|

US Dollar losing the grip near 89.00, ISM eyed

  • USD fades post-FOMC spike.
  • Fed ready to hike rates in March.
  • ISM manufacturing next of relevance.

The greenback, in terms of the US Dollar Index, has given back initial gains recorded in the wake of the FOMC meeting and is now retreating towards the 89.00 neighbourhood.

US Dollar now looks to ISM

The index remains depressed and still unable to gather some credible traction in spite of the recent hawkish twist seen from the Federal Reserve at yesterday’s meeting.

In fact, in what was the latest meeting presided by Janet Yellen, the Committee now sees consumer prices advancing further throughout this year, while growth risks stay roughly balance for the time being. However, members now signalled that further rate hikes are warranted and market participants are now expecting three extra rate hikes this year at the March, June and December meetings.

The prospects of further tightening did nothing to curb the pessimism around the buck, which remains anchored around the 89.00 handle and now looks to the critical US ISM manufacturing for some direction, at least in the near term.

US Dollar relevant levels

As of writing the index is retreating 0.08% at 89.06 and a break below 88.81 (low Jan.31) would open the door to 88.42 (2018 low Jan.25) and finally 87.64 (low Dec.16 2014). On the flip side, the next up barrier lines up at 90.70 (high Jan.22) followed by 90.98 (high Jan.18) and then 92.64 (high Jan.9).

Author

Pablo Piovano

Born and bred in Argentina, Pablo has been carrying on with his passion for FX markets and trading since his first college years.

More from Pablo Piovano
Share:

Editor's Picks

GBP/USD bounces off lows, back above 1.3200

After bottoming out near 1.3160, GBP/USD manages to regain a bit of shine and reclaim the 1.3200 mark and beyond at the end of the week. Stronger-than-expected UK Retail Sales data seem to be helping the British Pound limit its losses, while the chaotic UK political environment keeps the bulls at bay for now.

EUR/USD looks consolidative around 1.1460

EUR/USD stages a modest rebound after slipping to a three-month low below 1.1420 at the end of the week. That said, the pair now looks to consolidate humble gains just above 1.1460 despite growing uncertainty surrounding the next round of US-Iran negotiations, which keeps the US Dollar’s downside contained.

Gold slips back to six-day lows, targets $4,100

Gold retreats for the third consecutive day on Friday, eroding gains seen in the first half of the week and approaching the key $4,100 mark per troy ounce. Indeed, the precious metal continues to face headwinds from the Fed's hawkish stance and renewed uncertainty surrounding the next round of US-Iran negotiations.

Breaking: Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz amid ceasefire deal violation
Iran says it is closing the Strait of Hormuz after accusing the United States (US) and Israel of violating the ceasefire. According to Iran, the decision came over the continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy issued a warning to all vessels: "Do not approach the Strait of Hormuz; otherwise, your security will be jeopardized."
The Iran war didn't break the US economy, but what happens next?

Nearly four months after the start of the Iran war, the US economy remains remarkably resilient. While the conflict initially triggered a severe disruption to global energy markets and a sharp rise in Oil prices, recent diplomatic progress between Washington and Tehran has eased concerns about a prolonged supply shock.

Regime change: Inside Kevin Warsh's first move to make the Fed unreadable on purpose

The rate did not move. That was the least interesting thing about Kevin Warsh's first meeting in charge of the Fed. The FOMC held its benchmark at 3.50%-3.75% for the fourth straight meeting, exactly as priced, and then the new chair used his first press conference to dismantle the machinery the market has leaned on for a decade.