Fed’s Outlook, Sanders’ Spending, Johnson’s Strategy: Eco Day

(Bloomberg) --

Good morning Americas. Here’s the latest news and analysis from Bloomberg Economics to help you start the day:

• Standard Chartered Plc strategists said they now expect the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates twice this year because of the threat posed to the U.S. and world economies by the coronavirus
  • The International Monetary Fund and World Bank signaled they may reconsider meetings scheduled for mid-April in Washington amid the coronavirus’ spread
• Democratic presidential front-runner Bernie Sanders is pledging to spend big and fund it all with new taxes, drawing flak from rivals who say his budget numbers don’t add up. But bond investors say they don’t really need to, while more and more economists are inclined to agree
• Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the European Union he’ll walk away from the negotiating table in June if it’s not clear he’s going to get a Canada-style free trade agreement for the U.K.
  • Still, some remain hopeful about the U.K.’s outlook. There’s a good chance that companies will unleash spending this year with a double boost from an expansionary budget and more clarity over Brexit, according to Bank of England Chief Economist Andy Haldane
• Here’s why Spain can’t seem to shake one of the world’s highest unemployment rates
• In a surprise decision, the Bank of Korea kept its benchmark interest rate on hold at a record low amid mounting evidence of an economic hit from the virus
• Australia’s reliance on China is backfiring as the virus outbreak threatens businesses and universities. Meanwhile Italy’s China chill is deeper than just fears around the coronavirus
  • Amid all the epidemic uncertainties, here’s a Bloomberg Economics take on how to track the economic impact of the virus
• Finally, central bank big-hitters Mark Carney and Christine Lagarde are once again pushing investors to take the climate crisis seriously and ensure they’re considering the risks from emissions and higher temperatures

To contact the reporter on this story: David Goodman in London at dgoodman28@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Paul Gordon at pgordon6@bloomberg.net, Zoe Schneeweiss

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