The bond market isn't signaling a need for lower interest rates, says Ed Yardeni

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  January 12, 2026 at 12:51  |  5:06  |  CNBC
Speakers
Ed Yardeni — President, Yardeni Research

Summary

Ed Yardeni, president of Yardeni Research, joins Squawk Box to discuss his bullish S&P 500 target, the earnings-led market, and risks from the Fed, tariffs, and bond vigilantes. He argues the bond market does not signal a need for lower rates, sees a possible stock-market melt-up if the Fed cuts too much under political pressure, and expects banks to lead earnings despite a proposed credit-card rate cap. He also notes gold's record high as a safe-haven reaction to the Powell probe.

  • Ed Yardeni reiterates a year-end S&P 500 target near 7,700, about 10% above current levels.
  • He calls the market earnings-led and expects a strong fourth-quarter reporting season with record profits.
  • He sees Fed-related turbulence from the Powell probe and a possible Supreme Court tariff ruling as risks.
  • He says the bond market is not signaling a need for lower interest rates and warns bond vigilantes could push yields higher.
  • He sees a stock-market melt-up risk if the Fed cuts rates too aggressively under political pressure.
  • He expects banks to lead earnings and thinks a proposed 10% credit-card rate cap is unlikely to pass.
  • Gold is at an all-time high, which he links to market unease over the Powell investigation.
Ideas
Ed Yardeni President, Yardeni Research 0:14
Earnings-led market can reach 7700 despite risks
He expects the S&P 500 to reach about 7,700 by year-end, up roughly 10%, though the path is likely to be rocky. The market is earnings-led, supported by a resilient U.S. economy, record real GDP, record S&P 500 earnings, and a likely strong fourth-quarter reporting season with record profits.
Ed Yardeni President, Yardeni Research 0:38
Powell probe drives gold safe-haven bid
The market is unhappy with the administration's move against Fed Chair Jay Powell. Gold is at an all-time record high, indicating safe-haven demand and Fed-related turbulence.
Ed Yardeni President, Yardeni Research 4:24
Banks lead earnings; credit-card cap unlikely
He expects banks to lead the current earnings season. The selloff tied to a proposed 10% cap on credit-card interest rates may be overdone because such a cap would require legislation from Congress, and banks have powerful lobbyists that make passage unlikely.
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This CNBC video, published January 12, 2026, features Ed Yardeni discussing SPY, GLD, KBE. 3 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Ed Yardeni  · Tickers: SPY, GLD, KBE