Macro MATTers: The outlook for the Fed, Quantitative Tightening, Rates & Inflation
Jan 22, 2024
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Discussion on potential rate cuts, the Fed's balance sheet and QT. Analysis of recent inflation readings and implications for rate cuts. Triggers for rate cuts and scenarios for the labor market. Examining the outlook and process of quantitative tightening. Exploring the views on QT while interest rates are cut and discussing yield forecasts.
The Fed is expected to begin cutting interest rates in June 2024, with a total reduction of 175 basis points by early 2025, depending on inflation moderation and a softening labor market.
Inflation decline and a more balanced labor market increase the likelihood of a soft landing for the economy, and the Fed's ability to pivot towards a dovish direction helps ease financial conditions and promote growth.
Deep dives
Outlook for the Fed and Interest Rate Cuts
The podcast discusses the outlook for the Federal Reserve (Fed) and the potential for interest rate cuts in 2024. While the market is pricing in more aggressive rate cuts, the baseline view is that the Fed will begin cutting rates in June and reduce rates by a total of 175 basis points by early 2025. The decision to cut rates will depend on the moderation of inflation and a softening labor market. The Fed aims to prevent over-tightening monetary policy and ensure a soft landing for the economy.
Inflation and Soft Landing Prospects
The podcast explores the topic of inflation and its impact on the possibility of a soft landing for the economy. Inflation has been declining quickly, which, combined with a better-balanced labor market, has improved the prospects of a soft landing. The Fed's ability to pivot in a dovish direction helps ease financial conditions and promotes improved growth prospects. Under a soft landing scenario, the Fed could still cut rates as inflation declines and to avoid the real Fed funds rate rising too much.
The Fed's Balance Sheet and Quantitative Tightening (QT)
The podcast examines the Fed's balance sheet and its relationship with quantitative tightening (QT). The Fed has been reducing its balance sheet steadily since mid-2022, aiming to bring balance sheet runoff to an end in scenarios such as a recession or substantial economic slowdown. However, in a soft landing scenario, QT could continue until reserves in the banking system reach a level needed for controlling short-term interest rates. The discussion around QT is distinct from the discussion around interest rate cuts, and the Fed does not need to wind down QT before considering rate cuts.
In the latest Podzept episode from Deutsche Bank Research, Matthew Barnard sat down with Matthew Luzzetti (Chief US Economist) and Matthew Raskin (Head of US Rates Research) to discuss key topics surrounding the path forward for the Fed, including the magnitude and timing of interest rate cuts. Also discussed is the outlook for the Fed’s balance sheet and QT.
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