Markets higher ahead of Fed minutes

Fed minutes eyed after Powell dovish shift

It looks as though we’re heading for a fourth day in the green on Wednesday, as US stocks look to extend their winning streak on the back of strong data and a more dovish Fed.

The FOMC minutes this evening will be an interesting read, given the clear reluctance within the committee to dramatically alter the course for interest rates at the meeting, followed a couple of weeks later by its Chair delivering a much more flexible and, one could argue, dovish message. At the December meeting, the committee reduced its forecasts for rate hikes this year from three to two but some were expecting it to go further. Powell’s recent comments would suggest it won’t take much.

Markets have gone one step further and priced in no more hikes this year, with the odds of one at times being as low as 0%. These expectations have pared slightly but even now, a hike is only slightly priced in, with the rebound in markets taking the edge off the growing pessimism. This has naturally been helped by some good economic data on Friday and efforts to resolve the trade war.

Euro steady, investors eye Fed minutes

Gold continues to pare gains

The apparent improvement in trade relations between the US and China is not only boosting equity markets, it’s taking some of the shine off gold as its safe haven appeal wanes. The dollar is also coming under pressure – which has typically been bullish for gold – as bullish positions that were built up during the escalation are slightly reversed. This hasn’t been enough to stop gold slipping though although it may limit any decline.

Gold Daily Chart

OANDA fxTrade Advanced Charting Platform

Gold is finding some support around $1,280 at the moment but may slip a little further in the near-term as risk appetite continues to improve. That said, I expect a weakening dollar to continue to support the yellow metal and any hint that policy makers are open to further downward revisions in rate hikes may give it a little push. If gold pushes below $1,280 then $1,260 will be an interesting level. That said, I still remain bullish and expect $1,300 to come under pressure again before too long.

USD/CAD – Bank of Canada rate decision in focus

Economic Calendar

For a look at all of today’s economic events, check out our economic calendar.

Content is for general information purposes only. It is not investment advice or a solution to buy or sell securities. Opinions are the authors; not necessarily that of OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc. or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. If you would like to reproduce or redistribute any of the content found on MarketPulse, an award winning forex, commodities and global indices analysis and news site service produced by OANDA Business Information & Services, Inc., please access the RSS feed or contact us at info@marketpulse.com. Visit https://www.marketpulse.com/ to find out more about the beat of the global markets. © 2023 OANDA Business Information & Services Inc.