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EUR/USD - ECB eyeing German, eurozone CPIThe euro has extended its decline on Thursday. In the European session, EUR/USD is trading at 1.1095 at the time of writing, down 0.22% on the day. The US dollar has rebounded against the euro this week, climbing 0.89%. Inflation is expected to ease in Germany and the eurozone, which could have significant impact on the European Central Bank rate announcement on Sept. 12. Inflation declined in German states and the national harmonized inflation rate is expected to fall to 2.1% y/y in August, down from 2.3% in July. The eurozone releases CPI on Friday. The market estimate for CPI stands at 2.2%, compared to 2.6% in July. The core inflation rate is expected to creep lower to 2.8%, down from 2.9% in July. A drop in inflation in Germany and the eurozone would support the case for another rate reduction next month. The weak eurozone economy and the fact that the Federal Reserve is also poised to lower rates have strengthened the case to cut rates. At the same time, concern about wage increases is a reason for the ECB to hold off on cutting rates. The Federal Reserve is poised to cut rates next month, which would mark the US central bank joining in the global trend of central banks lowering rates now that the threat of inflation has largely abated. Most FOMC members have come out in favor of a September cut but Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic said on Wednesday that the Fed should wait for additional data before lowering rates as it would be a mistake to cut and then have to hike again. EUR/USD is testing support at 1.1087. Below, there is support at 1.1055 There is resistance at 1.1138 and 1.1170
by OANDA
Knock Knock. Who's There? Vibecession Ft. US Interest RatesHello Everyone, IMPORTANT: ALL FED POLICIES LEAD TO NEGATIVE OUTCOMES TLDR AT THE END In February 2022 the Federal Reserve gave us the fastest rate raising campaign in history to try and combat very high inflation, but they were very late in raising rates causing one of the worst inflation in 40 years. During his speech at Jackson Hole he confirms rate cuts in September due to inflation being under control and the labor market "cooling." Good news is inflation is under control, however this is only the start of our labor market "cooling." Jerome Powell is extremely late in cutting rates and will be cutting rates because we are getting BAD economic data and the cracks are showing in our labor market, commercial real estate, and banking sectors. The Federal Reserve 100% KNOWS a recession is coming that is why they are cutting rates. We have Jerome Powell come up on stage sweet talk to us about a soft landing, inflation under control, and how he will cut rates to help the labor market. He's not going to be instilling fear in Americans as a chairman. Just Remember, ALL FED POLICIES LEAD TO NEGATIVE OUTCOMES. Recession is coming, Sahm rule and inverted yield curve hasn't been wrong and it won't be wrong this time. This time it's not different. TLDR: Jerome Powell is too late in cutting rates causing a recession
ECONOMICS:USINTR
by justaturboman44
1
Analysis of the Dollar Index (DXY)Overview: On Tuesday, the Dollar Index (DXY) showed weak performance, failing to consolidate the partial recovery seen on Monday after last week's sharp decline. Although the dollar posted gains against major Asian currencies, such as the Japanese Yen (JPY) and the Korean Won (KRW), these gains were quickly erased during the US trading session. The return of a "risk-on" sentiment in the markets, with stock indices rising in Asia, Europe, and US futures, has led investors to move away from safe-haven assets, further weighing on the dollar. Fundamental Factors: Market Sentiment: The return of the "risk-on" sentiment has favored riskier assets at the expense of the US dollar. The easing of tensions in the Middle East has helped reduce flows into safe-haven assets, exerting bearish pressure on the DXY. Economic Data: On Tuesday, attention will be focused on the weekly mortgage applications data published by the MBA and the EIA's report on US crude oil inventories. Additionally, the speech by Federal Reserve's Waller could provide further insight into the direction of US monetary policy. Currency Performance: The EUR/USD has resumed its bullish trend, partially erasing the weakness seen at the start of the week. The British pound (GBP/USD) reached over two-year highs, supported by expectations that the Bank of England (BoE) will not cut rates as much as the markets anticipated. Commodities and Precious Metals: WTI saw a sharp decline, breaking a three-day winning streak due to renewed demand concerns and some profit-taking. Gold prices alternated between gains and losses above the $2,500 per ounce mark, while silver prices remained near the $30.00 per ounce level.
