interest rates Posts on Forex Blog
RBA: We will Cut Rates Soon
Aug 13, 2008
In their policy statement released last week, the central bank of Australia all but guaranteed a rate cut before the year ends.
Today, they have made it a guarantee.
In a statement before Australian lawmakers, RBA Deputy Governor stated "We cannot wait to see a fall in inflation before we start cutting rates".
The AUD has been hit hard in recent weeks, falling 13 of the past 14 trading sessions and each of the past 7 days.
Like Europe, Australia has seen a sharp reduction in retail sales. While inflation remains considerably high at 4.4%, an interest rate of 7,.25% leaves them room to cut in an inflationary environment.
Helping the RBA's case, the latest Inflation Expectations report drop considerably from 5.9% to 4.9%.
Futures markets are now pricing in a 50bps rate cut in their Sept 2nd policy meeting.
interest rates, AUD, RBA, rate cut, comments
Text of Trichet Speech
Aug 7, 2008
Below is the full press release put out by the ECB this morning to accompany the rate decision.
I have NOT added any emphasis.
Jean-Claude Trichet, President of the ECB,
Lucas Papademos, Vice President of the ECB
Frankfurt am Main, 7 August 2008
Ladies and gentlemen, the Vice-President and I are very pleased to welcome you to our press conference. We will now report on the outcome of today's meeting of the Governing Council.
On the basis of our regular economic and monetary analyses, we decided at today's meeting to leave the key ECB interest rates unchanged. The information that has become available since our previous meeting has further underpinned the reasoning behind our decision to increase interest rates in July. It has confirmed that annual inflation rates are likely to remain well above levels consistent with price stability for a protracted period of time and that risks to price stability over the medium term remain on the upside. This assessment is underpinned by continued vigorous money growth, with so far no signs of significant constraints on bank loan supply. In such a context, it remains crucial to avoid broadly based second-round effects in wage and price-setting. The latest economic data point to a weakening of real GDP growth in mid-2008, which in part was expected after the exceptionally strong growth in the first quarter. Against this background and in full accordance with our mandate, we emphasise that maintaining price stability in the medium term is our primary objective and that it is our strong determination to keep medium and long-term inflation expectations firmly anchored in line with price stability. This will preserve purchasing power in the medium term and support sustainable growth and employment. On the basis of our assessment, the current monetary policy stance will contribute to achieving our objective. We will continue to monitor very closely all developments over the period ahead.
Allow me to explain our assessment in greater detail, starting with the economic analysis.
The information on economic activity that has become available since the July press conference suggests that real GDP growth figures for mid-2008 will be substantially weaker than for the first quarter of the year. As indicated on previous occasions, this represents partly a technical reaction to the strong growth seen in the first months of the year. In addition, it also partly reflects a weakening in GDP growth due to factors such as slower expansion at the global level and dampening effects from high and volatile oil and food prices. In order to assess the underlying momentum of euro area economic activity and to avoid being misguided by highly volatile quarterly outturns, it is necessary to look through the volatility in quarter-on-quarter growth rates and monthly indicators.
Taking this perspective, growth in the world economy, while moderating, is expected to remain relatively resilient, benefiting in particular from sustained growth in emerging economies. This should support external demand for euro area goods and services. As regards domestic developments, in a medium-term perspective the fundamentals of the euro area are sound and the euro area does not suffer from major imbalances. Investment growth in the euro area has provided ongoing, though moderating, support to economic activity. Moreover, employment and labour force participation have increased significantly, and unemployment rates remain low in historical terms. However, these developments, which support household disposable income and consumption, are unlikely to fully compensate the loss of purchasing power caused by higher energy and food prices.
In the view of the Governing Council, the uncertainty surrounding this outlook for economic activity remains high, owing to, among other things, the very high and volatile levels of commodity prices and the ongoing tensions in financial markets. Overall, downside risks prevail. In particular, risks stem from the dampening impact on consumption and investment of further unanticipated increases in energy and food prices. Moreover, downside risks continue to relate to the potential for the financial market tensions to affect the real economy more adversely than currently anticipated. The possibility of disorderly developments owing to global imbalances also implies downside risks to the outlook for economic activity, as do concerns about the emergence of protectionist pressures. In this respect, the failure of the recent negotiations in the context of the World Trade Organization's Doha round on trade liberalisation is a major setback.
