‘50 is the new 25’ when it comes to rate hikes: Central banks globally are being pushed to impose bigger interest rate hikes under efforts to keep up with the Federal Reserve’s tightening cycle, prop up their currencies, and tame soaring inflation, the Financial Times says. Smaller rate hikes of 25 bps or less were once the norm during tightening cycles, but according to the salmon-colored paper’s data, some 55 central banks have made 62 policy rate hikes of at least 50 bps in the three months to June, while another 17 of these bumper hikes were announced in July. That means we’re living through the biggest monetary policy moves made at any time this century.

Forex is key: The strengthening USD is a key driver for the bigger hikes as countries — and particularly emerging markets — try to get a handle on inflation. “We’re seeing a rate hike feeding frenzy,” one investment portfolio manager told the FT. “Nowadays the last thing anyone wants is a weak currency.”

50 is small fry in the US these days: The Federal Reserve will likely hike rates by 75 bps for the second consecutive meeting when it meets later this month, according to the Wall Street Journal. Worsening inflation data out last week fuelled speculation that the central bank could step up its tightening cycle with a huge 100-bps hike, but some policymakers have since sought to dial back expectations for a full-point increase and publicly came out in favor of 75 bps.

Also worth noting:

• The Bank of England’s independence could be under threat: Two of the leading candidates vying to succeed Boris Johnson as UK prime minister have signaled that they would bring the Bank of England under greater government control amid criticism of the bank’s failure to tackle inflation and opposition to financial deregulation. (FT | FT)
• Hydro-powered planes? Rolls Royce will trial the use of hydrogen to power small aircraft, an innovation which ⁠— if it works ⁠— would help the aviation industry reduce carbon emissions. (FT)

THE CLOSING BELL-

The EGX30 rose 0.1% at yesterday’s close on turnover of EGP 318.46 mn (61.4% below the 90-day average). Local investors were net sellers. The index is down 26.6% YTD.

In the green: Cleopatra Hospitals (+3.1%), Madinet Nasr Housing (+3.1%) and EFG Hermes (+2.4%).

In the red: ِAbu Dhabi Islamic Bank- Egypt (-2.3%), Fawry (-2.1%) and Orascom Development Egypt (-2.0%).

Asian markets are solidly in the green this morning and futures suggest stocks in much of Europe, the US and Canada will follow suit later today at the opening bell.