US likely to raise rates before year end

In a recent economic update, Principal Global Investors said markets now assess the likelihood of a December rate rise at 54 per cent and the likelihood of a March rate rise at 71 per cent.

Principal Global Investors global chief economist Robert Baur said economic data out of the US is strong enough to justify an increase to the official cash rate.

“There is good potential upside from higher investment, no drag from government spending, little change in the US dollar, and the inventory overhang fading,” he said.

“Some pick-up in activity as inventories decline, unshakable consumer spending, and a couple of decent payroll reports should be enough to lift the clouds and push rates mildly higher by year end.”

Moreover, growth is expected to be between 2.5 per cent and 3.0 per cent through the end of 2016.

Mr Baur pointed out that a Fed lift-off indicates confidence in the economy, and rates at two per cent are too low for solid economic growth.

In a statement issued by the Federal Reserve on Wednesday, an active effort was made by the central bank to indicate that a rate hike is likely in December.

“The Fed upgraded its economic assessment, removed the worry about the global outlook, and discussed when it would consider raising rates, ie. ‘at its next meeting’, rather than whether to maintain current levels,” it said.