With regard to price developments, annual HICP inflation has remained considerably above the level consistent with price stability since last autumn, reaching 4.0% in June 2008 and, according to Eurostat's flash estimate, 4.1% in July. This worrying level of inflation rates results largely from both direct and indirect effects of past sharp increases in energy and food prices at the global level. At the same time, while labour productivity growth has decelerated, there are some indications that labour cost growth has been rising in recent quarters.
Looking ahead, on the basis of current futures prices for commodities, the annual HICP inflation rate is likely to remain well above a level consistent with price stability for quite some time, moderating only gradually in 2009.
Risks to price stability at the policy-relevant medium-term horizon remain clearly on the upside and have increased over the past few months. These risks include notably the possibility of further increases in energy and food prices and of increasing indirect effects on consumer prices. There is a very strong concern that price and wage-setting behaviour could add to inflationary pressures via broadly based second-round effects. The Governing Council is monitoring price-setting behaviour and wage negotiations in the euro area with particular attention. Furthermore, there are potential upside risks from unanticipated rises in indirect taxes and administered prices.
Against this background, it is imperative to ensure that medium to longer-term inflation expectations remain firmly anchored at levels in line with price stability. The shift in relative prices and the related transfer of income from commodity-importing countries to commodity-exporting countries require a change in the behaviour of companies and households. Therefore, broadly based second-round effects stemming from the impact of higher energy and food prices on price and wage-setting behaviour must be avoided. All parties concerned, in both the private and the public sector, must meet their responsibilities in this regard. In this context, the Governing Council has repeatedly expressed its concern about the existence of schemes in which nominal wages are indexed to consumer prices. Such schemes involve the risk of upward shocks in inflation leading to a wage-price spiral, which would be detrimental to employment and competitiveness in the countries concerned. The Governing Council therefore calls for such schemes to be avoided.
The monetary analysis confirms the prevailing upside risks to price stability at medium to longer-term horizons. In line with our monetary policy strategy, we take the view that the sustained underlying strength of monetary and credit expansion in the euro area over the past few years has created upside risks to price stability. Over recent quarters, these risks appear to have become manifest as inflation has trended upwards.
Not least in the face of the ongoing tensions in financial markets, the monetary analysis helps to support the necessary medium-term orientation of monetary policy by focusing attention on the upside risks to price stability prevailing at medium to longer horizons. While the growth of broad money and credit aggregates is now showing some signs of moderation, also reflecting the policy measures taken since 2005 to address upside risks to price stability, the strong underlying pace of monetary expansion points to continued risks to price stability over the medium term.
The current yield curve has led to very rapid increases in time deposits and to a substantial decline in annual M1 growth. Such effects and other temporary factors must be taken into account in assessing monetary developments. Overall, a broad-based analysis of the data, taking the appropriate medium-term perspective, confirms the underlying strength of money growth.
One of the main factors leading to this conclusion is the still high growth of MFI loans to the private sector, which is underpinning the robust nature of monetary growth. The pace, maturity and sectoral composition of bank borrowing suggest that, at the level of the euro area as a whole, the availability of bank credit has, as yet, not been significantly affected by the ongoing financial tensions. Higher short-term interest rates and housing market weakness in several parts of the euro area have dampened the growth of household borrowing over the past few years. By contrast, and notwithstanding tighter financing conditions and moderating economic growth, the expansion of bank credit to non-financial corporations thus far remains very robust.
To sum up, a cross-check of the outcome of the economic analysis with that of the monetary analysis clearly confirms the assessment of increasing upside risks to price stability over the medium term. Annual inflation rates are likely to remain well above levels consistent with price stability, and monetary aggregates continue to grow vigorously, with so far no signs of significant constraints on bank loan supply. The latest economic data point to a weakening of real GDP growth in mid-2008, which in part was expected after the exceptionally strong growth in the first quarter. Against this background, it remains crucial to avoid broadly based second-round effects in wage and price-setting. In full accordance with our mandate, we emphasise that maintaining price stability in the medium term is our primary objective and that it is our strong determination to keep medium and long-term inflation expectations firmly anchored in line with price stability, thereby preserving purchasing power in the medium term and supporting sustainable growth and employment in the euro area. On the basis of our assessment, the current monetary policy stance will contribute to achieving our objective. We will continue to monitor very closely all developments over the period ahead.