TVC:DXYLong
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
1
USD/JPY: Limited Recovery Below 145.00!General Overview: USD/JPY remains near 145.00 in the Asian session on Tuesday, despite a cautious market environment. The pair benefits from the recent rebound of the US Dollar and higher US Treasury yields. However, the divergence in monetary policies between the Federal Reserve (Fed) and the Bank of Japan (BoJ) continues to be a key factor that could influence the pair’s movement in the coming days. Fundamental Factors: Japanese Macroeconomic Data: Japan's recent GDP growth in the second quarter exceeded expectations, strengthening the case for a possible interest rate hike by the BoJ. This temporarily strengthened the Japanese Yen (JPY), contributing to the downward pressure on USD/JPY. Monetary Policy and the Fed: The US Dollar found support from higher US Treasury yields, but expectations of a rate cut by the Fed in September limit the upside potential. Specifically, the debate is focused on a possible 25 basis point cut, with a 60% probability, while there is still a 36% chance of a more significant 50 basis point cut, according to CME FedWatch.
Short
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
1
USDJPY Vulnerable on Monetary Policy DynamicsThe pair is heading towards its second straight losing month, due to the shift in monetary policy dynamics, which could fuel further losses and new 2024 lows towards 140.26. Chair Powell offered the strongest signal to date of a September pivot, bolstering market optimism for multiple rate cuts ahead. The bank of Japan is on the opposite direction, trying to make policy less loose. Stepping up its effort, it raised rates for second time in this cycle and pointed to more moves, while Governor Ueda stack to script last week. On the other hand, Mr Powell did not offer any insights around the size and pace of rate cuts, while market pricing for four moves this year is stretched. The BoJ’s latest rate hike meanwhile sparked volatility and forced the bank to pledge to not hike again while markets are unstable. Furthermore, the rate differential will still be wide even if the BoJ hikes again and the Fed cuts more than once. As such, a recovery effort would not be surprising, but the EMA200 (black line) and the 38.2% Fibonacci of the recent slump can cap the upside. Sustained strength above this resistance confluence does not easy under the current policy dynamics. Stratos Markets Limited (www.fxcm.com): CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 62% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider . You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Stratos Europe Ltd (trading as “FXCM” or “FXCM EU”) (www.fxcm.com): CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 59% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider . You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. Stratos Trading Pty. Limited (www.fxcm.com): Trading FX/CFDs carries significant risks. FXCM AU (AFSL 309763). Please read the Financial Services Guide, Product Disclosure Statement, Target Market Determination and Terms of Business at www.fxcm.com Stratos Global LLC (www.fxcm.com): Losses can exceed deposits. Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices, other information, or links to third-party sites contained on this video are provided on an "as-is" basis, as general market commentary and do not constitute investment advice. The market commentary has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research, and it is therefore not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of dissemination. Although this commentary is not produced by an independent source, FXCM takes all sufficient steps to eliminate or prevent any conflicts of interests arising out of the production and dissemination of this communication. The employees of FXCM commit to acting in the clients' best interests and represent their views without misleading, deceiving, or otherwise impairing the clients' ability to make informed investment decisions. For more information about the FXCM's internal organizational and administrative arrangements for the prevention of conflicts, please refer to the Firms' Managing Conflicts Policy. Please ensure that you read and understand our Full Disclaimer and Liability provision concerning the foregoing Information, which can be accessed via FXCM`s website: Stratos Markets Limited clients please see: www.fxcm.com Stratos Europe Ltd clients please see: www.fxcm.com Stratos Trading Pty. Limited clients please see: www.fxcm.com Stratos Global LLC clients please see: www.fxcm.com Past Performance is not an indicator of future results.
