The BoC ended the year with another large rate cut but they are expected to SLOW the pace in 2025, while the Fed has already SLOWed down after an outsized move in September and seems locked in to deliver a regular size move tomorrow. The ECB should take it SLOW and the market is increasingly pricing a SLOW pace for the BoE. Central banks should proceed at a variable and uneven pace reflecting differences in macro fundamentals.Participants:Jason Daw (Desk Strategy), Head of North America Rates StrategyBlake Gwinn (Desk Strategy), Head of US Rates StrategyPeter Schaffrik (Desk Strategy), Head of UK/European Rates & EconomicsSimon Deeley (Desk Strategy), Canada Rates Strategist* Research Analyst opinions are their published views, independent of those expressed by Desk Analysts

We are approaching final central bank decisions of 2024 with uncertainty about ultimate outcomes, but clear differences across jurisdictions on where economies are headed. In Canada, soft growth data has solidified our expectation for a second consecutive 50bp cut despite firmer inflation data last month, while US economic exceptionalism has markets pricing a material possibility of a skip on the 18th. Across the Atlantic, the ECB is debating between 25bp and 50bp, while the BoE looks set to pass at its final meeting of 2024. Meanwhile, FX and equity markets have been impacted by the central bank pricing volatility, incoming Trump administration and the threat of US tariffs.Participants:Simon Deeley (Desk Strategy), Canada Rates StrategistBlake Gwinn (Desk Strategy), Head of US Rates StrategyPeter Schaffrik (Desk Strategy), Head of UK/European Rates & EconomicsElsa Lignos (Desk Strategy), Head of FX StrategyLori Calvasina (Research), Head of U.S. Equity Strategy* Research Analyst opinions are their published views, independent of those expressed by Desk Analysts

Blake Gwinn, Head of US Rates Strategy at RBC Capital Markets, and Peter Schaffrik, Head of UK/European Rates & Economics, share insights on the evolving macroeconomic landscape. They discuss the high bond yields amidst central bank rate cuts and forecast how the U.S. economy's resilience will shape global fixed income markets in 2025. Key topics include the challenges in Canada's economy due to political shifts, the stagnant euro area's struggles, and Australia's anticipated consumer recovery fueled by fiscal changes.

Peter Schaffrik is the Head of UK/European Rates & Economics at RBC, analyzing the ECB's recent cuts. Blake Gwinn, leading US Rates Strategy, provides insight into labor market trends and Fed policy impacts. Su-Lin Ong, Chief Australia Economist, discusses Australia’s labor stability amid global bank dynamics, while Alvin T. Tan highlights stimulus efforts in China and their implications. The guests examine contrasting approaches to monetary policy across various countries, emphasizing the intricacies of the global economic landscape.

Blake Gwinn, a participant analyzing monetary policy changes, shares his insights on recent significant rate cuts by the Fed and their potential impacts. He discusses the Bank of Canada's strategy, forecasting possible 50 basis point moves ahead. The conversation also covers the cautious approaches of the ECB and Bank of England, balancing inflation control with economic growth. Gwinn highlights how upcoming elections could influence market trends and shares strategies for navigating currency markets in this shifting landscape.

With the Fed and ECB set to follow the BoC’s lead with 25bp cuts of their own, a number of the major central banks are now back in sync. So far, these central banks look to be proceeding gradually along their respective cutting paths, but the possibility of larger cuts still loom should economic conditions start to deteriorate. Meanwhile, others are proving even more cautious, with the next cut from central banks such as the RBA and BoE even further afield.Participants:Blake Gwinn (Desk Strategy), Head of US Rates StrategySimon Deeley (Desk Strategy), Canada Rates StrategistPeter Schaffrik (Desk Strategy), Head of UK/European Rates & EconomicsSu-Lin Ong (Research), Chief Australia EconomistResearch Analyst opinions are their published views, independent of those expressed by Desk Analysts

There are nuances in every economic cycle but this one continues to feel different. Central banks are firmly in easing mode - the Fed will join the rate-cutting party in September. The timing and magnitude of rate cuts is the main topic for financial markets and is highly dependent on the assessment of the economic cycle. Listen to our macro and rates experts discuss the US, Canada, and European economies and central bank outlooks. Participants:Michael Reid (Desk Strategy), US Economist Blake Gwinn (Desk Strategy), Head of US Rates StrategyJason Daw (Desk Strategy), Head of North America Rates StrategyPeter Schaffrik (Desk Strategy), Head of UK/European Rates & EconomicsResearch Analyst opinions are their published views, independent of those expressed by Desk Analysts

We have seen very large market moves triggered by the US labour market report over the last few days that have also led to quite a few market participants changing their view on Fed rate cuts. We take a deeper dive into the data, highlight important questions that need answering and reiterate our rates call for the Fed and all other major central banks. We do not feel the need to make changes at this stage!Participants:Peter Schaffrik (Desk Strategy), Head of UK/European Rates & EconomicsBlake Gwinn (Desk Strategy), Head of US Rates StrategySimon Deeley (Desk Strategy), Canada Rates StrategistCathal Kennedy (Desk Strategy), Senior UK EconomistSu-Lin Ong (Research), Chief Australia EconomistResearch Analyst opinions are their published views, independent of those expressed by Desk Analysts

Markets have been pricing more rate cuts again on the back of somewhat weaker data releases, specifically in the US. Yet, central banks remain reticent in telegraphing rate cuts clearly. Can the latter change and make markets price in even more? Participants:Peter Schaffrik (Desk Strategy), Head of UK/European Rates & EconomicsBlake Gwinn (Desk Strategy), Head of US Rates StrategySimon Deeley (Desk Strategy), Canada Rates StrategistCathal Kennedy (Desk Strategy), Senior UK EconomistResearch Analyst opinions are their published views, independent of those expressed by Desk Analysts

Two G7 central banks have already cut – the ECB & BoC . Both should cut more as the year progresses while the BoE and Fed are likely to join the rate-cutting party later this year. At the other end of the spectrum is the RBA which is widely expected to keep the cash rate steady this year. Each country has its own nuances that will impact the timing and magnitude of policy changes, which we discuss in this podcast under the theme of green lights (i.e. what makes them move), yellow (what creates confusion or a pause), and red lights (what could stop them dead in their tracks). Participants:Jason Daw (Desk Strategy), Head of North America Rates StrategyIzaac Brook (Desk Strategy), US Rates Strategy AnalystCathal Kennedy (Desk Strategy), Senior UK EconomistSu-Lin Ong (Research), Chief Australia EconomistResearch Analyst opinions are their published views, independent of those expressed by Desk Analysts