- Fed Chair Powell has been speaking as markets are jittery over prospects of stronger growth and higher rates.
- By sticking to the script, the bank allows yields and the dollar to rise, stocks to suffer.
- The clock is now ticking toward the next storm in two week's time.
The world's most powerful central banker has spelled out his last words before the blackout period – and markets have undoubtedly noticed. Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, has come out as markets have been jittery amid prospects of stimulus and vaccine-driven growth and inflation. Higher yields have been sinking stocks – and more is in store
Powell refrained from using his power and only said that recent bond jitters "caught my attention"– paraphrasing his colleague Lael Brainard. This subtle signal has failed to convince investors as that comment has been the only dovish one. Otherwise, Powell remains on the script.
The Fed Chair has added that rates remain appropriate, that the bank wants inflation to exceed 2%, and has reiterated that some ten million Americans are out of work. What about Yield Curve Control, Operation Twist or other measures to push long-term borrowing costs lower? Apparently not on the agenda.
US ten-year bond yields have soared well above 1.50%, sending the dollar higher and stocks lower.
How long will it last? At least until March 17 – not due to Saint Patrick's Day drinking – the next time the Fed meets. By then, Powell and his colleagues will assess market moves and decide if they need to change course. Will the bank increase its bond buys beyond the current $120 billion per month? Powell has said not now, but may change his mind by then
For now, the Powell Put is far from being alive and kicking.
Here is the preview of the event:
Powell Preview: Three scenarios for the Fed to defuse the bond bonfire, market implications
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended Content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD edges lower toward 1.0700 post-US PCE
EUR/USD stays under modest bearish pressure but manages to hold above 1.0700 in the American session on Friday. The US Dollar (USD) gathers strength against its rivals after the stronger-than-forecast PCE inflation data, not allowing the pair to gain traction.
GBP/USD retreats to 1.2500 on renewed USD strength
GBP/USD lost its traction and turned negative on the day near 1.2500. Following the stronger-than-expected PCE inflation readings from the US, the USD stays resilient and makes it difficult for the pair to gather recovery momentum.
Gold struggles to hold above $2,350 following US inflation
Gold turned south and declined toward $2,340, erasing a large portion of its daily gains, as the USD benefited from PCE inflation data. The benchmark 10-year US yield, however, stays in negative territory and helps XAU/USD limit its losses.
Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC’s next breakout could propel it to $80,000 Premium
Bitcoin’s recent price consolidation could be nearing its end as technical indicators and on-chain metrics suggest a potential upward breakout. However, this move would not be straightforward and could punish impatient investors.
Week ahead – Hawkish risk as Fed and NFP on tap, Eurozone data eyed too
Fed meets on Wednesday as US inflation stays elevated. Will Friday’s jobs report bring relief or more angst for the markets? Eurozone flash GDP and CPI numbers in focus for the Euro.