Short
by FXCM
GBP/USD in Rally: Geopolitical Calm Sparks Bullish MomentumThe GBP/USD pair is currently in a bullish phase, trading near its highest level in the past three weeks, just below the 1.2900 mark. This movement followed the easing of concerns about a broader conflict in the Middle East, after recent hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon did not escalate further. The reduction in geopolitical tensions has supported risk sentiment, helping GBP/USD to rise. Fundamental Analysis The recent rise in GBP/USD can be attributed to a combination of diminishing geopolitical risks and favorable technical positioning. On Thursday, the pair initially fell towards 1.2800 following positive economic data from the United States. Initial Jobless Claims in the U.S. decreased by 7,000, reaching 227,000, and retail sales for July increased by 1%, well above the expected 0.3%. This positive data temporarily strengthened the U.S. Dollar. However, with the improvement in risk sentiment throughout the day, GBP/USD regained momentum and closed in positive territory. The resilience of GBP/USD despite the positive U.S. data suggests an underlying bullish momentum driven by risk appetite. Looking ahead, the U.S. economic calendar includes data on housing starts and building permits for July, along with the preliminary Consumer Sentiment Index from the University of Michigan for August. Outlook The short-term direction for GBP/USD will likely be influenced by risk sentiment and potential profit-taking as the week comes to a close. A bullish opening on Wall Street could weaken the U.S. Dollar and support further gains in GBP/USD.
Short
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
2
USOIL AnalysisOil prices have surged on Monday, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East and potential disruptions in Libyan oil production. The recent uptick in violence between Israel and Hezbollah, coupled with ongoing drone attacks and bombings, has severely diminished the prospects of a Gaza ceasefire deal, pushing oil prices higher. Adding fuel to the fire, Libya is facing a significant disruption in oil production due to an internal political conflict between rival governments vying for control over the central bank. The sudden halt in production exacerbates supply concerns, contributing to the sharp rise in oil prices. The US Dollar Index (DXY) is struggling after a poor performance last week, influenced by Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's confirmation of an impending interest rate cut in September. However, markets may be overestimating the scale and pace of these cuts, which could have broader implications for the oil market if expectations are not met. Technical Analysis Oil is currently in a strong position at the start of the week. Despite fears of a sell-off from hedge funds, oil prices have rallied, potentially inviting more bullish positioning. The violence in the Middle East raises doubts about the feasibility of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, and any further escalation could drive prices even higher. On the technical front, WTI Crude Oil is trading around $77.07, while Brent Crude is at $80.44. A key resistance level is at $77.65, which aligns with both a descending trendline and the 200-day Simple Moving Average (SMA). A break above this level could see the 100-day SMA at $78.45 act as another potential rejection point. On the downside, support remains at $71.17, the low from August 5, which has provided a base for the current rebound. Should prices fall below $70.00, the next significant support levels to watch are $68.00 and $67.11, the latter being the lowest point from the triple bottom formation seen in June 2023.
TVC:USOILShort
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
1
EUR/USD dips as German business climate fallsThe euro is in negative territory on Monday. In the European session, EUR/USD is trading at 1.1156 at the time of writing, down 0.32% on the day. The euro posted strong gains on Friday, rising 0.73% and breaking above 1.12 for the first time since July 17. The markets got what they were looking for from Federal Reserve Chair Powell on Friday – an endorsement for a rate cut. Powell didn’t specify when the Fed would cut but said that the “time has come for policy to adjust”. Investors are ready for the Fed’s first rate cut in over four years at the Sept. 18 meeting. What is still up in the air is the size of the cut. Just one month ago, the odds of a 25-basis point cut stood at 88% and 12% for a cut of 50 bps, according to the CME’s FedWatch. Since then, the US economy has posted some weaker-than-expected data and the probability of a 25-bps reduction has fallen to 63.5% for a 25-bps cut vs. 36.5% for a 50 bps move. One key factor in the Fed’s decision will be the August jobs report on Sept. 