Recession Now Well Underway The yield curve is now fully inverted after reaching EXTREME levels. With that, we can conclude the recession has officially contaminated the financial sector.
Soon (likely before year end) we will see a significant selloff in equities.
Suggest: sell stocks & buy US Treasury Bonds.
Inflation
AUD/USD rises to eight-month high, RBA nextThe Australian dollar has started the week with gains. AUD/USD touched a high of 0.6850, its highest level this year. In the North American session, the Australian dollar is trading at 0.6842, up 0.51% on the day.
The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to maintain the cash rate at 4.35% at Tuesday’s meeting. The RBA has held rates since November, making it an outlier among the major central banks, most of which have lowered interest rates. Underlying inflation is at 3.9%, much higher than the target of between 2% and 3%. Australia releases August CPI on Wednesday, with headline CPI expected to fall to 2.8%, compared to 3.5% in July.
The RBA was more cautious than other central banks during the rate-tightening cycle and its cash rate peaked one percent below the Federal Reserve. The flip side is that the RBA has been less aggressive as far as cutting rates and Governor Bullock has said that there are no plans to cut before February 2025.
The RBA’s rate hikes have chilled economic growth as consumption has fallen sharply and GDP grew by only 1% in the second quarter. Still, the labor market has remained robust and unemployment is at 4.2%, as large-scale immigration has boosted the economy and helped avoid a recession.
In the US, today’s PMIs had no impact on AUD/USD. The manufacturing PMI slipped to 47.0 in September, down from 47.9 in August and well off the market estimate of 48.5. This was the lowest level in thirteen months as new orders fell sharply. The services sector is in better shape as the PMI ticked lower to 54.4, compared to 54.6 in August and slightly above the market estimate of 54.3.
0.6865 has held in resistance since December 2023. Above, there is resistance at 0.6923
0.6781 and 0.6723 are the next support levels
Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates by 50 BPS, Crypto RalliesMarket Update - September 20th, 2024
Takeaways
The Federal Reserve cuts rates: The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday it will cut the federal benchmark interest rate by a half-percentage point (50 basis points), lowering the range to between 4.75% and 5%. Crypto markets responded well to the move, with the price of bitcoin pushing past $63,000.
US crypto legislation still possible this year: US senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) said in an interview Tuesday she thinks crypto legislation could be passed during the lame-duck session of Congress.
US spot bitcoin ETFs pull in $187 million in inflows: US spot bitcoin ETFs drew $187 million in inflows Tuesday, marking the fourth consecutive day of inflows after a significant drawdown.
Republicans ask for clarity on crypto airdrops: US representative Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and other top Republican lawmakers sent a letter to SEC chair Gary Gensler asking for clarity on crypto airdrops.
Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates by 50 BPS, Crypto Rallies
The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday it is lowering the benchmark federal funds rate by a half-percentage point (50 basis points) to between 4.75% and 5%. It marked the first interest rate cut in more than four years and signaled the Federal Reserve is ready to ease up on its fight against inflation.
The move marked the first time since 2008 the Federal Reserve had cut interest rates by 50 basis points at one meeting. Many analysts had expected a quarter-point percentage cut, but cooling inflation and a soft labor market allowed Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell to be more aggressive. In August, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a key inflation metric, dropped to 2.5% year-over-year, roughly hitting Powell’s 2% inflation target.
The long-anticipated move sparked the broader markets. And crypto prices also rallied, with bitcoin pushing to roughly $63,500 and ether increasing to roughly $2,350 respectively.
A low interest-rate environment is widely viewed as a greenshoot for risk assets including crypto, but it remains to be seen if a rate-cutting campaign will ultimately shoot bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to all-time highs.
🌐 Topic of the week: Global Stablecoin Ecosystem
🫱 Read more here
$USINTR -Fed Cuts Rates by 50 BPS ECONOMICS:USINTR
- The Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate by 50bps to 4.75%-5% in light of the progress on inflation and the balance of risks.
It is the first rate cut since March 2020 after holding it for more than a year at its highest level in two decades.
Will Feds decision of cutting 50bps tumble the markets in spite of fear for U.S and Global Markets indicating Recession brewing around the corner ?
$GBIRYY CPI (August/2024)ECONOMICS:GBIRYY CPI Data (August/2024)
'UK Inflation Rate Steady at 2.2%'
source: Office for National Statistics
- Annual inflation rate ( ECONOMICS:GBIRYY ) in the UK steadied at 2.2% in August 2024,
the same as in July, and in line with expectations.
