Time to Read: 7 mins
Checkpoints is a comprehensive monthly chartbook highlighting major top-of-mind themes that could shape financial markets in the near term. In addition to the broader macroeconomic discussion, Checkpoints delivers detailed views on major asset classes, including global equities, fixed income and real assets.
BABR-994077-2026-08-31 | GU-933 -28 February 2027
The U.S. Federal Reserve’s (Fed) 25 basis point (bp) rate hike on September 16 marks the beginning of its effort to bring inflation back toward its 2% target. Under Chair Warsh, the Fed’s actions are now aligning with its hawkish rhetoric.
Energy inflation is no longer just a crude oil story. Crude oil prices have been volatile and elevated since the onset of the Middle East conflict, raising concerns that higher oil prices could keep inflation elevated for longer. But recent moves in energy markets suggest the inflation risk extends beyond crude oil.
Resilient economic growth, sticky inflation driven by higher energy prices and continued geopolitical uncertainty are complicating the path back to central-bank price targets. We believe policymakers are likely to adopt a tightening bias but remain data dependent.
Supply shocks may no longer be a temporary disruption. As they become more frequent and entrenched, the risk of second-round effects, where higher costs spill over into broader inflation, is rising. Central banks may need to respond differently.
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