Other Expectations: Oil Prices, Global and Corporate Benchmarks
Despite expectations for unchanged interest rates, the anticipation of future adjustments lingers.
The Federal Reserve’s stance remains steady in the face of fluctuating economic indicators. The Fed, guided by inflation’s trajectory, maintains a cautious approach toward monetary policy, seeking equilibrium between restraining spending and nurturing growth.
Economic Indicators in the US
Inflation, gauged by the personal consumption expenditures price index, fell to 3% from its peak of over 7% in 2022.
November’s unemployment rate settled at 3.7%, indicating a near normalization compared to the rate when interest rates began their ascent in March 2022.
Fed’s expectations will encompass inflation, unemployment, and GDP trends in the upcoming years, shaping their policy decisions.
Oil and Inflation Dynamics
Crude oil prices, reflecting global demand concerns, dipped from September’s $93/barrel to $68.41/barrel, impacting inflationary pressures.
Inflation in the US exhibited a slight deceleration in November, aligning with expectations but retaining an overall uptrend.
Federal Reserve Meeting Expectations
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The Fed’s steady interest rate policy since early 2022 stands firm, aimed at curbing inflation without inducing a recession. Market expectations for rate cuts in 2023 persist, with traders pricing in reductions despite Fed’s current rates between 5.25%-5.50%. Traders anticipate the Fed’s two rate cuts projected for the next year, based on economic data reflecting a trend towards the Fed’s 2% inflation target.
Market Reactions and Corporate Highlights
Wall Street’s positive trajectory was marked by notable gains in influential tech stocks, overshadowing Oracle’s revenue shortfall.
Corporate activities, including Tesla’s recall, SpaceX’s share sale, and Pfizer’s subdued forecast, influenced market sentiment.
Southwest Airlines upgraded its fourth-quarter revenue expectations due to higher travel demand during year-end holidays.
Coinbase expanded crypto trading on its international platform amid concerns about the US regulatory landscape.
Global Markets and Future Indicators
European Central Bank and Bank of England policy meetings are awaited, while market movements anticipate interest rate changes.
Asian markets experienced mixed fortunes, with Japan’s expectations among major manufacturers improving, suggesting recovery despite a projected slowdown in GDP growth.
Chinese markets showed disappointment amid a perceived lack of substantial economic stimulus measures post a major planning conference.
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