The US Dollar surges after the Federal Reserve maintains its hawkish stance, while anticipation builds for the BoE and SNB’s upcoming rate decisions. Asian markets retreat, influenced by the Fed’s decisions. The USD strengthens notably against the EUR, GBP, JPY, and CHF. The SNB might push for a 25 basis points increment, while the BoJ contemplates currency interventions. Gold’s price fluctuates amidst rising US Treasury yields.
Executive Summary:
- US Dollar (USD) accelerates gains post the Federal Reserve’s hawkish stance, topping 105.50.
- The Bank of England (BoE) and the Swiss National Bank (SNB) prepare to announce rate decisions amidst global market anticipation.
- Asian equity markets register negative traction in the wake of the Fed’s policy outcome.
Federal Reserve Keeps the Market Buzzing:
In a widely anticipated move, the Federal Reserve maintained its policy rate within the 5.25%-5.5% bracket. However, the revised Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) points towards a probable 25 basis points hike before year-end. The FOMC chairman, Jerome Powell, underscored this sentiment, noting a prevailing consensus among policymakers on the appropriateness of a subsequent rate adjustment.
The Fed‘s updated outlook now anticipates a total rate cut of 50 basis points in the coming year, a significant divergence from June’s 100 basis points projection.
Forex Dynamics & Major Currency Movement:
Forex markets have responded dynamically to these macroeconomic cues:
- USD: Strengthened considerably, especially against the Pound Sterling.
- EUR/USD: After momentarily surpassing 1.0700, the pair witnessed a decline, touching a March low of 1.0620.
- GBP/USD: Amidst speculations over the BoE’s potential rate decisions, the pair reached its lowest ebb since May, just above 1.2300.
- USD/JPY: The currency duo demonstrated bullish momentum, ascending to a peak not seen since the previous November.
- USD/CHF: This pair has shown significant activity, surpassing the 0.9000 mark for the first time since early July.
European and Asian Monetary Policies:
Both the SNB and BoE are bracing for significant policy announcements:
- SNB: Speculation is rife about a potential 25 basis points increment, bringing the policy rate to 2%.
- BoE: After a rather tepid inflation reading, analysts are divided. While a hike to 5.5% from 5.25% was initially projected, the current sentiment suggests a possible pause. All eyes will be on the policy statement, given the absence of a press briefing.
Asia paints a contrasting picture:
- Asian equities have retracted, driven in large part by the Federal Reserve’s steadfastness. Significant indices like China’s Shanghai and Japan’s Nikkei recorded noticeable drops.
- People’s Bank of China (PBoC) remained consistent with market expectations, holding its benchmark lending rates. However, economic slowdown concerns in the Asian giant persist.
- In Japan, the Bank of Japan (BoJ) is expected to sustain its existing monetary policy. However, an intervention to bolster the Yen might be on the cards, as indicated by ex-currency diplomat Takehiko Nakao.
- Other Asian nations like the Philippines and Indonesia are also poised for key monetary announcements.
Commodities and Treasuries:
Gold, often considered a safe-haven asset, nearly touched the $1,950 threshold pre-Fed announcement. But with the US 10-year Treasury yield surging past 4.4% on hawkish prospects, gold retraced its steps, hovering around $1,930.
Final Thoughts:
The world’s financial epicenters are experiencing a flurry of activities, largely catalyzed by the Federal Reserve’s recent decisions. As institutional and individual traders gear up for more data points, including the US weekly Jobless Claims and the preliminary US S&P Global PMI, the financial landscape remains both challenging and exciting.
