Market Overview Analysis & Opinion

Jerome Powell didn’t rock the boat during Powell the last FOMC meeting. As widely expected, policy makers raised the target band for the federal fund rate by 25bps to 2% - 2.25%, for the third...

Fresh concerns about Italy’s borrowing costs have shaken European stock markets. It has been reported that the two coalition partners in Rome are keen to press ahead with increased spending,...

As expected the European markets opened in the shadow of Wednesday evening’s Federal Reserve rate rise and post-hike statement.To the surprise of no-one – and to the immense displeasure of...

The US Federal Reserve followed its own playbook pretty closely this week, yesterday raising the benchmark federal funds rate a quarter point to 2.00-2.25 as expected. It also dropped the word...

The Federal Reserve hiked interest rates by 25 basis points to 2.25%, as had been widely expected. Whilst US equities hit session highs on the rate decision, equities sold off sharply as Fed Chair...

European markets had a mixed session yesterday as investors sat on their hands ahead of last night’s Federal Reserve rate decision.As expected the Fed raised its fed funds rate by 25 basis...

EuropeStocks are broadly lower as dealers await the Federal Reserve interest rate decision later on. European markets have been lacklustre today as traders are in wait and see mode. Playing into the...

Initial Fed thoughtsThe Federal Reserve hiked rates as expected and pointed to a further rate hike in December; however, expectations for rates in 2019 remained unchanged. On the growth front, the...

Equity markets are subdued as traders await the Federal Reserve meeting later this evening. The US central bank is widely expected to hike interest rates, but the statement is probably going to be the...

What would the Fed do – i.e. the US Federal Reserve in its monetary policy meeting that ends later today?Yesterday US consumer confidence came in at a 5-year high, driving hopes that GDP will...

Markets cautious ahead of Fed hike and trade escalation Investors rotate into longer-dated Treasurys at a crucial technical point Yen strengthens: a warning to investors? China shares jump on...

Stocks on hold until Fed’s big decision The markets are in a holding pattern ahead of the Federal Reserve’s rate decision later today. Expected rate hike already priced in Not only is the...

As tends to be the case on Fed Wednesdays – especially ones where a rate hike is expected – the markets got off to a muted start, with little of interest happening after the bell.Despite...

Market OverviewThere is little real direction on markets as traders prepare for today’s monetary policy announcement from the Federal Reserve. The Fed is nailed on for a rate hike but it will be...