Fed rate cut reaction: 'Premature' but Bank of England set to follow lead

Coronavirus concerns

David Brenchley
clock • 3 min read

A "bold" but potentially "premature" 50 basis point interest rate cut from the US Federal Reserve should pave the way for other central banks, including the Bank of England (BoE), who investment professionals believe is set to follow suit.

The Fed funds target range was cut to between 1% and 1.25% on Tuesday (3 March) on coronavirus fears,  following the stockmarkets' largest weekly fall since the Global Financial Crisis. As markets fell and economic growth expectations were downgraded, the market had begun to price in a rate cut, but an emergency move in between meetings are "rare", with the last coming in 2008. Market Movers Blog: 10-year US Treasury yield drops below 1% for first time Some believe the move is likely to be premature, while others believe it raises concerns over the Fed's independence, as well as it...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

FCA's Rathi addresses Autumn Budget market abuse concerns

FCA's Rathi addresses Autumn Budget market abuse concerns

Pens open letter to Treasury Committee

Isabel Baxter
clock 04 December 2025 • 2 min read
More tax, less shelter: A slow-burn Budget for savers and investors

More tax, less shelter: A slow-burn Budget for savers and investors

'The Budget documents make for sobering reading for those trying to build up their wealth'

Laith Khalaf
clock 04 December 2025 • 3 min read
OBR 'deeply regrets' early release of Budget document

OBR 'deeply regrets' early release of Budget document

Mistaken release of Budget documents forced Richard Hughes' resignation

Linus Uhlig
clock 02 December 2025 • 3 min read