The largest upward contribution came from air fares while the biggest downward contributions came from prices for motor fuels, and restaurants and hotels.
Compared to the previous month, the CPI rose 0.3%,
following a 0.2% fall in July and also matching expectations.
European Shares Gain as DAX Holds Bullish Momentum Ahead of CPIEuropean Shares Rise, Led by Tech and Resources Sectors
European shares opened higher on Wednesday, with gains driven by the tech and basic resources sectors, as investors await a key U.S. inflation report for insights into the Federal Reserve’s upcoming interest rate decision.
The DAX remains in a bullish momentum zone as long as it trades above 18,180, with potential targets at 18,520 and, beyond that, 18,645. The trend is expected to remain bullish ahead of the inflation data, and if the data aligns with expectations, this momentum is likely to strengthen.
However, a break below 18,180 could signal a downturn, with the price potentially falling towards 17,960.
Key Levels:
Pivot Point: 18300
Resistance Levels: 18520, 18640, 18780
Support Levels: 18180, 17970, 17740
Expected Range: 18180 - 18780
Trend: Bullish as long as the price stays above 18,290 and 18,180.
Inflation Increases 2.5%, Setting Scene for Rate CutMarket Update, September 13th 2024
Takeaways
Inflation stays under control: The Consumer Price Index increased 2.5% in August compared to the previous year, down from the 2.9% bump in July. The latest data indicates the Federal Reserve will likely cut interest rates by 25 basis points next week.
Bankrupt crypto exchange FTX has reached a $14 million settlement with Emergent Technologies, resolving a dispute over 55 million Robinhood shares: The agreement avoids further legal action and allows Emergent to finalize its bankruptcy proceedings.
US spot bitcoin ETFs have seen a streak of daily net outflows, with nearly $1.2 billion withdrawn in just eight days: The downturn coincides with broader market volatility.
The North Carolina Senate has passed a bill prohibiting state participation in any Federal Reserve-sponsored CBDC testing: The bill bans payments to the state using a CBDC. It passed despite a veto by Governor Roy Cooper.
🕰️ Topic of the Week: Understanding Interest Rates
🫱 Read more here
Euro rises after ECB cuts interest ratesThe euro has extended its gains on Friday. EUR/USD is trading at 1.1091 in the European session at the time of writing, up 0.13% today. The euro has climbed 0.7% since the ECB’s rate cut on Thursday.
The European Central Bank delivered as expected on Thursday, trimming the key interest rate by 25 basis points to 3.5%. This was the second rate cut in the current rate-lowering cycle, as the ECB responded to falling inflation and a deteriorating eurozone economy.
The war against inflation is largely won, which enabled the ECB to deliver the rate cut. Inflation in the eurozone has dropped to 2.2%, close to the target of 2%. The ECB updated inflation forecast was unchanged from June, with inflation expected to average 2.5% in 2024 and 2.2% in 2025
At a press conference, ECB President Lagarde reiterated that rate decisions would be made “meeting by meeting” based on economic data, essentially ditching forward guidance. Lagarde sounded somewhat hawkish, noting that wage growth remains high and the labor market is still resilient. The ECB is being cautious and has signaled it will take a slow approach to further cuts and the markets are looking at a cut in December. If economic conditions suddenly worsen, the central bank would have to consider a rate cut next month.
The Federal Reserve meets next week and rate cut odds continue to swing wildly. The US producer price index eased to 1.7% y/y in August, down from a downwardly revised 2.1% in July and below the market estimate of 1.8%. This sent the odds of a half-point cut soaring to 41%, up from just 13% yesterday, according the CME’s FedWatch. The Fed meeting is live, with plenty of uncertainty as whether the Fed will cut by 25 or 50 basis points.
EUR/USD faces resistance at 1.1099 and 1.1123
There is support at 1.1052 and 1.1028
Nasdaq Awaits CPI Report with Potential for Volatility &BreakoutNasdaq Technical Analysis
U.S. futures remain steady ahead of the highly anticipated CPI report, which is expected to significantly impact market direction. Projections suggest the CPI will come in around 2.5%, signaling a weaker USD and likely driving indices into a strong bullish trend. However, if the CPI exceeds 2.7% or 2.8%, market movements may become unpredictable, with the potential for a downward shift.