6. A very weak report for July panicked investors that the US economy was hurtling towards a recession and financial markets were routed before bouncing back. Another weak jobs report could rattle investors and push the Fed to respond with a 50-bps cut. The expected September cut will mark the start of a new rate cycle for the Fed, which has maintained rates at 5.25%-5.50% for over a year. The Fed is expected to lower rates at least one more time this year and continue trimming into 2025. Germany’s Ifo Institute business climate sentiment index declined in August for a fourth consecutive time as the German economy continues to struggle. The index eased to 86.6, down from 87.0 but above the market estimate of 86.0. The survey’s manufacturing component dropped sharply and the services component also fell. EUR/USD is testing support at 1.1165. Below, there is support at 1.1130 1.1229 and 1.1264 are the next resistance lines
by OANDA
XAU/USD Above $2,500, But Is a Drop Coming?The gold price (XAU/USD) has maintained a solid position above the psychological support level of $2,500 at the start of the week. This increase is supported by growing expectations that the US Federal Reserve will begin lowering borrowing costs in September. From a short-term technical perspective, the gold price still suggests upside risks, especially if buyers maintain control above the triangle support, which was previously resistance, at $2,470. Technical Analysis The gold price recently confirmed a bullish breakout from a symmetrical triangle, indicating further gains. Gold buyers need to reclaim the all-time high of $2,532 to face the next key barrier at $2,600. If the gold price fails to sustain current levels, a correction could occur towards the $2,500 threshold. A sustained break below $2,485 would expose the market to further declines, down to the critical support at $2,470. Fundamental Factors The positive tone surrounding the gold price is mainly attributed to the sustained weakness of the US dollar and negative US Treasury yields, following dovish remarks by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell at the Jackson Hole Symposium. Powell clearly confirmed that the Fed's easing cycle will begin in September, signaling a possible rate reduction. The market currently sees a 38% probability of a 50 basis point rate cut and a 62% probability of a 25 basis point cut, as indicated by the CME Group's FedWatch Tool. In a low-interest-rate environment, gold, which does not yield interest, tends to benefit. Additionally, the precious metal, considered a safe haven, is capitalizing on escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly after Israel's preemptive airstrike on Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and the lack of an agreement in ceasefire talks in Cairo. Future Outlook With the support of favorable fundamental factors and a technical setup that favors buyers, the gold price remains exposed to upside risks. The next significant move could be driven by the US Durable Goods Orders data, expected later on Monday.
OANDA:XAUUSDShort
by Forex48_TradingAcademy
3
Is all this a coincidence? USD/JPY 1M chartUSD/JPY 1M chart; World trade was seriously affected by the very strong dollar. Therefore, due to the Plaza Agreement signed in 1985, the Japanese Yen started to appreciate significantly against the USD. Then it continued to appreciate due to the economic bubble that burst in the 90s. In 1998, there was a major collapse with the Asian Crisis. The Japanese Yen was positively affected by this situation. After the 2008 global crisis, the Fed's interest rate cut broke the support zone downwards and started its second move below the $100 level.
 After the earthquake and tsunami disaster in 2011, Japan launched a massive quantitative easing program, which was significantly bullish for the USD. Finally, Japan raised interest rates for the first time in 17 years, leading to a sharp fall in the markets. Was it a coincidence that the $160 level was tested for the first time in 34 years? #USDJPY #Forex #Economy
by ugurtash
Powell Says "We're Cutting Rates" - S&P Performance MixedA nice alignment comparing SPX, NDX, RUT with the Fed Funds Rate showing when the FED raises rates and cuts rates and how it impacts the indexes. 1995 Cut Cycle - S&P Higher 1998 Cut Cycle - S&P Higher 2001 Cut Cycle - S&P Lower 2007 Cut Cycle - S&P Lower 2019 Cut Cycle - S&P Higher (but after 30-40% COVID Crash) Nobody knows how this cycle will impact current markets, but we're about to find out. September 18 = 1st cut since 2019 (pre-COVID) and we've seen some impressive booms and busts since 2018. It's pretty remarkable really. The bull markets seem unhealthy, and the bear markets seem more violent and aggressive, but end sooner. How great or how nasty does it get? Let's figure it out and trade accordingly.
