|

First Fed rate cut in June becoming less likely – Commerzbank

The release of more stellar US jobs data in the form of March Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP), has further reduced the chances of the Federal Reserve (Fed) making a first interest-rate cut in June, according to economists at Commerzbank. 

Rate cut in first half of 2024 increasingly unlikely 

“The US labor market has once again exceeded expectations.”

“The downright astonishing strength of the labor market makes a first rate cut by the Fed already in the first half of the year increasingly unlikely.”

“Fed Chair Powell regularly points out that the imbalance between supply and demand in the labor market is gradually reducing, which lowers the risk of inflation. However, the new figures do not really support this theory, as job growth has been on the rise again since fall 2023. This indicates that the economy remains very robust. There is therefore no need to rush to cut key interest rates - a narrow majority of Fed members recently still expected three rate cuts later in the year.”

“Consumer price data for March will be published next week. Once again, we expect prices to rise a little too strongly for the Fed's liking.”

“All in all, a first rate cut at the June meeting, which we still expect, is becoming less likely. The timing of the first cut is likely to be determined primarily by the further development of inflation.”

Author

FXStreet Insights Team

The FXStreet Insights Team is a group of journalists that handpicks selected market observations published by renowned experts. The content includes notes by commercial as well as additional insights by internal and external analysts.

More from FXStreet Insights Team
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD falls toward 1.1700 on broad USD recovery

EUR/USD turns south and declines toward 1.1700 on Wednesday. The US Dollar gathers recovery momentum and forces the pair to stay on the back foor, as traders look to USD short-covering ahead of US inflation report on Thursday. However, the downside could be capped by hawkish ECB expectations. 

GBP/USD trades deep in red below 1.3350 after soft UK inflation data

GBP/USD stays under strong selling pressure midweek and trades below 1.3350. The UK annual headline and core CPI rose by 3.2% each, missing estimates of 3.5% and 3.4%, respectively, reaffirming dovish BoE expectations and smashing the Pound Sterling across the board ahead of Thurday's BoE policy announcements. 

Gold clings to moderate daily gains above $4,300

Following Tuesday's volatile action, Gold regains its traction on Wednesday and trades in positive territory above $4,300. While the buildup in the USD recovery momentum caps XAU/USD's upside, the cautious market stance helps the pair hold its ground.

Bitcoin risks deeper correction as ETF outflows mount, derivative traders stay on the sidelines

Bitcoin (BTC) remains under pressure, trading below $87,000 on Wednesday, nearing a key support level. A decisive daily close below this zone could open the door to a deeper correction.

Monetary policy: Three central banks, three decisions, the same caution

While the Fed eased its monetary policy on 10 December for the third consecutive FOMC meeting, without making any guarantees about future action, the BoE, the ECB and the BoJ are holding their respective meetings this week. 

AAVE slips below $186 as bearish signals outweigh the SEC investigation closure

Aave (AAVE) price continues its decline, trading below $186 at the time of writing on Wednesday after a rejection at the key resistance zone. Derivatives positioning and momentum indicators suggest that bearish forces still dominate in the near term.