|

US: Chicago Fed National Activity Index drops to -0.19 in February vs. 0 expected

  • Chicago Fed National Activity Index declined more than expected in February.
  • The US Dollar Index recovers toward 102.50 after the data.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's National Activity Index (CFNAI) declined to -0.19 in February from 0.23 in January. This reading came in weaker than the market expectation of 0.

"The CFNAI Diffusion Index, which is also a three-month moving average, moved up to +0.02 in February from –0.07 in January," the Chicago Fed noted in its publication. "Thirty-eight of the 85 individual indicators made positive contributions to the CFNAI in February, while 47 made negative contributions."

Market reaction

The US Dollar Index stages a modest rebound in the early American session and was last seen losing 0.12% on the day at 102.40.

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

AUD/USD holds firm near 0.7000 after Chinese inflation, trade data

AUD/USD stays firm near 0.7000 in Wednesday’s Asian session, picking up some bids after China's mixed inflation and upbeat trade data. CPI rose less than expected in September, while PPI inflation picked up. Meanwhile, the Chinese trade surplus unexpectedly widened in September. The pair remains underpinned by a broadly subdued US Dollar, despite the Middle East escalation, as focus remains on US CPI data.

USD/JPY consolidates near 158.50; looks to US CPI for fresh impetus

USD/JPY stays range-bound near 158.50 in the Asian session on Wednesday, with looming intervention risks supporting the Japanese Yen and capping upside amid a softer US Dollar. However, geopolitical uncertainties act as a tailwind for the safe-haven USD and the pair. Traders also seem hesitant ahead of the release of the latest US inflation figures.

Gold looks to $4100 and US CPI inflation amid geopolitical risks

Gold falls for the third straight day on Wednesday, as the recent recovery falters ahead of US inflation. US Dollar pauses correction amid rising Oil prices and stabilizing US Treasury bond yields. The daily bearish RSI remains a headwind for Gold buyers, with $4,100 seen at risk.

Bitcoin eyes $85,000; ETH holds support, XRP stabilizes
Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Ripple (XRP) show signs of recovery on Wednesday as buyers try to regain control after their recent market weakness. BTC extends its rebound toward the $85,000 resistance, while ETH and XRP find support around key levels.
What happens after a US Treasury market crash
The global bond market is under severe pressure as US Treasury yields reach multi-decade highs, driven by persistent inflation risk, heavy government and corporate debt issuance, and expanding term premiums. Higher yields raise borrowing costs and tighten financial conditions, but a severe bond selloff can ultimately shift investor focus from inflation to growth and financial stability.
Has Bitcoin really escaped the macro forces it was built to fight?
Over 17 years ago, Satoshi Nakamoto designed Bitcoin (BTC) on the back of a global financial crisis as an alternative to the global monetary system outside the control of central banks, governments and traditional intermediaries. This raises a key question: has Bitcoin really become independent of the macroeconomic forces it was built to challenge?