The Fed is expected to raise interest rates Wednesday by a quarter point, and the pressure is on for Fed Chairman Jerome Powell to sound dovish — but not too dovish. Fed officials are also expected to revisit their fed funds rate forecasts and roll back some of the rate hikes expected in the next several years.
global economics
Draghi Introduces the GDP and Inflation Outlook for the Euro Area
Despite the slight downgrade, Draghi tried to strike an optimistic tone, saying during the question-and-answer portion of the press conference that drivers of economic growth are still in place.
Economic Outlook Hits Trump-Era Low On Election Results, Dow Jones
The IBD/TIPP Economic Optimism Index slid 3.8 points to 52.6 in early December, matching April’s 2018 low. Even as wage growth has accelerated to a nine-year high, the six-month economic outlook sank to its lowest since just before President Donald Trump won the 2016 election. Midterm election results and recent weakness in the Dow Jones industrial average and overall stock market likely weighed on sentiment.
Fed Concerns Aren’t Over For the Market Yet
Trade relations between China and the U.S. overshadow most everything as stocks enter the month of December, but in the week ahead the Fed and U.S. economy come back into play with important Fed testimony and the November employment report.
Gold Not Ready For ‘Fly’ Despite Powell’s Dovish Comments – Gold Silver Reports
Gold Silver Reports (GSR) – Gold is not ready to break out of its trading range just yet. The Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is sending dovish signals into the marketplace.
G20 Meeting Could Trigger Rebound in Commodities Prices: Goldman
Gold Silver Reports (GSR) – “Given the size of dislocations in commodity pricing relative to fundamentals, with oil now having joined metals in pricing below cost support, we believe commodities offer an extremely attractive entry point for longs in oil, gold and base (metals),” the bank said in a note.
Fed Set for a Broad Review on How it Conducts Policy in 2019
Gold Silver Reports (GSR) – Central bank officials announced Thursday that they will look at “strategies, tools, and communication practices” the Fed uses to formulate monetary policy.