4 rate hikes by Fed likely next year

Dec 17, 2015 06:32 am UTC| Commentary Central Banks

After almost a decade the Fed initiated its monetary tightening policy with 25 base point rate hikes yesterday. The labor market showed a sign of improvement and economic growth rate on track. The unemployment rate started...

BoJ Preview

Dec 17, 2015 04:28 am UTC| Commentary Central Banks

Bank of Japan has its MPC board meeting on December 17 and 18. Market participants widely expect the central bank to stand pat in its current monetary policy in this meeting. Declining commodities prices have created...

FOMC finally lifts off- 100bp further hike in 2016?

Dec 17, 2015 03:09 am UTC| Commentary Central Banks

After almost a decade, US Federal Reserve hiked its near zero interest rates in December 16 meeting, which was a unanimous decision to hike 25 bp, along with the press conference underscoring a gradual pace of hike. The...

The dark side and the light side of the Fed

Dec 17, 2015 02:42 am UTC| Commentary Central Banks

Looking ahead, the Fed is expected to hike three or perhaps four times next year. The base case of three hikes assumes that there is a soft spot in the markets or the economy at some point in the year ahead, causing the...

Polish labor market strengthens

Dec 17, 2015 01:01 am UTC| Commentary Central Banks

The Central Statistical Office in Warsaw released the November 2015 gross average wage level, which indicated a year-over-year rise of 4.0%, a tenth of a percent greater than consensus. Average paid employment for November...

Experts weigh in on Fed hike: it was the right call, but will it work?

Dec 17, 2015 00:38 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy Central Banks

Editors note: The Federal Reserves policy-setting committee decided to raise its target interest rate known as the Fed funds rate for the first time in nine years. It increased the rate from a range of zero to 0.25% to a...

FOMC: Lift-off, finally

Dec 16, 2015 22:32 pm UTC| Commentary Central Banks

After probably the longest run-up in history, the Fed hiked interest rates at todays meeting. In a unanimous decision, the target range for federal funds was increased to 0.25%-0.50%. Fed chair Yellen promised a gradual...