Investors are watching closely: Will the Fed deliver a hawkish signal, or hint at dovish options?

Important News for the day

• Wed., 18th, 08:00 CET UK Consumer Price Index.

• Wed, 18th, 14:30 CET US Unemployment Claims.

• Wed, 18th, 20:00 CET US Federal Funds Rate.

• Wed, 18th 20:30 CET US FOMC Press Conference.

TikTok US

The social media platform TikTok can still be used in the USA. For the third time, the US government has extended the use of the platform by a further  90 days. US President Trump will sign a decree in the next few days that will allow the Chinese company Bytedance to continue offering its services to US customers. It is alleged that the Chinese government has access to users' data and can therefore spy on American citizens. The US government continues to claim that the platform must be sold to a US company to prevent its use from being banned in the future.

Market talk

The strength of the Dollar seems to continue. Today’s FOMC interest rate decision might offer more momentum for the Greenback if rates are not being cut. The Dollar could gear up steam causing the GBP and AUD in particular to weaken. This might in turn also cause equities to push lower. The Nasdaq index might face negative momentum due to the potentially stronger USD. Furthermore, markets and hence valuations have been rising already quite substantially so far this after the recent correction earlier on. Worth noting that oil prices continue to push higher again and so does the
Silver market. The rising demand could hence also be a sign of fresh strength in the economy in general.

Tendencies in the markets

• Equities sideways, USD stronger, Bitcoin sideways, ETH sideways, oil positive, Silver positive, Gold weaker, JPY weak.