Markets were more confident in US interest rate cuts with a July cut seen as certain.
Testimony from Fed Chair Powell was more dovish than expected with concerns over growth conditions and potential downside risks for inflation. Many Fed members also backed a near-term rate cut.
Markets were more confident in US interest rate cuts with a July cut seen as certain.
The dollar declined sharply after Powell’s comments with losses against all major currencies, especially with President Trump again pushing for a weaker currency.
Commodity currencies and the Euro rallied, but Sterling was still hampered by political and economic risks which limited support. Gold moved sharply higher on dollar weakness while the yen and Swiss franc were resilient.
A substantial inventory draw boosted oil prices with a weaker dollar also supportive. Bitcoin declined sharply as Powell stated reservations over Facebook’s Libra.
UK GDP increased 0.3% in May following the 0.4% April slide which was in line with consensus forecasts with year-on-year growth at 1.5% which was slightly above market expectations. Industrial production increased 0.9% for May as car output recovered from sharp April losses, although this was a weaker than expected recovery. Trade data was close to expectations while construction output beat consensus forecasts.
The NIESR stated that the economy is likely to contract for the second quarter, but avoid a technical recession. There was slight relief surrounding the GDP data, although Sterling was dependent on a weaker dollar to make headway and the Euro continued to test the 0.9000 amid underlying weak UK sentiment.
Bank of England MPC member Tenreyro stated that weaker global growth outlook would lengthen the period until there was enough inflation for her to back a rate hike. Sterling was little changed as GBP/EUR continued to hold near 1.1115. A tentative recovery in the RICS housing index provided marginal support with a GBP/USD move to 1.2530 as US weakness dominated.
Economic Calendar
Expected | Previous | ||
---|---|---|---|
07:00 | Germany CPI (M/M)(JUN) | 0.30% | 0.30% |
07:00 | Germany CPI (Y/Y)(JUN) | 1.60% | 1.60% |
07:00 | Germany Harmonised CPI (M/M)(JUN) | 0.10% | 0.10% |
07:00 | Germany Harmonised CPI (Y/Y)(JUN) | 1.30% | 1.30% |
10:30 | GBP Financial Stability Report | - | - |
11:15 | ECB Benoit Coeure Speaks | - | - |
12:00 | OPEC Meeting | - | - |
12:30 | ECB Monetary Policy Meeting Accounts | - | - |
13:30 | USD CPI (M/M)(JUN) | - | 0.10% |
13:30 | USD CPI (Y/Y)(JUN) | - | 1.80% |
13:30 | USD CPI Ex Food & Energy (Y/Y)(JUN) | - | 2.00% |
13:30 | USD CPI Ex Food & Energy (M/M)(JUN) | 0.20% | 0.10% |
13:30 | USD Continuing Jobless Claims | 1.685K | 1.686K |
13:30 | USD Initial Jobless Claims | 223K | 221K |
13:30 | CAD New Housing Price Index (M/M)(MAY) | 0.1 | 0 |
14:10 | RBA Assist Gov Debelle Speaks | - | - |
15:00 | Fed's Chair Powell Testifies | - | - |
16:10 | FOMC member John C. Williams speech | - | - |
17:15 | FOMC Member Raphael Bostic speech | - | - |
18:30 | FOMC Governor Keith Randal Quarles Speech | - | - |
19:00 | Monthly Budget Statement(JUN) | - | -208.0B |
22:00 | FOMC Member Kashkari Speaks | - | - |
23:30 | NZD Business NZ PMI(JUN) | - | 50.2 |