Nomura: FOMC Preview

Note: The FOMC meets next week, and almost every expects a rate hike at the December meeting.

A few excerpts from a research note from Nomura:

In line with market expectations, we expect the FOMC will raise the federal funds rate target to 0.50-0.75% at the conclusion of the 13-14 December meeting. We think that the incoming data since the last meeting has been sufficiently positive for the Committee to conclude that the case for rate hike has been finally met.

On the policy statement, we expect the paragraph on current economic conditions to point to continued growth. Additionally, we expect the Committee to highlight two notable developments – a sharp drop in the unemployment rate and a pickup in market-based measures of inflation compensation – in the statement. On the economic outlook, we expect no substantive changes, although the Committee may acknowledge a shift in the balance of risks to the positive side given the potential fiscal stimulus that will likely be realized under a Republican-led Congress and a Trump White House.

In addition, we will receive a new set of forecasts from the FOMC participants. ...

Our base scenario is that FOMC participants will not change their outlook for 2017 and beyond as we do not think the Committee will incorporate the possibility of fiscal expansion. It's unclear when and how FOMC participants will take into account potential changes in fiscal policy. In that sense, there is some risk that some participants could raise real GDP projections for 2017 and 2018 in anticipation of fiscal expansion. And, given the recent decline in the unemployment rate, the unemployment rate forecast for 2017 could be also revised lower.
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Last, Chair Yellen will hold a press conference after the conclusion of the two-day policy meeting. ... We will also listen for any clues on how the FOMC may change its outlook in response to the major fiscal stimulus that will likely be enacted next year.

I'll post more previews, but a rate hike next week seems almost certain.