14 SET 2026 · The rate-hike consensus is crystallising fast. With Fed futures pricing an 87–91% probability of a 25bp move at the September 15–16 FOMC meeting, and Goldman Sachs reversing its no-hike call after August CPI surprised to the upside, sophisticated investors can no longer sit on the sidelines. The era of higher-for-longer is being repriced in real time.
On the Fed side, CME FedWatch data shows markets assigning over 85% odds to a hike that would lift the federal funds target range to 3.75%–4.00% — the first increase in roughly three years. Goldman and UBS have both formally shifted their forecasts, with rate markets now pricing a 97% chance of at least one hike by year-end and building expectations for a second move in December. Chair Kevin Warsh's credibility is on the line as inflation remains above 3%.
Across the Atlantic, the ECB's unanimous 25bp hike has raised the deposit facility rate to 2.50%, while Spain's Treasury heads into a multi-tranche bond auction across 5-, 8-, and 10-year maturities. ECB Watch now prices a 62% chance of a further October hike to 2.75%, deepening duration risk across euro sovereign portfolios and reshaping EUR/USD rate differentials.
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