Uh let's get into a discussion with the team from Charles Schwab. We're going to welcome in Cooper Howard, director of fixed income research and strategy at Charles Schwab Center for uh financial research and Michelle Gibli, director of international equity research and strategy at the Schwab Center for Financial Research. Uh Cooper, I wanted to go to you uh first here because I wanted to talk bonds here a little bit.I think that's part of the reason we've seen some support in the equity market is that we'r ...

Fed Policy Stance - The market interprets the Fed's recent actions as a dovish meeting rather than a hawkish cut, despite the rate cut [1][2][7][10] - The Fed is perceived to be more focused on employment risks, specifically the potential rise in unemployment, than on inflationary pressures [6] - The Fed seems to downplay inflationary risks, suggesting good progress on inflation, if not for tariffs [3][4][5] Quantitative Easing (QE) and Tightening (QT) - The Fed has unexpectedly ramped up QE by $40 billion, after a period of QT, raising hopes for further QE if needed [7] Interest Rate Dynamics - Despite the Fed dropping rates by 175 basis points since September, the 2-year Treasury rate remains unchanged [6] - The Fed funds rate is now in line with the 2-year Treasury yield [5][6] - Long-term interest rates, such as the 30-year Treasury, have risen by approximately 75 basis points since the Fed started cutting rates [8][9] - The 2s30s Treasury curve has steepened to around 123-124 basis points, approaching the year's high of 130 basis points [10] Economic Assessment - The Fed estimates that monthly jobs gains are overstated by approximately 60,000, suggesting a potentially weaker labor market than reported [2] - The market believes that cutting interest rates is not helpful for long-term interest rates [9] - Cutting rates by 175 basis points has not helped the housing market [8]

Group 1 - The Federal Reserve is expected to implement a "hawkish cut" of 25 basis points, with potential dissent among members regarding the decision [1][2] - There may be two to three members advocating for keeping interest rates unchanged, indicating significant dissent within the Fed [2] - The upcoming announcement of a new Fed official could influence market dynamics, particularly if it is Kevin Hasset [5] Group 2 - The bond market is anticipated to remain relatively stable despite a potential decrease in interest rates, as historical trends suggest the Fed funds rate typically sits about 100 basis points below the 10-year rate [6][7] - A significant amount of loans, over $15 trillion, are tied to the Fed funds rate, which will stimulate the economy through short-term borrowing despite limited impact on long-term rates [8] - Current economic indicators suggest that the economy is performing well, with no significant downturn in sales, which may alleviate concerns regarding the impact of tariffs [11]

Give us your response, your thoughts on Kevin Hassett as the next potential Fed chair. Yeah. Well, I mean, I think he's he's seen by markets as as the candidate that is closest to the administration in terms of their their views on interest rates.And that is, you know is clearly more dovish than the the central you know, the consensus on the committee right now. You know, just in terms of the outlook for him, you know, it's no guarantee that Powell will step down from the board when his chairmanship chairma ...

Monetary Policy Considerations - The Federal Reserve's upcoming decision is viewed as an agonizing one, with market probabilities at 50/50 [1][2] - The Fed funds rate is currently in a range of 3.75% to 4% [5][6] - Some believe the neutral Fed funds rate is much lower, potentially leading to a 50 basis point cut [6] - The real neutral Fed funds rate (adjusted for inflation) is estimated to be between 0.75% and 1% [7] - A neutral nominal Fed funds rate of 2.75% assumes inflation will return to 2%, but it's currently running at 2.75% to 3% [8] - Adding the current inflation rate (2.75% to 3%) to the real neutral rate (0.75% to 1%) yields a nominal rate of 3.5% to 3.75% [9] - The market is seeing more hawkish voices emerge because the Fed is closer to neutral, having already cut rates by 25 basis points in October [11] - The Fed needs to assess whether the labor market weakness is cyclical, due to the shutdown, or structural (mismatches between jobs and job seekers) [13] Economic Factors Influencing the Fed - Near-term tariffs are slowing growth [3] - Immigration policies and uncertainty around 12 to 15 million immigrants in the workforce are affecting supply and hurting growth [4] - The government shutdown has hurt growth, but its resolution will help [4][12] - Tailwinds in 2026 include the unwinding of the shutdown, tax incentives, and regulatory relief [4] - The AI data center power boom is considered near neutral on the Fed funds rate [5] - Inflation has been sticky and running 0.75% to 1% above target [12]