NASDAQ:NDX
by ChrisPulver
Recession After Fed Rate Cut?Are we heading toward recession? To answer this question, I'm pulling the recession prediction indicator based on GDP provided by FED (ticker:JHGDPBRINKDX) which is the purple color on the bottom chart. It shows that we are on fairly low probability of recession (around 4%) as of end of Aug 2024. The FED indicates it will cut rate on end of Sep 2024. However, if we look back of history of recession based on GDP indicated by FED data (ticker: JHDUSRGDPBR) which is the pink color. It shows that recession only happen right after FED cut rate as show by lime color (ticker:FEDFUNDS). It hard to believe that recession is caused by the FED cutting rate. Or the FED will only cut rate if we are heading toward recession? At least from the past history of rate cut we can see high chance of recession happening after the FED cut rate. And during the recession we can see that S&P500 are falling. So will there be another crash coming after Sep 2024? Please comments below.
SP:SPX
by danny_peanuts
1
Canadian dollar jumps on retail sales reboundThe Canadian dollar is showing some strength on Friday. In the North American session, USD/CAD is trading at 1.3532 at the time of writing, down 0.60% on the day. The Canadian dollar is at its highest level since early April and is poised to post its third winning week in a row. Canada’s retail sales report was a mix. In June, retail sales fell 0.3% m/m, confirming the initial estimate and following a May reading of -0.8%. However, the initial estimate for July jumped 0.6%, which would indicate a much-needed rebound in consumer spending. Retail sales were down 0.5% in the second quarter and 0.4% in Q1, which would mark the weakest two quarters since 2009, outside the covid pandemic. The spike in July is likely due to the Bank of Canada’s quarter-point rate cuts in June and July, bringing down the benchmark rate to 4.5%. The BoC is expected to continue to trim rates as inflation has eased and the labor market shows signs of decline. The annual Jackson Hole meeting has begun and the highlight of the summit will be today’s speech from the host, Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The markets are all ears, although it would not be a surprise if Powell’s speech is little more than a cautious acknowledgment that inflation is moving in the right direction and that the Fed is poised to cut at the Sept. 18 meeting. The markets have fully priced in a rate cut at next month’s meeting, with the odds at 71% for a 25-basis point cut and 29% for a 50-bps cut, according to CME’s FedWatch. There’s a strong chance that the Fed will deliver additional cuts before the end of the year, but recent employment data has been very weak and that could delay further rate cuts. The next employment report on Sept. 6 will be a key factor in determining the Fed’s rate path. USD/CAD has pushed below support at 1.3578 and is testing support at 1.3538. Below, there is support at 1.3478 There is resistance at 1.3628 and 1.3653
by OANDA
EURUSD / US Dollar Slips as Markets Brace for Powell’s SpeechUS Dollar Declines Early Friday as Markets Await Powell’s Speech Next Outlook: The market is currently navigating a crucial zone between 1.10820 and 1.11400. A break above or below this range will likely determine the next directional move. If the price stabilizes above 1.11410, it could signal a potential rally towards 1.12560. Conversely, if the price remains below 1.10820, we may see a decline towards 1.09150. Jerome Powell's upcoming speech is highly anticipated, as any mention of a rate cut could significantly impact market direction. Key Levels: - Pivot Line: 1.1100 - Resistance Levels: 1.11950, 1.12560, 1.1350 - Support Levels: 1.1080, 1.09960, 1.09150 The expected trading range for today is between 1.0900 and 1.12560.
