Nomura: Fed Expected to Cut Rates Twice This Year, BoJ to Raise Rates Twice

On April 20, Nomura Securities released a report predicting that the Federal Reserve will cut rates twice this year, while the European Central Bank, Bank of England, Reserve Bank of India, and Bank of Korea will keep interest rates unchanged. The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to raise rates once, and the Bank of Japan will raise rates twice, but not immediately. Nomura noted that the fragile ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran is improving market risk sentiment. Despite the high-risk edge policies, the market generally believes that both sides will eventually reach an agreement. However, given the significant gap in demands from both parties, it may take weeks or even months to finalize an agreement. In the meantime, the Strait of Hormuz may remain largely blocked.