Investors updated their expectations for the Federal Reserve’s final policy meeting of the year following the release of consumer inflation figures. Market participants have increased bets on a 50 basis point interest rate increase for December, whereas the market had previously focused on a 25 basis point move, though the general likelihood of a hike of any size now stands at 100%.
The shift in market sentiment includes added bets on at least two more rate hikes occurring by mid-2027. A poll of 101 economists by Reuters showed a unanimous expectation for a December hike that brings the Fed Funds Rate to a range of 4.00%-4.25%, a level that 56 of those respondents forecast will be the peak of the current tightening campaign.
