US Dollar News: Fed Rate Cut Bets Rise as Euro and Pound Navigate Domestic Risks
As of August 14, the U.S. dollar is facing pressure due to changing expectations for the Fed after release of slower inflation data provided further evidence of a case for increased easing. The July report for the Producer Price Index (PPI) indicated that inflation for wholesale goods was unchanged compared to the month prior, and core PPI also increased by 0.2% after the latest CPI report indicated a slower-than-expected rise. The data released further eased the concerns for inflation rising again and suggested that the Fed was likely to begin cutting rates in September.
For the Fed, the labor market is still the most important factor. The recent data for July hiring indicated slower hiring, and more of a need to strike a balance between inflation concerns and an economy likely to be slowing. However, Fed officials reassure the market that the inflation data is still well above the Fed’s target for inflation being set at 2%.
The euro is benefitting from the slower expectations of Fed rate movements, but is also dealing with domestic challenges. The European Central Bank is still maintaining a cautious stance by keeping policy the same as they assess the impact of the disruptions to Middle East energy supply and inflation as well as consumer demand. Recent reports of the activity of the euro zone have shown signs of stabilizing, but still have the potential to grow at a lower level due to slow demand and geopolitical challenges.
Sterling faces considerable pressure as the UK’s second-quarter GDP showed a 0.4% quarterly rise, following stronger early quarter growth. The data published reflects the economy’s resilience, especially as price rises for energy have been high and global uncertainties remain. Still, the Bank of England must continue to balance inflation and the threats caused by the increasing growth of nominal wages and energy price rises.
For currency markets, the most important factor continues to be the difference in interest rates and the expected changes. Easing US inflation has lowered expectations of further rate hikes by the FOMC, and the euro and pound are now being evaluated on whether their respective domestic economies can continue to grow without re-igniting inflation.
U.S. Dollar Index Technical Analysis: DXY Holds 99.40 Support as Bulls Attempt Recovery
The U.S. Dollar Index is hovering around 99.95, as it stabilized above the significant 99.40 support area. The daily chart depicts DXY still as a sell into the 101.60 area; however, bulls defend the rising trendline which has been a key topside recovering support line since the March lows. The index is currently trading sideways between resistance and support, potentially forming a base and accumulating ahead of a new strong trending move.
