Citigroup Delays Fed Rate Cut Forecast Amid Strong Jobs Data and Inflation Concerns 
Bank of Korea Governor Nominee Warns of Action if Korean Won Weakens Further 
ECB Eyes Rate Hike Amid Iran Conflict-Driven Energy Price Surge 
Bank of America Maintains Forecast for Two Fed Rate Cuts in 2026 Despite Inflation Risks 
Bank of Japan Signals Rate Flexibility Amid Yen Volatility 
RBI Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Middle East Tensions and Global Uncertainty 
Gold Prices Fall Amid Rate Jitters; Copper Steady as China Stimulus Eyed 
FOMC increased interest rates in March and June and increased its forecast from three rate hikes in 2018 to four rate hikes. June decision was unanimous. Current Federal funds rate - 175-200 bps (Note, all calculations are based on data as of 25th June)
- August 2018 meeting: Market is attaching 100 percent probability that rates will be at 1.75-2.00 percent.
- September 2018 meeting: Market is attaching 29.2 percent probability that rates will be at 1.75-2.00 percent, and 70.8 percent probability that rates will be at 2.00-2.25 percent.
- November 2018 meeting: Market is attaching 27.7 percent probability that rates will be at 1.75-2.00 percent, 68.6 percent probability that rates will be at 2.00-2.25 percent, and 3.7 percent probability that rates will be at 2.25-2.50 percent.
- December 2018 meeting: Market is attaching 11 percent probability that rates will be at 1.75-2.00 percent, 43.9 percent probability that rates will be at 2.00-2.25 percent, 42.8 percent probability that rates will be at 2.25-2.50 percent, and 2.2 percent probability that rates will be at 2.50-2.75 percent.
- January 2019 meeting: Market is attaching 10.1 percent probability that rates will be at 1.75-2.00 percent, 40.3 percent probability that rates will be at 2.00-2.25 percent, 42.4 percent probability that rates will be at 2.25-2.50 percent, and 7 percent probability that rates will be at 2.50-2.75 percent, and 0.3 percent probability that rates will be at 2.75-3.00 percent.
The probability is suggesting,
- Since our last review a week ago, the probabilities have softened.
- The market is pricing the third hike for 2018 in September and pricing it with 70.8 percent probability compared to 83.3 percent a week ago.
- The market is pricing the fourth hike in December with 49.7 percent probability instead of 53.4 percent probability just a week ago.
- It is important to note that despite Fed’s forecast, the market is not ready to price in a fourth hike.
