Key Takeaways:
- π· Pound rose on solid British GDP data
- πͺπΊ Euro held above $1.10, near a seven-month peak
- π U.S. inflation data reinforced expectations of a Fed rate cut next month
- πΊπΈ U.S. CPI rose moderately, annual inflation slowed to below 3%
- ποΈ U.S. retail sales and Walmart earnings will impact market expectations
- π―π΅ Japanese economy expanded by 3.1% in Q2, keeping rate hike potential
- π Norwegian crown firmed slightly after central bank kept rates on hold
- π¦πΊ Australian dollar up after strong employment data in July
- π¨π³ China’s yuan weakened due to disappointing factory output growth data
- π Markets are pricing in a 64% chance of a 25-bps Fed rate cut next month and a 36% chance of a 50-bps reduction
- π΅ Cooling July Inflation Sets Stage for Fed’s September Rate Cut
- π¦ Financial Firms Fined for Failing to Monitor Traders’ Texts
- π¨π³ China’s Central Bank Tweaks Key Policy Loan Operation
- π Research Analysts Make Case for Half-Point Rate Cut After CPI Data
Amidst a flurry of economic developments and data releases, several key takeaways have emerged that provide valuable insights into the current state of the global economy. Here are some notable points to consider:
Global Currency Trends
- π· The pound saw a rise following solid British GDP data, while the euro held steady above $1.10, nearing a seven-month peak.
- π The Norwegian crown also experienced a slight firming as the central bank opted to maintain current interest rates.
- π¦πΊ The Australian dollar strengthened after robust employment data in July, despite a slight increase in the jobless rate.
- π¨π³ On the other hand, China’s yuan weakened as a result of disappointing factory output growth data.
U.S. Economic Indicators
- π U.S. inflation data supported expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut next month, with U.S. CPI rising moderately and annual inflation slowing to below 3%.
- ποΈ The upcoming U.S. retail sales and Walmart earnings reports are poised to impact market expectations significantly.
- π΅ Markets are currently pricing in a 64% chance of a 25-basis point rate cut by the Fed in the upcoming month, with a 36% chance of a more substantial 50-basis point reduction.
- π Falling mortgage rates are not providing a quick fix for homebuyers, as the housing market continues to face challenges.
Asian Economic Highlights
- π―π΅ Japan’s economy expanded by an impressive 3.1% in Q2, surpassing expectations and keeping the potential for a near-term rate hike alive.
Additional Financial News
- π¦ Several financial firms have been fined for failing to adequately monitor traders’ texts, highlighting the importance of regulatory compliance.
- π¨π³ China’s central bank made adjustments to key policy loan operations, signaling potential shifts in monetary policy.
- π Research analysts are advocating for a half-point rate cut following the release of CPI data, further adding to the anticipation of monetary policy adjustments.