Fed will more likely stick to script today and the FOMC meeting could be a non-event. It’s clearly communicated that net asset purchases will end in March. Markets are expecting a 25bps hike in March too. Chair Jerome Powell is unlikely to say something that deviate from such expectations and rock the boat.
The baseline remains that there will be only three hikes, and no change would be revealed until March economic projections. Powell would also remain non-committal on the timing of balance run-off. So, these two questions would remain unanswered.
Some previews on Fed:
- FOMC Meeting Preview: Is There Still a “Fed Put”?
- Fed meeting: Will Asset Purchases End Early?
- January Flashlight for the FOMC Blackout Period
- Fed: End of Money Printing Brrrrr – (At Least) Four 25bp Rate Hikes this Year and QT in September
Markets will probably look more into other developments like tensions surrounding Ukraine for guidance. NASDAQ’s u-turn on Monday was impressive but there was no follow through buying. For now, there is no clearly sign that the steep fall from 16212.22 is ending. The question is whether there would be slightly lengthier interim consolidations first, or the decline would resume right away.
A close above 14k, which is close to 38.2% retracement 15319.03 to 13094.65 at 13944.36, will suggest the recovery is going to last longer, and possibly further to 61.8% retracement at 14469. However, a close below 13414.14 minor support will raise the chance that free fall is coming back.
