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Financial Markets Monthly

Central banks playing catch-up

April 1, 2022

The Fed kicked off its tightening cycle in March with a widely expected 25 bp hike.

Conflict in Europe brings more uncertainty, more inflation

March 4, 2022

Equity markets plunged and prices for key commodities produced in the region jumped higher with WTI trading above US$100/bbl for the first time since 2014. - RBC Economics

Moving on from pandemic stimulus

February 9, 2022

The hawkish turn from major central banks that began late last year only accelerated in the early stages of 2022....

Omicron won’t deter hawkish central banks

January 6, 2022

Hawkish central banks and concerns about persistent inflation drove a selloff in government bonds with 10-year yields closing in on 2021’s highs.

Central banks weigh inflation, new variant

December 2, 2021

With the building blocks of a consumer-led recovery remaining in place, we think central banks will be easing off the accelerator next year. - RBC Economics

Central banks feeling the pressure

November 8, 2021

We think the key question shaping up for 2022 is, can central banks continue to hold rates low until economies fully recover, or will inflation concerns force them to act more conventionally and raise rates in advance?

Central banks shuffling toward the exit

October 8, 2021

Central banks are acknowledging inflation will be more persistent than previously expected.

Economic recovery delayed but not derailed

September 10, 2021

Economic recoveries are seeing some loss of momentum, but central banks are generally sticking to their scripts.

Navigating the Delta variant

August 12, 2021

Advanced economies generally continued to regain their footing with July reports showing a strong increase in growth and improving labour market conditions.

Central bank divergence re-emerging

July 8, 2021

After a stubbornly dovish March FOMC meeting—strong growth forecasts accompanied by a flat dot plot and no taper talk—we thought...

Economies and markets in wait-and-see mode

June 10, 2021

Canada and Europe continued to ramp up their COVID-19 vaccination programs in May, trying to close the gap to early leaders the US and UK.

Central banks on different wavelengths

May 6, 2021

RBC Economics expects both the BoC and Fed to raise policy rates by 50 basis points in 2022, while the other central banks are likely to remain on hold.