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| Federal Reserve's Hesitation Could Worsen the Banking Crisis: Morning Brief |
As the banking crisis continues to wreak havoc in the financial system, the Federal Reserve faces a challenge to maintain financial stability and contain systemic risk in financial markets. The central bank's primary goal is to promote stable prices and full employment, but in times of financial stress, it is crucial to prevent the collapse of the financial system. With the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, UBS and Credit Suisse's forced marriage, and doubts about the viability of First Republic Bank, the Fed must ensure financial stability.
Last week, the European Central Bank faced a similar dilemma when Credit Suisse's troubles threatened the broader financial system. The bank raised rates, and many economists expect the Fed to do the same at its meeting on Wednesday. The market shows a 71% probability that the Fed will raise rates by a quarter percentage point and a 29% chance of no change.
If the Fed pauses its rate-hiking cycle, it could trigger more panic, leading to more significant financial instability. Market participants are expecting a quarter-point raise, and a pause could send a more significant signal that could cause anxiety.
However, the outlook for rates is murky beyond this week's meeting. Recent banking troubles have slowed economic growth, potentially slowing down inflation. If the Fed continues to hike rates in the face of a slowdown, the market could price in a small cut to rates by the June meeting.
The rate decision and Fed Chair Jerome Powell's press conference on Wednesday will determine the future course of action for the Fed. The banking crisis and the inflation problem pose a severe challenge to the Fed's mandate, and it must tread carefully to ensure financial stability and maintain its credibility.
