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TraderFactor Analyses the Central Banks Halt of Interest Rate Hikes

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TraderFactor Analyses the Central Banks Halt of Interest Rate Hikes

In a surprising turn of events that has sent ripples across the global financial landscape, leading central banks, most notably the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) and the Bank of England (BoE), have elected to halt further interest rate hikes. This decision comes in the wake of a reported decline in UK inflation, thereby easing concerns about the economy overheating.

For many years now, interest rates have been one of the most powerful tools wielded by central banks worldwide to manage economic growth and control inflation. By altering the cost of borrowing, they can stimulate or slow down consumers’ and businesses’ spending which is an essential aspect of an economy’s health. Therefore, any changes to these rates can have significant implications for both domestic and international markets.

This discussion aims to delve deeper into this development, exploring the reasons behind the decision, its implications for the global economy, and what it might mean for the future of monetary policy. Keep reading:

The Current Scenario

The Fed has maintained its policy rate steady in the 5.25%-5.50% range, with projections indicating high rates persisting through 2024. Similarly, the BoE has paused nearly two years of interest rate increases following a surprising fall in UK inflation. These moves reflect a synchronized approach towards monetary policy among the world’s leading economies.

Implications for Forex Trading

These decisions by the central banks have profound implications for forex trading. Interest rates are a critical determinant of currency value. When a country’s interest rates rise, its currency often strengthens due to an influx of investments drawn by higher returns. Conversely, when interest rates fall, the currency may weaken as investors might decide to invest elsewhere. With the halt in rate hikes, forex traders might expect the U.S. dollar and British pound to stabilize, potentially leading to reduced market volatility.

In light of the recent halt in interest rate hikes, monitoring the economic calendar for central bank announcements and inflation data will be key. Any signs of change in the current stance could lead to significant currency fluctuations, offering potential opportunities for savvy traders. By staying informed and anticipating these market movements, traders can position themselves to capitalize on these shifts and potentially achieve better trading outcomes.

The Battle Against Inflation Continues

While these actions signal a pause in rate increases, they do not signify the end of the fight against inflation. Central banks may keep interest rates higher for longer than currently priced, given investors’ benign inflation outlook and growing financial stability risks.

The History of Rate Hikes from 2021 to 2023

The years 2021 to 2023 were marked by a series of significant monetary policy adjustments by leading central banks, primarily the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) and the Bank of England (BoE). Both institutions embarked on a series of rate hikes to counter the rising inflation that threatened economic stability during these years.

The Fed’s Response to Inflation

The Fed’s approach to managing inflation during this period was characterized by a series of interest rate increases. This strategy began in earnest in 2021 as the economic recovery following the Covid pandemic started to gain momentum, leading to increased inflationary pressures.

In response to these concerns, the Fed initiated an aggressive campaign of rate hikes starting in March 2022. Over the next sixteen months, the Fed enacted ten consecutive rate hikes, a move unprecedented in recent history. These adjustments saw the federal funds rate increase from an initial range of 4.25% to 4.50% in December 2022 to a high of 5.25% to 5.50% by July 2023].

Despite this aggressive stance, the Fed demonstrated a readiness to adapt its policies based on evolving economic conditions. This flexibility was evident when the Fed decided to hold interest rates steady in September 2023, despite earlier indications that another hike could occur within the year.

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Adjustments

It’s worth noting that the BoE also made similar moves during this period. Like the Fed, the BoE was compelled to raise rates in response to inflation concerns within the UK. However, following a surprising fall in UK inflation, the BoE also decided to pause its interest rate hikes, reflecting a synchronized approach to monetary policy among leading global economies.

Other Factors That May Impact Interest Rates

Interest rates are influenced by a myriad of factors beyond inflation. One such factor is economic growth. Central banks often lower interest rates during periods of slow economic growth in an attempt to stimulate spending and investment.

Lower borrowing costs can encourage businesses to expand and consumers to spend more, boosting economic activity. On the other hand, during periods of robust economic growth, central banks may raise interest rates to prevent overheating and keep the economy on a sustainable growth path.

Another significant factor that can impact interest rates is the level of government debt. If a government has high levels of debt, it may need to offer higher interest rates to attract investors. This is because high levels of government debt can be seen as risky, and investors require a higher return to compensate for this risk.

Conversely, governments with low levels of debt may be able to offer lower interest rates. Additionally, geopolitical events, natural disasters, and financial crises can also affect interest rates as central banks may adjust them in response to these events to maintain economic stability.

