The most prominent uncertainty facing markets in 2018 is central bank balance sheet unwinding. For the first time since the financial crisis began, this year the Federal Reserve will be a net seller of assets (if everything goes to plan) meanwhile, the European Central Bank and Bank of Japan will be winding down their asset purchase programs.
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The Fed is winding down its assets with initial monthly caps on runoff of $6 billion for Treasuries and $4 billion for mortgage-backed securities. The caps will increase every three months by $6 billion and $4 billion, respectively, until they reach $30bn for Treasuries and $20bn for MBS. As the Fed’s balance sheet run-off gains traction next year, Goldman estimates the CB will...

