Fed Talk
Today, the much anticipated FOMC press release was as this author expected: the Fed stalled on raising rates again, claim everything is being monitored. In December, Yellen was bullish enough on the economy to raise the Fed Funds Rate by a paltry .25% and voiced expectations of gradually increasing the rate higher throughout 2016.
But in January the Fed didnt raise rates further – this is what was said: “Given the economic outlook, the Committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 1/4 to 1/2 percent. The stance of monetary policy remains accommodative, thereby supporting further improvement in labor market conditions and a return to 2 percent inflation.”
Stocks quickly turned red, pushing the DOW, SP500, and NASDAQ lower.
One question that has this author scratching his head: shouldn’t markets be rallying? Yellen did say that the economy was recovering and will continue to do during the historic Fed meeting which resulted in the first rate hike in almost a decade. Thus, 4 weeks later, stocks are being slaughtered. Why? Wouldn’t a rate hike imply that the all knowing Fed feels confidence in the US economy – which is bullish for capital markets? In fact in her own words when questioned about the chance of a recession in 2016, she said less than 10% chance.
A brief history lesson: during the Ben Bernankes testimony infront of the U.S. Congress during March 2007, he was also quite optimistic about the economy himself: “Overall, the economy appears likely to continue to expand at a moderate pace over coming quarters. As the inventory of unsold new homes is worked off, the drag from residential investment should wane. Consumer spending appears solid, and business investment seems likely to post moderate gains.” How did his forecast turn out? The economy collapsed into the greatest depression since 1929. To be fair, Bernanke did warn that housing risks could be much more severe than first thought – and in that case he was prophetic.
Today: The lesson for investors? The Fed is not a crystal ball. They cannot see the future. Anyone’s guess is applicable. Thus, to watch the mainstream cling to their words as if it is holy scripture is frightening. In fact, the Fed has a notoriously horrible track record with very poor forward guidance.
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