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Market Drivers; US Session, August 21

The US Dollar continued its downward trend, reaching levels last seen in late December 2023. This decline was primarily fueled by growing expectations for a September interest rate cut, as indicated by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes.

Key Economic Events:

Jackson Hole : This influential economic gathering kicks off on August 22, and the speech b y Fed Chair Jerome Powell is much awaited for clues on future monetary policy outlook.

US Economic Data: Several US economic indicators are scheduled for release, including initial jobless claims, the Chicago Fed National Activity Index, existing home sales, and manufacturing and services PMIs.

ECB Meeting Accounts: The European Central Bank (ECB) will publish its meeting accounts on August 22.

Eurozone Data: Preliminary manufacturing and services PMIs for Germany and the eurozone, as well as the flash consumer confidence index, will be released.

UK Data: The UK’s advanced manufacturing and services PMIs for August and the CBI Industrial Trends Orders are also due.

Japan Data: The preliminary Jibun Bank manufacturing and services PMIs and weekly foreign bond investment figures are expected in Japan.

Currencies – Price Action:


EUR/USD: This pair reached new year-to-date highs above 1.1170, driven by the US Dollar’s weakness.

GBP/USD: The British Pound also appreciated, reaching fresh 2024 peaks above 1.3100.

USD/JPY: The Japanese Yen strengthened against the US Dollar, breaking below the 145.00 support level.

AUD/USD: The Australian Dollar continued its upward trend, reaching multi-day peaks near 0.6760.

Commodities:

Oil: Crude oil prices fell to nearly seven-month lows due to recession fears and concerns about the Chinese economy.

Gold and Silver: Precious metals prices rose slightly, with gold remaining above $2,500 per ounce and silver surpassing $29.00 per ounce.

Also Read:

US Stocks Surge on Renewed Rate Cut Hopes after FOMC Minutes

EUR/USD surges to fresh 13-month high following FOMC Minutes

FOMC Minutes Showing Strong Consensus for September Rate Cut

Gold Stabilizes Above $2,500 Following FOMC Minutes

FOMC Minutes: Risk to inflation goal had eased

Bitcoin climbs as analyst expect swinging performance until yearend

What can markets expect from Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole speech?

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