U.S. Fed Hikes Likely in December; ECB Rates Up to 2.25%

George Bory of Allspring Global Investments advises clients to focus on bond markets outside the U.S., noting that central banks in regions like the UK and Europe are raising rates. The European Central Bank (ECB) recently increased rates by 25 basis points to 2.25%, its first hike since September 2023. As of late Friday, the CME Group's FedWatch predicts a 78% likelihood that the Federal Reserve will increase rates in December 2023. Bory suggests that diversifying bond investments internationally can yield better portfolio outcomes, especially as U.S. tightening appears less aggressive compared to international measures.