Investors Adjust Federal Reserve Rate Cut Bets

Investors increased their bets on a significant Federal Reserve interest rate cut after media reports suggested the decision would be more contentious than initially thought. Traders now see a 39% chance of a 50-basis point cut, leading to fluctuations in the dollar, equity, and crude oil markets.

Investors ramped up their bets for a substantial Federal Reserve interest rate cut next week, following media reports that hinted the decision might be more debated among officials than previously assumed.

Data from LSEG showed traders now predict a 39% probability of a 50-basis point reduction on September 18, rising from 28% prior to articles in the Financial Times and Wall Street Journal. 'This is another twist in the Fed rate cut debate,' noted Tony Sycamore, an analyst at IG, emphasizing the ongoing tug-of-war in bond futures and the dollar-yen rate.

Following the renewed speculation, the dollar declined 0.42% to 141.22 yen, approaching Wednesday's low. The dollar index fell to a one-week low, while gold remained just below its record high. Equity markets were mixed, with Japan's Nikkei dipping 0.7% and South Korea's Kospi easing slightly, whereas Australia's benchmark rose 0.75%. Crude oil prices continued their upward trajectory as producers evaluated Hurricane Francine's impact on Gulf of Mexico output.

(With inputs from agencies.)