The Nasdaq is expected to consolidate between 18,630 and 18,930 until a breakout occurs, with heightened volatility likely around the release of the inflation data.
If the CPI results are lower than expected, the price could surge toward 19,220, with the possibility of reaching 19,625, particularly if the price stabilizes above 18,220. On the other hand, a higher-than-expected CPI result (around 2.8%) may create volatility and support a decline toward 18,340.
Key Levels:
Pivot Point: 18800
Resistance Levels: 18930, 19220, 19625
Support Levels: 18630, 18340, 17890
Expected Trading Range: 18340 - 19220
Trend: Bullish Movement with High Volatile of CPI
USD/JPY drops below 141, US CPI drops to 2.5%The Japanese yen has extended its gains on Wednesday. USD/JPY fell as low as 140.70, its lowest level this year, before paring much of the losses. In the North American session, USD/JPY is trading at 141.71 at the time of writing, down 0.52% on the day.
The hotly-anticipated US inflation report didn’t shake up the markets as it was pretty much as advertised. Headline CPI eased to 2.5% y/y in August, down from 2.9% in July and matching expectations. This was the fifth straight decline in headline inflation.
Monthly, CPI was unchanged at 0.2%, in line with the market estimate. Core CPI was unchanged at 3.2% y/y, matching the market estimate. Monthly, the core rate ticked up to 0.3%, up from the July gain of 0.2% and the market estimate of 0.2%.
The inflation report comes just one week before the Federal Reserve meeting on Sept. 18. Market rate cut odds have been swinging wildly as it remains unclear whether the Fed will cut by a modest 25 basis points or a jumbo 50-bps cut.
The odds of a 50-bps move surged to 59% after the soft nonfarm payroll report on Friday, but were down to 27% just prior to today’s inflation report and have fallen to 15% following the release, according to the CME’s FedWatch. This puts the likelihood of a 25-bps cut at 85%, although we’re likely to see the odds continue to shift in the days ahead.
The Bank of Japan meets on Sept. 20, two days after the Fed meeting. The BoJ is looking to continue tightening but will likely stay on the sidelines next week, as BoJ officials have ruled out a rate hike while the financial markets are unsteady. That could mean that the BoJ will push off a rate hike until December or January.
USD/JPY tested support at 141.54 earlier. Below, there is support at 140.79
There is resistance at 142.80 and 143.31
$USIRYY -U.S Inflation Rate Falls to 2.5%- The annual inflation rate in the US slowed for a 5th consecutive month to 2.5% in August, the lowest since February 2021 and below market expectations of 2.6%.
Compared to the previous month, the CPI rose 0.2%, the same as in July, and matching forecasts.
Meanwhile, annual core inflation steadied at an over 3-year low of 3.2% but the monthly gauge edged up to 0.3%, above forecasts of 0.2%.
source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Gold Poised for Bullish Move Amid CPI Expectations & Softer US.DGold Technical Analysis - 11 Sep. 2024:
Gold Poised for Bullish Move Amid CPI Expectations and Softer U.S. Dollar
Gold has reached the previously mentioned target of 2526, moving up from 2500. For today, market volatility is expected, but the outlook leans bullish if the CPI comes in at 2.5% or lower, which could drive the price higher toward 2543 and 2557. However, if the CPI is released at 2.8% or higher, it could trigger a bearish move, pushing gold back toward 2500 and potentially down to 2475.
Key Levels:
Pivot Point: 2516
Resistance Levels: 2526, 2543, 2557
Support Levels: 2500, 2484, 2475
Expected Trading Range: 2500 - 2557
Trend: Bullish as long as the price remains above 2516. A break above 2526 would confirm strong bullish momentum.
Previous idea:
Can Inflation Shift the Fed’s Rate Path? This week’s inflation data could be decisive for traders as markets weigh whether the Fed will cut rates by 25 or 50 basis points. Last week’s jobs report did not sway the market from its current consensus.
The US economy added 142,000 jobs in August 2024, falling short of the expected 160,000, based on the latest NFP data. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the likelihood of a 25-bps rate cut climbed to 73%, while expectations for a 50-bps cut dropped to 27%.
Attention now turns to inflation, with consumer prices expected to fall to 2.6%—the lowest since March 2021—and producer prices anticipated to rise 0.2% month-over-month.
Key USD pairs to watch this week include EUR/USD, with the ECB's upcoming interest rate decision in focus. Additionally, pairs impacted by inflation data releases from Mexico, Brazil, Russia, and India could see significant movement.
