|

USD mixed versus majors as markets hold ranges – Scotiabank

The US Dollar (USD) is trading mixed to a little higher overall. Trading remains relatively quiet and movement in the major currencies remains largely confined to recent ranges, Scotiabank's Chief FX Strategist Shaun Osborne notes.

Markets are waiting for tariff news

"Stocks are trading mostly higher while bond markets are firmer; US 10Y yields are 2-3bps lower but Treasurys are lagging European bonds following the release of soft Eurozone GDP data. The Fed left its policy rate on hold yesterday and no-one was surprised. The policy statement did read a little hawkish on the face of it, with the reference to making progress towards the 2% inflation goal removed. "

"The Fed also said that unemployment had stabilized while the labor market remained solid. Markets moved a little on the apparent hawkish tilt implied by the dropped reference to inflation but Chair Powell downplayed the change, saying policymakers were just cleaning up the statement’s language. Regardless, a period of steady policy at least seems likely as the Fed sits back and assesses the economy and developments—including the Trump team’s plans—and the window for lower US rates this year appears to have narrowed a little."

"Powell noted there was no need to hurry on policy adjustment. It’s month end but that is not generating a lot of market interest, on the face of it. Markets may hold in ranges ahead of the weekend as investors await for news on whether the US will slap tariffs on Canada and Mexico."

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.