US
The Federal Reserve (the Fed) held interest rates steady for a second time.
Europe
Eurozone inflation sank to a two-year low in October.
The bloc’s economy shrank by 0.1% last quarter from the one before.
The Bank of England (BoE) also left rates unchanged for a second time.
Asia
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) further relaxed its “yield curve control” program.
Manufacturing activity in Asia slumped again in October.
What does all this mean?
A Pause in the Fed's Rate Hike Marathon The Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady at a 22-year high reflects a strategic pause in a series of aggressive hikes that began in March 2022. With 11 hikes leading up to this point, the Fed's current stance suggests a cautious approach to future increases. The recent surge in Treasury yields has played a key role in this decision, potentially signaling an end to the most assertive monetary tightening cycle in nearly half a century.
Eurozone's Inflation and Economic Contraction The Eurozone's inflation has taken a surprising dip, with consumer prices in October rising by a mere 2.9% compared to the previous year, a significant drop from the 4.3% increase in September. Core inflation, which strips out the volatile energy and food prices, also fell unexpectedly to 4.2%. Despite the European Central Bank's ten consecutive rate hikes, the economy contracted by 0.1% last quarter, indicating that efforts to control inflation are impacting economic growth.
Bank of England: Holding Steady Amidst High Inflation The Bank of England has maintained its benchmark lending rate at a 15-year high of 5.25%, despite inflation rates that are triple its target. The central bank's cautious approach comes with a warning of potential economic stagnation over the next year, casting doubt on how long the current rate levels can be sustained.
Bank of Japan's Yield Curve Control Adjustment To address a weakening yen and inflation rates that exceed targets, the Bank of Japan has allowed the 10-year government bond yield to rise above 1%. This adjustment to its yield curve control program is the second in three months, indicating a shift towards a less stimulative monetary policy.
Manufacturing Slowdown Across Asia Manufacturing activity in Asia, a hub for global goods production, has seen a decline. The purchasing managers' indexes (PMIs) for October suggest a contraction in manufacturing due to rising costs, reduced production, and fewer new orders. China's private sector factory activity also shrank unexpectedly, highlighting economic vulnerabilities.
US Treasuries: The Focus of the Week The expectation that the Fed will maintain high-interest rates, coupled with the US government's need to issue more bonds to finance its deficit, has led to a significant drop in Treasury bond prices. This decline has been particularly acute for bonds with maturities of ten years or longer, which have seen nearly a 50% reduction in price since their peak in March 2020. The 10-year Treasury yield has risen sharply, exceeding 5% for the first time in 16 years, reminiscent of the early 1980s when similar conditions led to recessions.
Looking Ahead
Monday: Eurozone sentix economic index (November), China trade balance (October).
Tuesday: Japan household spending (September). Earnings: Uber, Rivian, Gilead, Occidental.
Wednesday: Eurozone retail sales (September), China loan growth (October). Earnings: Disney.
Thursday: China inflation (October).
Friday: UK economic growth (Q3).
Conclusion As we look to the week ahead, the financial landscape remains complex and interconnected with policy decisions, inflationary pressures, and global economic performance. Investors are advised to stay vigilant and informed as these factors continue to shape market dynamics.