Conclusion

Staying ahead in the world of trading requires vigilance, and one of the best ways forex traders can maintain a competitive edge is by regularly reading market analysis news. Not only does this provide a snapshot of current events, but it also offers valuable insights into market trends and potential shifts in monetary policy.

Resources like TraderFactor offer real-time financial market coverage, delivering fast, actionable information that can be crucial for making informed investment decisions.

About the Author:

Phyllis Wangui is a Senior Market Analyst and News Editor at TraderFactor with qualifications in accounting and economics. She has over 20 years of banking and accounting experience, during which she has gained extensive knowledge of the forex, stock news, stock market, forex analysis, cryptos, and foreign exchange industries. Phyllis is an avid commentator on these topics and loves to share her insights with others through financial publications and social media platforms. Currently, she works as a senior market analyst at TraderFactor

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PepsiCo Reduces Revenue Projections As North American Snacks And Key International Markets Underperform.

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(VOR News) – In the third quarter of this year, Pepsi’s net income was $2.93 billion, which is equivalent to $2.13 per share. This was attributed to the company.

This is in stark contrast to net income of $3.09 billion, which is equivalent to $2.24 per share, during the same period in the previous year. The company’s earnings per share were $2.31 when expenses were excluded.

Net sales decreased by 0.6%, totaling $23.32 billion. Organic sales increased by 1.3% during the quarter when the effects of acquisitions, divestitures, and currency changes are excluded.

Pepsi’s beverage sales fell this quarter.

The most recent report indicates that the beverage and food sectors of the organization experienced a 2% decline in volume. Consumers of all income levels are demonstrating a change in their purchasing habits, as indicated by CEOs’ statements from the previous quarter.

Pepsi’s entire volume was adversely affected by the lackluster demand they encountered in North America. An increasing number of Americans are becoming more frugal, reducing the number of snacks they ingest, and reducing the number of times they purchase at convenience stores.

Furthermore, Laguarta observed that the increase in sales was partially attributed to the election that occurred in Mexico during the month of June.

The most significant decrease in volume was experienced by Quaker Foods North America, which was 13%. In December, the company announced its initial recall in response to a potential salmonella infection.

Due to the probability of an illness, the recall was extended in January. Pepsi officially closed a plant that was implicated in the recalls in June, despite the fact that manufacturing had already been halted.

Jamie Caulfield, the Chief Financial Officer of Pepsi and Laguarta, has indicated that the recalls are beginning to have a lessening effect.

Frito-Lay experienced a 1.5% decline in volume in North America. The company has been striving to improve the value it offers to consumers and the accessibility of its snack line, which includes SunChips, Cheetos, and Stacy’s pita chips, in the retail establishments where it is sold.

Despite the fact that the category as a whole has slowed down in comparison to the results of previous years, the level of activity within the division is progressively increasing.

Pepsi executives issued a statement in which they stated that “Salty and savory snacks have underperformed year-to-date after outperforming packaged food categories in previous years.”

Pepsi will spend more on Doritos and Tostitos in the fall and winter before football season.

The company is currently promoting incentive packets for Tostitos and Ruffles, which contain twenty percent more chips than the standard package.

Pepsi is expanding its product line in order to more effectively target individuals who are health-conscious. The business announced its intention to acquire Siete Foods for a total of $1.2 billion approximately one week ago. The restaurant serves Mexican-American cuisine, which is typically modified to meet the dietary needs of a diverse clientele.

The beverage segment of Pepsi in North America experienced a three percent decrease in volume. Despite the fact that the demand for energy drinks, such as Pepsi’s Rockstar, has decreased as a result of consumers visiting convenience stores, the sales of well-known brands such as Gatorade and Pepsi have seen an increase throughout the quarter.

Laguarta expressed his opinion to the analysts during the company’s conference call, asserting, “I am of the opinion that it is a component of the economic cycle that we are currently experiencing, and that it will reverse itself in the future, once consumers feel better.”

Additionally, it has been noted that the food and beverage markets of South Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa have experienced a decline in sales volume. The company cut its forecast for organic revenue for the entire year on Tuesday due to the business’s second consecutive quarter of lower-than-anticipated sales.

The company’s performance during the quarter was adversely affected by the Quaker Foods North America recalls, the decrease in demand in the United States, and the interruptions that occurred in specific international markets, as per the statements made by Chief Executive Officer Ramon Laguarta.

