Commodities Hold Recent Highs
USD Outlook: Dollar Holds Gains as Markets Await BoC Decision
The US Dollar (USD) is consolidating its recent gains this Thursday, with limited movement across most G10 currencies. Investors are closely watching the upcoming Bank of Canada (BoC) decision and a series of speeches from Federal Reserve officials, while broader market sentiment remains cautiously constructive.
According to Scotiabank’s Chief FX Strategists Shaun Osborne and Eric Theoret, the USD rally earlier this week is showing signs of fatigue. The Chinese Yuan (CNH) is outperforming with a 0.3% gain following China’s return from its Golden Week holiday.
The broader tone remains constructive as markets digest the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes and dovish remarks from New York Fed President Williams, who reaffirmed his support for further monetary easing.
Wednesday’s FOMC minutes revealed a mixed message, as policymakers weighed downside risks to the labor market against persistent inflationary pressures. The overall tone leaned dovish, reinforcing market expectations for additional rate cuts later this year.
Equity futures remain well supported, hitting fresh record highs, while the US 10-year Treasury yield is consolidating just above 4.10%.
The ongoing United States government shutdown continues to delay the release of key economic data, including Thursday’s jobless claims. Progress toward a resolution remains limited.
Thursday’s calendar includes remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, along with appearances by Bowman, Goolsbee, Barr, Kashkari, and Daly. These speeches may offer further insight into the Fed’s policy outlook and influence USD sentiment heading into the weekend.