Teaching Your Teen about Money
February 24, 2022
Cash Balance Plan Fact Sheet
March 31, 2022
With inflationary pressures running higher than many central bankers are comfortable with, calls for interest rate hikes have become louder. A number of important central bank meetings are set to take place in March including the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, Bank of Canada, Bank of England, and the Reserve Bank of Australia, to name a few. As such, March could be an important month for monetary policy shifts.
The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented shock across the global economy. But the economic damage was met with an extraordinary global monetary response with central banks cutting rates to near zero levels and expanding balance sheets by nearly $10 trillion to provide additional levels of monetary accommodation.
Moreover, governments around the world provided fiscal support and, on average, annual spending increased by 7% of gross domestic product (Bloomberg). As economies have recovered and the impact of COVID-19 fades, these extraordinary levels of monetary accommodation are no longer necessary, and thus we’re likely to see the active removal of monetary support. While these extraordinary fiscal and monetary measures certainly helped stave off broader economic weakness, these tailwinds are likely to become marginal headwinds to the global economy in the upcoming years.
Additionally, a confluence of events has raised inflationary pressures to the highest in several decades. Direct fiscal stimulus gave discretionary funds to consumers, which instantaneously boosted demand, especially for consumer goods as most people were spending much less on services during the pandemic. The quick rebound in consumer goods spending put stress on the logistics and transportation sectors, crimping supply and thereby creating an upward spiral on prices. Moreover, due to continued price pressures (as defined by each respective country’s Consumer Price Index) that remain above central bank targets, global central banks began wrestling with the conundrum of a fragile economy coupled with rising prices [Figure 1].
With inflationary pressures running higher than most central bankers are comfortable with, calls for interest rate hikes have become louder. A number of important central bank meetings are set to take place in March, including the Federal Reserve (Fed), European Central Bank (ECB), Bank of Canada (BOC), Bank of England (BOE), and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). As such, March could be an important month for monetary policy shifts. And while many central banks have stopped providing forward guidance on an actual plan to raise short-term interest rates, markets have already priced in a number of interest rate hikes over the next 12 months. As seen in Figure 2, market expectations for rate hikes are broadly expected and include fairly significant rate hiking campaigns for the BOC, BOE, and the Fed over the next year. Markets expect these central banks to increase interest rates five to seven times over the course of a year, which seems fairly aggressive to us. Moreover, markets are expecting somewhat divergent policy rate paths after the second year of rate hikes. Specifically, markets are expecting the U.K. and U.S. to cut interest rates in 2024. Interest rate cuts tend to happen around broad market stresses or while at the precipice of a recession. It should be noted that these market-implied expectations are volatile and expectations can and do change over time.
Our view remains that interest rate hikes for the U.S. will likely begin in March with a 25 basis point (0.25%) hike and then three to four more rate hikes at subsequent meetings in 2022. Moreover, we think the Fed will start to reduce its nearly $9 trillion balance sheet in the second half of 2022. There is a risk to the upside (in hikes) depending on the trajectory of inflationary pressures. If consumer price pressures moderate over the course of the year, as we and the Fed expect, then we think the Fed and other central bankers can take a more moderate approach to interest rate hikes. However, if inflationary pressures remain stubbornly high and, importantly, we start to see longer-term inflation expectations become unanchored, central bankers may be forced to move more aggressively than what is already priced in.
That said, given the current conflict in the Ukraine, there remains considerable near term uncertainty with central bank intentions. Additionally, upward pressure on commodity prices, already impacted by COVID-19-related supply chain disruptions, may see a more sustained impact as economic sanctions play out and will probably be the main source of risk for possible broader economic repercussions. As such, inflationary pressures may remain high particularly as it relates to gas prices.
Finally, and we can’t stress this enough, these views and opinions are secondary to the conflict taking place in Ukraine. While our primary job is to provide investment advice, we certainly recognize that there is an immediate humanitarian crisis taking place in eastern Europe. We hope the conflict ends quickly and offer our thoughts to those impacted.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES:
This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the view s or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. Any economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and are subject to change.
References to markets, asset classes, and sectors are generally regarding the corresponding market index. Indexes are unmanaged statistical composites and cannot be invested into directly. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment and do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.
Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services. LPL Financial doesn’t provide research on individual equities. All information is believed to be f rom reliable sources; how ever, LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. US Treasuries may be considered “safe haven” investments but do carry some degree of risk including interest rate, credit, and market risk. Bonds are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values w ill decline as interest rates rise and bonds are subject to availability and change in price.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P500) is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries. The PE ratio (price-to-earnings ratio) is a measure of the price paid for a share relative to the annual net income or profit earned by the firm per share. It is a financial ratio used for valuation: a higher PE ratio means that investors are paying more for each unit of net income, so the stock is more expensive compared to one with lower PE ratio. Earnings per share (EPS) is the portion of a company’s prof it allocated to each outstanding share of common stock. EPS serves as an indicator of a company’s profitability. Earnings per share is generally considered to be the single most important variable in determining a share’s price. It is also a major component used to calculate the price -to-earnings valuation ratio.
