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The end of September was a complete disaster for the global markets. Traders hoped that the US Federal Reserve would at least ease the pace of rate hikes. But this never happened. On the contrary, the Fed officials and its chairman reiterated that they see a further rate increase as their priority aimed at slowing down galloping inflation.
All hopes were destroyed last month, resulting in the biggest decline in the stock market and the surge in demand for safe-haven assets. Over the past decades, the US dollar has been traditionally viewed as a reliable store of value in times of economic turmoil. The already serious economic crisis is aggravated by high geopolitical tensions which is the main reason why the capital from Europe and other regions goes to the US. Notably, the US has again benefited from military conflicts in other parts of the world just as it happened 80 years ago.
The Fed's recent forecast for GDP, inflation, and unemployment as well as its plan to hike rates that were announced at its latest September meeting signaled that the regulator braces for more headwinds next year. This means that the stock market will largely depend on high rates while the US dollar will continue to strengthen despite the process of monetary tightening launched by other global central banks.
So, what to expect in the market today and in the week ahead?
Most likely, stock markets will still be focused on rate hikes and geopolitical tensions between Russia and the Western coalition led by the US. The broad-based S&P 500 index is expected to decline to the level of 3,000.00 after passing the interim support of 3,300.00. The European and Russian stock markets are likely to follow a similar trajectory.
On Forex, we may observe a short-term consolidation phase ahead of the RBA and RBNZ monetary policy meetings this week as well as an important jobs report in the US. Any negative news, especially from the US, will boost the demand for the US dollar. So, after a quick fall, USD may recover again, being a preferred safe-haven asset in these uncertain times.
As for today, the weak data on Manufacturing PPI in the US may serve as a signal to buy the US dollar after its short decline in the Asian and European sessions.
Daily forecast:
GBP/USD
The pair is going through a consolidation phase under 1.1225 ahead of the Manufacturing PPI data release in the UK and US. The downbeat data in both countries may stop the pair from a breakout. Instead, it may reverse and move down to 1.0915.
USD/JPY
The pair is testing the level of 145.00. Consolidation above this range will open the way towards the upper target of 145.90, the recent high formed on September 22.
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