Wall Street Unfazed by Dollar’s Decline
Despite the Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index enduring its most severe decline of the year, Wall Street hesitates to fully commit to pessimistic bets on the weakening dollar. The index has fallen for a sixth consecutive session, marking its lengthiest downturn in five months. There was a notable 1.1% decrease this week, setting it on track for its most substantial weekly drop this year.
Market Speculation and Labor Statistics
Market analysts closely watch next week’s consumer price report amid US labor statistics indicating a slight easing in hiring pace. This has further fueled speculation that the Federal Reserve may commence interest rate cuts in June. The European Central Bank’s decision to maintain interest rates unchanged on Thursday has reinforced expectations of rate cuts in June. Additionally, the adjustment of its inflation forecast downwards further solidified these expectations.
Jane Foley, Head of FX Strategy at Rabobank in London, commented, “The dollar’s decline might be exaggerated, particularly in light of the dovish signals from the ECB yesterday.” Despite recent data suggesting a softened labor market, Foley emphasized that overall US employment growth remains robust.
Market Sentiments and Trends
Despite February nonfarm payrolls figure surpassing expectations, the dollar continued its descent on Friday. Revisions to prior data downwards and a slight increase in the unemployment rate to 3.9% provided enough momentum for those betting against the dollar.
Yusuke Miyairi, an FX Strategist at Nomura International Plc in London, noted, “The market was certainly selling dollars ahead of NFP.” He added that this momentum seems likely to persist. However, Miyairi cautioned that for the weakened USD to establish itself as a trend, approval from the Fed is necessary. This could entail maintaining or adopting a more dovish stance in this month’s Summary of Economic Projections.
Upcoming Interest Rate Decision
Policymakers are set to announce their interest-rate decision on March 20, with no alteration anticipated. Patrick Locke, an FX Strategist with JPMorgan in New York, observed that Friday’s US data, though “mixed but overall soft,” “does not exert significant pressure to expedite easing or delay it.” Locke highlighted that the improvement in global growth prospects “adds to the potential short-term downside risks for the dollar.”
“Wall Street cautiously observes the dollar’s decline, navigating potential risks amidst global economic uncertainties,” according to WSJ Newspaper.