Euro and Pound Retreat from Highs After Strong US Data
The euro and pound have pulled back from their recent highs as the US dollar regained ground following a batch of stronger-than-expected economic data. The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index accelerated to 3.7% year-on-year, compared with expectations of 3.6%, while the quarterly core PCE reading came in at 3.6%, above the forecast of 3.4%.
The dollar also received support from stronger consumer activity. Personal spending increased by 0.2%, versus expectations of 0.1%, while personal income rose by 0.4%, double the forecast of 0.2%. At the same time, revised US GDP growth for the second quarter came in at 1.5%, matching market expectations.
Taken together, the figures point to continued resilience in the US economy and reduce the likelihood of the Federal Reserve shifting rapidly towards a more accommodative monetary-policy stance.
Market attention is now turning to fresh US data and the Jackson Hole symposium. Initial jobless claims are expected to come in at 208,000, up slightly from 206,000 a week earlier, while the trade deficit is forecast to narrow modestly to $100.8 billion from $101.4 billion previously.
Following the latest strong US figures, investors will also be paying close attention to comments from Fed officials on inflation and the outlook for interest rates. Resilient economic data combined with hawkish signals from Jackson Hole could provide further support for the dollar, while signs of a cooling labour market or a more cautious Fed tone could put renewed pressure on the US currency.
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