Fed Alters Plans, Delivers Biggest Rate Hike Since 1994

 | Jun 16, 2022 05:30AM ET

As expected, the Fed raised the benchmark rate by 0.75% to 1.75% after an unexpected surge in inflation. However, such a considerable change in interest rates had almost a zero effect on the market since the US dollar showed an excessive rise in the previous two days.

It means traders had priced in a bit more aggressive tightening than planned. Notably, by last Friday, everyone was sure that the key interest rate would not exceed 3.00% at the end of the year. However, inflation resumed growing, thus pointing to the necessity of higher interest rates.

Nevertheless, Jerome Powell has not commented on the issue yet. His announcements were so vague that it is still unclear what measures the US regulator could take. Meanwhile, at least at the moment, the greenback has exhausted its upward potential.

It is no wonder that the currency lost some of its positions after the meeting. The market was waiting for an answer to a particular question. However, it is still unknown whether the benchmark rate will surpass 4.00% or not.