Headline: Dollar Mixed as Fed Signals Split; Stocks Rebound on Rate-Cut Hopes
Key Takeaways
The US dollar is trading mixed into the week’s close, with choppy moves across major currency pairs and a modest pullback against the yen as traders take profits. US equities are rebounding early after remarks from a Federal Reserve official revived near-term rate-cut hopes, even as other policymakers urge caution.
Currency markets reflect a cautious tone. The greenback is little changed versus the euro and the British pound, while USD/JPY is softer as end-of-week profit-taking sets in. Traders are watching key technical levels across EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY as interest-rate expectations and risk sentiment continue to drive intraday swings in the forex market.
Policy signals remain mixed. New comments from New York Fed President John Williams suggested policy is modestly restrictive and rate cuts remain possible, helping lift stocks. However, recent statements from Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack argue against easing too soon, warning it could prolong high inflation, distort market pricing, encourage excessive risk-taking, and undermine financial discipline. She noted the financial system appears solid, with well-capitalized banks and healthy household balance sheets, reducing the urgency for cuts. Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee also struck a cautious tone, citing “steady at best” inflation and data uncertainty; he expects rates to settle lower over time but prefers to pause for clearer evidence before easing.
A busy slate of FOMC speakers is scheduled today, including Susan Collins, Michael Barr, Karen Dynan Miran, Philip Jefferson, and Lorie Logan, which could add volatility across rates and FX. On the data front, September nonfarm payrolls beat expectations at 119K versus a 53K consensus, while the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.4%, reinforcing the delicate balance the Fed faces between inflation risks and labor-market resilience.
Key Points: – USD mixed: steady vs EUR and GBP, weaker vs JPY on profit-taking – Stocks rebound after Williams signals rate cuts remain possible – Hammack warns early cuts risk higher inflation and financial instability – Goolsbee favors patience, noting uncertain inflation trends and data – Multiple FOMC speakers today could sway interest-rate expectations – September payrolls beat at 119K; unemployment rate rose to 4.4%
