Trading remains rather quiet in the forex markets this week so far. Dollar was supported by upbeat comments from Fed officials regarding a new term rate hike. Jerome Powell also indicated that he preferred continuity when taking over the Fed chair job. But Dollar traders stay cautiously watching how the Republican's tax plan will work out in the Senate this week. Meanwhile, Euro also lost some upside moment ahead of the grand coalition talk between CDU/CSU and SPD. Yen also lacks conviction in this week's rally attempt.
Trading remains rather quiet in the forex markets this week so far. Dollar was supported by upbeat comments from Fed officials regarding a new term rate hike. Jerome Powell also indicated that he preferred continuity when taking over the Fed chair job. But Dollar traders stay cautiously watching how the Republican's tax plan will work out in the Senate this week. Meanwhile, Euro also lost some upside moment ahead of the grand coalition talk between CDU/CSU and SPD. Yen also lacks conviction in this week's rally attempt.
Powell expects interest rates to rise and balance sheet to shrink
Fed chair nominee Jerome Powell released a statement to the Senate Banking Committee before his confirmation hearing today. Powell said in the statement that Fed policy makers "expect interest rates to rise somewhat further and the size of our balance sheet to gradually shrink." Adding to that, he emphasized "while we endeavour to make the path of policy as predictable as possible, the future cannot be known with certainty." So far, Powell sounded like he would like maintain continuity from the Yellen era. But we may read deeper into his mind in the Q&A session today.
Dallas Fed Kaplan: Appropriate to hike in the near future
Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan said that " it will likely be appropriate, in the near future, to take the next step in the process of removing monetary accommodation." And, "this should be done in the context of an overall strategy of removing accommodation in a gradual and patient manner." Kaplan warned that "if we wait too long to see actual evidence of inflation, we may get behind the curve and have to subsequently raise rates more rapidly." He added that "this type of rapid rate rise has the potential to increase the risk of recession."
NY Fed Dudley: Not concerned with inflation a little below target
New York Fed President William Dudley expressed that he's "not particularly concerned that inflation is a little bit below target." He pointed out that unemployment has fallen to 4.1% percent and reached "full employment. And with that unemployment rate, inflation would be prompted up. And there, "we have been gradually raising interest rates."
Merkel ready to compromise in grand coalition talk
In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel talked about the coalition with SPD in her CDU headquarters yesterday. She emphasized that "people expect their problems to be solved, and we believe that the best way to achieve that is by forming a stable government." And, "that's why we are ready to begin talks with the SPD. We of course know that such talks require compromise." SPD leader Martin Schulz continued to sound open as he said in a press briefing that "we are entering into talks, and we don't know where they'll lead," but "no option is off the table." Merkel will meet with SPD leader Martin Schulz, CSU leader Seehofer and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Thursday, on reformation of the grand coalition.
On the data front
Germany will release import price index and Gfk consumer sentiment in European session. Eurozone will release M3. Canada will release IPPI and RMPI later in the data. US will release wholesale inventories, trade balance, and house price indices. But Conference Board consumer confidence is the more important one to watch.