QE Taper Risks Spike in Global Interest Rates

Forbes Reports:

3/17/14

"...The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) expects the taper of the Quantitative Easing to continue. Economists expect the Federal Reserve to cut another $10 billion from its monthly asset-purchase program at its two-day monetary-policy meeting, lowering its monthly bond buys to $55 billion.

The FMOC meets Tuesday and Wednesday, and it will be the first one overseen by new Fed Chair Janet Yellen. Bond traders will focus on the commentary that accompanies the decision, which is slated to be released Wednesday afternoon. Additionally, during this meeting, the Fed will release its new economic forecasts..."

The Feds reduction in asset purchases, (primarily mortgage backed securities from banks and market makers) reduces market liquidity and cheap source of funding for banks. The goal of the Fed's QE has been to buttress the capital structure of banks to assure liquidity in credit markets. The QE program has been successful in maintaining low interest rates. This has benefited SMEs by keeping the cost of capital low and credit channels open.

Low interest rates have helped SMEs to borrow cheap money. Low interest rates have also benefited consumers by keeping borrowing rates for mortgages, car loans and credit cards low. This has stimulated market demand for SME products and services. QE has been a major market support for SMEs as the post Great Recession global economy continues to restructure. 

SME's must assess how QE tapering will affect their capital structure, business model and client purchasing power. It's critical for SME's to assess how these subtle changes in the market landscape will impact numerous aspects of the business.

Credit|Redi is a critical tool used by SME managers to determine financial health, assess business factors to improve profitability and demonstrate creditworthiness to lenders to fund business growth.

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Risk: credit risk, sme, FOMC, interest rate, cost of capital, QE, Quantitative Easing, FOMC, Fed, Federal Reserve, Great Recession, Janet Yellen, Forbes