S&P 500 Daily Chart Analysis For Week of Sep 6, 2024Technical Analysis and Outlook:
Throughout the trading sessions of the current week, the S&P 500 Index has demonstrated significant downward movement, completing an Inner Index Dip at 5408 and establishing a new Mean Resistance level at 5530. There is a strong likelihood of a rebound to this level. Further, emphasis is placed on achieving the extended downward move to the target marked at Mean Support 5344, where a resilient rebound is anticipated.
CRB Index: Impact on Commodities, Inflation, and the DollarIt’s been some time since we last looked at the Thomson Reuters CRB Index, a key indicator for tracking commodity performance and gauging inflation. With inflation softening recently, it’s not surprising that the CRB Index is also reversing. The chart shows a three-wave rally from the 2023 lows, which suggests a corrective movement in an ABC formation, as identified in Elliott Wave theory.
When a correction like this concludes, the next move typically retraces the previous rally. Looking at the CRB Index, we expect prices to move even lower, possibly down to 241. This decline could be further driven by falling crude oil prices, especially if OPEC increases supply as recently announced.
Some may wonder how this will impact the USD. Currently, the correlation is that lower commodities lead to lower CPI, which in turn suggests a lower USD due to expectations of Fed rate cuts. Until the Fed cuts rates a few times, the correlation between a lower CRB and a lower USD could remain in play due to falling US yields. However, once rate cuts are nearing their end, that’s when the dollar may find a bottom.
BTC will continue to increase forever, but not in the short term
COINBASE:BTCUSD , NASDAQ:NVDA , NASDAQ:COIN , AMEX:HODL , AMEX:ARKB NASDAQ:IBIT , AMEX:GBTC
The Long-Term Bullish Case
The fundamental argument for Bitcoin's long-term bullishness remains strong. The US Dollar, as the world's reserve currency, has been steadily losing value over time due to excessive government spending and quantitative easing. This inflationary environment creates an ideal backdrop for Bitcoin, which is designed to be a deflationary asset with a limited supply. As investors seek to protect their wealth from inflation, Bitcoin's appeal as a store of value becomes increasingly compelling.
Increased Institutional Investment
One of the most significant developments in the cryptocurrency market has been the growing interest from institutional investors. These large financial institutions, such as hedge funds, pension funds, and asset managers, have the potential to significantly impact Bitcoin's price and volatility.
As more institutions allocate a portion of their portfolios to Bitcoin, several positive effects can be expected:
Decreased Volatility: Institutional investors tend to be more patient and less prone to panic selling than individual investors. Their long-term investment horizons and sophisticated risk management strategies can help to stabilize Bitcoin's price and reduce volatility.
Improved Store of Value: Increased institutional adoption can enhance Bitcoin's reputation as a reliable store of value. As more mainstream financial institutions recognize Bitcoin's potential, it is likely to become a more widely accepted asset, which could boost its price and strengthen its position as a hedge against inflation.
Increased Liquidity: Institutional participation can increase the liquidity of the Bitcoin market, making it easier for investors to buy and sell the cryptocurrency without significantly impacting its price. This can further contribute to price stability and reduce volatility.
While the fundamental factors supporting Bitcoin's long-term bullish case remain strong, the technical analysis suggests a short-term bearish trend may be in play.
Bitcoin is currently trading within a descending channel, a technical pattern that indicates a potential downtrend. This negative channel is formed by two downward-sloping lines that constrain the price action. As long as Bitcoin remains within this channel, there is a risk of further price declines.
Additionally, a bearish crossover has occurred between Bitcoin's 100-day and 50-day moving averages and the 200-day moving average. This technical indicator is often used to identify potential trend reversals. When the shorter-term moving averages (100-day and 50-day) cross below the longer-term moving average (200-day), it is generally considered a negative signal, suggesting that the price may be heading lower.
TBT is a buy rate cuts likely are stalled LONGTBT is an inverse 20 year Treasury Bill ETF. At present, the Iran Israeli conflict threatens a
regional conflict to include the Red Sea and the Easter Mediterranean where oil tankers must
navigate to move oil from producer to consumer. Oil price escalation could go hand and hand
with geopolitical escalations. Oil and its derivatives are a primary driver of inflation in the
US. Inflation has been sticky and forcing the fed's ambitions to cut rate to be paused. The
Middle East escalation may make matters worse overall. Federal spending ( aid to Israel for
instance) is also a driver of inflation. The budget fight in DC is front and center. I see this
as good cause, to continue to take adds to my TBT position whenever I can find a dip worth
the discount as a further hedge against a correction in the equities markets which could come
on the horizon. Granted a dip of 2-3% from the ATHs is not much but when it hits 10% or more
and the VIX/UXXY continue to rise, there will be impetus in a hurry to hedge positions or close
them with more urgency. For for TBT, I believe that more is better.
