Market Outlook Post December FOMC With Ben Emons: Macro Matters
Dec 19, 2024
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Ben Emons, founder of Fed Watch Advisors and expert on central banks, joins Bloomberg Intelligence's Ira Jersey and Will Hoffman to discuss market implications following the recent FOMC meeting. They delve into how potential Trump policies may lead to heightened volatility in 2025. The conversation also covers the intricacies of interest rates and their effects on Treasuries, alongside currency hedging strategies amid liquidity concerns. Insights into the Fed's adjustments and the ripple effects on global markets offer a comprehensive financial outlook.
The Federal Reserve's shift towards a neutral stance suggests a stabilization around 4% for the 10-year Treasury yield, impacting investment strategies.
Emerging markets, especially currencies in Mexico and Brazil, are facing increased volatility due to recent U.S. tariff policy changes and global financial dynamics.
Deep dives
Federal Reserve's Recent Meeting Insights
The recent Federal Reserve meeting marked a significant moment, shifting expectations regarding interest rates and market reactions. The Fed indicated a move towards a more neutral stance, suggesting a potential floor around 4% for the 10-year Treasury yield. This adjustment is crucial as it implies a slow-down in aggressive rate cuts, affecting both equity and bond markets, which experienced notable volatility following the meeting. As market participants digest these signals, the implication is a need for reassessment of investment strategies given the potential stabilization in rates and changing economic projections.
Long-term Interest Rate Risks
Managing interest rate risk is becoming increasingly complex in the current economic landscape, especially for long-term bonds. The discussion highlighted how rising duration risk and prolonged low rates have created a challenging environment for treasury bonds, leading to significant losses with even slight yield fluctuations. Events such as the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank underscore the dangers of poor interest rate risk management, indicating a more cautious approach is necessary. Investors are encouraged to re-evaluate their portfolio strategies, given that the traditional comfort associated with long-term Treasury holdings may no longer apply.
Impact of Federal Reserve on Global Markets
The Federal Reserve's actions not only influence U.S. markets but also create ripples throughout the global financial landscape, particularly affecting emerging market currencies. Recent adjustments in tariff policies and trade dynamics are likely to exacerbate currency volatility, with countries like Mexico and Brazil experiencing substantial depreciation. As financial institutions react to these changes, the overall valuation of various asset classes will be impacted, especially in relation to the fluctuations in credit spreads. This interconnectedness posits that investors must consider both monetary and fiscal policies to navigate an increasingly divergent market environment.
Markets are front-loading the effect of potential Trump policy changes in 2025, which will keep volatility elevated says Ben Emons, founder and outsourced chief investment officer of Fed Watch Advisors. Emons is joined by Bloomberg Intelligence’s Ira Jersey, chief US rate strategist, and Will Hoffman, senior US and Canada rates strategy associate, to discuss the outcome of the December FOMC meeting and the implications for markets in the year ahead. They discuss moves across domestic markets, including curve behavior and drivers in Treasuries, as well as the potential for additional volatility across global markets in 2025. The trio also hits on cross-currency hedging costs and direction, as well as technical adjustments to Fed policy, as it attempts to alleviate some stress in funding markets.
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