Market volatility has intensified as financial conditions tighten and global central banks pursue monetary policies to combat persistently high inflation and maintain financial market stability.
Markets breathed a collective sigh of relief this week following the passing and signing of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, which effectively suspends the federal debt ceiling through January 1, 2025 and averted a potentially catastrophic US government default.
This week market participants were focused on continued stress in the banking sector, the Federal Open Market Committee meeting, and the US labor market. Regional banks remain under pressure due to unrealized losses on long-term bond investments, exposure to commercial real estate lending, and reduced demand for low-yielding deposits. Concerns resurfaced in the market earlier this week causing a flight-to-quality rally in US treasuries.
