ZT from pro:
Will Bernanke Rock the Boat?
Wednesday gave us 2 of 3 big events we were focused on this week. First, the German constitutional court ruled favorably on the legality and proposed uses of the European Stability Mechanism [ESM] bailout fund. Then Apple presented its latest and greatest smartphone, the aptly named iPhone 5.
As positive as they were, the market basically yawned over both potential catalysts. Now today brings a very significant FOMC meeting. Why is this one any more important than the last or the next? Because it is one of the special quarterly Fed parties where we get fresh economic forecasts on GDP, inflation, and unemployment. And we get a Big Ben press conference too.
Throw in there wide expectations for some type of new Large-Scale Asset Purchases (LSAP, aka QE3) in a range of $200 to $500 billion and you've got the makings of a pretty big Fed day. I don't care whether the economy needs more stimulus or not. I just care what big market players think and want right now – especially ahead of the election.
Guesses and Facts
My educated guess is that the current market environment is fairly independent of new QE, and that the heavy lifting that needs to be done is already coming from Europe. If Ben and Co. do offer new actions, it will be viewed as just another tweak to ensure that bond and housing markets stay on their smooth course of supporting the economy.
If they don't, maybe they are being prudent, saving their ammo, and staying clear of the political fray. Either way, I think the market continues to rally up to the election. |