Fed's Barkin: Surge in demand put producers behind the curve in hiring

Eren Sengezer FXStreet

The US economy is likely to return to a trend growth level by the end of the year, Richmond Federal Reserve Bank President Thomas Barkin said on Friday, as reported by Reuters.

Additional takeaways

"Staffing is a somewhat surprising supply-side challenge."

"The drop in participation, the surge in retirees, benefits are constraining the labor supply."

"Jobs report shows frictional challenge matching available workers to jobs."

"Surge in demand put producers behind the curve in hiring."

"Inflation will occur this year but businesses are not shifting medium-term pricing plans."

"The issue is not on the demand side but the supply side of workers matched to jobs."

Market reaction

The US Dollar Index showed no immediate reaction to these comments and was last seen losing 0.32% on a daily basis at 90.60.

Author

Eren Sengezer

FXStreet

As an economist at heart, Eren Sengezer specializes in the assessment of the short-term and long-term impacts of macroeconomic data, central bank policies and political developments on financial assets.

EUR/USD recovers further from one-month low set on Friday, eyes mid-1.1800s on weaker USD

The EUR/USD pair is seen building on Friday's late recovery from the 1.1750-1.1740 region, or a nearly one-month trough, and gaining some follow-through positive traction at the start of a new week. The momentum lifts spot prices to the 1.1835 area during the Asian session and is sponsored by a broadly weaker US Dollar.

GBP/USD gathers strength above 1.3500 amid tariff confusion

The GBP/USD pair gains traction to around 1.3520 during the early Asian session on Monday. The US Dollar faces some selling pressure against the Cable as tariff uncertainty lingers. Traders will take more cues from the US Producer Price Index report for January, which will be published later on Friday.

Gold rallies above $5,150 as Trump’s tariffs boost haven demand

Gold price extends the rally above $5,150 in the Asian session on Monday. The precious metal extends the rally amid US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and uncertainty, which boost safe-haven flows. US-Iran geopolitical risks also linger, supporting the Gold price upside.

Week ahead: Markets brace for heightened volatility as event risk dominates

Dollar strength dominates markets as risk appetite remains subdued. A Supreme Court ruling, geopolitics and Fed developments are in focus. Pivotal Nvidia earnings on Wednesday as investors question tech sector weakness. Yen and aussie diverge; both pound and euro could recoup their losses.

Liberation day take two, the tariff machine just changed gears

Let me caveat this from the outset. What we are watching is first-order mechanics, not the grand macro endgame. This is the market’s immediate reflex to a 15% Trump tariff levy dressed up as judicial drama. The Supreme Court blocked Trump tarrif hammer. The White House came back with a scalpel.

Ripple bulls defend key support amid waning retail demand and ETF inflows

XRP ticks up above $1.40 support, but waning retail demand suggests caution. XRP attracts $4 million in spot ETF inflows on Thursday, signaling renewed institutional investor interest.