Key stores of value over economic history: SP500 vs GoldWhen the pandemic shocked markets in 2020, the Fed quickly printed trillions of dollars (while purchasing bonds to support corporations and the government). As the U.S central bank’s balance sheet surged, so did the broad money supply in close parallel with stock markets and gold prices.
Unlike the Fed’s intervention during the Great Financial Crisis — plus a similarly unprecedented fiscal expansion — consumer prices spiked at the fastest pace since the 1970’s. Since 2019 (and even as far back as 1971 when the U.S. broke the dollar’s tie to gold), both gold and especially the S&P 500 have been reliable “stores of value.”
Since around 1970, both gold and the S&P 500 (which looks even more impressive accounting for dividends) are up nearly 7,000% versus a dollar designed to lose value every year. Granted there have also been several harrowing drawdowns for both the S&P 500 and gold. Meanwhile, consumer prices are up *only* 700% since the dollar lost its golden luster.
If history is any guide… It leaves us with a simple framework for wealth preservation: If you work hard to earn $10,000, don’t let it decay under your metaphorical mattress for multiple decades thereafter. Gold and the S&P 500 have historically been reliable assets to preserve wealth. However, timing is greatly important as well.
EUR/USD - ECB eyeing German, eurozone CPIThe euro has extended its decline on Thursday. In the European session, EUR/USD is trading at 1.1095 at the time of writing, down 0.22% on the day. The US dollar has rebounded against the euro this week, climbing 0.89%.
Inflation is expected to ease in Germany and the eurozone, which could have significant impact on the European Central Bank rate announcement on Sept. 12. Inflation declined in German states and the national harmonized inflation rate is expected to fall to 2.1% y/y in August, down from 2.3% in July.
The eurozone releases CPI on Friday. The market estimate for CPI stands at 2.2%, compared to 2.6% in July. The core inflation rate is expected to creep lower to 2.8%, down from 2.9% in July. A drop in inflation in Germany and the eurozone would support the case for another rate reduction next month. The weak eurozone economy and the fact that the Federal Reserve is also poised to lower rates have strengthened the case to cut rates. At the same time, concern about wage increases is a reason for the ECB to hold off on cutting rates.
The Federal Reserve is poised to cut rates next month, which would mark the US central bank joining in the global trend of central banks lowering rates now that the threat of inflation has largely abated. Most FOMC members have come out in favor of a September cut but Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic said on Wednesday that the Fed should wait for additional data before lowering rates as it would be a mistake to cut and then have to hike again.
EUR/USD is testing support at 1.1087. Below, there is support at 1.1055
There is resistance at 1.1138 and 1.1170
Australian CPI falls but markets not impressedThe Australian dollar continues to have a quiet week. AUD/USD is trading at 0.6796 in the European session, up 0.06% on the day at the time of writing.
Australia’s inflation rate continued to decelerate in July, although the markets were hoping for more. CPI rose 3.5%, down from 3.8% in June but above the market estimate of 3.4%. This was the lowest figure since March but much of the decline was driven by electricity rebates which artificially lowered electricity prices.
Core inflation eased but goods inflation remained flat. The markets weren’t impressed with the inflation data and the odds of a rate cut in November fell to 48%, down from 58% prior to the inflation release.
The markets are more dovish than the Reserve Bank of Australia, which has discussed raising rates at recent meetings. The central bank is not satisfied with the pace of underlying inflation and has projected that it won’t return to the target band of 2% to 3% until the end of 2025. Governor Bullock has said that the Bank has no plans to cut for at least six months, but the markets are betting that the RBA won’t stay on the sidelines while the Fed and other major central banks are lowering rates.
The financial markets are hanging onto every word from FOMC members and we’ll hear from members Christopher Waller later today and Rafael Bostic early on Thursday. As well, the US releases second estimate GDP for the second quarter on Thursday.
