Fed Rate Cut Calls, Would NFP Tilt The Odds?
The latest data for the U.S. ISM Manufacturing PMI, released on August 1, 2024, shows a decline to 46.8, down from 48.5 in June. This marks the sixth consecutive month of contraction (a reading below 50) and remains well below the historical average of 52.88. On July, the Bank of Canada (BoC) announced a 25-basis-point cut in its benchmark interest rate, reducing it to 4.5%. This was the second consecutive rate cut, following a similar move in June. The latest ADP Nonfarm Employment Change for..
Fed Pressured: Will CPI Data Fuels Calls for Rate Cuts？
The U.S Producer Price Index (PPI) for June showed a month-over-month increase of 0.2%, which was slightly above market expectations of 0.1%. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) recently kept its Official Cash Rate (OCR) unchanged at 5.50% during its last meeting on July 2024, which was consistent with market expectations. As of June 2024, the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed a modest increase of 3.0% year-over-year, weaker than market expectation and previous reading of 3.1% and 3.3%..
KVB Market Analysis | 2 August: Japanese Yen Rallies as BoJ Surprises with Hawkish Moves, Eyes Set on USD/JPY Support Levels
The Japanese Yen strengthened against the US Dollar after the Bank of Japan's hawkish policy move, raising rates by 15 basis points and reducing bond purchases. Japan's Ministry of Finance also spent ¥5.53 trillion ($36.8 billion) in July to stabilize the Yen. Meanwhile, the US Dollar weakened as the Federal Reserve maintained interest rates. Traders now await US economic data, including the ISM Manufacturing PMI and Initial Jobless Claims, for further guidance.
Market Remains Hopeful On Rate Cut? All Eyes On PCE!
According to the U.S. Conference Board, consumer sentiment in the U.S. improved in May, with the CB Consumer Confidence Index rising to 102 from 97.5 in April. The U.S GDP grew by 1.3% in Q1 2024, a notable drop from the 3.4% growth rate in Q4 2023. This decline was primarily due to downward revisions in consumer spending, private inventory investment, and federal government spending. The UK's GDP for Q1 2024 showed a quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) increase of 0.6%, surpassing the forecast of 0.4%.
