Pound (GBP) climbs as UK CPI beats forecasts
The pound (GBP) strengthened yesterday after the UK’s latest consumer price index exceeded expectations, cementing bets that the Bank of England (BoE) will leave interest rates unchanged at today’s meeting.
While headline inflation held steady in August, the core inflation rate leapt from 3.3% to 3.6% – above forecasts of 3.5% – revealing that price pressures remain persistent in the UK.
Today, the BoE decision is in the spotlight for GBP investors. With the bank unlikely to adjust its monetary policy, the focus will be on the BoE’s forward guidance and whether policymakers are concerned about the persistence of inflation.
Euro (EUR) stumbles amid risk-on mood
The euro (EUR) was subdued yesterday, as a lack of impactful Eurozone data left the single currency struggling to attract bids.
In addition, a broadly upbeat market mood saw the safer euro soften against its riskier rivals.
Turning to today, a speech from European Central Bank (ECB) policymaker Isabel Schnabel is the only Eurozone event of note. Could dovish comments dent the euro?
US dollar (USD) rocked by 50bps Fed rate cut
The safe-haven US dollar (USD) weakened yesterday as risk-on mood prevailed ahead of the Federal Reserve’s expected interest rate cut.
In the evening, the Fed did indeed lower rates, opting for a larger half-point cut. This saw the ‘greenback’ initially plunge before regaining lost ground.
The Fed decision could continue to weigh on USD exchange rates through today’s session, while another high number of initial jobless claims this afternoon could fuel further losses.
Canadian dollar (CAD) dented by falling oil prices
The crude-sensitive Canadian dollar (CAD) failed to attract support yesterday, with CAD slipping against its stronger rivals, amid falling oil prices and a weakening US dollar.
With Canadian economic data absent from the calendar today, the ‘loonie’ could once again be driven by oil price dynamics.
Australian dollar (AUD) soars amid risk-on mood
The Australian dollar (AUD) surged higher last night as markets rallied in the wake of the Fed’s 50bps rate cut, thereby boosting the risk-sensitive currency’s appeal. Upbeat jobs data also supported the ‘Aussie’.
New Zealand dollar (NZD) limited by contracting GDP
The New Zealand dollar (NZD) also enjoyed the risk-on market mood last night, although some lacklustre GDP data capped the currency’s upside, with the New Zealand economy contracting 0.2% in the second quarter.