1. Februar 2023

A less aggressive Fed signals that its job is not done yet

In Kürze

As expected, the Fed shifted to 25bps rate rises, but was very careful to signal that monetary tightening is not finished. The press release was little changed from December, but acknowledged the easing of inflation that allows the FOMC to focus on the extent of the further tightening, rather than its pace. Broadly this means that the FOMC thinks that the view expressed in the December projections does not change: two more rate hikes are therefore appropriate.

Highlights:

The FOMC members voted unanimously for a 25bps rate rise, as expected. The discussion on policy shifted from the speed of monetary tightening to its extent: the peak rate is near and two further 25bps increases remain the base case.
Disinflation has started driven mostly by goods. Shelter will follow, in line with the moderation in house prices increase, but a significant part of core services inflation shows no signs of abating. Lowering it requires bringing back into balance a still too hot labour market.
The Fed, though, is confident that this need not entail a sharp rise in unemployment nor a recession. Therefore, the FOMC is neither considering a pause in rate hikes nor expects to cut this year The recent loosening in financial condition is not yet a cause for concern, as it must be weighed against the sharp tightening of the past year.

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Market Commentary: A less aggressive Fed signals that its job is not done yet

1. Februar 2023