Markets, traders, and analysts are anticipating FOMC Rate Decision today with high speculations for a hike, but the question is, will Yellen deliver? FOMC decision will depend on three elements. First element is Employment Rate and last NFP ( February ) result released on Friday with 239K while forecasts 196K, increases the odds for the hike. Also, U.S economy added more jobs than expected whilst the unemployment rate remains near record lows of 4.7%, below policymakers' minimum target.
The second element is inflation, with personal consumption expenditure PCE index score last January 1.9% yearly basis, and PCE excluding food and energy at 1.7%, inflation in U.S has ceiled the 2%, lowest since five years.
The third undetermined element is Consumer Price Index ( CPI ), which will be released today at 12:30 PM GMT, and most indicators and analysts support a positive outcome.
Now we have combined these three elements together, the Fed Rate is almost inevitable with high forecast at 25bps. The question that rings in head right now is, how ill the market react? How far will US Index climb ? Where will USD rival bottom ?
Let's draw the following scenarios and hopefully the image will look brighter.
Scenario one: Forecasts for the hike today is 0.25%, and markets have placed positions and traded on this fact, but does it mean the Fed increase is 25bps ? What if Yellen caught the market off guard and announced a 0.5% hike for current 0.75%? ?Markets would result with higher volatility and U.S index will ride a roller coaster with an incline destination and USD rivals for a decline one. Which means that markets are already priced in for 0.25% hike.
Scenario two: Let's go back in memory for recent market behavior and history. Previous US economic data were positive but we witnessed a negative reaction for US Index levels. Positive NFP and Unemployment Rate, yet the greenback was shortened, which indicates the markets were already priced in for positive outcome, and traders are following " buy the rumor, sell the fact" move " .
Scenario three: It is never about a yes or no for a rate hike. The most important question, or the better question to ask is how many Fed hikes is there ? U.S Feds hinted for three hikes, but will they deliver ? Now the only concern for Yellen and Co. is how to avoid the case of negative reaction for U.S Dollar with a positive decision. The answer dwells in Yellen speech or FOMC statement and how will they approach other possible hikes. US Fed promised two to three hikes in 2017, with first coming today ( March ), the next should be in summer and the last by end of 2017. If U.S Fed want to avoid recent market behavior and dodge a collapse for U.S Dollar, then eyes and ears will be centered on FOMC statement, and a hint of possible hikes with a tiny detail on when for example this summer, this will back up and support U.S Index from rolling as market will have a target to look at and market will make new bets for market anticipation.
The opposite for scenario three, including Yellen previous psychological history leaving details vague and unclear signs of additional hikes will result in collapsing U.S Dollar.
Conclusion: The rate 0.25% is already established and its beyond skepticism. It's not about the hike or not, its about how many hikes and when. Market will not focus on the decision of U.S Fed as much traders will concentrate on FOMC statement. The only solution to back up U.S Dollar is that Yellen will have to halt her ambiguous speech and FOMC must have a clear message and hints about upcoming Fed hikes.
Remark: Look forward for U.S Data today CPI and Retails sales both at 12:30 PM GMT which to be considered vital for FOMC meeting tonight at 6:00 PM GMT.
Note: This analysis is intended to provide general information and does not constitute the provision of INVESTMENT ADVICE. Investors should, before acting on this information, consider the appropriateness of this information having regard to their personal objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend investors obtain investment advice specific to their situation before making any financial investment decision.