Fed Up Next

The US Dollar is softening today ahead of the FOMC decision later, giving back some of yesterday’s post-election gains.  Trump’s victory in the elections and the prospect of a clean sweep for the Republican party will no doubt have important repercussions for the Fed. While a further .25% cut is firmly priced in today, the bigger focus will be on the guidance offered by the bank and how likely a further cut in December looks.

Trump Trade Returns

The reaction higher in USD is highly indicative of how the market views Trump’s proposed policies. A return to protectionist trade policies and growth focused economic policy in the US are expected to lead to higher inflation and a stronger US Dollar. With this in mind, there could well be some repricing of the Fed rate path, particularly if the Republicans do take the House.

Two-Way Risks for DXY

The key focus today will be how much emphasis the Fed puts on Trump’s victory and whether there is any shift in tone. The recent drop in US labour market data means the market is still pricing in a roughly 66% chance of a further .25% cut in December. If the Fed keeps the focus more on recent data, this vie should stay intact, seeing USD soften further. However, if the Fed starts to talk about risks to the outlook as well as the impact of a stronger US Dollar, this pricing could come down, leading USD higher again.

Technical Views

DXY

The rally has stalled for now into the bear trend line from YTD highs. While above 104.05, the focus is on a further push higher and a test of the 105.97 level next. To the downside, 102.46 is the next support to watch.