Short
by SroshMayi
Russell may rock n’ roll on rate cut and soft landing hopesRussell 2000 futures sit on uptrend support, making Friday’s close important following Jerome Powell’s speech at Jackson Hole. To get excited about US small caps, you need a soft economic landing and lower borrowing costs given many of its constituents are unprofitable and reliant on capital markets. Given Powell will discuss rate cuts and flag confidence in the Fed’s ability to stick a soft landing, it comes across as recipe for upside. With the uptrend nearby, traders could initiate longs around these levels or even a touch lower with a stop loss below the level for protection. Should the price break 2186.4, there’s little in the way of visible resistance until the record highs. If the trade works in your favour, consider raising you stop to entry level or higher, providing a free hit on upside. Good luck! DS
CME_MINI:RTY1!Long
by FOREXcom
What does OIL (BRENT PETROL) mean for the world economy?#BRENT Oil (Petrol) 1W chart; What does oil mean for the world economy? Oil is critical to the world economy and is considered the basic energy source of modern industrial societies. And then there are the quarterbacks. Market makers, a term we hear a lot in the crypto space. These and similar important charts cannot be moved by ordinary people. They cannot afford it. Only the most important countries in the world can do it. So what usually happens when these charts come to trend breaks? While situations such as war, geopolitical tensions, chaos, finding a vaccine for an existing virus move the chart upwards, Situations such as viruses, recessions, economic depressions also move the chart downwards. Significant chart movements are only possible with these and similar news. Conscious or unconscious. If you think there is anything unconscious in the world, I can't say anything about it. The trend line in the middle is important. I have indicated the details of the important breaks and critical intersections on the chart. But there is one place I would like to draw your attention. Russia-Ukraine war; The chart is rising sharply with pre-decline gapped openings and momentum candles. What happens in the world in such a situation? Energy, industrial production costs, important basic services such as electricity, heating, transportation, raw material prices would increase. Global economic slowdowns. Geopolitical tensions increase. In short, inflation would be fueled. Just like the economic crisis that would be caused by a sharp fall in the oil prices of the countries that depend on oil for their economies. Then energy companies cannot make a profit. Labor prices would fall, companies would go bankrupt, unemployment would rise. In short... Inflation was deliberately and willfully fueled. Because it was time to start raising interest rates. The world was not ready for that yet. With the war, the chart went up 40% in 2 weeks. I am not talking about any coin in crypto, I am talking about the oil chart increasing 40% in such a short time. You all know the scenario afterwards. The top of the chart is where the red needle is. March 2022. The Fed has officially started the cycle of rate hikes with 25 basis points.
VELOCITY:BRENT
by ugurtash
Canadian dollar shrugs as Can. CPI drops to 3-year lowThe Canadian dollar is almost unchanged on Tuesday after posting gains over the past two days. In the North American session, USD/CAD is trading at 1.3636 at the time of writing. Canada’s headline CPI rose to 2.5% year-on-year in July, down from 2.7% in June and matching the market estimate. This marked the lowest annual inflation level since March 2021. Monthly, inflation rose to 0.4% in July following a decline in June of -0.1% and in line with the market estimate. The jump in the monthly report was driven by higher gasoline prices. Core CPI, which is more closely monitored by the Bank of Canada, also eased. The average of two of the Bank of Canada’s (BOC) core measures of inflation eased slightly to 2.55% year-on-year in July, compared to 2.7% in June. The decline in inflation is an encouraging sign for the BoC, which would like to continue trimming interest rates as the economy cools and also provide relief to homeowners who are struggling with high rates. The Bank of Canada meets on September 4 and is mindful that the Federal Reserve is almost certain to lower rates, perhaps by a half-point. This means that BoC policy makers don’t have to worry that another rate cut would hurt the Canadian dollar if the Fed follows suit with its own rate cut. The Federal Reserve will almost certainly lower rates at the September meeting, with uncertainty as to the size of the expected reduction. The probability of a 25-basis point cut stands at 75% and a 50 bps cut at 25%, according to the CME’s FedWatch. On Friday, Jerome Powell will address the Jackson Hole Symposium and could signal what the Fed has in store for next month’s meeting. USD/CAD tested support at 1.3614 earlier. Below, there is support at 1.3594 There is resistance at 1.3650 and 1.3670
by OANDA
Additional rebound in US30 remains possible US30 is showing a continuous uptrend as expectations for the US economy arise, along with the anticipation that Chairman Powell may provide clues about rate cuts at the Jackson Hole meeting. Goldman Sachs lowered its 12-month recession probability for the US economy from 25% to 20% following the release of July retail sales and jobless claims data. The current market consensus is that the August employment report will determine future US30 price movements. Morgan Stanley stressed that the report's outcome will be the real test for the market, warning that a report showing weak employment would reignite growth concerns. US30 quickly breached EMAs and continued its uptrend, rising above the trendline. The index needs an additional price trigger to retest its highs, but the current positive trend is expected to continue for the time being. If US30 sustains support above the trendline, the index may gain upward momentum toward the 41500 high. Conversely, if US30 is pushed below the trendline and fails to hold above EMAs, the price may break the 39300 support and fall further to the 38000 level.
