US Inflation Data Undershoots

The US Dollar is trading lower today on the back of yesterday’s July US inflation data. Headline annualised CPI was seen holding at 2.7%, undershooting expectations for a lift to 2.8%. On the monthly readings, core rose slightly to 0.3% from 0.2% while headline fell to 0.2% from 0.3%. In all, the data was seen as a dovish result, strengthening expectations for a Fed cut at the September FOMC. CME pricing for a .25% is now more than 95% with pricing for a follow up cut in October now well above 60%. This dovish shift in market pricing is well reflected in the current USD slide we’re seeing and the greenback now looks poised for further downside near-term.

Trump/Putin Meeting

Looking ahead, focus now turns to Friday’s meeting between Trump and Putin with traders keen to gauge the likelihood of a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine. If talks go well on Friday, this should further bolster risk sentiment, putting fresh pressure on USD via reduced safe-haven demand. The prospect of a ceasefire should also prove a stronger driver for EUR upside given the advantages to the eurozone economy and the expected fall off in energy prices. However, if talks fail on Friday and a ceasefire looks unlikely, risk sentiment could quickly recoil causing a short squeeze in USD via fresh safe-heaven demand.

Technical Views

DXY

The failure at the 100 level and bull channel highs has seen the market reversing sharply lower. Price has broken below the 98-level support and is now testing the bull channel lows. With momentum studies weak, risks of a downside break ae growing with 96.89 the next bear target ahead of the deeper 94.85 level if we break down to new YTD lows.