U.S. Review
Slowing Price Growth a Welcome Reprieve, FOMC Signals More Work Ahead - Headline and core CPI surprised to the downside in November, rising 0.1% and 0.2%, respectively. The FOMC slowed its pace of monetary policy tightening, raising the fed funds rate 50 bps to a range of 4.25%-4.50%. Retail sales flopped and industrial production slipped. All signs point to a bumpy road ahead.
Global Review
Here a Hike, There a Hike, Everywhere a Rate Hike - The European Central Bank (ECB) raised its policy rate 50 bps to 2.00% and announced plans to begin quantitative tightening in March. Its accompanying commentary was hawkish in tone, and we now expect the ECB to raise its policy rate to 3.25% through the first half of 2023. The Bank of England raised its policy rate 50 bps to 3.50% and struck a more balanced tone, while the Swiss National Bank hiked rates 50 bps and Norway's central bank hiked rates 25 bps.