WASHINGTON: Jerome Powell sent a stir through global markets, paving the way for quicker-than-expected hikes, not least in rate-sensitive Asia.
The Federal Reserve (Fed) chairman told Congress that policymakers will discuss whether to wrap up bond purchases a few months earlier and retired the word “transitory” from his commentary on inflation.
Higher US rates would have a significant impact on Asian assets if capital flows to America. A stronger greenback has implications for Asia’s export-heavy companies and economies and the dollar-denominated debt of the region’s sovereign and corporate borrowers.
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