Head of Macroeconomic Research
Summary: The Federal Reserve is scheduled to announce its latest policy decision today at 6:00 p.m. GMT. We do not expect any major policy changes. Attention will likely shift to the central bank's nine liquidity facilities and the sharp increase in its balance sheet.
Context: Early this week, the Fed has expanded the scope and the duration of the Municipal Liquidity Facility in order to buy debt from counties and states with population of at least 500,000. The central bank will lend up to $500bn through the facility. Since the first week of March, the Fed has reacted fast and strongly to the crisis. It is basically engaged in unlimited QE to make sure the dollar funding market does not freeze. It has lowered the level of interest rate to all-time low between 0-0.25% and announced several credit support programs to help Main Street and Wall Street to cope with the crisis (see our G7 Policy Tracker for further details). As a result of all these measures, the Fed’s balance sheet increased by over $2.3tr in less than two months to reach a total of $6.6tr.
2024: The wasted year
Markets are driven by election optimism, overshadowing growing debt and liquidity concerns. The 2024 elections loom large, but economic fundamentals and debt issues warrant cautious investment.
As US economic slowdown hints at a shift away from exceptionalism, USD faces downside with looming Fed cuts. AUD and NZD set to outperform as their rate cuts lag. JPY gains on carry unwind bets and BOJ pivot.
Amid AI and obesity drug excitement, equities see varied prospects: neutral on overvalued US stocks, negative on Japan due to JPY risks, positive on Europe. European defence stocks gain appeal.
With the economic slowdown, quality assets will gain favour, especially sovereign bonds up to 5 years. Central banks' potential rate cuts in Q2 suggest extending duration, despite policy and inflation concerns.
Commodities poised for rebound. The "Year of the Metal" boosts gold and silver, copper awaits rate cuts. Grains may recover, natural gas stabilises. Gold targets $2,300-$2,500/oz, copper's breakout could signal growth.
Markets are driven by election optimism, overshadowing growing debt and liquidity concerns. The 2024 elections loom large, but economic fundamentals and debt issues warrant cautious investment.
As US economic slowdown hints at a shift away from exceptionalism, USD faces downside with looming Fed cuts. AUD and NZD set to outperform as their rate cuts lag. JPY gains on carry unwind bets and BOJ pivot.
Amid AI and obesity drug excitement, equities see varied prospects: neutral on overvalued US stocks, negative on Japan due to JPY risks, positive on Europe. European defence stocks gain appeal.
With the economic slowdown, quality assets will gain favour, especially sovereign bonds up to 5 years. Central banks' potential rate cuts in Q2 suggest extending duration, despite policy and inflation concerns.
Commodities poised for rebound. The "Year of the Metal" boosts gold and silver, copper awaits rate cuts. Grains may recover, natural gas stabilises. Gold targets $2,300-$2,500/oz, copper's breakout could signal growth.
