No Fed rate easing soon, says expert

Strong jobs data seems to have pushed them off the table

No Fed rate easing soon, says expert

The Federal Reserve is likely to maintain current interest rates, according to deVere Group.

CEO Nigel Green shared this forecast given the latest US jobs report showing 256,000 jobs added in December and unemployment dropping.

"These figures confirm what we’ve been saying for a couple of months: the Fed’s not cutting any time soon," said Green. "The robust labor market and persistently high inflation provide compelling reasons for the Fed to maintain its current policy stance."

These strong numbers, coupled with inflation now at a level exceeding the Fed’s target of 2%, throw many roadblocks in the Fed’s path towards a potential interest rate cut. As long as consumer spending and wage growth appear sustained by ongoing strength in jobs, there is little reason to suspect further rate cuts may alleviate upward forces on prices.

Employment figures have also helped boost the US dollar as high yields attract global capital. Although this is challenging for emerging markets with dollar-denominated debt, it also gives an opportunity to investors to make the most of currency fluctuations.

Certain asset classes are looking quite attractive in this environment. Fixed income investments offer opportunities with higher yields, while sectors resilient to elevated borrowing costs, such as technology and healthcare, continue to show potential for growth.

"The latest jobs report is a wake-up call for anyone betting on rate cuts in the near term. The Fed’s priority remains clear: to control inflation and sustain economic stability. Investors must recalibrate their strategies accordingly," Green noted.

Green likewise shared how important proactive portfolio management and strategic investment in the current environment: "Cash is not king – strategic investment is. Diversification, careful sector selection, and a focus on quality assets will be crucial for tackling the months ahead."

However, he warned against complacency, noting that markets are inherently forward-looking, and delays in repositioning portfolios could leave investors at a disadvantage.

Market participants await signals from the central bank on its inflation, employment, and monetary policy outlook, with the Federal Reserve scheduled to make its next policy decision on January 29.

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