Fed rate cut helps fuel day of swings in stocks and assets, then spooks coronavirus-weary investors
FirstpostThe Fed’s move was the first unscheduled rate cut since October 2008, when the central bank reacted to a contraction in the economy that had begun the previous year New York: Investors had mixed reactions to Tuesday’s surprise 50 basis-point rate cut from the Federal Reserve, helping fuel a day of swings in stocks and other assets. Chair of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell briefs media after 50 bps rate cut, says the #CoronavirusOutbreak has disrupted economic activity in many countries; we will do our part to keep the economy strong#coronavirus #Covid_19 #COVID19 @federalreserve pic.twitter.com/Eq33Pkvxz0 — CNBC-TV18 March 3, 2020 While lower rates may stoke risk appetite and offer support to asset prices, some saw the Fed’s move as a signal that the accelerating coronavirus outbreak may deal a larger-than-anticipated blow to the US economy. The virus outbreak will require a multifaceted response; rate cut will provide a meaningful boost to the economy: Jerome Powell #Covid_19 #COVID19 @federalreserve pic.twitter.com/s82eoSRVTd — CNBC-TV18 March 3, 2020 At the same time, lower rates would do little to allay the concerns of travelers who are reluctant to book trips in the midst of a global outbreak or boost economic activity in areas experiencing the kind of restrictions that shut down parts of China’s economy last month. The Fed’s move was the first unscheduled rate cut since October 2008, when the central bank reacted to a contraction in the economy that had begun the previous year.