As the financial world awaits the Federal Reserve’s decisions on the federal funds rate, Morgan Stanley’s lead economist, Ellen Zentner, predicts rate reductions in the coming months. Market expectations lean towards a possible rate cut in June 2024, echoing sentiments from other economists.
Market observers are on edge, anticipating the Federal Reserve’s stance on the federal funds rate. Morgan Stanley’s Chief Economist, Ellen Zentner, projects rate reductions in the coming months, emphasizing the central bank’s cautious approach. The CME Fedwatch tool reveals a 95.3% expectation for a 25 basis points increase in the upcoming FOMC session, with only 4.7% foreseeing a maintained stance. Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas President Lorie Logan emphasizes the need for tight financial conditions to prevent potential inflation risks, suggesting another rate increase might not be off the table.
Amidst these deliberations, Zentner remains confident in forecasting rate cuts this year. Despite expectations for a June 2024 rate decrease, the central bank, under the leadership of Fed Chair Jerome Powell, maintains a patient approach. Powell’s commitment to avoiding prolonged high rates aligns with Zentner’s anticipation of rate reductions in 2024.