Regarding fiscal policy, there are risks that some countries will not achieve their fiscal targets this year. In this situation a rigorous implementation of budget plans and the avoidance of expenditure slippage are of crucial importance. Budget plans for 2009, which are currently being finalised in a number of countries, need to reflect European commitments. In particular, countries with still large deficits must provide ambitious and concrete deficit reduction plans, backed by clearly specified measures, preferably on the expenditure side. Where budgetary scope is available, automatic stabilisers can contribute to the smoothing of cyclical economic fluctuations.
As regards structural policies, measures which reduce adjustment costs and promote moderate unit labour cost growth are of the utmost importance, particularly in the current climate of high inflation and slowing real GDP growth. These include the removal of impediments to competition in the services sector in general, and at the various stages of the food supply chain in the retail and distribution sectors, as well as in the energy sector, more specifically. Equally, making labour markets more flexible and enhancing investment in education and training would foster productivity, thereby increasing the scope for increases in real incomes.
We are now at your disposal for questions.
Source European Central Bank
ECB, Euro, European Central Bank, interest rates, Trichet, Papademos
FOMC Statement Analysis
Aug 5, 2008
As widely expected, the FOMC held rates steady at 2% today.
The key to today's meeting was the statement released along with the decision.
1. They omitted the phrase in June's statement that indicated risks to growth appear "to have diminished somewhat."
Clearly, they are reacting to recent turmoil surrounding Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Lehman Brothers. As I suggested earlier this week, the FOMC is chiefly concerned about liquidity, not inflation.
2. Their was only one dissenter, Dallas Reserve President Richard W. Fisher.
Leading up to the meeting, their had been some speculation that Philly Reserve President Charles Plosser would join Mr. Fisher's dissent. I believe we will see the dissent count rise to 2 or 3 in a meeting before the Fed finally does raise rates. As such, we are at least 2 meetings away from Fed rate hikes.
However, readers should remember that Frederic Mishkin will be stepping down at the end of this month. It will be interesting to see how the dynamic of the Board plays out as Elizabeth Duke essentially replaces the departing Governor.
3. The committee stated "the Committee expects inflation to moderate later this year and next year, but the inflation outlook remains highly uncertain."
That is pretty clear. Like many other central banks, the FOMC expects a slowdown in the economy to reduce inflation risks, without an increase in rates. However, the geopolitical concerns behind recent oil pricing makes this expectation uncertain.
So how does the US Dollar perform for the remainder of the week?
I think many traders had already bought into the notion the Fed was to be dovish today, and were thus not disappointed.
Across the Atlantic, news continues to sour for the UK and Euro-zone.
Today, the Nationwide survey of UK consumer confidence fell 11 points to 51. Year over year, that is a 46% decline in confidence, the steepest drop in the history of the report. And, industrial output fell to an annual rate of -1.6. In the Euro-zone, retail sales hit -3.1% today, and PMI slipped further into contraction at 48.3 for July.
For Thursday, Trichet and the ECB are unlikely to make hawkish statements. They are more likely to take a page from the FOMC and warn of downside risks with the expectation inflation will soften over the next few quarters on a weakening economy.
Their is a growing chance the Bank of England will signal a rate cut in their statement.
Given that forex markets have been dealing with a weak American economy for several months, the rapid slowdown across Europe and other parts of the world will probably play a bigger factor in trading action over the next few weeks.
Bank of England, European Central Bank, inflation, interest rates, FOMC, USD
Australia Hold Rates at 7.25%
Jun 30, 2008
As was expected, the RBA has held rates steady at 7.25%.
Forex traders are reacting quickly, sending the Aussie down against most of the majors. However, midterm traders need to look at this situation with some consideration.
Yesterday, the TD Securities-Melbourne Institute survey estimated an annual inflation rate of 4.8 %. That is well above the target 2-3% range. Commodity demand from China is likely to continue as their economy is forecast to grow by 10.3% this year.
In the policy statement, the bank noted:
"The rise in Australia's terms of trade that is currently occurring will...add substantially to national income and ability to spend, even with the slowing in global growth to below-trend pace that the Bank is assuming. At the same time, rising prices of oil and a range of other commodities are adding to global inflationary risks."
The minutes from this meeting will be very interesting. One has to wonder how heavily the sharp contraction in PMI (down to the contraction level of 47) factored in their decision.
The full statement:
STATEMENT BY GLENN STEVENS, GOVERNOR
MONETARY POLICY
At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 7.25 per cent.
