In the ever-fluctuating world of global finance, keeping a keen eye on currency movements and the news surrounding them is akin to navigating the heartbeat of economic shifts. As we step into a new week of trading, the spotlight is again on the movements of currency pairs, with particular emphasis on the US Dollar (USD).
According to Daily FX and Daily Forex, here are a few insights and potential trends to keep an eye on in the forex market
US Dollar Dominance
During the previous week, the US Dollar (USD) clearly asserted its dominance over major rival currencies. Notably, the British Pound (GBP), Euro (EUR), and Canadian Dollar (CAD) struggled, while the Chinese Yuan (CNY) and Australian Dollar (AUD) displayed more resilience. In the realm of commodities, gold prices performed admirably, while crude oil faced headwinds.
Improved Market Sentiment
In the past week, market sentiment has taken a turn for the better, primarily driven by specific economic indicators that suggest a shift in the US economic landscape. This change in sentiment is particularly notable given its potential implications for financial markets.
Non-Farm Payrolls Data
One of the key contributors to this shift in sentiment was the release of the non-farm payroll data, which arrived with lower figures than initially anticipated. The data indicated a net increase of 187,000 jobs, signalling that the US economy might be gradually cooling off. This development has significant implications, particularly in relation to the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions.
US GDP Data
Further reinforcing the perception of an economic slowdown was the release of US GDP data, which showed a lower-than-expected annualized growth rate of only 2.1%. This figure, combined with the modest increase of 0.2% in average hourly earnings, serves as additional evidence that the US economy is in a cooling phase. These factors play a pivotal role in influencing the outlook for further interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve.
September’s Influence
Another element at play in the evolving market sentiment is the calendar shift to September. This month typically marks the return of major players to the financial markets on a larger scale. As such, this influx of market participants is expected to have an impact, potentially amplifying ongoing trends.
US Core PCE Price Index
Additionally, the US core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index data added to the positive sentiment. This data release did not surpass expectations, with a monthly increase of 0.2%. The absence of an unexpected surge in inflationary pressures provides some reassurance to investors.
Fed’s Rate Hike Expectations
Since the start of this month, financial markets have been gradually factoring in a higher terminal rate anticipated by the Federal Reserve (Fed). This adjustment has led to a noticeable steepening of the yield curve, particularly concerning longer-term Treasury yields compared to their shorter-term counterparts. According to implied policy rates, there has been an addition of more than 30 basis points to the 3-year Fed rate outlook since July 31st.
The shift in Rate Cut Anticipations
This shift in market expectations has coincided with a change in rate-cut predictions. Fed Chair Jerome Powell, in his speech at Jackson Hole, emphasized the central bank’s willingness to further increase borrowing costs if deemed appropriate. Consequently, this stance has impacted market sentiment, contributing to a recent downturn in US equity markets.
Last Week’s Data Releases
- US CB Consumer Confidence: The US Consumer Confidence Index fell short of expectations, indicating subdued consumer optimism and potential impacts on spending.
- US JOLTS Job Openings: US Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) data also missed expectations, highlighting challenges in the labor market.
- US Unemployment Claims: US unemployment claims met expectations, suggesting labor market stability amid other economic signs.
- German Preliminary CPI (Inflation): Germany’s preliminary Consumer Price Index (CPI) data matched expectations, providing insights into inflation trends.
- Australian CPI (Inflation): Australia’s CPI exceeded expectations, with a lower-than-expected annualized inflation rate, indicating manageable inflationary pressures.
- Swiss CPI (Inflation): Swiss CPI data aligned with expectations, reflecting stable price trends in Switzerland’s economy.
Disclaimer
The news presented on Prime Codex is solely those of the analysts quoted. They do not represent the opinions of Prime Codex on whether to buy, sell, or hold specific pairs. Traders are advised to conduct their independent research before making an investment decision.