The initial estimate showed the economy powering ahead with a 2.8% gain, double the 1.4% pace in Q1. The second estimate is expected to confirm the initial reading and confirm that the economy remains in solid shape, despite concerns about a weak employment labor which led to a market meltdown earlier this month.
AUD/USD is testing support at 0.6784. Below, there is support at 0.6771
0.6805 and 0.6818 are the next resistance lines
Yen shrugs as inflation BoJ core CPI dipsThe Japanese yen has edged lower on Tuesday. In the European session, USD/JPY is trading at 144.76, up 0.17% on the day at the time of writing.
Is Japanese inflation falling? On Tuesday, two inflation indicators pointed to a deceleration in inflation in July. BoJ Core CPI, which is closely monitored by the Bank of Japan, dropped to 1.8%, down from 2.1% in June and its lowest level in three months. The Services Producer Price Index dropped to 2.8%, down from a revised 3.1% in June.
Japan’s inflation has been moving higher, which has supported the case for another rate hike from the Bank of Japan. The central bank has projected that inflation will hover around its 2% target until 2027. Today’s inflation releases could be temporary blips but if the next inflation reports also indicate that inflation is heading lower, it could complicate the BoJ’s plans to gradually normalize its ultra-loose policy.
The International Monetary Fund said on Friday that it supports the BoJ’s move to normalization and that the speed of further rate hikes will be ‘very data-dependent”, with a focus on inflation, wage growth and inflation expectations. We’ll get a look at Tokyo Core CPI on Friday, which is expected to remain unchanged at 2.2%.
The Jackson Hole Symposium was “mission accomplished” for the markets as Federal Chair Jerome Powell signaled that the Fed was ready to cut rates. Powell didn’t specify the September meeting as the kickoff for rate cuts, but the markets are confident that the Fed will cut by a quarter-point at the Sept. 18 meeting.
The US releases a key employment report on Sept. 6 and Goldman Sachs has said that if the jobs report is soft again then the Fed could respond with a 50-basis point cut, while a strong jobs release would support a 25-bps move.
USD/JPY is testing resistance at 144.98. Above, there is resistance at 145.42
There is support at 144.21 and 143.77
No political stability, Only economicsWife, taking into consideration, the political instability that have been dominating in the middle eastern region, and Eastern Europe. It has been evident that gold has been dominated by a lot of interconnected economic and political shocks, however, have been reacting negatively and positively due to a lot of futuristic speculation that could indicate some politic, some political treaties, and even some economic Stabilization such as inflation softening.
With that said technical analysis is never sufficient by itself, but even adding up to all these interconnected economic and micro events, gold should find some liquidation levels and hit some psychological levels such as $2360.
Disclaimer, please note that this is not a financial advice nor any guidance for any financial analysis so please don’t take this analysis into consideration, but try to learn from it from the educational aspect only.
Canadian dollar shrugs as Can. CPI drops to 3-year lowThe Canadian dollar is almost unchanged on Tuesday after posting gains over the past two days. In the North American session, USD/CAD is trading at 1.3636 at the time of writing.
Canada’s headline CPI rose to 2.5% year-on-year in July, down from 2.7% in June and matching the market estimate. This marked the lowest annual inflation level since March 2021. Monthly, inflation rose to 0.4% in July following a decline in June of -0.1% and in line with the market estimate. The jump in the monthly report was driven by higher gasoline prices.
Core CPI, which is more closely monitored by the Bank of Canada, also eased. The average of two of the Bank of Canada’s (BOC) core measures of inflation eased slightly to 2.55% year-on-year in July, compared to 2.7% in June.
The decline in inflation is an encouraging sign for the BoC, which would like to continue trimming interest rates as the economy cools and also provide relief to homeowners who are struggling with high rates. The Bank of Canada meets on September 4 and is mindful that the Federal Reserve is almost certain to lower rates, perhaps by a half-point. This means that BoC policy makers don’t have to worry that another rate cut would hurt the Canadian dollar if the Fed follows suit with its own rate cut.
The Federal Reserve will almost certainly lower rates at the September meeting, with uncertainty as to the size of the expected reduction. The probability of a 25-basis point cut stands at 75% and a 50 bps cut at 25%, according to the CME’s FedWatch. On Friday, Jerome Powell will address the Jackson Hole Symposium and could signal what the Fed has in store for next month’s meeting.
USD/CAD tested support at 1.3614 earlier. Below, there is support at 1.3594
There is resistance at 1.3650 and 1.3670