(MENAFN- Asia Times)
TOKYO – Everyone in Asia knew America's epic 2020-21 stock boom couldn't last.
It was well understood that the run-up, coming amidst a deadly and growth-killing pandemic, had been driven by ultra-aggressive central bank easing, not conventional corporate earnings potential or game-changing innovation.
But that doesn't mean investors were ready for the correction that appears to be gaining momentum by the day. Those caught off guard include US Federal Reserve officials who've been universally expected to rock Asian markets with a series of rate hikes.
On January 1, it was a foregone conclusion among Asian governments that 2022 would be a year of bold Fed monetary tightening. The 7% year-on-year in December in the US cemented the Fed's pivot toward austerity.
To continue reading, please log in to your AT+ Premium account. Not yet a member? Please signup for AT+ Premium monthly membership , AT+ Premium yearly membership , AT+ Premium yearly membership (educator) , AT+ Premium yearly membership (student) or AT+ Premium Access membership .
MENAFN27012022000159011032ID1103601826
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.