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With US jobs growth remaining strong and inflation proving stickier than expected, speculation grew that the US Federal Reserve (Fed) would delay cutting rates until the end of 2024.

Markets started the year in confident mood, betting that the US Federal Reserve would take the lead on interest rate cuts, with as many as six cuts in 2024. Those hopes have since faded and forecasts of a first cut in June are looking more uncertain.

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) became the first major central bank to reduce interest rates this cycle. The SNB reduced rates by 25 basis points (bps) to 1.5%, its first cut in nine years, after Swiss inflation fell to 1.2% in February, marking the ninth consecutive month that prices have been within the 0-2% target range.