Fed to Leave Door Open to Sept., Without ‘Clear Signals’: BofAML
(Bloomberg) -- FOMC’s July 27 statement is likely to note “generally better data,” say officials are still monitoring inflation/global risks, and leave door open for Sept. rate hike, BofAML economist Michael Hanson writes in note.
- Policy makers are “very” likely to keep policy unchanged as they assess outlook and debate need for hikes this yr; statement should give “no clear signals” about Sept.
- Singling out next mtg would be “notable hawkish surprise” to mkts
- Fed could cite progress toward dual mandate to suggest it’s “somewhat more comfortable” with a Sept. hike; there’s greater chance that minutes will sound “more upbeat” on potential for Sept.
- Statement shouldn’t materially change probabilities of rate hikes this yr; “we see a low, but not zero, probability of move in Sept.; BofAML’s base case remains Dec.
- While domestic data and global financial conditions have improved since Brexit vote, Fed is still watching data and ‘‘should remain cautious”
- Some chance FOMC will drop “closely” when describing its monitoring of inflation indicators and global developments; that would be seen by mkts as “mildly hawkish”
- Dropping “monitoring” language completely would be both more hawkish and much less likely
- Given refusal of St. Louis Fed Pres. James Bullard to submit a long-run dot in June, there may be extended discussion about communications, particularly about dots
Alert:
HALISTER1Source: BFW (Bloomberg First Word)
People James Bullard (Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis/MO)
Michael Hanson (Bank of America Corp)
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