Inflation in Australia has been high over the past year in an environment of limited spare capacity and earlier strong growth in demand. In these circumstances, the Board has been seeking to restrain demand in order to reduce inflation over time.
As a result of earlier decisions by the Board, additional rises in market interest rates and tougher credit standards for some borrowers, there has been a substantial tightening in financial conditions since the middle of last year. Conditions in international financial markets remain difficult, with credit concerns resurfacing in the past month.
The evidence is that the tightening in financial conditions, in conjunction with other factors including rising fuel costs, is working to restrain demand. Indicators of household spending have recorded subdued outcomes over recent months, and credit expansion to both households and businesses has weakened significantly. There have also been some tentative signs of an easing in labour market conditions.
The rise in Australia's terms of trade that is currently occurring will work in the opposite direction. It will add substantially to national income and ability to spend, even with the slowing in global growth to below-trend pace that the Bank is assuming. At the same time, rising prices of oil and a range of other commodities are adding to global inflationary risks.
Given the opposing forces at work, considerable uncertainty remains about the outlook for demand and inflation. On balance, while the inflation outlook remains concerning, the Board's assessment continues to be that demand growth will be moderate this year. The most recent flow of information has given additional support to that assessment. Inflation is likely to remain relatively high in the short term, and the CPI will be further boosted in coming quarters by the recent rises in global oil prices. Looking further ahead, inflation in both CPI and underlying terms should decline over time, provided demand continues to evolve as expected.
Weighing up the available domestic and international information, the Board's judgement is that the current stance of monetary policy remains appropriate. The Board will continue to evaluate prospects for economic activity and inflation in the light of new information.
RBA
inflation, interest rates, trade balance, AUD, RBA, Reserve Bank of Australia
Forex Events for June 29 - July 5
Jun 29, 2008
This could be the week the Euro breaks 1.60. A score of data out of Europe, the Thursday's rate decision, and US Non Farm Payrolls could give it the final push.
A list of the forex events likely to move markets this week.
All times listed in eastern standard time.
MoM = month over month
YoY = Year over Year
Monday June 30
4am Eurozone May PPI (expect 0.9% MoM, 6.8% YoY)
4:30am Great Britain May Mortgage Approvals (expect 51k)
5am June Eurozone CPI (expect 3.9% YoY)
5am Italy CPI
Tuesday July 1
12:30am RBA Rate Decision (expect hold w/hawkish statement)
10am US June ISM (expect 49.0)
Wednesday July 2
9:30pm Australian Trade Balance (expect -950 million)
Thursday July 3
1:45am Swiss CPI (expect 0.3% MoM, 3.1% YoY)
7am Bank of England Rates Decision (expect hold)
7:45am ECB Rates Decision (expect 25bps hike, watch commentary)
8:30am US June Non Farm Payrolls (expect -55k)
Friday
US markets closed for holiday
ECB, Euro, interest rates, trade balance, jobs report, RBA, rate hike, upcoming reports
Dissecting Fed Commentary
Jun 25, 2008
As expected, the FOMC held rates at 2% today. Also as expected, the real focus of traders was Fed commentary.
Four things stand out in the FOMC statement
1. Analysts are sensing they key comment is:
"Although downside risks to growth remain, they appear to have diminished somewhat, and the upside risks to inflation and inflation expectations have increased."
But is it really a significant comment? While upgrading inflation risks over the previous statement, it doesn't say that inflation concerns are greater than growth. It merely says that growth trends are still downward, while inflation is trending upward.
2. Commodity prices have entered the first paragraph
The April 30th statement did not mention commodity prices until the end of the 2nd paragraph. This statement specifically warns in the first paragraph that energy prices are a risk to recovery for the next few quarters.
3. The time period for battling inflation has changed.
The real key may have been the change in time periods. In April, the Fed stated:
"The Committee expects inflation to moderate in coming quarters"
Today, the Fed specifically "expects inflation to moderate later this year and next year" (emphasis added).
No doubt this is a recognition of the recent surge in energy and the likely impact of Midwest flooding.
4. The outlying votes have changed.
In the April meeting, Richard W. Fisher and Charles I. Plosser voted to hold firm. In this meeting, Richard Fisher voted to hike 25bps. With Mishkin leaving after the August meeting, inflation hawks may start to out number the growth doves.
The next FOMC statement will be released August 5th.
