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On May 28th, Federal Reserve Chairman Mohamed Mussaleem stated that policymakers cannot expect a potential productivity boom driven by artificial intelligence to alleviate persistently high inflation. Mussaleem noted, "I think it would be risky to rely on improved future productivity growth prospects to solve our current inflation problem." The conflict with Iran has reignited upward pressure on prices and prompted more policymakers to warn that further interest rate hikes may be necessary if inflation remains high. Mussaleem warned that, after adjusting for inflation, the Feds benchmark interest rate is currently below the so-called "neutral level"—a level that neither inhibits nor stimulates the economy. He also pointed out that the labor market remains stable, inflation is "significantly above" the Feds 2% target, and long-term inflation expectations are "gradually rising."The U.S. EIA natural gas storage figures for the week ending May 22 will be released in ten minutes.US Treasury bonds continued to rise; the 10-year yield fell 5 basis points to 4.43%.On May 28th, according to two US officials speaking to Axios, US and Iranian negotiators have reached an agreement on a 60-day memorandum of understanding aimed at extending the ceasefire and initiating negotiations on Irans nuclear program; however, Trump has not yet given final approval, requesting a few days to consider it. Signing the memorandum of understanding would be the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the outbreak of the war, but further intensive negotiations are still needed to reach a final agreement addressing Trumps nuclear demands. US officials stated that the 60-day memorandum of understanding will stipulate that navigation in the Strait of Hormuz will be "unrestricted." One US official said this means no tolls will be charged, and no harassment will be carried out; Iran must clear all mines from the strait within 30 days. Another US official stated that the US maritime blockade will also be lifted, but this process will proceed in proportion to the progress of the resumption of commercial shipping. Officials indicated that the memorandum of understanding will include a commitment from Iran not to develop nuclear weapons. The memorandum will also stipulate that the primary negotiating topic during the 60-day window will be how to handle Irans highly enriched uranium and how to respond to Irans uranium enrichment activities. As part of the negotiations, the United States pledged to discuss lifting sanctions and unfreezing Iranian funds. The memorandum of understanding will also include discussions on establishing a mechanism to help Iran begin receiving material and humanitarian aid.Federal Reserves Mossala: Inflation is significantly above target, and expectations are rising.

USD/CAD declines to 1.3500 on firmer Oil prices, BoC concerns over US inflation, and Fed Minutes

Daniel Rogers

Apr 10, 2023 14:35

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The USD/CAD maintains losses close to 1.3500, shattering a four-day winning trend, as traders brace for key Easter Monday data/events on major bourses. However, the recent decline in the Loonie-U.S. dollar exchange rate may be due to the increase in the price of WTI petroleum oil, Canada's primary export. In contrast to the recent increase in ardent Fed forecasts, the Bank of Canada's (BoC) dovish bias poses a challenge to pair sellers.

 

After increasing for three consecutive weeks, WTI crude oil prices gain 0.61 percent intraday near $80.00. Recent increases in the price of black gold may be due to geopolitical concerns surrounding China and Taiwan. In addition to the supply cut by OPEC+ and the faltering US dollar, the energy benchmark is sustained by the supply cut by OPEC+ and the weakening US dollar.

 

However, the US Dollar Index (DXY) has fallen for three consecutive weeks and is under pressure near 102,000.

 

Fears of higher Fed rates versus inaction from the Bank of Canada (BoC) grew after the upbeat US Jobs report versus the lack of significant positives in the March Canadian jobs report.

 

As a result, the CME's FedWatch Tool indicates a 69% chance of a 0.25 basis point rate hike in May, up from 55% prior to the US employment report.

 

Canada's headline Net Change in Employment increased to 34.7K in March from 21.8K in February, compared to the market consensus of 12K, while the Unemployment Rate came in at 5% versus the analysts' estimate of 5.0%. During the specified month, the Participation Rate decreased to 65.6% from the expected and previous rate of 65.7%. In addition, the average hourly wage fell 5.2% year-over-year in March, down from 5.5% in February.

 

In contrast, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) increased by 236K in March, the lowest increase since January 2021 (considering revisions), compared to the expected 240K and the previous 330,000. Additionally, the unemployment rate fell from 3.6% to 3.5%, while the labor force participation rate rose from 62.6% to 62.6%. The annual wage inflation rate decreased from 4.6% to 4.2%, below market expectations of 4.3%.

 

Futures on US equities ended higher, but yields remain under pressure ahead of the crucial BoC monetary policy meeting, US inflation, and Fed Minutes. Given the dovish concerns from the Bank of Canada (BoC) and the likely hawkish comments in the FOMC Minutes, the USD/CAD may see additional gains, barring any unexpected developments.