|

Fed's Bostic: Interest rate cut likely in Q4

Atlanta Federal Reserve President Raphael Bostic said on Thursday that an interest rate cut in the fourth quarter was likely, with inflation moving in the right direction, per Reuters.

Key takeaways

"Penciled in four quarter-percentage-point rate cuts for 2025, Fed is on a long term arc."

"Want to be absolutely certain inflation will return to 2% before an initial cut that should be seen as the first in a series; that is a reason for patience."

"Inflation remains chief concern, businesses say they see no cliff' ahead for the job market."

"Fed can achieve 2% inflation with a job market that remains tight by historical standards."

"Service businesses say pricing power is eroding."

"Housing costs are a frontline conversation, though he remains confident shelter inflation will fall back into line."

"Labor market is loosening but it's not loose."

"GDP and job market data point to orderly deceleration in activity that will balance supply and demand, lower inflation."

Market reaction

These comments failed to trigger a noticeable reaction in the US Dollar (USD). At the time of press, the USD Index was down 0.26% on the day at 105.77.

Author

Eren Sengezer

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.

More from Eren Sengezer
Share:

Editor's Picks

GBP/USD defends 1.3300 after strong UK PMI data

Following Thursday's sharp decline, GBP/USD clings to small gains above 1.3300 in the American session on Friday, supported by the upbeat UK Retail Sales and July PMI data. Nevertheless, the pair's upside remains capped as investors cling to a cautious stance amid a further escalation of tensions in the Middle East. The US July PMI data failed to trigger relevant price action.

EUR/USD remains below 1.1400 after mixed US PMIs

EUR/USD pressures daily lows below the 1.1400 mark in the American session on Friday. Mixed S&P Global PMIs, as manufacturing output contracted while services activity expanded in July, triggered no relevant market reaction. The focus remains in Middle East developments and inflation-related concerns.

Gold holds above $4,050 but momentum still missing

Gold builds on its modest intraday bounce and climbs above the $4,050 level on Friday, hitting a fresh daily high amid a modest US Dollar pullback. The fundamental backdrop, however, warrants some caution before confirming that the pullback from an over two-week high, touched on Wednesday, has run its course and positioning for any meaningful upside.

Ethereum: Derivatives interest in ETH improves, but signs of caution remain

Ethereum is hovering slightly below the $1,900 level, down 3% on Thursday following a slight expansion in derivatives interest. The top altcoin's open interest has increased to 14.60 million ETH, marking a 600K ETH increase over the past two days and its highest level since June 7.

XRP retreats as ETF interest cools
Ripple (XRP) slides toward the short-term $1.10 support on Friday, as broader crypto market sentiment weighs on crypto assets. The sell-off mainly stems from fears of inflation in the United States (US) amid the ongoing war in the Middle East and rising Oil prices.
US Dollar mid-year outlook: Exceptional currency, exceptional risks?
The US Dollar enters the second half of 2026 in a markedly different position from a year ago. The King currency has recovered, reflecting persistent US inflation, changing expectations for Fed policy, geopolitical tensions and renewed demand for defensive assets.