The odds of a 50-basis point rate rise in March by the Federal Reserve have increased, according to the CME FedWatch Tool, as economic data and comments by Fed officials both point to lasting hawkishness. The gauge is now pricing a 27% chance of a faster increase, up from 15% a week ago, although odds of a 25 basis-point rise remain higher. “It can’t be ruled out,” Gregory Faranello of AmeriVet Securities tells The Wall Street Journal about the 50-basis point option. “If that data remains the same (inflation, employment) the debate heading into the March meeting will grow,” he says. “In general, however, we feel the Fed would prefer to stick [with] 25.”

-Paulo Trevisani