Russell: US indices look to extend gains as FOMC decision looms
The FOMC day finally arrives, and the markets are steady amid expectations the Fed will reduce the pace of hiking further. US index futures have held onto the gains made yesterday with the dollar remaining undermined against the euro, pound and yen.
The FOMC is widely expected to raise rates by 25 basis points today at 7pm GMT, lifting interest rates to a target range between 4.50% and 4.75%. If this is the case, it would mark another downward step after the 50 basis points in December, following four 75 basis-point hikes earlier last year.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell is likely to keep further hikes on the table and lean against bets they will cut later this year, something which may get interpreted as being hawkish. But as we have seen in recent Fed meetings, the market has been quick to dismiss the Fed’s hawkishness and price in a lower terminal interest rate. Are we going to see a similar response this time, too?
Well, ahead of the FOMC, sentiment remains positive on Wall Street. Yesterday saw the major US indices recover strongly after being lower on the session. Index futures have remained stable, suggesting more gains could be on the way before the FOMC announcement.
Weaker-than-expected data on Tuesday re-enforced expectations that the Fed will be more inclined to stop its hiking cycle sooner. Employment Cost Index, a key measure of wage inflation, rose by 1% q/q, which was weaker than expected, while the latest Chicago PMI reading (44.3 vs. 45.1 expected) and CB Consumer Confidence index (107.1 vs. 109.1 expected) both also disappointed. Traders were also unwilling to bet against the market ahead of the big tech earnings and FOMC decision, taking place later today.
As a result of the recovery on Tuesday, the technical bullish bias was maintained for the major indices. Interestingly, and despite more signs emerging that the US is potentially heading into a recession, small-cap and domestically focused stocks rallied to send the Russell index above a key resistance zone.
As can be seen, our US Small Cap index (Russell proxy) created a bullish engulfing candle and broke above an important resistance band starting around 1890 in the process:
Now, for as long as the low of yesterday’s range doesn’t give way on a daily closing basis in response to the FOMC decision later, this should keep the bulls in charge. If that’s the case, we may see follow-up technical buying towards the August 2022 high at around 2032 in the days to come.
However, if the FOMC decision triggers a risk off response and we get a close below yesterday’s bullish engulfing candle, then this could see the bulls rush for the exits, sending the market plunging towards the 200-day average at around 1816 next.
How to trade with FOREX.com
Follow these easy steps to start trading with FOREX.com today:
- Open a Forex.com account, or log-in if you’re already a customer.
- Search for the pair you want to trade in our award-winning platform.
- Choose your position and size, and your stop and limit levels.
- Place the trade.
The information on this web site is not targeted at the general public of any particular country. It is not intended for distribution to residents in any country where such distribution or use would contravene any local law or regulatory requirement. The information and opinions in this report are for general information use only and are not intended as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any currency or CFD contract. All opinions and information contained in this report are subject to change without notice. This report has been prepared without regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any particular recipient. Any references to historical price movements or levels is informational based on our analysis and we do not represent or warranty that any such movements or levels are likely to reoccur in the future. While the information contained herein was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, author does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness, nor does author assume any liability for any direct, indirect or consequential loss that may result from the reliance by any person upon any such information or opinions.
Futures, Options on Futures, Foreign Exchange and other leveraged products involves significant risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. Losses can exceed your deposits. Increasing leverage increases risk. Spot Gold and Silver contracts are not subject to regulation under the U.S. Commodity Exchange Act. Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are not available for US residents. Before deciding to trade forex, commodity futures, or digital assets, you should carefully consider your financial objectives, level of experience and risk appetite. Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices or other information contained herein is intended as general information about the subject matter covered and is provided with the understanding that we do not provide any investment, legal, or tax advice. You should consult with appropriate counsel or other advisors on all investment, legal, or tax matters. References to FOREX.com or GAIN Capital refer to StoneX Group Inc. and its subsidiaries. Please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.
Please note that foreign exchange and other leveraged trading involves significant risk of loss. It is not suitable for all investors and you should make sure you understand the risks involved, seeking independent advice if necessary.
Contracts for Difference (CFDs) are not available to US residents.
FOREX.com is a trading name of GAIN Capital - FOREX.com Canada Limited, 30 Independence Blvd, Suite 300 (3rd floor), Warren, NJ 07059, USA is a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization and Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. GAIN Capital – FOREX.com Canada Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Stonex Group Inc.
Complaints are taken very seriously at FOREX.com. You can view our complaints procedure here.
© FOREX.COM 2024