Global central bank balance sheets remain at 80% of the peak

Fed hints at slowing asset tapering as stock markets hit record highs

20240321N Powell AP

U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated the central bank will ease up on tightening Wednesday, leading to a rally on Wall Street. © AP

KOSUKE TAKAMI, Nikkei staff writer

WASHINGTON -- Assets held at central banks in Japan, the U.S. and Europe remain at 80% of their peak, demonstrating how funds pumped into the markets in pandemic-era quantitative easing continue to support global equities.

The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday reiterated its forecast of cutting rates three times by year end while signaling plans to slow quantitative tapering soon to prevent market disruptions.

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