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Monetary policy news moved the markets

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Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
05 November 2022
Equities ended lower last week while Treasury bonds and US Dollar bond yields rose as investors worried about the Fed's potential aggressive tightening of monetary policy.

Market sentiment leaned more towards a possible end to price increases and a less restrictive reaction from the Federal Reserve.

After two days of declines, the benchmark 10-year Treasury bond yield jumped as much as 2.82%, following the release of US economic data such as retail sales and unemployment claims.

On Thursday, the New York Fed President John Williams said that the US Federal Reserve should reasonably consider raising interest rates by half a percentage point at its next meeting in May, which was seen as a sign that even the more dovish members of the Fed agree with higher interest rates.

The markets witnessed sharp rate hikes by the New Zealand central bank and the Bank of Canada, a surprise rate hike by the Bank of Korea, and policy tightening by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. In short, we witnessed a global wave of more restrictive monetary policy.

US stocks had gained on Wednesday, hoping that price gains might be peaking. But Thursday's move can be seen as a sign of little conviction behind those hopes. The uncertainty is still regarded as too high.

Meanwhile, the euro fell to a two-year low against the dollar in the currency market, as ECB President Christine Lagarde's comments were seen as a sign the bank was in no rush to raise rates.

The interest rate differential between the dollar and the euro seems to widen even more after the different paths the respective central banks are taking. To this must be added the concern about the evolution of the war in Ukraine and the rise in oil and gas prices on which Europe is highly dependent.

EUR/USD traded below the major support at 1.0805 on Thursday before bouncing slightly in Friday's session, where liquidity was tight. The pressure on the pair will continue throughout the week with the French election next Sunday.

Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters.

This information/research prepared by Miguel A. Rodriguez does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any particular person. The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole, certifies that the views about the companies and their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views and consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk.The research provided does not constitute the views of KW Investments Ltd nor is it an invitation to invest with KW Investments Ltd. The research analyst also certifies that no part of his/her compensation was, is, or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report.The research analyst in not employed by KW Investments Ltd. You are encouraged to seek advice from an independent financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment, under a separate engagement, as you deem fit that conforms to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular financial needs before making a commitment to invest. The laws of the Republic of Seychelles shall govern any claim relating to or arising from the contents of the information/ research provided. 

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Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
Financial Writer

Miguel worked for major financial institutions such as Banco Santander, and Banco Central-Hispano. He is a published author of currency trading books.