|

US inflation expectations remain weak as markets brace for Fed meeting

Having witnessed immense volatility in the last few days, the global markets portray the much-needed inaction while depicting the traders’ cautious mood ahead of the next week’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) monetary policy meeting. Even so, the recently downbeat US inflation expectations and financial market turmoil seem to favor the risk-on mood while also probing the US Dollar.

It should, however, be noted that the Fed fund futures recently bolster the case of the US central bank’s 0.25% rate hike in the next week’s FOMC.

That said, the US inflation expectations per the 10-year and 5-year breakeven inflation rates from the St. Louis Federal Reserve (FRED) remain pressured around the multi-day low and challenge the policy hawks, as well as the US Dollar bulls, of late.

The 10-year breakeven from the FRED data dropped to a fresh six-week low of 2.22% by the end of Thursday’s North American trading session during a two-day downtrend. However, the two-year counterpart revisits the week-start of 2.26%, previously poked in early February, while dropping for the second consecutive day.

To confirm the latest weakness in the US inflation expectations, the traders might wait for Friday’s UoM 5-year Consumer Inflation Expectations for March, 2.9% prior, which in turn could confirm the Fed’s 0.25% rate hike and propel the US Dollar in case of upbeat readings.

Also read: Forex Today: Unexpected consolidation, DXY drops as risk sentiment improves

Author

Anil Panchal

Anil Panchal

FXStreet

Anil Panchal has nearly 15 years of experience in tracking financial markets. With a keen interest in macroeconomics, Anil aptly tracks global news/updates and stays well-informed about the global financial moves and their implications.

More from Anil Panchal
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 recovers to 1.1750 region as 2025 draws to a close

Following the bearish action seen in the European session on Wednesday, EUR/USD regains its traction and recovery to the 1.1750 region. Nevertheless, the pair's volatility remains low as trading conditions thin out on the last day of the year.

GBP/USD stays weak near 1.3450 on modest USD recovery

GBP/USD remains under modest beairsh pressure and fluctuates at around 1.3450 on Wednesday. The US Dollar finds fresh demand due to the end-of-the-year position adjustments, weighing on the pair amid the pre-New Year trading lull. 

Gold retreats to $4,300 area, looks to post monthly gains

Gold stays on the back foot on the last day of 2025 and trades near $4,300, possibly pressured by profit-taking and position adjustments. Nevertheless, XAU/USD remains on track to post gains for December and extend its winning streak into a fifth consecutive month.

Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP prepare for a potential New Year rebound

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple are holding steady on Wednesday after recording minor gains on the previous day. Technically, Bitcoin could extend gains within a triangle pattern while Ethereum and Ripple face critical overhead resistance. 

Economic outlook 2026-2027 in advanced countries: Solidity test

After a year marked by global economic resilience and ending on a note of optimism, 2026 looks promising and could be a year of solid economic performance. In our baseline scenario, we expect most of the supportive factors at work in 2025 to continue to play a role in 2026.

Crypto market outlook for 2026

Year 2025 was volatile, as crypto often is.  Among positive catalysts were favourable regulatory changes in the U.S., rise of Digital Asset Treasuries (DAT), adoption of AI and tokenization of Real-World-Assets (RWA).