Intro
The dollar was back to its usual dominance in the past week, concluded by a positive Non-Farm Payroll figure last Friday. The yen also picked up the bullish momentum it began last week. It will probably be a volatile week with the release of four interest rate decisions.
Let’s explore whether our latest market news report reveals notable technical and fundamental changes in the major forex pairs.
Market Overview
Here is a brief fundamental and technical breakdown for all major currencies.
US Dollar (DXY): Bearish
The Fed recently cut the interest rate by 25 basis points (bps) from 5.00% to 4.75%, emphasizing that inflation is moving towards the 2% target but is still slightly elevated. Keep an eye on the new inflation rate on Wednesday.
October’s labour data was down, mainly due to the impact of US hurricanes and labour disputes with Boeing.
While some mildly positive economic data exists, the bearish bias remains for USD, with short-term interest rate (STIR) market pricing indicating an 88% chance (up from 67%) chance of a 25 bps cut this week. Furthermore, last Friday’s NFP print suggested that there is nothing to stop the Fed from cutting rates.
The big takeaway is that the Fed will see how fast/far they should cut rates. December 6’s jobs data indicates that CPI this week will be important and closely watched by markets.
Euro (EUR): Bearish
The European Central Bank (ECB) cut the interest rate last month. However, they remain data-dependent on what to do in the future.
According to data, there is a 87% chance of a rate cut on Thursday (also backed by the ECB’s Stournaras).
The latest rate cut and the avoidance of indicating a clear future move for the December meeting are among the key down-trending factors. However, any improvements in economic data (according to the ECB) would be a turnaround.
The threat of a fresh trade tariff with Trump is hugely influential and may cause the euro to be sold off on tariff fears.
Other contributing factors to a pressured euro are bumpy French politics and the prospect of a German snap election.
British Pound (GBP): Bearish
The Bank of England (BoE) recently cut the bank rate from 5% to 4.75% as anticipated. The language indicates they need to be restrictive and a “gradual approach” to policy easing. Governor Bailey also highlighted that rates will probably be brought down cautiously. Furthermore, he forecasted four rate cuts in 2025, which is a tad bit more dovish than market pricing.
A big miss in the GDP print on Friday could be enough to send the GBP lower this week. However, inflation data remains crucial.
Japanese Yen (JPY): Bullish
Last week, BOJ backed up this sentiment by saying that keeping real interest rates too long for too long would lead to higher inflation, which is a hawkish suggestion.
The BoJ’s tightening stance and inflationary pressures give the yen a bullish sentiment. The central bank wishes to avoid further JPY weakness, with Finance Minister Kato warning against ‘excessive FX moves.’
We should also keep an eye on US Treasury yields, as rising yields could derail JPY upside. Conversely, any declines in US yields would likely provide a major boost to the yen.
Australian dollar (AUD): Neutral
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) recently kept its interest rate unchanged, marking the eighth consecutive hold. They emphasised that policy will remain restrictive until inflation moves toward its target. The RBA also lowered its GDP forecasts while the labour market remains tight.
While the RBA suggests that rate hikes won’t be necessary going forward, it hasn’t ruled anything out. Governor Bullock recently mentioned that they would act if the economy dropped more than desired.
It’s crucial to be data-dependent on the Aussie, especially with core inflation as the RBA’s key focus area. Also, the Australian dollar is procyclical, with particular exposure to China’s geopolitics. Trump’s recent win in the US election means the prospect of trade tariffs with China has increased (potentially causing headwinds for AUD).
New Zealand dollar (NZD): Bearish
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) cut its interest by 50 bps to 4.25% as expected last week, the same as in October. It also signalled further reductions for early next week while remaining confident that inflation will stay in the target zone. However, risks of increased inflation volatility and relative price unpredictability remain.
Governor Orr indicated in the last RBNZ meeting that a 50 bps cut in February 2025 is possible. So, we can rule out a rate hike, more so with potential trade tariff issues between China and the United States. These can cause headwinds for NZD and AUD.
Canadian dollar (CAD): Bearish
The Bank of Canada (BoC) unsurprisingly delivered a 50 bps cut in October. Further cuts remain on the cards, with the long-term target being 3%. Markets indicate a likelihood of a cut on Wednesday (maybe another 50 bps).
The BoC is signalling victory over inflation due to the cuts, with Governor Macklem suggesting that they would probably cut further until they achieve the optimal low inflation. In their words, ‘stick the landing.’ Overall, the bias remains bearish – expect strong rallies in CAD to find sellers.
Expectations of a rate cut remain the focal point, with STIR markets indicating a 68% chance of a 50 bps cut in December. The Bank of Canada has recognised the lower economic growth, and Macklem wishes to see this improve. Furthermore, any big misses in upcoming GBP, inflation, and labour data would send CAD lower.
Still, encouraging oil prices and general economic data improvement would save the Canadian dollar’s blushes – the opposite is true.
Swiss Franc (CHF): Bearish
STIR markets were, as usual, correct in their 43% chance of a 25 bps rate cut (from 1.25% to 1%) in the Sept. 26 meeting. The Swiss National (SNB) also indicated its preparedness to intervene in the FX market and further rate cuts in the coming quarters. STIR pricing indicates a 57% chance of a 50 bps cut on Thursday.
The October CPI was weak at 0.6% (another poor result as it was for September). Finally, the central bank’s new Chair (Schlegel) said they “cannot rule out negative rates,” further stating that the SNB would be ready to implement this if needed.
Still, the Swiss franc can strengthen during geopolitical tensions like a worsening Middle East crisis.
The bearish sentiment remains after the last SNB meeting, while inflation is being tamed with lower revisions. We should also remember that the SNB’s intervention prevents the appreciation of the Swiss franc.
The new chairman is more keen to cut rates than his predecessor, Jordan. The SNB aims for neutral rates between 0 and 0.50% (currently at 1%).
