The upcoming ECB meeting might seem comfortable for the ECB, as inflation develops broadly as expected, the terminal key rate levels have finally been reached and more clarity on the 2024 balance sheet path has already been created in December. On markets, however, the wind has turned quickly and the ECB got in the defensive of why not to cut key interest rates rather soon. Here are 5 things we expect for the upcoming ECB monetary policy meeting: ► Key rates will be kept unchanged and the ECB will push back against markets' rate cut bets to prevent a pre-emptive loosening but won't change its data dependent forward guidance. ► The ECB will be pleased with recent inflation numbers, which came in broadly as expected and even a touch below projections. Still, expect a word of caution on inflation. ► The ECB will take note of the fact that the euro area economy is performing weaker than expected. A recession is no surprise for most but was not part of the ECB's base case. ► After the surprise decision on PEPP in December, the ECB will confirm that its balance sheet reduction (QT) is on autopilot, which lowers uncertainty for markets ► Talks about the minimum reserve requirement ratio have abated, yet a 'normalisation' to 2% can come at any time, also at the upcoming meeting. |
After years of crises, hopes for 2024 are somewhat clouded, not least due to the geopolitical circumstances. (Geo)politics and interest rate cuts are the buzzwords for the new year on the currency markets, with the former representing potential upward pressure for the safe havens CHF and USD. In Poland, local politics put pressure on the exchange rate. The Albanian lek remains strong backed by fundamentals. Finally, while the rouble showed its stable side recently, supported by several factors, the NBU had to break a devaluation trend. This issues features
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In this quarterly asset allocation update, we provide the typical Croatian EUR investor with an in-depth market analysis, explanations of the individual asset classes, and the optimal portfolios under various risk tolerance levels. |
The interest rate market is leaving "high for longer" behind and is preparing for interest rate cuts. Inflation optimism is spreading! We expect a rather gradual decline in core inflation and a wait-and-see approach by the ECB. Yields correcting to the upside over the near-term seems legit. |
Unchanged key interest rates but a decision on a phased exit from PEPP - that was the ECB's December meeting. PEPP reinvestments will be reduced from July 2024 and ended at the beginning of 2025 - a cautious compromise. The inflation outlook is more optimistic than in September, but more pessimistic than priced by the market. Interest rate cuts are currently not a topic for the ECB and President Lagarde was visibly more eager than Fed President Powell to oppose aggressive bets on rate cuts. The dovish Fed was followed by a hawkish ECB, but swimming against the tide is notoriously difficult. |