Fed hikes, BoJ must follow
The Fed delivered a widely expected 25bp rate hike, putting inflation firmly ahead of political pressure for lower interest rates. The decision triggered a hawkish market reaction, with short-term Treasury yields jumping, while the longer end and US equities showed a more contained response.
Attention now turns to the Bank of England and Bank of Japan. The BoE faces an increasingly uncomfortable mix of persistent inflation, higher energy costs, fiscal concerns and a weakening labour market, making the path ahead particularly complicated. Meanwhile, the BoJ is expected to raise rates as policymakers try to contain renewed pressure on the yen....