US PCE prices rose 0.4% for January with an annual rate at 1.9% from 1.6% and close to the Fed’s 2% target, although the core increase was held to 1.7% and unchanged from the previous month. The ISM manufacturing index rose to 57.7 for February from 56.0 in January and this was the highest reading for over two years which maintained confidence in the outlook.
The dollar was still subjected to some profit taking and the Euro rallied back above the 1.0550 level.
Fed Governor Brainard stated that the US economy appeared to be in a transition phase to a more stable growth path and that gradual interest rate increases are likely to be appropriate soon. There were also comments that a shrinking of the balance sheet could start before too long.
Given that Brainard has consistently been one of the most dovish FOMC members and resisted calls for higher rates, the commentary maintained increased expectations of a March rate increase which continued to support the dollar. The trade-weighted index hit a seven-week high and the Euro was below 1.0550 on Thursday.
Japanese Yen With JPY at a new 34 year low versus EUR, the market is set for an ambush by the Bank of Japan if it acts today at the end of their Policy Meeting to support the Yen. The reason that the market is susceptible is because it has convinced itself that the BoJ […]
Too soon to call USD lower Those following the US Dollar’s performance in the markets would have noted a recent downturn accelerating as this week has progressed. There have been two factors driving this sell-off but it is far from certain that either may endure long enough to push the Dollar index back to its […]
Milan, Italy The City of Milan has a late night noise problem and so it has acted unilaterally to resolve it-Italian style. A ban on the sale of take away food including ice cream and pizza after midnight is being imposed to protect the “peace and health of residents.” Here in the UK late night […]