Markets remained largely muted to the Fed comments. Expect the EURUSD to edge towards 1.58 resistance before the next ECB meeting.
The Full FOMC Statement
June 25, 2008
Key changes underlined
The Federal Open Market Committee decided today to keep its target for the federal funds rate at 2 percent.
Recent information indicates that overall economic activity continues to expand, partly reflecting some firming in household spending. However, labor markets have softened further and financial markets remain under considerable stress. Tight credit conditions, the ongoing housing contraction, and the rise in energy prices are likely to weigh on economic growth over the next few quarters.
The Committee expects inflation to moderate later this year and next year. However, in light of the continued increases in the prices of energy and some other commodities and the elevated state of some indicators of inflation expectations, uncertainty about the inflation outlook remains high.
The substantial easing of monetary policy to date, combined with ongoing measures to foster market liquidity, should help to promote moderate growth over time. Although downside risks to growth remain, they appear to have diminished somewhat, and the upside risks to inflation and inflation expectations have increased. The Committee will continue to monitor economic and financial developments and will act as needed to promote sustainable economic growth and price stability.
Voting for the FOMC monetary policy action were: Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman; Timothy F. Geithner, Vice Chairman; Donald L. Kohn; Randall S. Kroszner; Frederic S. Mishkin; Sandra Pianalto; Charles I. Plosser; Gary H. Stern; and Kevin M. Warsh. Voting against was Richard W. Fisher, who preferred an increase in the target for the federal funds rate at this meeting.
inflation, interest rates, oil, FOMC
Inflation a Global Concern - Canadians Hold at 3%
Jun 10, 2008
The Bank of Canada joined a global chorus of inflation fears today, holding rates steady at 3%. Most traders had forecast a 25bps cut after the last 2 policy meetings featured 0.5% rate cuts and April inflation came in below 2%. But the writing is on the wall as the Bank stated:
"If current levels of energy prices persist, total CPI inflation will rise above 3% later this year...Against this backdrop, the bank now judges that the current stance of monetary policy is appropriately accommodative to bring aggregate demand and supply into balance and to achieve the 2% inflation target. There continue to be important downside and upside risks to inflation in Canada, which the bank will monitor closely."
The BOC joins the US, Euros, and Brits on warning of impending inflation concerns. New Zealand alone seems likely to cut rates in the near future among the major currencies.
Interestingly, Axel Weber of the ECB seemed to soften his tone from the previous week. At a speech in England, he stated that a mild winter may have exaggerated Q1 growth. Last week he was a Euro bull, repeatedly stressing the ECB was seriously considering a 25bps rate hike in July. German Q1 GDP growth came in at 1.5%, thanks in large part to unusual construction spending according to Mr. Weber.
With the recent wave of central bank warnings - watch for an interesting G8 Finance Minster meeting this weekend. The meeting, in Osaka Japan, kicks off on Friday June 13th at 7pm local (3am est). Since Forex markets will still be open, Cash does not expect a major announcement until Saturday At 1:30pm local Saturday (9:30pm est Friday), will be the Chairman's press conference. Given the spike in oil and chatter of central banks recently, it may be worth getting to the bar later than usual Friday.
Loonie, CAD, inflation, G8, interest rates
RBA keeps Rates Unchanged
Jun 2, 2008
Minutes from the RBA meeting last month suggested they might be contemplating a rate hike this month. However, that did not pan out. Many forex traders thought it unlikely after retail sales fell an unexpected 0.2% yesterday .
In comments from the RBA, governor Stevens, credit expansion has "weakended significantly" for households and business. Nevertheless, sentiment remained bullish as price concerns remain a top focus for the RBA. The AUDUSD is down .24% to US 95.47 (2300 pst).
The Royal Bank of New Zealand meets Thursday.
interest rates, RBA, Reserve Bank of Australia
FX Calendar: June 2 - June 6
Jun 1, 2008
After a couple weeks of see-saw data from the Eurozone and US, the FX market is looking for a definitive direction this week. US Reports will likely dominate Forex headlines. US Employment numbers on Wednesday (ADP) and Friday (Non Farm payrolls) have the potential to be major movers.
The European Central bank and Bank of England announce rates Thursday. Both are expected to remain flat.
