Updated
Updated · UBS · Jun 1
Fed's Bowman Signals Rate Shift if Iran Shock Lifts Inflation, as June 17 Meeting Nears
Updated
Updated · UBS · Jun 1

Fed's Bowman Signals Rate Shift if Iran Shock Lifts Inflation, as June 17 Meeting Nears

3 articles · Updated · UBS · Jun 1

Summary

  • Michelle Bowman said she could reconsider her rate stance if Iran-driven disruptions push US inflation higher, marking a more cautious tone from a Fed vice chair previously seen as dovish.
  • June 17 is the next key marker: markets are watching new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's first meeting, though the report says the Fed is still likely to keep rates unchanged near term.
  • Labor-market loosening, negative real wage growth and tighter financial conditions from multi-decade-high long-end Treasury yields are seen keeping the bar for any rate hike high.
  • The report still expects rate cuts in December 2026 and March 2027, arguing oil-price spikes may hurt growth more than they sustain inflation, especially if broader disinflation resumes in the second half.
  • That view underpins a broader investment call to lock in high yields in short- and medium-maturity quality bonds while Fed policy remains broadly supportive for US equities.

Insights

With oil shocks fueling inflation and a weak job market, is the US economy spiraling into 1970s-style stagflation?
Why are emerging market bonds becoming a surprising safe haven for investors during a global oil crisis?