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve's recent decision to cut interest rates by 25 basis points reflects a cautious approach, avoiding dissent among members, and indicates a focus on future economic conditions, particularly in relation to the housing market [1][2][4]. Interest Rates and Monetary Policy - The Federal Reserve's current stance is to maintain a tight monetary policy, with discussions around the neutral rate being between 3% to 3.75% [3][4]. - Predictions suggest that the Fed funds rate could stabilize around 3% in the coming year, which is expected to significantly impact the housing market [5][4]. Housing Market Dynamics - Approximately 85% of mortgage holders currently have rates below 5.5%, which limits their willingness to move unless rates decrease significantly [5]. - The housing market is perceived to be "locked" until mortgage rates become more favorable, with a target rate of around 5.5% seen as necessary to stimulate movement [6][7]. Market Reactions and Future Outlook - The Russell 2000 index, which includes many small-cap stocks, is showing positive movement, indicating market optimism despite current bond yield levels [8]. - The market tends to price in future conditions, typically 6 to 8 months ahead, suggesting that current stock movements reflect anticipated economic changes [9]. Sector Performance - Sectors such as technology and consumer discretionary are expected to perform better with lower interest rates, as they are more sensitive to financing costs [10][11].

Fed Policy & Market Commentary - Scott Besson's claim that the Fed funds rate should be 150 basis points (1.5%) lower is considered inaccurate and potentially misleading [2][4] - The industry expresses concern over suggestions of a "rogue" Fed, emphasizing the importance of calm and reasoned communication [3] - Upcoming Jackson Hole meeting may reveal a potential shift away from average index inflation targeting, a move considered ill-timed in retrospect [5] - Core inflation is above 3% and rising, requiring strong justification for policy adjustments [5] Central Bank Dissent & Rate Expectations - The Bank of England's visible dissent and split votes on interest rates have surprisingly led to smoother rate expectations compared to the US [8] - Open and honest arguments among economists, as seen in the Bank of England, can be beneficial in navigating rate expectations [9] Potential Policy Shifts - The administration might focus on recent Fed mistakes, potentially influencing future policy decisions [5] - There is a discussion on whether the Fed should adopt a more argumentative approach, similar to the Bank of England, to foster transparency and debate [6]

Joining us now to react, Dan Clifton is head of policy research at Strategus, a bar company, and Claudia Sam is New Century Advisors chief economist. Welcome to you both. Claudia, let me just start with you from kind of the I was going to say egghehead, but that would be impolite from the the economics professions point of view on all of this.Um, but also, I mean, you've had some really thoughtful things say about what what is going on with the economy and inflation. What's your reaction to to Worsh's comme ...

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The FOMC is positioned to wait for more clarity on inflation and economic activity, with a careful approach to adjusting monetary policy due to elevated uncertainty [2][3] - Most participants believe that some reductions in the fed funds rate would likely be appropriate this year, with a median forecast of two cuts in 2025 [3][4] - The Fed staff's economic forecast indicates higher GDP growth through 2027 compared to previous forecasts, primarily due to trade policy announcements [4][8] Summary by Sections FOMC Meeting Minutes - Participants generally agreed on a wait-and-see approach regarding inflation and economic activity, noting that uncertainty had decreased since the May meeting [2] - A few participants suggested that tariffs might only lead to a one-time price increase, while most noted the risk of persistent inflation effects [4] Economic Forecasts - The Fed staff's forecast includes higher GDP growth through 2027 and a lower inflation projection than in May, with expectations for inflation to return to the 2% target by 2027 [8] - The staff anticipates that tariff increases will raise inflation this year and provide a small boost in 2026 [8] Communication Strategy - A preliminary discussion was held regarding potential changes to the Summary of Economic Projections and the addition of alternative scenarios to the FOMC's communications strategy [9]

Federal Reserve Policy & Interest Rates - The market is debating whether the Federal Reserve should cut interest rates by 25 basis points [5][6] - The current Fed funds rate is floating around 425 to 450 basis points, approximately 43% [2] - Some believe the Fed is too focused on past data and risks being late in responding to economic changes [4][6][10] - Cutting rates by 75 basis points occurred last year [5] Inflation & Economic Factors - Housing costs, a significant component of CPI and PPI, are impacted by the Fed's balance sheet reduction of $35 billion [3] - Tariffs' full effect on inflation is still uncertain [2][6] - The speaker believes inflation is moderating and not out of control [5][6] - The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) at 31% is not a major concern [9] Bond Market & Treasury Yields - The 2-year Treasury note yield is around 4% [2] - The 10-year and 2-year Treasury yields are at the same level as in autumn 2022 [13] - The bond market and the Federal Reserve may not be aligned in their expectations [12]