Macro & Volatility™ #5: The Fed has created Optionality
Jun 16, 2024
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The podcast discusses how the Federal Reserve impacts market uncertainty and equity volatility, creating optionality in market dynamics. They analyze the correlation between equities and bonds, explore the potential of a commodity supercycle to spur inflation, and emphasize the importance of strategic decision-making by the Fed in handling ongoing supply constraints.
Decrease in rate volatility promotes stable planning and decision-making.
Equilibrium in rate volatility fosters positive equity market stability.
Deep dives
FOMC Meeting Discussion
The recent FOMC meeting was noted to be both dovish and hawkish simultaneously. While projections for 2024 saw steady figures, the real and nominal projections for 2025 and 2026 inched higher. A key highlight was the long-term forecast surpassing 2.5% for the first time since 2019. Market impact was notable with rate volatility decreasing significantly, allowing for more stable planning in consumer and corporate decisions.
Equity Market Stability
The equilibrium in rate volatility was seen as a positive factor for equity markets, promoting further stability. The reduction in uncertainty due to the Fed's actions over the past two years has potentially paved the way for equity markets to continue their upward trend. Earnings growth is seen as a critical driver for sustained market growth, emphasizing the importance of factors beyond AI stocks.
Future Market Trends and Concerns
The podcast highlighted a potential shift towards a market resembling the late 90s, driven by genuine growth and earnings. The normalization in the relationship between equity and fixed income volatility was emphasized, indicating a more balanced market. Concerns regarding a commodities supercycle and rising inflation, coupled with the slow adjustment speed of ongoing supply constraints, were acknowledged as factors that could pose challenges for the Fed and market stability going forward.