Monday June 2
4:30am est - UK Mortgage Approvals (expect 65k, +1k)
10:00am est - US ISM Manufacturing (expect 48.5, -0.1)
Tuesday June 3
5:00am est - Eurozone MoM PPI (expect 6.1%, +0.4%)
7:01pm est - UK Consumer Confidence (expect 67, -3)
7:15pm est - Japan Capital Spending (expect -9.8%, -2.1)
Wednesday June 4
4:00am est - Eurozone Composite PMI (expect flat at 51.1)
5:00am est - Eurozone Retail Sales (expect 0.2%, +0.6%)
6:00am est - UK PMI Services (expect 50.5%, +0.1%)
8:15am est - US ADP Employment Change (expect -30k, -40k)
10:00am est - ISM Non-Manufacturing Composite (expect 51, -1)
Thursday June 5
7:00am est - BOE Rates (expect unchanged at 5%)
7:45am est - ECB Rates (expect unchanged at 4%)
Friday June 6
8:30am est - Non Farm payroll (expect -51k, -71k)
8:30am est - Unemployment Rate (expect 5.1%, -0.1%)
Bank of England, ECB, PPI, interest rates, jobs report, ISM, housing, upcoming reports, consumer confidence
Quick Pips: JCB Holds at 0.5%, Carry Trades Off
May 20, 2008
As expected the Japanese Central Bank held interest rates steady at 0.5% overnight. Despite the bank's desire to raise rates, fears of a looming international slowdown held policy makers in check.
The global slowdown echoed through out the currency markets Tuesday. High energy prices, sluggish profits, and inflation fears are leading forex traders away from the carry trades. New Zealand, Australia, and Columbia where all notably off. Conversely, the Yen - the grandfather of all carry trades - was up despite the JCB holding firm.
Bank of Japan, Carry Trade, interest rates
Forex Traders Keep Your Eyes Open - A Bevy of Currency Data Tomorrow
May 19, 2008
Tomorrow will be one of those fun days to watch the ticker, as a slew of data will be coming from around the world. I always love watching the morning ticker while at the gym on these days. Keeps my emotions in check, and on rare occasion I met another investor/trader when I see faces reacting with glee/horror to the latest report.
Anyways, the reports. Overnight, the Japanese Central bank will meet and decide on rates. They are expected to hold steady at 0.5%. A shocker, eh?
Also overnight, the German ZEW sentiment will be reported. Some traders think a positive report will lead the Euro out of the $1.53 - $1.56 range. Interestingly, Trichet came out today warning that the Credit Crunch is still ongoing, but inflation remains the top concern. Combine that with France's weak GDP number (0.3% expected for Q2, half of Q1) and methinks things may not look rosy for the Germans. Of course, the fine folks at Barclay's disagree, and the UK actually saw a rise in home prices (wtf?!).
And finally, the US producer price index will be released tomorrow. The German ZEW and US PPI can definitely move things, so watch for any break through of the Euro range!
Bank of Japan, ZEW Survey, PPI, interest rates, BOJ
BOE, ECB Hold Rates Steady
May 8, 2008
In moves that were largely expected, the Bank of England (BOE) and the European Central Bank (ECB) held rates steady at 5% and 4% respectively.
ECB President Jean Trichet did not produce the dovish commentary some currency traders thought might be coming. A string of bad news in Germany and throughout Europe seemed to suggest the Eurozone economy was cooling. However, Mr. Trichet held his ground, stating that inflation remained the "highest priority" (I wonder if their some German version of Cramer screaming 'They know nothing').
In England, a series of bad news also had some currency traders speculating the bank might cut by 0.25%. Like the ECB, they held to their view that inflation was the number one priority. Minutes from the BOE meeting will be released May 21, and will likely contain some votes for a rate cut.
Both currencies were largely flat against the Dollar. The Euro gained 0.0003 to close at $1.5404, the Pound was up 0.0004 to $1.9534
Read more at Yahoo on ECB and Yahoo on BOE
Bank of England, ECB, European Central Bank, BOE, interest rates
US Fed Cuts Rates 0.25%, Dollar Gains
Apr 29, 2008
On Wednesday, the US Fed cut the target rate 0.25%, bringing it to 2%. This is the 7th cut since August 2007, when the rate stood at 5.25%. In additon, the Fed signaled they are likely done cutting rates.
The Dollar gained overnight against the Yen and Euro. Many investors now believe the worse of the 'credit crunch' is over, a view supported by the 0.6% GDP growth for Q1 2008
Read more at CNN
interest rates, Fed
