Powell Keeps Bonds Bid Ahead Of U.S. GDP

The Fed cracked open the door to cutting rates later this year by emphasizing that the central bank is determined to avoid the kind of low inflation that's plaguing several developed countries. The dovish tilt dragged yields lower to as far as the 10-year barely standing 1% over the 2-year.

The implied odds of a cut this year rose afterward, while the dollar edged lower. A close decision from the Bo
E is due at noon GMT, followed by the first reading for U.S. Q4 GDP is up at 13:30 GMT.

Powell said the Fed is “determined to avoid” the downward spiral in inflation and inflation expectations that's plaguing the BOJ and ECB. The implicit message is that they will cut if there's any stumble in growth. He also offered more hints that the Fed will move to a 'make up' strategy on inflation where they would let it run hot to counter periods of below-target inflation.

In the statement, the Fed also downgraded the assessment of household spending to 'moderate' from 'strong' in a sign that risks are tilted to the downside.

The overall message continued to be that the Fed was comfortable with rates but he acknowledged that coronavirus was a risk. The implied odds of a cut in March rose to 11% and they continue higher from there with a cut now fully priced in by September (compared to 77% a day ago).

In terms of market moves, U.S. stocks finished slightly lower as they gave up gains late but the stand-out move is the fall in Treasury yields. The U.S. 10-year note yield fell 6 basis points to the lowest close since April and is now just 1.3 bps from inversion with the 3-month bill. The disconnect between stocks and bonds can't last and USD/JPY is stuck in the middle as it trades at the midpoint of the three-month range.

The day ahead features the first look at U.S. Q4 GDP and the consensus is for 2.1% q/q annualized growth. A sub-2% number would reignite growth fears but also be wary of risk aversion in the final hours of trading as investors shy away from weekend coronavirus risks.