After Close Observation of Wash, Morgan Stanley's Chief Economist Insists: The Fed Will Not Raise Rates This Year
After close observation of Federal Reserve Chair Wash, Seth Carpenter, Morgan Stanley's Chief Global Economist, asserts that the Fed will not raise interest rates this year. Following Wash's speech at the ECB's Sintra forum, Carpenter notes a marginal dovish shift: Wash now more clearly balances the Fed's dual mandate of price stability and maximum employment, rather than focusing nearly exclusively on inflation. Importantly, Wash highlighted that the latest policy meeting (coinciding with falling oil prices) has already lowered market inflation expectations and term premiums, signaling no urgency for a July rate hike.
Carpenter's view is supported by data. Recent non-farm payroll figures provide room for the Fed to remain patient. Morgan Stanley's inflation forecasts are below the median FOMC projection, and methodological revisions to PCE inflation could further lower readings. These factors make Carpenter "comfortable" with the call for no hikes in 2024.
Carpenter also pushes back against the simplistic narrative that AI will be deflationary and lead to rate cuts. He argues AI investment is currently boosting inflation marginally. More broadly, the business cycle will dictate policy; AI's productivity gains could boost demand and, crucially, raise the equilibrium interest rate (r*), weakening the case for cuts.
In contrast, the ECB's path remains more hawkish. Carpenter interprets President Lagarde's Sintra comments as leaving the door open for another 25 basis point hike in September, though softer recent data and falling oil prices provide some flexibility. A July hike or more than one additional hike this year is seen as unlikely.
marsbit07/06 01:39
