A MOVE on interest rates this month by the US Federal Reserve is almost a certainty, according to Tisco Financial Group, which expects a relief rally in the equity markets.
The start of a rate-increase cycle is usually negative for equity markets. At the start of the two rate-hike cycles in the 1990s (February 1994 and June 1999), US and European stock markets declined to the tune of 5-10 per cent within one or two months of increases. Emerging markets, including the Stock Exchange of Thailand, experienced much worse declines, falling 10-30 per cent in a few months after the Fed decided to raise interest rates.
The most recent rate-hike cycle, starting in June 2004, was obviously less volatile. US and European markets shed around 5 per cent in the month after the increase, and the markets crept up to new highs in the following few months. Emerging markets also fared much better than in the 1990s, dipping only around 15 per cent before the actual rate hike, and starting to rally right after the Fed's decision.
The fact that equity-market declines were much more subdued in the 2004 cycle could be attributable to the improvement in the Fed's communication strategy.
Tisco expects this year's cycle to be even kinder for equities. Extensive forward guidance from the Fed and active speculation of the market on the timing the rate increase might have brought forward market correction prior to the actual rate hike.
Developed markets have corrected by around 10-15 per cent and emerging markets by 20 per cent in August through September. In this sense, Tisco believes the adverse impact of the rate increase has mostly been absorbed into the price.
Coupled with the fact that the Fed will likely emphasise the slow pace of rate increases, the announcement of its decision to raise the US policy rate on December 16 could bring about a relief rally to the equity markets.
This article was contributed by Tisco .