All index data from FactSet. This research material has been prepared by LPL Financial LLC.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker -dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. To the extent you are receiving investment advice from a separately registered independent investment advisor that is not an LPL affiliate, please note LPL makes no representation with respect to such entity.
Tracking # 1-05248727
The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented shock across the global economy. But the economic damage was met with an extraordinary global monetary response with central banks cutting rates to near zero levels and expanding balance sheets by nearly $10 trillion to provide additional levels of monetary accommodation.
Moreover, governments around the world provided fiscal support and, on average, annual spending increased by 7% of gross domestic product (Bloomberg). As economies have recovered and the impact of COVID-19 fades, these extraordinary levels of monetary accommodation are no longer necessary, and thus we’re likely to see the active removal of monetary support. While these extraordinary fiscal and monetary measures certainly helped stave off broader economic weakness, these tailwinds are likely to become marginal headwinds to the global economy in the upcoming years.
Additionally, a confluence of events has raised inflationary pressures to the highest in several decades. Direct fiscal stimulus gave discretionary funds to consumers, which instantaneously boosted demand, especially for consumer goods as most people were spending much less on services during the pandemic. The quick rebound in consumer goods spending put stress on the logistics and transportation sectors, crimping supply and thereby creating an upward spiral on prices. Moreover, due to continued price pressures (as defined by each respective country’s Consumer Price Index) that remain above central bank targets, global central banks began wrestling with the conundrum of a fragile economy coupled with rising prices [Figure 1].
With inflationary pressures running higher than most central bankers are comfortable with, calls for interest rate hikes have become louder. A number of important central bank meetings are set to take place in March, including the Federal Reserve (Fed), European Central Bank (ECB), Bank of Canada (BOC), Bank of England (BOE), and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). As such, March could be an important month for monetary policy shifts. And while many central banks have stopped providing forward guidance on an actual plan to raise short-term interest rates, markets have already priced in a number of interest rate hikes over the next 12 months. As seen in Figure 2, market expectations for rate hikes are broadly expected and include fairly significant rate hiking campaigns for the BOC, BOE, and the Fed over the next year. Markets expect these central banks to increase interest rates five to seven times over the course of a year, which seems fairly aggressive to us. Moreover, markets are expecting somewhat divergent policy rate paths after the second year of rate hikes. Specifically, markets are expecting the U.K. and U.S. to cut interest rates in 2024. Interest rate cuts tend to happen around broad market stresses or while at the precipice of a recession. It should be noted that these market-implied expectations are volatile and expectations can and do change over time.
Our view remains that interest rate hikes for the U.S. will likely begin in March with a 25 basis point (0.25%) hike and then three to four more rate hikes at subsequent meetings in 2022. Moreover, we think the Fed will start to reduce its nearly $9 trillion balance sheet in the second half of 2022. There is a risk to the upside (in hikes) depending on the trajectory of inflationary pressures. If consumer price pressures moderate over the course of the year, as we and the Fed expect, then we think the Fed and other central bankers can take a more moderate approach to interest rate hikes. However, if inflationary pressures remain stubbornly high and, importantly, we start to see longer-term inflation expectations become unanchored, central bankers may be forced to move more aggressively than what is already priced in.
That said, given the current conflict in the Ukraine, there remains considerable near term uncertainty with central bank intentions. Additionally, upward pressure on commodity prices, already impacted by COVID-19-related supply chain disruptions, may see a more sustained impact as economic sanctions play out and will probably be the main source of risk for possible broader economic repercussions. As such, inflationary pressures may remain high particularly as it relates to gas prices.
Finally, and we can’t stress this enough, these views and opinions are secondary to the conflict taking place in Ukraine. While our primary job is to provide investment advice, we certainly recognize that there is an immediate humanitarian crisis taking place in eastern Europe. We hope the conflict ends quickly and offer our thoughts to those impacted.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES:
This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the view s or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. Any economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and are subject to change.
References to markets, asset classes, and sectors are generally regarding the corresponding market index. Indexes are unmanaged statistical composites and cannot be invested into directly. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment and do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.
Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services. LPL Financial doesn’t provide research on individual equities. All information is believed to be f rom reliable sources; how ever, LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. US Treasuries may be considered “safe haven” investments but do carry some degree of risk including interest rate, credit, and market risk. Bonds are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values w ill decline as interest rates rise and bonds are subject to availability and change in price.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P500) is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries. The PE ratio (price-to-earnings ratio) is a measure of the price paid for a share relative to the annual net income or profit earned by the firm per share. It is a financial ratio used for valuation: a higher PE ratio means that investors are paying more for each unit of net income, so the stock is more expensive compared to one with lower PE ratio. Earnings per share (EPS) is the portion of a company’s prof it allocated to each outstanding share of common stock. EPS serves as an indicator of a company’s profitability. Earnings per share is generally considered to be the single most important variable in determining a share’s price. It is also a major component used to calculate the price -to-earnings valuation ratio.
All index data from FactSet. This research material has been prepared by LPL Financial LLC.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker -dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. To the extent you are receiving investment advice from a separately registered independent investment advisor that is not an LPL affiliate, please note LPL makes no representation with respect to such entity.
Tracking # 1-05248727
