What Could Change the Expected Rate Hike Cycle through 2020?

The Fed has provided a fairly clear picture of two more rate hikes in 2018, three rate hikes in 2019, and one in 2020. Investors are anticipating an end to the rate hike cycle by the end of the first quarter of 2020. Rate hikes are subject to an inflation target of 2.1% (revised from 1.9%), the unemployment rate, and continued economic growth.