May kicks off with the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, which is expected to be a significant event in the financial markets. The consensus is that there will be no change in the Fed funds target range, keeping it at 5.25%-5.50% for the sixth consecutive meeting. This decision is largely influenced by the fact that inflation remains above the Fed’s 2.0% target. With elevated CPI and PPI inflation data, as well as hot PCE inflation numbers, coupled with robust employment growth, the Fed has little reason to consider easing policy at this time.
Investors have adjusted their rate cut expectations, pushing them back as far as November’s policy-setting meeting. Currently, there is a total of 36bps of easing priced in for the year. The latest meeting minutes revealed that Fed officials believe the rate is at its peak and would consider reducing rates if inflation falls towards the 2.0% target. However, it is unlikely that any new information will be revealed at this week’s meeting, so attention is shifting towards the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of England (BoE).
Both the ECB and BoE have also experienced a hawkish repricing recently, with 71bps and 44bps of easing priced in, respectively. Market pricing suggests that the ECB may cut rates ahead of both the Fed and BoE, with June’s policy meeting potentially seeing a rate reduction. On the other hand, the BoE could make a move in August. The upcoming euro area inflation data and Q1 GDP numbers will be closely watched, as any deviations from expectations could impact the market.
The EUR/USD currency pair encountered resistance on the daily timeframe, leading to speculation about YTD lows being revisited. Additionally, there is a busy week ahead for US jobs data, with ADP employment numbers and JOLTs data scheduled for release. These indicators, while not definitive, can sway the market if significant deviations from expectations are observed.
The May FOMC meeting is expected to maintain the status quo in terms of interest rates. With inflation remaining above target and strong employment growth, the Fed has little incentive to adjust its policy at this time. However, market focus is shifting towards the actions of the ECB and BoE, as well as upcoming economic data releases that could influence market sentiment. Investors will be closely monitoring these developments for trading opportunities and potential market shifts.
Leave a Reply