Number of Global Central Bank Rate Cuts Central banks globally are responding to slowing inflation and the need to stimulate economic growth by cutting interest rates at an unprecedented pace since the COVID-19 pandemic. Image: BofA Global Investment Strategy
Central Bank Gold Holdings Despite a significant gold price rally, private investors have largely been absent, especially compared to the aggressive purchases made by central banks. Image: Alpine Macro
Aggregate G6 Central Bank Balance Sheet The aggregate G6 central bank balance sheet is expected to continue decreasing in 2024 and 2025 as central banks unwind their pandemic-era asset purchase programs through quantitative tightening measures. Image: BofA Global Research
Central Bank Gold Purchases Gold remains a crucial asset for central banks, reinforcing the stability and resilience of their reserves, particularly in periods of currency volatility and economic uncertainty. Image: BofA Research Investment Committee
Central Bank Policy Rate Changes Goldman Sachs has revised its forecast regarding interest rate policies, suggesting significant declines in policy rates across most economies over the next 12 months, driven by easing inflation and slowing economic growth. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Interest Rates – Central Bank Policy Rate Hikes vs. Cuts Emerging market central banks typically take the lead in initiating monetary tightening and easing cycles. In 2024, their approach has shifted away from aggressive easing. Image: BofA Global Investment Strategy
Annual Changes in Central Bank Gold Reserves The significant increase in gold reserves by China, Poland, and Singapore in 2023 reflects a broader trend of central banks expanding their holdings of bullion amid escalating geopolitical and economic risks. Image: BofA Global Research
Tech Stocks – G3 Central Bank Balance Sheet vs. Nasdaq 100 Will the divergence between central bank liquidity and tech stock performance continue through 2024? Image: BofA Global Investment Strategy
Central Banks – Global Monetary Policy Stimulus Leads Global Manufacturing PMI As global monetary policy stimulus tends to lead global manufacturing PMI by 8 months, could this signal the end of the economic slowdown? Image: Topdown Charts
Liquidity Policies and Central Bank Balance Sheets Central banks have barely decreased the amount of QE stock, suggesting a deliberate and measured strategy in scaling back economic support. Image: BofA Global Investment Strategy
Time Series of the S&P 500, Highlighting Periods of Stress and Response from Central Banks Post the 2013 Taper Tantrum, the interventions by central banks during market dips provided buying opportunities for investors to generate excess returns, rather than reasons to panic or sell off their investments. Image: BofA Global Research