US central bank policy body guiding interest-rate decisions
As big tech pushes AI infrastructure investments, investors are rotating away from Magnificent Seven-like hyperscalers toward memory and chipmakers. The market has seen a split: hyperscalers face pressure on capex, while hardware suppliers rally, signaling a shift in leadership as AI spending monetization remains uncertain.
The Fed has maintained rates and launched a set of internal task forces under Warsh to overhaul communications, data usage, and inflation strategy, signaling a shift toward a Greenspan-era style of policy and increasing market volatility expectations.
Micron has reported blockbuster fiscal third-quarter results — $41.46bn revenue and $28.24bn net income — and has forecast roughly $50bn for the current quarter. The results have pushed Micron above a $1tn market value, restarted buying in memory stocks and have sharpened concerns that soaring AI data‑centre demand is forcing consumer electronics makers, including Apple, to prepare price increases.
The Federal Reserve has maintained rates and signaled a continued focus on inflation, with Warsh stressing price stability. Markets have moved to price in potential further hikes this year as investors await key inflation data.
Markets are stabilising after a stretch of high activity in tech options, with traders shifting focus as implied volatility cools. Small caps are leading potential next moves, while global equities reflect a policy-led, carry-friendly regime.
U.S. Treasury yields have fluctuated amid hawkish signals from Fed Chair Warsh and ongoing data momentum. Investors await key jobs data and FOMC minutes to gauge policy direction.
Fed minutes show policymakers are divided on whether to raise rates this year; markets are betting on a cautious path with speculation about AI inflation and Middle East tensions affecting decisions. Warsh has not provided a clear stand as minutes reflect a range of scenarios.
Five task forces announced by Fed Chair Warsh include figures from tech, retail, academia and finance to study communications, data sources, productivity, AI, and the balance sheet, with reports due by year-end.