Jerome Powell effectively scares of the recession

23.06.2022 10:39|Conotoxia Ltd Analyst Team

Financial markets are reacting to statements by the Federal Reserve chairman, who made no secret of the likelihood of a recession in the US due to the current situation and the need for further interest rate hikes.

Jerome Powell in Wednesday's testimony before the Senate Banking Committee admitted that rapid interest rate hikes could trigger a recession in the US. Its avoidance depends mainly on factors beyond the Fed's control. Another risk is that price stability may not be restored and that high inflation may take root in the economy, but the Fed's goal is to bring price growth back to the 2 percent level. - Powell added.

The Fed chairman said further interest rate hikes would be appropriate to quell surprisingly high inflation. More surprises may come later in the year. Therefore, the Fed will have to react to incoming data and the changing outlook.

The Federal Reserve raised the funds rate by 75 basis points to 1.5-1.75 percent at its June 2022 meeting, instead of the 50 basis points initially expected, after inflation unexpectedly accelerated to a 41-year high last month.

The market consensus is that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates by another 75 basis points in July, followed by 50 basis points in September. Nevertheless, the Fed chairman's clear statements effectively spooked investors in the commodities market and encouraged investors in the bond market. In theory, the recessionary phase of the business cycle is the bond phase of the cycle. As a recession approaches, investors begin to assume that interest rates may be catching their peak a little earlier and thus bond yields may no longer rise so sharply. This, in turn, can push bond prices higher.

Meanwhile, a recession means less demand for commodities, which may mean that when the bond market peaks, the commodity market may peak. Then, as bond prices rise, commodity prices may fall, which is what business cycle theory assumes. Will this be the case? We will likely find out in the coming quarters.


Daniel Kostecki, Director of the Polish branch of Conotoxia Ltd. (Conotoxia investment service)

Materials, analysis and opinions contained, referenced or provided herein are intended solely for informational and educational purposes. Personal opinion of the author does not represent and should not be constructed as a statement or an investment advice made by Conotoxia Ltd. All indiscriminate reliance on illustrative or informational materials may lead to losses. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 80.77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Like the article?
Share it with friends!


See also:

Jun 22, 2022 9:49 am

Crude oil near one-month low

Jun 21, 2022 10:33 am

Another central bank with a cycle of hikes

Jun 20, 2022 11:03 am

Another hot week in financial markets

Jun 15, 2022 12:11 pm

A historic Fed decision

Jun 14, 2022 12:06 pm

Markets on the verge of full capitulation

Jun 13, 2022 9:06 am

The landscape in the markets after the inflation data

76.23% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76.23% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Trading on CFDs is provided by Conotoxia Ltd. (CySEC no.336/17), which has the right to use the Conotoxia trademark.