Summary
The second most speculative topic in the financial markets is the pending, if not impending Fed Reserve rate decision four months from now. It was the most consistently active topic until dethroned by the Greek elections and the revival of the euro question two weeks ago. We will look at the current state of the U.S. economy in light of its bearing on the Fed decision. What are the current levels in the equities, currencies and bonds yields telling us? What have Fed officials been saying and how has it changed over the past several months. What is the likely impact of the world economic situation on the Fed decision? There does not seem to be a stable market consensus evident in the trading levels as to when the Fed will move. Commentators have largely chosen June or soon thereafter. Markets as yet, appear undecided. Join us for a thorough review of Fed policy.Latest Live Videos
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD: Yes, the US economy is resilient – No, that won’t save the US Dollar Premium
Some impressive US data should have resulted in a much stronger USD. Well, it didn’t happen. The EUR/USD pair closed a third consecutive week little changed, a handful of pips above the 1.1800 mark.
Gold: Metals remain vulnerable to broad market mood Premium
Gold (XAU/USD) started the week on a bullish note and climbed above $5,000 before declining sharply and erasing its weekly gains on Thursday, only to recover heading into the weekend.
GBP/USD: Pound Sterling remains below 1.3700 ahead of UK inflation test Premium
The Pound Sterling (GBP) failed to resist at higher levels against the US Dollar (USD), but buyers held their ground amid a US data-busy blockbuster week.
Bitcoin: BTC bears aren’t done yet
Bitcoin (BTC) price slips below $67,000 at the time of writing on Friday, remaining under pressure and extending losses of nearly 5% so far this week.
US Dollar: Big in Japan Premium
The US Dollar (USD) resumed its yearly downtrend this week, slipping back to two-week troughs just to bounce back a tad in the second half of the week.
Week ahead: Data blitz, Fed Minutes and RBNZ decision in the spotlight
US GDP and PCE inflation are main highlights, plus the Fed minutes. UK and Japan have busy calendars too with focus on CPI. Flash PMIs for February will also be doing the rounds. RBNZ meets, is unlikely to follow RBA’s hawkish path.