Analysts split over Fed''s move today: CNBC-TV18

08 Aug 2006

All eyes are on the US Federal Reserve's meeting today, after which it will announce its decision on interest rates. Analysts are split on the question of whether the American Central Bank will hike rates yet again.

Gordon Charlop, president, Walter J Dowd says, "I don't think it is a real big deal. I think the markets have been acting well because earnings are like a hot knife through butter and they just won't be stopped here and whether he goes up another 25 bps or not, I don't think that will put brakes up."

"I think things are going well although of course, the geo-political events are not good - there are economy concerns, oil prices are surging and we have the event today. But we are looking at those from the stand point of our economy, things are really winding up properly and I am still optimistic that we are still going to trend upwards," he added.

Ken Mayland of Clearview Economics feels that even if the Fed doesn't raise rates today it will do so in the later part of the year.

"When you look at the history of top Fed tightening cycle, in those times, you generally see an increase in initial claims, inflation surveys rolling over and moderation of money growth. None of those items are in place. So whether or not they increase rates tomorrow, eventually they will increase in the remaining part of the year. That will present some negative surprises and the stock market does not like negative interest rates surprises," said Mayland.

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