Fed’s Biggest Hike since Y2K

The Federal Reserve today hiked rates by 0.5%, it’s largest hike since 2000. They also announced trimming their balance sheet by up to $95 billion a month starting next month.

All of that was basically baked in the cake by market participants. The real thing to watch was commentary on the path of future hikes.

And, today Fed Chair Jerome Powell told reporters that officials may do similar 0.5% increases in June and July, but they are not actively considering even larger hikes.

And, today Fed Chair Jerome Powell told reporters that officials may do similar 0.

That’s news! In recent weeks, we heard chatter the Fed may act even more aggressively—like a 0.75% hike. So, with that extra forcefulness off the table for now, the equity markets cheered.

There was also buying in the bond markets with yields falling.

Ahh, a glimmer of certainty at a very uncertain time.

Ahh, a glimmer of certainty at a very uncertain time.

Powell, though, emphasized the path forward is very fluid—um, data dependent—so we still need to monitor future data points to see if the Fed can avoid getting more aggressive.

For investors wanting to see calmer markets, we need to get more clarity on this, as well as the war in Ukraine and China’s Covid lockdown policy.

This material is provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes only. Please consult your investment professional, legal or tax advisor for specific information pertaining to your situation.

This material is provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes only.

All information contained herein is derived from sources deemed to be reliable but cannot be guaranteed. All economic and performance data is historical and not indicative of future results. All views/opinions expressed in this newsletter are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views/opinions held by Advisory Services Network, LLC.

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