DJ:DJI
by inkicho_exness
Fed’s Powell to Address Rate Cuts at Jackson Hole: What to KnowThe annual Jackson Hole Monetary Policy Symposium takes place this week. Jay Powell, head of the Federal Reserve, will step up to the podium on August 23 and shed light into the central bank’s interest rate-cut timeline. His words will echo around global markets and either propel stocks higher on rate-cut optimism or knock them down if the outlook turns gloomy in the lead-up to the Fed's rate-setting meeting on September 18. No in-between. The most exclusive retreat in central banking — the Jackson Hole Monetary Policy Symposium — is gathering top bankers, economists, financiers and other financial heavyweights for three days of idea swapping, hint dropping and market popping (hopefully.) What’s Jackson Hole? Every August, the top dogs in global finance trade their suits for some Wyoming flannel and gather at Jackson Hole. Hosted by the Kansas City Fed since 1978, this is the forum to brainstorm the future of monetary policy and send it out to traders ready to absorb every word. It’s like summer camp for the financial elite, except the campfire stories can crash markets or send them soaring. When the Fed Chair speaks here, the world listens. Major policy shifts have been telegraphed at Jackson Hole, from hints of rate hikes to the next round of quantitative easing. If you’re trading, you can’t afford to ignore what’s said — or not said — in these mountain-side discussions. Highlights from Past Forums 2010: Ben Bernanke, then Fed Chair, hinted at QE2, a measure to spur growth and keep prices steady through bond purchases, and the markets took off like a rocket. Were you long? Because it was a good time to be long. 2020: Jerome Powell unveiled a major shift in Fed policy towards average inflation targeting. The central bank was more inclined to tolerate inflation above the ideal 2% target before it started pumping interest rates. Expectations for This Week’s Gathering This week’s Fed event will be especially meaningful and consequential. The Fed boss is slated to present his keynote address on August 23. Jay Powell, the man who moves markets with a simple “Good afternoon,” has a lot to break down. Inflation has been going down recently. The latest figures show the consumer price index for July slipped under the 3% mark for the first time since 2021. Consumer spending remains resilient. The retail sales report, again for July, showed that the mighty American shopper upped spending by 1% , topping expectations. The labor market, however, got way off the beaten path. Just 114,000 new jobs were created in July. This is also what caused the global market shake-up that sent ripples through every asset class — from stocks to crypto and beyond. Against this economic backdrop, Jay Powell will be moving markets and making headlines as he delivers his remarks. Front and center is some sort of further confirmation of an expected interest rate cut — already communicated and most likely already priced in. The question now is not if, but by how much interest rates are getting trimmed. Analysts expect borrowing costs to go down either by 25 basis points or a bigger, juicier 50-basis-point cut. And here’s what each one of these means and what’s at stake. If the Fed chooses to cut rates down by 25bps, it risks not doing enough to prevent the economy from tipping into a recession. Higher rates for longer make it more difficult for businesses to borrow and drive growth. But if the Fed chooses to cut rates by too much — a jumbo 50bps cut — it runs the risk of reigniting inflation and, what’s even more, fueling another speculative bull run in the markets. Low rates make money less expensive as loans cost less. The expansive monetary policy measure of cutting interest rates aims to boost economic growth both on the business level and the consumer level. Companies take out loans to expand their operations, build new stuff and hire more workers. And the average consumer finds it easier to get a mortgage or buy a new car (or some Bitcoin ?). Overall, more money is spinning around, creating opportunity and offering liquidity for deals across markets. Brace yourselves as Jay Powell gets ready to drop some hints and prepare the audience for the Fed’s next meeting coming September 17-18. The markets may very well be heading into a rollercoaster few weeks as they try to predict the scale of interest rate cuts. Are you getting ready to pop a trade open this week? Share your thoughts and expectations below!
SP:SPX
by TradingView
8