Financial News

Markets Update: Rate rises forecast for 2017

By Business & Finance
19 December 2016
Markets update

Equities rise and the dollar strengthens as Fed rate hike arrives right on cue, reports Ian Slattery, Zurich Life Assurance plc.

The dominant news of the week was undoubtedly the Federal Reserve’s decision to raise the official borrowing cost by 0.25% on Wednesday evening. The move was as expected, but Fed chair Janet Yellen surprised some market participants by forecasting three rate rises in 2017, up from the two previously expected.

The more ‘hawkish’ stance (more likely to raise rates at a faster rate) is on the back of strengthening economic data, and a recent rise in inflation expectations.

ian slattery headshot

Ian Slattery

The dollar rose and briefly hit a 14-year high against a selection of global currencies, before retreating slightly towards the end of the week.

US treasuries also sold off, with the yield (which moves inversely to price) on the policy sensitive two-year bill finishing the week at 1.25%, the highest level since 2009.

Economic data in the US continued to be positive, with a poor retail sales figure the only blip in a week that included encouraging figures for homebuilders and small businesses. European stocks also enjoyed a good week, closing at their highest level in 2016.

weekly-index

weekly-snapshotThe global index was positive once again, returning 4.3% (in euro terms), as a weaker euro helped enhance returns for Irish investors. Oil paused for breath last week and finished down 1.25%, but remains up over 40% year-to-date. Gold had another negative week and was down 1.9%, with its return for the year now standing at 7.4%.

The dollar rose and briefly hit a 14-year high against a selection of global currencies 

The US 10-year bond yield rose again, for the sixth consecutive week, as the Fed rate move and general interest rate cycle continues to weigh on its valuation outlook.The euro weakened once more against the dollar with the EUR/USD rate closing at 1.05, from 1.06 a week ago.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Tuesday December 20th
The Bank of Japan meets for its final rate decision of the year. The consensus expects no change in the current policy, with the base rate remaining at -0.1%.

Thursday December 22nd
The third estimate of US Q3 GDP is released where the expectation is for an upward revision to 3.3% (quarter-on-quarter) from 3.2% at the last reading.

Friday December 23rd
The UK sees the final release of their own Q3 GDP data, where it is expected to be confirmed at 0.5% (quarter-on-quarter), which represents no change from the last release.

The team at Zurich Investments is a long established and highly experienced team of investment managers who manage approximately €20bn in investment of which pension assets amount to €9.5bn. To find out more about Zurich Life’s funds and investments, w: zurichlife.ie/funds, Twitter: @ZurichLife, LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/zurich-life-assurance-plc

Warning: Past performance is not a reliable guide to future performance. Benefits may be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. The value of your investment may go down as well as up. If you invest in these funds you may lose some or all of the money you invest.