Articles Tagged with: Bank of England

Forex Week Ahead – Dec 15, 2024 – Anticipating Central Bank Decisions and Key Economic Indicators

Key Insights

​This week is crucial for Forex market participants as major central banks finalize their year-end policy decisions.​ Anticipated moves from the Federal Reserve, Bank of Japan, and Bank of England will significantly impact currency valuations. The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to implement a 25 basis point rate cut, reflecting a cautious approach amid persistent inflation and a solid labor market. Traders should also monitor the upcoming Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) releases and inflation data across several economies, as these will provide insight into economic health and central bank strategies.

Market Overview

Last week’s Forex market saw the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) gain about 1.3%, reflecting a robust market response to ongoing economic data releases. The prevailing sentiment was supported by sticky inflation figures that complicate the Fed’s rate-cut plans. Key reports showed the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 2.7% year-on-year, slightly surpassing forecasts and reinforcing the narrative of sustained inflation pressures. The Euro faced headwinds, remaining under 1.0500 against the Dollar due to uncertain economic conditions in the Eurozone, while the British Pound showed resilience amid better-than-expected economic data, supported by a hawkish stance from the Bank of England.

In global contexts, the Japanese Yen saw mixed reactions ahead of the BoJ’s decision, which is expected to maintain a dovish approach despite some upward pressure from strong domestic consumption data. The outlook for the Canadian Dollar is contingent on inflation reports following the Bank of Canada’s aggressive rate cut. Overall, the Forex market is likely to experience heightened volatility as investors digest the ramifications of central bank announcements and incoming economic data.

Currencies Summary

🇺🇸 U.S. Dollar (USD): Last week, the DXY posted steady gains bolstered by inflation data showing a 2.7% rise in CPI, thereby adding doubts to the possibility of aggressive rate cuts. The upcoming Fed meeting is crucial, as a dovish tone could lead to a pullback in USD momentum, presenting opportunities for currency traders.

🇬🇧 British Pound (GBP): The GBP remained strong as UK economic data outperformed expectations, particularly in labor market statistics. Market sentiment suggests that the BoE will likely maintain rates, providing the pound with ongoing support. The upcoming CPI and labor data this week will be vital in gauging the economic trajectory and the pound’s resilience.

🇪🇺 Euro (EUR): The Euro struggled against the advancing USD, maintaining pressure below the 1.0500 mark due to ongoing challenges within the Eurozone economies. Preliminary PMIs this week could signal further economic deterioration, impacting the Euro’s stability against the Dollar and other currencies.

🇯🇵 Japanese Yen (JPY): With expectations for no rate changes from the BoJ, the Yen faces a crucial period that may see further weakening unless there are unexpected hawkish signals from policymakers. The strength of the Yen remains intertwined with global economic trends and local inflation metrics.

🇨🇦 Canadian Dollar (CAD): The CAD is under scrutiny following a significant rate cut from the BoC last week. The Friday release of inflation data will be critical, as continued inflation could mitigate prospects for further rate cuts, affecting CAD valuations through investor confidence.

Upcoming Economic Calendar

The upcoming economic calendar features critical data releases such as the U.S. Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index on Friday, which is closely watched by the Fed. Additionally, preliminary PMIs from the Eurozone will be released on Monday, UK job data on Tuesday, and UK CPI on Wednesday. These events are essential as they provide insights into economic health and inflationary pressures, helping traders make informed decisions about their positions and strategies based on central bank outlooks.

Conclusion

This week’s Forex market is poised for significant movements due to central bank decisions and pivotal economic data releases. Traders should focus on how these factors will shape currency valuations and the broader economic landscape. Engaging with these insights can help traders navigate the potential volatility and make strategic trading decisions in a dynamic market environment.

High UK inflation, helps to a rate hike

Today’s unexpectedly high CPI growth and the above-consensus reading on core inflation means is now more likely another next month 25bp rate hike from the BOE (Bank of England).

Although these data all indicate high inflation and higher-than-expected costs for the UK, it should be taken into account that UK inflation has been on a downward trend in the past few months.

core CPI stayed at 6.2%, having been expected to slip back towards 6%. Headline inflation unexpectedly stayed in double-digits at 10.1%, though that will start to change in April when the effect of last year’s electricity/gas price hike filters out of the annual comparison. We expect headline CPI to reach the 8% area next month, 5% by summer and roughly 3% around year-end on current trends.

The core CPI printed at 6.2% as expected (prev was 6%), while headline inflation was unexpectedly at 10.1%. However, the effect of last year’s electricity/gas price hike will filter out in April, and headline CPI is expected to reach 8% next month, 5% by summer, and roughly 3% around year-end.

Core CPI is much more important for BOE. Because service-sector inflation trends are more persistent and relevant over the long term for monetary policy.

Instead, it is core goods inflation that is proving much stickier than expected.

with the clear disinflationary trend in durable goods, We doubt high inflation will last given improving supply chains, lower input costs, as well as the lower orders-to-inventory ratios we’ve seen in the surveys over recent months. The Bank of England itself said something similar in its most recent set of meeting minutes.

There is a clear trend of disinflation in durable goods, and the improving supply chains and lower input costs suggest that high inflation will not last. The Bank of England also expressed a similar sentiment in their recent meeting minutes.

However, the data was high enough to push the pound higher across all currency pairs.
The thing is, in this situation, we cannot be very confident about the continued growth of the pound, and even with this positive sentiment, we cannot propose a decline for the pound. because all the data is priced until next BOE meeting, For now, patience is the best option.


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Inflation is likely to come down sharply in the UK, it’s very high

Bank of England, Andrew Bailey BOE: Inflation is likely to come down sharply in the UK, it’s very high.

The economy is stronger than expected, but wages are weakening.

What monetary policy can and should do is to make sure that the inflation that has arrived from abroad does not turn into sustained inflation at home.

As we look at the inflation outlook today, we must be aware that the full impact of the higher bank rate has yet to be felt in financial markets and the real economy.

Sometimes, changes in supply can be as sudden and as important to the inflation outlook as changes in demand.

If swelling persists, additional contraction is required.

The MPC will base its decision on evidence as it emerges.

Bank of England hikes by 25bp

7 members out of 9 voting members of the Bank of England voted to increase and 2 members voted not to change the interest rate.

Bank of England monetary statement

Second-quarter inflation is likely to be lower than forecast in February due to longer-term energy price caps and lower wholesale prices.

If there are signs of continued price pressures, further tightening of monetary policy is necessary.

The UK banking system has strong capital and liquidity and remains resilient.

Unexpectedly strong core inflation in February reflects clothing prices that may not last long.

The UK banking system is well placed to support the economy, including in a period of higher interest rates.

We will continue to pay particular attention to UK credit conditions.

Wage growth is likely to ease slightly faster than forecast in February as inflation expectations ease.

The fiscal support in March’s budget would boost GDP by around 0.3% in subsequent years.

Businesses expect inflation next year to reach 5.6 percent in the three months to February, compared with 6.2 percent in the three months to November.

No increase in the unemployment rate is forecast and we forecast 0.2% employment growth in the second quarter, up from the -0.4% forecast in February.

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