The US Dollar (USD) added to Wednesday’s post-Fed strong rebound and climbed to fresh two-month highs as market participants continued to assess the Fed’s rate cut, the cautious approach from Chief Powell, and the lack of progress over a deal to end the federal government shutdown.
Here’s what to watch on Friday, October 31:
The US Dollar Index (DXY) advanced to multi-week tops past 99.70 helped by an equally marked upside momentum in US Treasury yields across the curve. The release of the Chicago PMI will wrap up the calendar, followed by speeches by the Fed’s Hammack and Bostic.
EUR/USD tumbled to new two-week troughs below 1.1550 in response to the stronger Greenback, while markets paid little attention to the ECB’s interest rate decision. The preliminary Inflation Rate in the euro bloc will be the salient event, seconded by Retail Sales in Germany.
GBP/USD collapsed to levels last seen in early April near 1.3120 in response to the sharp uptick in the US Dollar and expectations of a rate cut by the BoE. The Nationwide Housing Prices are next on tap across the Channel.
USD/JPY surpassed the 154.00 barrier for the first time since February following the lack of a clear message on rates after the BoJ’s steady hand at its meeting. The Tokyo CPI will take centre stage ahead of the Unemployment Rate, advanced Industrial Production prints and Retail Sales data.
AUD/USD added to Wednesday’s pullback and challenged weekly troughs near 0.6530 despite the positive news from the trade front. Australia’s Producer Prices are due alongside Housing Credit data and Private Sector Credit figures.
Prices of the American WTI added to Wednesday’s small uptick and approached the $61.00 mark per barrel amid traders’ assessment of the US-China trade agreement.
Gold regained some traction following four consecutive daily declines, although a convincing move above the key $4,000 mark per troy ounce remained elusive. Silver prices climbed further, reclaiming the area near the $49.00 mark per ounce.
