As the Federal Reserve prepares to convene for its upcoming meeting, analysts speculate whether the central bank will opt to keep interest rates unchanged in June or proceed with further hikes in July. While inflation and a tight labor market persist, the Fed remains cautious, ready to respond to incoming economic data before making any significant decisions.
Goldman Sachs, in a recent note, anticipates a pause in June, stating, "We expect the FOMC to pause at its June meeting next week before it considers another rate hike." Currently, the Fed's benchmark rate stands at 5% to 5.25%.
The possibility of a June pause gained momentum when Fed members, including vice chair nominee Philip Jefferson, suggested that such a break would allow the central bank to assess the delayed impact of previous rate hikes and the tightening of lending standards resulting from recent banking turmoil. If lending standards continue to tighten, it is likely to restrain economic growth, potentially aiding the Fed in its battle against inflation and reducing the necessity for further rate hikes.
UBS echoed this sentiment, stating in a note, "In our view, the FOMC is right to be worried about lending standards tightening," referring to Fed data that indicates a decline in banks' willingness to lend to consumers.
Fed Rate Monitor Tool indicates that approximately 75% of traders expect the Fed to pause rate hikes in June, while around 55% predict a resumption of hikes in July.
The Fed's summary of economic projections (SEP), to be released alongside the monetary policy decision, is widely anticipated to reflect the Fed's acknowledgement that tightening measures are not yet complete due to ongoing inflation concerns and a robust labor market.
During the press conference, all eyes will be on Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, as market participants seek clues about the factors that will guide the Fed's future decisions after the June meeting. UBS predicts that Powell will emphasize the importance of gathering more information over time and using it to determine the next policy move based on the evolving economic conditions, growth prospects, and inflation outlook.
While most market participants anticipate a pause in June, some believe that such a decision could lead to an extended break, given the incoming data. Eric Green, Chief Investment Officer at Penn Capital Management, suggests that if the data shows inflation continuing to decline, the Fed should maintain the pause.
As the Federal Reserve meeting approaches, the uncertainty surrounding its rate decision grows. The Fed finds itself at a critical juncture, carefully evaluating the balance between inflation concerns and economic growth. The outcome of the meeting and the subsequent market response will depend on the Fed's assessment of the current economic landscape and its determination to address the challenges that lie ahead.
