Page 39 - Fomc News Today

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit slipped to a fresh all-time low against the US dollar at the opening on Wednesday, breaching the 4.5600 level due to the lower oil prices, coupled with the strengthening of the greenback, a dealer said.

The Federal Reserve raised the benchmark federal funds rate by 75 basis points to a new target range of 3 to 3.25 percent.

Munis were little changed while long UST improved and equities ended in the red after the FOMC raised the fed funds rate target 75bps to a range of 3% to 3.25% and members are leaning toward a rate of 4.4% by yearend.

While a full basis point increase will be discussed, analysts see the Fed increasing 75 basis points to a 3% to 3.25% range, with a split between those who say inflation is worsening and those that believe it peaked.

Short triple-A yields have risen more than 30 basis points over the past eight sessions while the long bond has risen 19, per Refinitiv MMD data.

Triple-A muni yields rose another five basis points on the short end while UST rose up to seven. UST yields are the highest since 2007.

Municipals saw more cheapening on the short end Friday as selling pressure persisted all week.

"The Fed is going to need great skill and also some good luck to achieve what we sometimes call a soft landing," Yellen said.

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said he favors "another significant" increase in interest rates when the central bank meets later this month, signaling his backing for a 75 basis-point move.

"I think that we've got a good plan in place. We could very well do 75 in September," he said.