|

USD mixed ahead of key BLS payroll revisions – BBH

The US Dollar (USD) is trading mixed as investors await the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ benchmark revisions, which could slash reported payroll growth by as much as 700k over the past year. A sharper downgrade would reinforce expectations of aggressive Fed rate cuts, with markets pricing 140bps of easing over the next twelve months, BBH FX analysts report.

Fed’s focus on jobs signals scope for deeper easing

"USD is mixed and trading in line with narrowing US-G6 rate differentials. Ultimately, a more dovish Fed policy stance can drag USD to new cyclical lows. We expect the Fed to prioritize maximum employment over price stability within its dual mandate given that monetary policy is moderately restrictive."

"Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will release the preliminary benchmark revisions to net payroll growth for the 12 months ended in March 2025 (3:00pm London, 10:00am New York). Analysts estimates that monthly job creation will be reduced by an average of about 58k a month (or 700k annually), compared with the average monthly gain of 149k currently reported."

"A larger downward revision to payroll growth would raise concerns about the US labor market and lift Fed funds rate cut bets against USD. Futures price in nearly 75bps of rate cuts by year-end and 140bps of easing in the next twelve months."

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 moves sideways below 1.1800 on Christmas Eve

EUR/USD struggles to find direction and trades in a narrow channel below 1.1800 after posting gains for two consecutive days. Bond and stock markets in the US will open at the usual time and close early on Christmas Eve, allowing the trading action to remain subdued. 

GBP/USD keeps range around 1.3500 amid quiet markets

GBP/USD keeps its range trade intact at around 1.3500 on Wednesday. The Pound Sterling holds the upper hand over the US Dollar amid pre-Christmas light trading as traders move to the sidelines heading into the holiday season. 

Gold retreats from record highs, trades below $4,500

Gold retreats after setting a new record-high above $4,520 earlier in the day and trades in a tight range below $4,500 as trading volumes thin out ahead of the Christmas break. The US Dollar selling bias remains unabated on the back of dovish Fed expectations, which continues to act as a tailwind for the bullion amid persistent geopolitical risks.

Bitcoin slips below $87,000 as ETF outflows intensify, whale participation declines

Bitcoin price continues to trade around $86,770 on Wednesday, after failing to break above the $90,000 resistance. US-listed spot ETFs record an outflow of $188.64 million on Tuesday, marking the fourth consecutive day of withdrawals.

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.

Avalanche struggles near $12 as Grayscale files updated form for ETF

Avalanche trades close to $12 by press time on Wednesday, extending the nearly 2% drop from the previous day. Grayscale filed an updated form to convert its Avalanche-focused Trust into an ETF with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.