7 Interest Rate Sensitive Stocks to Buy Before the Fed Cuts Rates

ayun

JP Morgan (NYSE:JPM) anticipates a 35% probability of recession in the United States by year-end, while the chances of recession in the first half of 2025 are pegged at 45%. Given these expectations, I have little doubt that the Fed will pursue expansionary monetary policies before the year ends. From an investment perspective, it’s a good time to buy interest rate sensitive stocks for quick gains.

An important point to note is that rate cuts are intended to boost consumption and investment spending. It therefore translates into bullish momentum for industrial commodities and energy in anticipation of GDP growth acceleration. Further, with expansionary policies, the dollar weakens and precious metals trend higher. At the same time, higher liquidity in the financial system implies a flow of money into relatively risky asset classes.

With this overview, let’s talk about seven interest rate sensitive stocks that are positioned to trend higher on the first rate cut.

1. Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM)

Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) is an attractively valued gold miner that’s worth considering before the rate cut. It’s interesting to note that gold has trended higher in 2024 and Citi expects the precious metal to trade at $3,000 an ounce in the next 6 to 18 months. With potential upside in gold, I expect a meaningful rally for NEM stock. I must add that the gold miner offers a healthy dividend yield of 2.1%.

From an asset perspective, Newmont has 128 million ounces of gold reserves and 155 million ounces in resources. With 10 tier one assets, Newmont has visibility to support steady production growth into 2040s.

Additionally, Newmont has an investment grade balance sheet and reported operating cash flow of $1.4 billion for Q2 2024. With the possibility of higher realized gold price, it’s likely that annual OCF will be in the range of $7 to $10 billion. This will position Newmont to increase dividends and the scale of share repurchase.

2. Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX)

Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) stock has remained depressed in the last 12 months with oil remaining subdued. However, I expect oil to trend higher and it’s a good time to accumulate CVX stock. Besides trading at attractive valuations, the stock also offers a healthy dividend yield of 4.55%.

The first positive to note is that Chevron has attractive breakeven assets. For Q2 2024, the oil & gas company reported operating cash flow of $6.3 billion. If oil trades near $100 per barrel, Chevron will be positioned to deliver annual OCF of $35 to $40 billion.

The second positive is that Chevron has an investment grade balance sheet. As of Q2 2024, the company reported net debt ratio of 10.7%. This provides flexibility to make aggressive investments. For the first half of 2024, Chevron reported capital investment of $8.1 billion. The company is on-track for annual investments in the range of $14 to $16 billion. This will ensure healthy reserve replacement and steady production growth.

3. Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO)

Among industrial commodity stocks, Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) looks undervalued at a forward P/E of 8.6. Further, RIO stock offers an attractive dividend yield of 6.9%. With rate cuts and possible stimulus, I expect industrial commodities to trend higher and Rio is positioned to benefit.

It’s important to note that even in a relatively subdued commodity price environment, Rio has reported robust cash flows. For the first half of 2024, the commodity company reported operating and free cash flow of $7 billion and $2.8 billion respectively.

While the iron ore segment remains the cash flow machine, Rio is also diversifying. The focus is on metals that are likely to support global energy transition. This includes aluminium, copper, titanium dioxide and lithium. Diversification is likely to create value in the next five years.

Overall, Rio Tinto has a strong balance sheet and robust cash flows. Dividends are sustainable and I expect continued value creation through share repurchase.

4. Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN)

Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN) stock has witnessed a sharp correction of 16% in the last one month. This does not come as a surprise with Bitcoin (BTC-USD) declining. Further, Coinbase reported lower trading income in Q2 2024.

I however believe that the correction is a good buying opportunity and COIN stock is attractive at a forward P/E of 33. With rate cuts impending, it’s likely that Bitcoin will bounce back strongly. Further, if Donald Trump is elected as President