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FOMC increased interest rates again in March and maintained its forecast for three rate hikes in 2018. FOMC also forecasted a faster pace of hikes next year than previously forecasted. March decision was unanimous. Current Federal funds rate - 150-175 bps (Note, all calculations are based on data as of 16th April)
- May 2018 meeting: Market is attaching 93.8 percent probability that rates will be at 1.50-1.75 percent, and 6.2 percent probability that rates will be at 1.75-2.00 percent.
- June 2018 meeting: Market is attaching 93.8 percent probability that rates will be at 1.75-2.00 percent, and 6.2 percent probability that rates will be at 2.00-2.25.
- August 2018 meeting: Market is attaching 90 percent probability that rates will be at 1.75-2.00 percent, and 9.9 percent probability that rates will be at 2.00-2.25 percent.
- September 2018 meeting: Market is attaching 23.1 percent probability that rates will be at 1.75-2.00 percent, 69.5 percent probability that rates will be at 2.00-2.25 percent, and 7.5 percent probability that rates will be at 2.25-2.50 percent.
- November 2018 meeting: Market is attaching 20.7 percent probability that rates will be at 1.75-2.00 percent, 64.7 percent probability that rates will be at 2.00-2.25 percent, 13.5 percent probability that rates will be at 2.25-2.50 percent, and 1 percent probability that rates will be at 2.50-2.75 percent.
- December 2018 meeting: Market is attaching 10 percent probability that rates will be at 1.75-2.00 percent, 42 percent probability that rates will be at 2.00-2.25 percent, 40 percent probability that rates will be at 2.25-2.50 percent, 7.5 percent probability that rates will be at 2.50-2.75 percent, and 0.5 percent probability that rates will be at 2.75-3.00 percent.
The probability is suggesting,
- Since our last review a week ago, the probability has eased but only marginally for both near and far months.
- Next hike is priced in June with 93.8 percent probability, instead of 98.4 percent a week ago.
- The market brought forwarded the third hike for 2018 in September and pricing it with 76.9 percent probability compared to 80.2 percent a week ago.
- The market is pricing the fourth hike in December with 48 percent probability instead of 48.3 percent probability just a week ago.
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