So maybe it would be better if the fed did raise rates, reduce liquidity and cause spreads to widen?
Quote from Pabst:
I somewhat disagree. The inversion of the yield curve seems evidence enough of the tremendous liquidity in fixed income markets. In fact I see the systemic risk to institutional investors, i.e. pension funds and insurance companies as coming from rates too low! It's awfully hard to pay benefits and claims with "reserves" that are only growing by 5% a year.
As far as a more restrictive policy going forward. It's not warranted. The fed knows that consumers are maxed out. It doesn't take rate hikes to slow spending. Higher prices on energy, insurance, property taxes, ect. are the equivalent brake on the economy of several more rate hikes. Fed policy is impotent in controlling upward pressure on many items. Do you think OPEC cares what the Fed Funds rate is? The only thing the Fed can do is squash consumer borrowing and wage increases. With RE, stocks, and consumer spending all showing signs of sluggishness, there's little impetus for a mega-restrictive policy.
Quote from traderguy02:
can you explain to me how raising rates reduces liquidity?
thank you