US The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) stood on the sidelines this week, raising concern over economic and financial developments globally. The tone of the statement was more dovish than expected, reducing the odds of a March hike. US economic growth slowed in Q4 last year, with the economy advancing by a meagre 0.7% q/q [...]
US The most important event is the FOMC meeting. The expectation is for the Fed to keep the Fed funds rate target unchanged at 0.25-0.50%, which was already widely expected before this month’s financial turmoil. Instead, focus is on the accompanying statement, as there are no updated projections or press conferences in connection with this [...]
US The carnage in the US equity markets continued this week. Lifting of the sanctions on Iran sent prices for both WTI and Brent to new 12 year lows below $30 a barrel. US retail sales data for December disappointed expectations, declining 0.1%. As a result of the weak data flow, some estimates for fourth [...]
US The main theme in the US economy is the slowdown in the manufacturing sector and the concomitant steady growth in the service sector, which has left economic policy makers in a difficult position. The December payrolls number, however, occurs in a somewhat different setting than any other payrolls number in recent years. With the [...]
