BNY's Vincent Reinhart: ‘Powell is trying to get away from a problem by ending balance sheet runoff’

Monetary Policy & Liquidity - The Federal Reserve is expected to halt quantitative tightening (QT) in a matter of months to ensure smooth money market function and prevent it from becoming a news item [2][3] - The discussion about the number of rate cuts is focused on the next year, influenced by personnel changes and politics, while this year, two more quarter-point (0.25%) tightenings are anticipated [3][4] Financial Stability & Risk - Recent bankruptcies in the auto sector raise concerns about potential cracks in the system, suggesting hidden issues in opaque areas of finance due to prolonged risk-taking by investors [5][6] - While balance sheets are generally in better shape compared to past expansions, the economy is more vulnerable to adverse shocks that could trigger nonlinear events like bankruptcies and job losses [7][8][11] Economic Outlook - Expansions don't die of old age, but the economy is flying "a little slower, a little closer to the ground," making it more susceptible to adverse shocks [10][11] - The government shutdown could potentially reduce GDP by a quarter-point (0.25%) per week if it continues, although the private sector is large enough to absorb the sectoral shock [13] Government Shutdown Impact - The macroeconomy should be able to endure the government shutdown, which is considered a sector-specific and regional shock [14][15]