U.S. Dollar Declines and Market Eyes Yellen

USD

On Friday, the Greenback declined vs. a basket of major currencies, touching its biggest single-day fall in three weeks, on persistent doubts whether the Federal Reserve could hike interest rates again this year amid slowing inflation.

• The U.S. dollar index (DXY), which measures the Greenback against a basket of currencies, traded below 97 pips.

The U.S. dollar was negatively affected St. Louis Fed chief, President James Bullard as he said on Friday that the central bank should wait on further rate hikes, while Cleveland Fed chief Loretta Mester said recent inflation weakness should not defer another rate rise this year.  

Gold

Gold prices edged higher and settled at $1,255 as USD declined and as traders turned to safe-haven assets.

Meanwhile, markets await Fed Chair Janet Yellen’s speech this Tuesday as it could mention to the next time to raise interest rates and signal on plans to reduce the balance sheet size. Technically, key support levels are around $1240.

Oil

Oil prices settled at the end of last week’s trading session and finished a fifth straight week lower. U.S. crude settled at $43 as data showed that U.S. drillers added 11 oil rigs this week, the biggest increase in three weeks.

The most important economic events:

• USD Durable Goods Orders (MAY P): (GMT 12:30) – Important – Forecast (-0.6%) – Previous (-0.8%).
• EUR ECB Youth Dialogue With Mario Draghi in Lisbon: (GMT 15:00) – Important

Disclaimer
The prices and news mentioned in this outlook are absolutely no guarantee of future market performance and do not represent the view of ICM Capital Limited. Financial markets can move in either direction causing profits to be made or complete losses to be incurred by the trader. Each trader must decide for themselves what their risk appetite is and ensure that correct risk management procedures are in place before placing any trades.