Commerzbank’s Guntermann highlights the Sintra forum as a key event for European Central Bank (ECB) communication, with Lagarde’s opening speech and a heavyweight policy panel midweek. Markets have pared ECB hike expectations to about 27 bps by April, but the bank doubts Sintra rhetoric will justify further front-end yield declines, keeping a sticky rate hike premium embedded in pricing.

Sintra forum to shape expectations

"More ECB colour is in store at the Sintra forum (agenda). Lagarde will deliver the opening speech after the dinner tonight. The main market focus will be on Wednesday's heavyweight policy panel featuring Lagarde, Warsh, Bailey and Macklem."

"The market has started to curb ECB rate hike expectations, with only a total of 27bp higher rates priced in by April. However, we doubt that ECB rhetoric will substantiate a further downward correction in front-end yields."

"BIS [Bank for International Settlements] annual report warns of "new fiscal-financial stability nexus and shifting inflation dynamics"."

"Kashkari penciled in one hike this year and rates on hold in 2027, as he is concerned about broader inflationary pressures, with AI probably pushing up market rates. Barkin warns of high inflation but sees signs of relief."

"Search for new leader of Atlanta Fed resumes, allowing Warsh to have a say in the selection of a candidate who will vote in 2027."

(This article was created with the help of an Artificial Intelligence tool and reviewed by an editor.)