Macro Matters – Weekly review, w/c November 6

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady last week, signalling a cautious but slightly optimistic stance on economic growth. Key developments included Treasury bond auctions, the BoE maintaining its hawkish tone, and Apple reporting a fourth consecutive quarter of declining revenue.

Macro Matters – Weekly Review, w/c November 6

Macroeconomic / Geopolitical Developments

• Fed Slightly Upbeat and Reduced Hawkishness

• US Treasury Announces Future Bond Sales, At the Lower End of Market Expectations

• BoE Leaves Rates Unchanged, Maintains Hawkish Tone Amid Recession Concerns

• Apple Earnings Report Slumps

• US PMI Data Slightly Disappoints

• US Employment Report

Fed Slightly Upbeat and Reduced Hawkishness

The Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady for the second consecutive meeting, maintaining the target range at 5.25–5.50%. Acknowledging “strong” economic activity and tighter financial conditions, the Fed refrained from signalling a peak in its policy rate, preferring to assess the impact of previous hikes. Following the decision, US stocks surged, while Treasury yields declined, reflecting market optimism around a possible end to the Fed’s tightening cycle.

US Treasury Announces Future Bond Sales

The US Treasury unveiled plans to increase debt auction sizes, addressing its substantial debt burden. A $112 billion debt auction this week will refund $102.2 billion in maturing notes. Despite higher borrowing needs, auction sizes are at the lower end of market expectations, providing relief to investors. Longer-term debt increases will be implemented more gradually, with Treasury yields declining post-announcement.

BoE Leaves Rates Unchanged, Maintains Hawkish Tone

The Bank of England held rates at 5.25% but maintained a hawkish stance, citing inflation risks and geopolitical tensions. Governor Andrew Bailey warned of potential recession risks, forecasting zero GDP growth for 2024. Despite market relief over the decision, the BoE hinted at possible future hikes to combat inflation.

Apple Earnings Report Slumps

Apple reported its fourth consecutive quarter of declining revenue, down 1% year-over-year to $89.5 billion. While iPhone and services revenue set records, Mac and iPad sales dropped significantly. Despite these challenges, Apple’s services segment showed resilience, supported by subscription growth and price increases.

US PMI Data Slightly Disappoints

The ISM Manufacturing PMI fell to 46.7 in October, marking the 12th consecutive contraction, influenced by UAW strikes. Meanwhile, ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI declined to 51.8, reflecting a slowdown in the services sector. Both indices suggest economic pressures from elevated borrowing costs.

US Employment Report

October’s employment report showed 150,000 new jobs, below expectations, with a revision subtracting 101,000 jobs from the prior two months. The unemployment rate rose to 3.9%, the highest since January 2022. Despite signs of labour market weakness, Treasury yields fell, reflecting expectations of a potentially earlier Fed rate cut in 2024.

What’s Ahead

General: US Daylight Saving Time ended, normalising time differences with other regions.

Central Bank Watch: BoJ Meeting Minutes (Monday), RBA Interest Rate Decision (Tuesday), and Fed Chair Powell’s remarks (Wednesday).

Macro Data Watch: European Services and Composite PMI (Monday), China trade data (Tuesday), German CPI (Wednesday), and UK GDP and Industrial Production (Friday).