Article Hero

The most awaited day by the markets in recent months has arrived

1632305138.jpg
Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
05 November 2022
The Federal Open Market Committee meets this afternoon to decide on monetary policy

Investors' attention is focused on knowing if the Fed will announce the beginning of the tapering program. Currently, the Fed buys around $120 billion in both treasury and corporate bonds. Fed took this exceptional measure to counteract the negative effects on the economy caused by the pandemic-induced crisis. Now that the economy's growth rate has reached an acceptable level and the employment data improved substantially with an unemployment rate of 5.2%, a good number of Fed officials have already expressed themselves in favor of reducing bond purchases.

 Inflation is another factor that can be considered in this decision, even though the Fed believes the latest price increases are temporary. The concern that these will continue over time is present, even more so when these figures exceed by more than twice the inflation levels accepted by the Fed and most central banks.

 Therefore, the options for a decision in this regard are open. Against it would be the uncertainty about the situation in China with Evergrande in bankruptcy, which if it collapses due to lack of rescue by the government could have a systemic effect on the whole Chinese economy and, therefore, the global economy.

 Without diminishing the importance of a potential tapering, this meeting will reveal another piece of information that could have as much relevance in the market or more than that decision. This is represented by the "dot-plot" of the Fed officials. The "dot-plots" are the projections of Fed members on the evolution of interest rates. If there were any substantial change concerning the latest forecasts, considering the expectations of interest rate increases are ahead of time or higher, the market would react to a more "hawkish" bias.

 This would be reflected in a stronger US dollar, a fall in the price of treasury bonds with the consequent rise in yields and an increase in the downward pressure on stock indices. These already are some consequences that we have witnessed in recent days.

Gold would also be affected by this decision. The financial commodity used as a hedge against the loss of value of the currency has a high level of negative correlation with interest rates. Yesterday, gold recovered part of the territory lost in previous days due to the increased risk aversion that could cause a lack of action from the Federal Reserve. Therefore, if the Fed decides to lean towards the hawkish side, either by announcing the start of tapering or because projections anticipate interest rate increases over time, the precious metal could cease to be of interest to investors.

 Technically, it broke up the short-term resistance $1767/ounce in addition to the 100-hour SMA line. The hourly RSI indicator reached overbought levels from where the bullish movement stopped with some correction.

GráficoDescripción generada automáticamente

 

Sources: Bloomberg.com, reuters.com        

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. 

Share this article

How did you find this article?

Awful
Ok
Great
Awesome

Read More

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.