Federal Reserve

The RBA never raised rates by as much as other countries, so it has relatively less scope to cut them in a soft economic landing.

On the next Signal or Noise, we discuss what the Fed's first rate cut in four years means for Australian investors.

The Fed’s aggressive 50 basis point rate cut, while unconventional, reflects a proactive approach to stave off any potential economic weakness. Despite associations of...

The Fed hopes it can achieve a soft landing, lowering the policy rate to around 3%, broadly matching its estimate of the neutral rate.

The 50-basis point cut was a last-minute surprise that left markets scratching their heads about how to react.

Rate cuts are coming. The Fed needs to get ahead of the curve but the economy is slowing rapidly. That leaves risks elevated for investors.

Soft landings are exceedingly rare in the US and the 1990s episode marks the only example of a successful soft landing.

Improving inflation is consistent with the Fed cutting rates next month, while a hawkish-sounding RBA plans to keep rates on hold.

Despite looking at virtually the same sets of figures, economists often have different opinions about the outlook.

Weaker demand for labour explains higher unemployment in most countries, but Australia's jobless rate has edged up on increased supply.

The US unemployment rate has edged above most estimates of the NAIRU for the first time since 2021, supporting a Fed rate cut next month.

Rising unemployment has almost reached the "Sahm rule" threshold that has historically been a useful guide to US recessions.

Interest rate cuts are being delayed, a pattern repeated many times this year.

A policy rule still points to a slow/shallow rate cut cycle in the US, steady rate cuts in the EA, and that the RBA should hiked a bit more.

The Fed is sidelined on rates for some time as it watches how inflation evolves after an unexpected surge in Q1.

Advertised wages growth is at/near pre-COVID levels in the US & EA, while still-high growth in AUS & NZ should improve this year.

The US economy stands out, with key measures of activity back in line with their pre-COVID trends, although Australia is not far behind.

The Fed is going to cut rates, but slowing growth means it may not be the time to be chasing equity returns.

Any delay in achieving the 2% inflation target points to interest rates staying high for longer

Measures of new rents are giving conflicting signals on the outlook for housing costs, which are a key driver of inflation.