase in long-term rates.
  • The Fed's policy flexibility aims to balance between being sufficiently restrictive to control inflation while avoiding being overly restrictive.
  • Consensus forecasts suggest a soft landing for inflation, but the market remains cautious about potential surprises in inflation trends.

02:24:03

Federal Reserve holds rates, economy's impact analyzed.

  • The story focuses on the Federal Reserve's decision to hold rates at the September meeting and the expectation of higher rates into 2024.
  • The strength of the economy will determine if there will be further rate hikes beyond the current cycle.
  • Real rates and inflation are key factors in the Fed's decision-making process.
  • The discussion on real rates highlights the uncertainty surrounding the economy's resilience and the impact on inflation.
  • The Fed's path forward is described as complex and uncertain, with challenges in forecasting beyond the current year.
  • The market reaction to the Fed's decision includes shifts in bond yields and stock performances.
  • Clavio's IPO and stock movements of companies like Pinterest and Enphase Energy are discussed.
  • Stocks like Apple, Microsoft, and Zebra Technologies experienced declines based on market reactions.
  • FedEx's earnings report showcases a focus on cost-cutting and revenue quality, with concerns about long-term sustainability.
  • The Fed's awareness of business stresses and the need for a strategic approach to economic challenges are highlighted.

02:36:37

FedEx shares rise on cost-cutting measures

  • FedEx shares rose by two and a half percent after hours.
  • The increase in shares is attributed to cost-cutting measures rather than growth.
  • FedEx plans to buy back an additional $1.5 billion in shares during fiscal 2024.
  • Companies often buy back shares to utilize excess cash and buy time for recovery.
  • Despite muted demand post-rate hikes, the economy is holding up better than expected.
  • Cost-cutting alone may not strengthen a company, but it can please investors temporarily.
  • The EU's regulations influence global companies to adhere to European standards.
  • Standardization benefits companies by streamlining production and conduct globally.
  • The Fed's balance sheet reduction impacts the repo market, causing volatility.
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