Markets are impatiently awaiting the U.S. Federal Reserve's statement this afternoon at 2 p.m. Few pundits are expecting the key rate to be increased, but the speech given by Chair Janet Yellen will be scrutinized carefully. Specifically, many economists are expecting the FOMC to stop referring to the notion of ''patience'' before tightening its monetary policy, which could mean that the key rate could be hiked during the summer or fall. Such a speech would be consistent with recent statements made by Yellen, who recently mentioned that any rate hike would be preceded by an update to the communications made to the markets. In a context where the greenback is rising consistently and the latest economic indicators have disappointed, it will be particularly interesting to analyse the FOMC's assessment of the economic situation.
In other news, crude oil prices fell considerably to reach their lowest levels in six years. Today we are awaiting Crude Oil Inventories in the U.S. at 10:30.
Have a good day! Julien Duquette
Range of the day: 1.2740 - 1.2880