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U.S. Dollar Steady After Rate Hike Speculations
The U.S. dollar held steady in the earlier hours of European trading on Wednesday, hovering around a three-month low. This comes amid increasing expectations that the Federal Reserve might put an end to its series of rate hikes and potentially begin lowering rates early next year.
As of 03:20 ET (07:20 GMT), the Dollar Index, a barometer of the greenback's value against a group of six major currencies, largely held firm at 102.652, approximating its lowest point since the start of August.
Fed Governor's Remark Triggers Possibility of Rate Cuts
On late Tuesday, the dollar experienced another setback as Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller, known for his hawkish stance within the central bank, suggested that a rate cut could be on the horizon. In a speech at the American Enterprise Institute think tank, Waller displayed increasing confidence that current policies are sufficient to decelerate the economy and return inflation to 2%.
Waller also indicated that should inflation continue to diminish for an extended period, it may warrant a reduction in policy rates purely on the basis of weaker inflation.
Anticipated U.S. and EU Inflation Data
The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure, the personal consumption expenditures price index, is slated for release on Thursday. It's expected to show a 0.1% increase in November, indicating a drop from the 0.4% rise in September.
In Europe, the EUR/USD increased slightly to 1.0994 after trading above 1.10. Further easing of pressures is anticipated following the latest EU inflation data release on Thursday.
Cautiousness Amid ECB Rate Cut Expectation
Despite the potential easing of inflation, ECB officials have cautiously discounted speculation of immediate interest rate reductions. Bundesbank head Joachim Nagel insinuated another potential rate hike if the inflation outlook worsens, a sentiment echoed by ECB President Christine Lagarde.
Global Market Response to Rate Cut Hints
GBP/USD rose marginally to 1.2700, close to a three-month peak of 1.2733. In Asia, NZD/USD jumped 0.5% to 0.6165 as the Reserve Bank of New Zealand held interest rates steady, though warned of future rate hikes if price pressures persist.
Meanwhile, manufacturing activity in China for November, due for release on Thursday, is expected to further illuminate the persistent weakness in one of the world's main economic powerhouses.
