UBS Says Strong U.S. Jobs Data Raises Odds Of September Fed Hike

According to CNBC, UBS said August's stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs report has sharply increased the odds of a September Federal Reserve rate hike and could create opportunities to buy equities, add to longer-dated bond yields and build gold hedges. Nonfarm payrolls rose by 162,000 last month, above consensus forecasts of 55,000, while unemployment held at 4.1%; traders were pricing in roughly a 60% chance of a quarter-point increase when the Federal Open Market Committee meets September 15-16. UBS said it remains positive on global equities, sees potential opportunities in medium- to longer-duration government bonds, expects a hawkish Fed to support the U.S. dollar, and views gold primarily as a portfolio hedge rather than a tactical trade on the next policy decision.