The market doesn't believe we're losing Fed independence, says Invesco's Brian Levitt

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  January 14, 2026 at 11:54  |  5:59  |  CNBC
Speakers
Brian Levitt — Global Market Strategist, Invesco

Summary

Brian Levitt, Invesco's chief global market strategist, discusses Fed independence, the search for the next Fed chair, and inflation expectations. He says the market is mostly looking past Fed independence concerns because rate cuts are already expected. He watches 3-year breakevens as a key signal and sees Fed easing against other central bank easing leading to a weaker dollar and opportunities outside the U.S.

  • Brian Levitt joins Squawk Box to discuss Fed independence and market trends.
  • Levitt says the market is largely looking past Fed independence worries because rate cuts are priced.
  • He is watching 3-year breakevens; a break above 2.25%-2.50% would be a problem.
  • Other central banks have eased and the Fed is expected to ease.
  • Levitt expects a weaker dollar, not a collapse.
  • He sees opportunities for investors outside the United States.
  • Fed independence matters most during crises, according to the discussion.
Ideas
Brian Levitt Global Market Strategist, Invesco 2:02
Watch 3-year breakevens for inflation risk
He is watching inflation expectations closely, especially 3-year breakevens. They moved to around 2.40% on Monday; if they break above the 2.25%-2.50% range that would be a problem, but if they stay in that range markets are in a good spot.
Brian Levitt Global Market Strategist, Invesco 2:29
Contained breakevens support equity markets
If 3-year breakevens remain contained in the 2.25%-2.50% range, the market is in a good spot; the recent move is still consistent with price stability and the Fed has already set the market up for rate cuts.
Brian Levitt Global Market Strategist, Invesco 4:56
Fed easing weakens dollar, lifts non-U.S. stocks
Other central banks have already eased and the Fed is now expected to ease, leading to a gradual reduction in U.S. rates toward the rest of the world. This implies a weaker dollar, though not a collapse, and opens opportunities for investors to do well outside the United States.
Brian Levitt Global Market Strategist, Invesco 4:56
Fed easing weakens dollar, lifts non-U.S. stocks
Other central banks have already eased and the Fed is now expected to ease, leading to a gradual reduction in U.S. rates toward the rest of the world. This implies a weaker dollar, though not a collapse, and opens opportunities for investors to do well outside the United States.
Up Next

This CNBC video, published January 14, 2026, features Brian Levitt discussing 3-year breakevens, Equities, Non-U.S. equities, UUP. 4 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Brian Levitt  · Tickers: 3-year breakevens, Equities, Non-U.S. equities, UUP