Home Bond screener Top picks Pricing Readings About

Readings

Author
Vladimir Tarantaev, CFA, PMP
Vladimir Tarantaev, a CFA expert in fixed income, has a strong track record in credit analysis at CIS banks and a diverse background in math-physics and astronomy.
Vladimir Tarantaev
Back
10.11.2025
Central Banks Shift From Cutting to Watching: What Comes Next?
Central Banks Shift From Cutting to Watching: What Comes Next?
26

After years of central banks guiding markets with predictable policy easing, the script is changing. The ECB, Fed, and BoE are increasingly cautious about delivering more cuts, marking what could be the peak of global monetary accommodation. Will central banks really stop here, or will the next shock pull them back into action?

Major central banks appear to be approaching the conclusion of their easing cycles. According to a recent ECB survey-level commentary, markets now assess less than a 50 % chance of further deposit-rate cuts by mid-2026 in the euro-zone. In the Fed’s case, while a 25 bps rate cut was recently executed, internal dissent and strong inflation‐data mean further moves are no longer a sure thing. At the same time, the Bank of England held its rate at 4 % and signaled that any future cut depends on further evidence of weaker inflation and growth. Taken together, these moves suggest the broad “easy money” backdrop underpinning much of the bond rally may be eroding.

What conditions might prompt central banks to resume easing after this apparent pause? A sharp slowdown in growth or a surge in unemployment could prompt a return to cuts; so too could a sustained fall in inflation below target or a major liquidity shock (banking stress, credit‐market freeze) that compels central banks to ease despite inflation. Given elevated global debt levels and complex funding conditions, any of these could trigger unforeseen loosening. For example, a material collapse in consumer spending or a deflationary surprise might force the ECB or Fed back into easing mode to prevent economy-wide contraction.

Bondfish opinion

In practical terms for bond investors, the implication is evident: treat duration risk carefully. If the easing cycle truly is ending (or has ended), long-dated government bonds may face headwinds if yields rise. Shorter maturities (2-7 years) may be safer. But if a growth shock or deflation scare forces central banks back to cuts, then bond yields could fall and prices rise - then allocation to high-quality sovereigns (e.g. Bunds) might benefit. Keeping a tilt toward quality and shorter‐duration exposure gives room to adapt whether policy stays tight or loosens again.

Author
Vladimir Tarantaev, CFA, PMP
Vladimir Tarantaev, a CFA expert in fixed income, has a strong track record in credit analysis at CIS banks and a diverse background in math-physics and astronomy.
Vladimir Tarantaev
This article does not constitute investment advice or personal recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bondfish does not recommend using the data and information provided as the only basis for making any investment decision. You should not make any investment decisions without first conducting your own research and considering your own financial situation.
Translate
Warning! The translation is automatic and may contain errors.