Will the Fed be Finally Convinced to Slash Rates? [Video]

The dollar weakened last week after a deluge of disappointing data like the ISM and the NFP while safe-havens gained as investors nervously await U.S.-China talks this week for signs of whether the two sides can de-escalate or end their simmering trade war. The streak of weak U.S. data has meanwhile put more pressure on the Federal Reserve to slash rates sooner rather than later so investors will be closely monitoring the release of the latest FOMC minutes this Wednesday. 

Markets Turn Red as Optimism Fades

Global bourses pushed in negative territory today amid broader fears that the U.S. and China will fail to resolve their trade differences while a fresh wave of violent incidents in Hong Kong weighed on Asian Markets. In Europe major indices opened on a bearish note this morning as traders search for hints on the direction of Brexit and U.S.-China trade talks. On the Brexit front, markets are also uncertain as there is no resolution in sight ahead of the Oct 31st deadline. 

Brexit: What’s Happening? 

British negotiators will be given another chance today to explain their Brexit plan, while President Emmanuel Macron of France said he had given Boris Johnson, Britain’s prime minister, until this Friday to come up with a totally revised plan — emphasizing that the current one is unacceptable.

USD Subdued on Weak Data and Impeachment Investigation

The dollar remains subdued on weak data, deflated hopes of a U.S./China agreement and mounting pressure on U.S. President Donald Trump during a fresh impeachment investigation. The number of “whistle-blowers” has also increased to two after a second intelligence official with “firsthand knowledge” provided information related to President Trump’s dealings in Ukraine, according to the legal team now representing both whistle-blowers. The lawyers said their new client, whose identity is not known, had grown alarmed by the president’s behaviour and was among those interviewed to corroborate the allegations of the first whistle-blower.

Will CAD Slip to Fresh Lows? 

The Canadian dollar is rounding up the week with unemployment numbers and might show another bearish round, especially with as oil prices continue to dip lower. Oil prices extended last week’s heavy losses, with traders fearing the global economic slowdown will weigh on future oil demand growth while pegging hopes for a rebound on progress in talks this week on ending the U.S.-China trade war.