It appears that the foreign exchange and bond markets were ready for the PCE report.

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis gave the Federal Open Market Committee another reason to sing, “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” this morning as the Bureau presented its read on changes in consumer price levels. The Personal Consumption Price Index, the preferred price level barometer of the Federal Reserve System, increased 2.8% between … Continue reading It appears that the foreign exchange and bond markets were ready for the PCE report.

Again, foreign exchange and bond yields looked flat today and I wonder if the US really wants lower rates.

The pound-dollar and euro-dollar were flat today, 27 February 2024, with the dollar yen making the biggest move between 9:14 am and 4:15 pm. According to data I obtained from Bloomberg, the GBP/USD increased three pips, from 1.2682 to 1.2685. The EUR/USD decreased four pips, from 1.0848 to 1.0844. The USD/JPY increased 1600 pips moving … Continue reading Again, foreign exchange and bond yields looked flat today and I wonder if the US really wants lower rates.

I see baby Boomers seeking yield. Will the U.S. central banking system accommodate them?

In comments made last week by a number of members of the Federal Open Market Committee, traders and investors should hold their horses on a cut in overnight banking rates anytime before June 2024. There appears to be some sentiment among Committee members that reducing the overnight lending rate between banks (federal funds rate) and … Continue reading I see baby Boomers seeking yield. Will the U.S. central banking system accommodate them?

Governments create bond markets and tax burdens. Keep your political activity within that parameter….

There was a scene in an episode of “Game of Thrones” where Jamie Lannister and his men sacked a castle and took off with loads of grain and other food stuff. That is how the vast majority of us feel during tax season: that the government, like Jamie Lannister, is coming around to haul away more … Continue reading Governments create bond markets and tax burdens. Keep your political activity within that parameter….

What is the federal funds rate? Should the Fed worry about not meeting its mandates under law?

Today’s rates …. 30-Day Federal Funds Futures: 94.69. Effective Federal Funds Rate: 5.33%. Interest on Reserve Balances: 5.40%. Discount Window: 5.50%. CME FedWatch: 96.8%. EUR/USD=1.0931. GBP/USD=1.2594. USD/JPY=149.6608. (Foreign exchange rates as of 7:38 pm EDT.) Today’s definition … Federal funds rate-the interest rate at which depository institutions lend reserve balances to other depository institutions overnight. … Continue reading What is the federal funds rate? Should the Fed worry about not meeting its mandates under law?

What is the Federal Reserve’s sentiment prior to its November meeting? Does it impact you?

We are in the quiet period here in the United States where the Federal Reserve conducts its media blackout prior to its next Federal Open Market Committee meeting. The markets are expecting at least one more change in the federal funds rate, the rate at which member banks lend each a portion of the reserves … Continue reading What is the Federal Reserve’s sentiment prior to its November meeting? Does it impact you?