Pepsi has revised its forecast for organic sales in 2024, shifting from a 4% growth rate to a low single-digit growth rate. The company reiterated its expectation that the core constant currency profitability per share will increase by a minimum of 8% in comparison to the previous year.

The company’s shares declined by less than one percent during premarket trading. The following discrepancies between the company’s report and the projections of Wall Street were identified by LSEG in a survey of analysts:

SOURCE: CNBC

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Old National Bank And Infosys Broaden Their Strategic Partnership.

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Old National Bank And Infosys Broaden Their Strategic Partnership.

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Infosys

(VOR News) – Old National Bank, a commercial bank with its headquarters in the Midwest, and Infosys, a firm that specializes in information technology, have recently entered into a strategic expansion of their link, which has been in place for the past four years.

This expansion is more likely to take place sooner rather than later, with the likelihood being higher.

For the purpose of making it possible for Old National Bank to make use of the services, solutions, and platforms that are offered by Infosys, the objective of this expansion is to make it possible for the bank to transform its operations and processes through the application of automation and GenAI, as well as to change significant business areas.

This lets the bank leverage Infosys’ services, solutions, and platforms.

Old National Bank Chairman and CEO Jim Ryan said, “At Old National, we are committed to creating exceptional experiences for both our customers and our fellow employees.”

This statement is applicable to Old National Bank. Infosys is carefully managing the business process innovations that it is putting us through, putting a strong emphasis on efficiency and value growth throughout the process to ensure that it is carried out efficiently.

This is a routine occurrence throughout the entire operation. Because of Infosys’ dedication to our development and success, we are incredibly appreciative of the assistance they have provided.

Old National has been receiving assistance from Infosys in the process of updating its digital environment since the year 2020, according to the aforementioned company.

Ever since that time, the company has been providing assistance. The provision of this assistance has been accomplished through the utilization of a model that is not only powerful but also capable of functioning on its own power.

Infosys currently ranks Old National thirty-first out of the top thirty US banks.

This ranking is based on the fact that Old National is the nation’s largest banking corporation.

It is estimated that the total value of the company’s assets is approximately fifty-three billion dollars, while the assets that are currently being managed by the organization are valued at thirty billion dollars.

Dennis Gada, the Executive Vice President and Global Head of Banking and Financial Services, stated that “Old National Bank and Infosys possess a robust cultural and strategic alignment in the development, management, and enhancement of enterprise-scale solutions to transform the bank’s operations and facilitate growth.”

This remark referenced the exceptional cultural and strategic synergy between the two organizations. Dennis Gada is the one who asserted this claim. This was articulated explicitly concerning the exceptional cultural congruence and strategy alignment of the two organizations.

We are pleased to announce that the implementation of Infosys Topaz will substantially expedite the transformation of Old National Bank’s business processes and customer service protocols. We are exceedingly enthusiastic about this matter. We are quite thrilled about this specific component of the scenario.

Medium-sized banks operating regionally will continue to benefit from our substantial expertise in the sector, technology, and operations. This specific market segment of Infosys will persist in benefiting from our extensive experience. This phenomenon will enable this market sector to sustain substantial growth and efficiency benefits.

SOURCE: THBL

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American Water, The Largest Water Utility In US, Is Targeted By A Cyberattack

States Sue TikTok, Claiming Its Platform Is Addictive And Harms The Mental Health Of Children

Qantas Airways Apologizes After R-Rated Film Reportedly Airs On Every Screen During Flight

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American Water, The Largest Water Utility In US, Is Targeted By A Cyberattack

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water

The largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States stated Monday that it had been the target of a cyberattack, forcing the company to halt invoicing to consumers.

water

American Water, The Largest Water Utility In US, Is Targeted By A Cyberattack

American Water, based in New Jersey and serving over 14 million people in 14 states and 18 military facilities, said it learned of the unauthorized activity on Thursday and quickly took precautions, including shutting down certain systems. The business does not believe the attack had an impact on its facilities or operations and said employees were working “around the clock” to determine the origin and scale of the attack.

water

The corporation stated that it has alerted legal enforcement and is cooperating with them. It also stated that consumers will not be charged late fees while its systems are unavailable.

According to their website, American Water operates over 500 water and wastewater systems in around 1,700 communities across California, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

SOURCE | AP

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