Dollar Consolidates Gains as Warsh's Hawkish Comments Boost Expectations
The US Dollar is consolidating its gains following Fed Chair Warsh's hawkish commentary at Jackson Hole. The dollar surge was its largest since June, when the two-year yield and dollar index rose in response to a similar FOMC meeting.
The August nonfarm payroll report at the end of this week and next week's meeting will determine if the Fed hikes interest rates on September 16. Meanwhile, European Central Bank (ECB) expectations for a hike are growing due to strong inflation data from Spain, France, and Germany.
New hostilities in the Middle East have pushed oil prices up by $3 a barrel today. The US Defense Department has announced plans to invest in North American Blue Energy Partners through penny warrants, giving it a 35% equity stake without significant capital investment.
The euro fell last week for the first time in five weeks, with momentum indicators turning down. It is currently consolidating near $1.1605 and may target $1.1530.