Dollar Rebounds Amid Fed Rate Speculation

The U.S. dollar bounced back against the yen and other major currencies as investors anticipate the U.S. inflation data. Market expectations are for a 25 bps rate cut by the Federal Reserve, with a possibility of a larger move. Meanwhile, the ECB is also expected to cut rates on Thursday.

On Monday, the U.S. dollar rebounded against the yen and other major currencies, as investors keenly awaited upcoming U.S. inflation data. This follows Friday's mixed payrolls report, reinforcing views that the Federal Reserve will likely implement a smaller interest rate cut of 25 basis points (bps).

Karl Schamotta, chief market strategist at Corpay in Toronto, noted, 'Currency markets are seeing a bout of mean-reversion... the dollar is powering higher.' U.S. rate futures are fully pricing in a 25 bps cut at the Sept. 17-18 meeting, with a roughly 25% chance of a more substantial half-point cut. On Friday, the probability of a bigger cut had risen to 50%.

Additionally, traders anticipate 113 bps of easing for 2024, higher than the previous estimate of around 100 bps. In Monday's midmorning trading, the dollar climbed 0.5% to 142 yen, providing some relief after a challenging month in which the currency had fallen. Focus now turns to Wednesday's U.S. inflation report, expected to influence the Fed's decision for its September meeting.

(With inputs from agencies.)