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Wall Street Awaits Federal Reserve Decision on Interest Rates
Rates Expected to Rise
Wall Street is eagerly awaiting the latest decision from the Federal Reserve on interest rates. The central bank is widely expected to raise rates by a quarter-point, with traders pricing in a 99% probability of rates going up by 25 basis points to a range of 5.25%-5.50%. The market is closely watching the comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, as his signals about future rate hikes could sway the market one way or another.
Four Scenarios for How the Market Might React
Traders at JPMorgan have laid out four scenarios for how the market might react to the Fed's decision on interest rates. The first scenario, with a 65% chance, is a hike and pause situation where the S&P 500 would rise between 0.5%-0.75%. JPMorgan traders believe that the softer-than-expected June CPI and PPI have given the Fed more comfort to be patient. However, the decision to hike rates again in 2023 will depend on future data.
The second scenario, with a 33%-34% chance, is a hike and continue situation. Under this outcome, the Fed would raise rates and signal that further tightening is ahead. The market currently sees only about a 30% chance of one more rate hike this year. JPMorgan traders suggest that if core inflation levels revert higher, the Fed may continue to tighten. In this scenario, the S&P 500 would fall between 0.5%-1%.
The third scenario, with a 1%-2% chance, is a hawkish skip situation. This outcome would result in a rally for the S&P 500. JPMorgan believes that if inflation falls far and fast enough, the Fed may decide to make additional moves before their September 20 meeting. However, recent statements from the Fed seem more focused on avoiding mistakes from the past rather than reacting to the current situation.
The fourth scenario, with less than a 1% chance, is the Fed signaling that their tightening campaign ended in May. This would catch investors off-guard and remove the near-term bear case for equities. The outcome would be similar to the hawkish skip scenario but of larger magnitude.
The Federal Reserve is set to announce its decision at 2 p.m. ET, with a news conference by Powell following at 2:30 p.m. ET. Wall Street will be closely watching for any signals or insights from the central bank regarding future rate hikes and monetary policy.
Conclusion: Potential Impact on New Businesses
The upcoming decision by the Federal Reserve regarding interest rates has significant implications for various sectors of the economy, including new businesses. As Wall Street eagerly awaits the announcement, entrepreneurs and startups should carefully consider the potential impact on their operations and strategies.
If the Federal Reserve follows the widely expected path of raising rates by a quarter-point, new businesses may face increased borrowing costs. Higher interest rates make it more expensive for companies to obtain financing, which could hamper their expansion plans or limit their ability to invest in new projects. Additionally, rising rates could dampen consumer spending, potentially affecting the demand for products or services offered by new businesses.
The specific scenarios outlined by JPMorgan traders provide valuable insights into the potential market reactions. A "hike and pause" situation, which seems the most likely according to market expectations, could provide some relief for new businesses as it suggests a cautiously optimistic approach from the Fed. However, entrepreneurs should closely monitor future data and the Fed's stance on further rate hikes, as it may impact their long-term planning.
On the other hand, a more aggressive approach from the Federal Reserve, such as a "hike and continue" scenario, could pose challenges for new businesses. The potential tightening in monetary policy may result in tighter lending conditions, making it harder for startups to secure funding for their growth initiatives.
Ultimately, the impact of the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates will depend on various factors, including market dynamics, economic conditions, and global events. New businesses should remain adaptable and proactive, closely monitoring market trends and considering flexible strategies to navigate potential challenges posed by interest rate changes.
At the end of the day, while the Federal Reserve's decisions may influence the business environment, it is crucial for entrepreneurs to focus on fundamentals, innovation, and customer satisfaction to build resilient and successful businesses, regardless of the interest rate environment.
Article First Published at: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/26/fed-decision-trade-what-jpmorgan-traders-see-the-market-doing-based-on-these-scenarios.html.svg)
