Headline: Markets Brief: Euro Seen Firmer by 2026 as USD Stays Mixed; Fed Eases, Oil Stocks Rise
A cross-asset mix of FX, rates, and commodities is shaping a cautiously risk-on tone for corporates and treasury teams. Currency markets are steady with selective moves, while policy signals and macro data point to moderating inflation pressures and a more nuanced growth outlook.
Bank of America’s latest global fund manager survey indicates most investors expect the euro to strengthen by the end of 2026, albeit within its long‑established trading ranges. The U.S. dollar was mixed in North American trading as markets positioned ahead of a major tech earnings release, keeping volatility contained across key FX pairs. In New Zealand, third‑quarter producer prices rose less than expected (outputs +0.6%, inputs +0.2%), reinforcing the case for the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to keep easing bias on the table, a potential headwind for the New Zealand dollar.
Policy and commodities also drew focus. The Federal Reserve trimmed rates by 25 basis points to support employment, though structural factors such as AI-driven productivity shifts and a tight labor supply could temper the impact, with inflation risks still in view. A private inventory estimate showed a larger‑than‑expected build in U.S. crude stocks, a development that can pressure oil prices and ease headline inflation. In the UK, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is weighing measures to protect small businesses and the self‑employed from tax increases while balancing fiscal constraints. Meanwhile, U.S. policymakers signaled support for centralizing AI investment rules at the federal level, a move that could streamline compliance for fintechs and corporates navigating cross‑border technology investments.
Key Points: – Survey shows investors expect a moderately stronger euro by end‑2026 within familiar trading ranges. – U.S. dollar trades mixed as markets await a major tech earnings catalyst. – Federal Reserve cuts rates by 25 bps; structural labor and AI trends may moderate the growth lift. – Private data point to a larger U.S. crude inventory build, easing oil price pressures. – New Zealand Q3 PPI undershoots forecasts, supporting a dovish bias at the RBNZ. – UK mulls shielding SMEs and the self‑employed from tax rises amid fiscal constraints; U.S. aims to centralize AI investment regulation.
