USD weakened against a number of its counterparts as arguments for a possible rate cut by the Fed increased. Yesterday, St. Louis Fed President James Bullard stated that an interest rate cut by the Fed “may be warranted soon”. Mr. Bullard also stated that the unexpected announcement of tariffs on US imports from Mexico have shaped an environment of elevated uncertainty. According to media reports he also mentioned that the trade dispute may have a larger impact on global markets in which case a rate cut may provide insurance on economic slowdown. Treasury yields had been already in a decline as investors had showed a strong demand for US treasury bonds in an effort to reduce risk. Also the ISM Manufacturing PMI reached its lowest reading in over two years, as US manufacturers expressed their concerns about the trade wars. It would be interesting to note that the USD had retreated even against currencies such as the EUR with weak fundamentals. Should the current uncertainty continue, we could see USD weakening even further, yet we wouldn’t be surprised if the market absorbed the news and USD stabilized within the day.

RBA cuts rates and the Aussie gains somewhat

AUD gained somewhat against the USD during today’s Asian session, as the RBA released its interest rate decision. The bank decided to cut rates by 25 basis points reaching +1.25% in comparison to prior level of 1.50%. In its accompanying statement, the bank maintained a rather cautious stance but no clear dovish bias towards another rate cut was evident. It should be noted that the bank seems to be focusing on the Australian labour market as the decision stems in the bank’s efforts to boost it. The decision does not seem to provide a stable support for the Aussie as uncertainty remains present in the bank’s outlook, however it should be noted that it is a record low level for RBA’s interest rates.

Other economic highlights, today and early tomorrow

Today during the European session we get UK’s construction PMI for May and Eurozone’s preliminary CPI rate for May. In the American session we get the US factory orders growth rate for April and in tomorrow’s Asian session we get Australia’s GDP rate for Q1 as well as China’s Caixin non-manufacturing PMI for May. As for speakers please note RBA Governor Lowe, Chicago Fed President Evans, NY Fed President Williams, Fed Chair Powell, Fed’s Brainard and Dallas Fed President Kaplan speak. We expect Powell’s speech to be closely monitored by the market as it may include hints about the Fed’s future intentions, especially after James Bullard’s comments yesterday.

AUD/USD H4

• Support: 0.6920 (S1), 0.6860 (S2), 0.6760 (S3)
• Resistance: 0.7000 (R1), 0.7065 (R2), 0.7120 (R3)

EUR/USD H4

• Support: 1.1220 (S1), 1.1175 (S2), 1.1125 (S3)
•Resistance: 1.1260 (R1), 1.1300 (R2), 1.1340 (R3)

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