Weekly Analysis

Weak US labor market data shifted the monetary policy outlook after September nonfarm payrolls rose by only 29,000, well below the 90,000 forecast, while prior months were revised lower. Unemployment rose to 4.2%, and wage growth slowed to 3.0%, cutting the probability of an October Fed hike to around 20%. The Dollar Index fell below 102 after the report, but remained on course for a third consecutive weekly gain.

The week started with renewed pressure from rising oil prices and expectations for further monetary tightening. The Dollar Index climbed toward 101.1, near a two-month high, as several Federal Reserve officials cited resilient economic growth, a strong labor market, and persistent inflation risks as reasons to hike rates further. Markets now price in roughly a 66% chance of another Fed hike in October, while the US 10-year Treasury yield has climbed to its highest level since 2007.

Global markets entered the week balancing tighter monetary policy against signs of easing Middle East energy risks. The Federal Reserve remains the main macro driver after raising rates to 3.75%–4.00%, its first hike since 2023, and signaling that another increase remains possible this year. The Dollar Index advanced to 100.4, while Treasury yields remained elevated. The Bank of Japan also tightened policy, raising rates to 1.25%, although dissent within the board suggested that future increases could come at a slower pace.

The week began with markets focused on Wednesday’s Federal Reserve decision after hotter US inflation data strengthened expectations for another rate hike. August CPI remained at 3.4% year-on-year, but the monthly increase accelerated to 0.4%, its strongest in three months, while producer prices also picked up. Markets now assign roughly an 86% probability to a 25-basis-point Fed hike, supporting the dollar and pushing Treasury yields higher.

Global markets entered the week with renewed expectations for Federal Reserve tightening after a surprisingly strong US employment report. Nonfarm payrolls increased by 162,000 in August, nearly three times the 56,000 forecast, while unemployment remained at 4.1%. The Dollar Index recovered to 99.3 and Treasury yields moved higher as markets raised the probability of a September Fed hike to nearly 60%.

Global markets entered the week with renewed focus on Federal Reserve tightening after Chair Kevin Warsh used his Jackson Hole address to push back against expectations that US inflation pressures were fading. The Dollar Index held near 99.6 after Friday’s sharp advance, while Treasury yields moved higher and precious metals retreated. Markets raised the probability of a September Fed rate hike to 57% from 40% a week earlier as Warsh reiterated the Fed’s commitment to returning inflation to its 2% target.

Global markets entered the week with the US dollar under continued pressure as concerns over federal debt and Treasury market management moved to the center of investor attention. The Dollar Index hovered near 98.8 following sharp losses in the previous week, while the US Treasury’s expanded bond buyback programme pushed longer-term yields and the dollar lower. The move supported gold, silver, and major currencies, while investors assessed its longer-term implications for US borrowing costs and the yield curve.

Global markets entered the week with the US dollar under renewed pressure as softer inflation, retail sales, and employment data reduced expectations for another near-term Federal Reserve rate hike. The Dollar Index traded around 99.61, while markets assigned roughly a 65% probability that the Fed will keep rates unchanged at 3.50%–3.75% in September. Gold and silver extended their gains as the shift in Fed expectations supported precious metals, while the euro and pound benefited from the dollar’s declining yield advantage.