Here is what happened on Wednesday in the U.S. stocks market.
The stock market was subdued ahead of the year-end FOMC meeting. In the late-day trading session, stocks rallied when the Fed statement came out, which injected faith into investors because it showed the determination to fight inflation without restraining economic growth.
Key takeaways - Hawkish talk, dovish action
1. Speed up tapering, on track to end bond buying mid-March
2. Keep the federal funds rate in a target range of 0% to 0.25%
3. Fed forecasts three rate hikes in 2022 and three more in 2023
4. Interest rates policies are closely related to employment data
Why did the market jump on the Fed's decision?
1. Traders have prepared for the worst. It could be an explanation to the rally on a Fed hawkish decision. Since the last Fed meeting, the market already expected hawkish decisions such as tapering speed up and interest hikes.
2. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell balanced his rates outlook with a positive outlook of the economy.
3. Investors are somewhat encouraged by the Fed's recognition and determination to fight inflation.
“It seemed like there was some hedging demand into the event, perhaps relief that the event has happened, regardless of outcome,” said Danny Kirsch, head of options at Cornerstone Macro LLC. “The event is gone, sell your hedge and move on.”
The bottom line
Daily fluctuations of the stock markets are directly or indirectly affected by the changes in macroeconomic factors.
Therefore, knowing more about the Federal Reserve is helpful for your trading. Click to access the free course:
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