There is value in the bond market at the end of the curve, says Wellington's Brij Khurana

Core Insights - The bond market is anticipating a 25 basis point rate cut from the Fed, with potential dissent among Fed voters regarding the extent of cuts [1][2] - The market is focused on the Fed's summary of economic projections, particularly the dot plot indicating future policy rates, with expectations of three cuts this year [2][3] - There is a concern that the market's expectation of the Fed rate dropping below 3% next year may not materialize, which could lead to disappointment [3] Economic Conditions - The economy is described as having two speeds, with high-income consumers continuing to spend, contributing to inflationary pressures, while small businesses struggle with high interest rates [8][9] - Core inflation, excluding shelter, increased by 2.7% last month, the highest in two years, indicating that high-income consumers are faring well [9] - The Fed faces challenges in balancing support for small businesses through rate cuts while managing the potential for increased wealth effects and stickier inflation [10] Market Expectations - The bond market is pricing in significant rate cuts, with expectations that the Fed will act aggressively to prolong economic expansion [11][12] - There is a notion of a "Goldilocks" environment where growth is slowing, but aggressive Fed actions could sustain the economic cycle [12] - Inflation-linked bonds are suggested as a viable investment option, especially if inflation begins to rise, as the market is already pricing in a return to the Fed's 2% target [13][14] Tariff Impact - Tariff policies are believed to significantly affect fixed income markets, with evidence of inflationary impacts from tariffs not being fully recognized [15] - Core goods have shown a month-over-month increase, indicating that inflationary pressures are emerging, which could lead to stagflationary conditions [15]