empty
04.06.2024 12:41 AM
CFTC report: dollar remains under pressure

The net long USD position decreased by $3.8 billion to $14.8 billion over the reporting week, marking the fifth consecutive week of decline. The bearish bias remains intact, and the sell-off trend shows no signs of slowing down.

This image is no longer relevant

It is notable that the dollar sell-off is happening against the backdrop of nearly unchanged forecasts for the Federal Reserve's rate. As recently as mid-April, the Fed-funds futures were expecting the US central bank to cut its benchmark rate in September, with the second round expected around December or January of the following year. By the end of April, the futures market showed a steady growth in demand for USD.

Currently, expectations remain almost the same, with the first rate cut expected in September and the second in December or January. However, the dollar continues to be sold off. Apparently, a new factor has emerged, changing the forecasts.

This factor is based on growing fears that the US economy is at risk of a recession.

US economic growth for the first quarter was revised down from 1.6% rate to 1.3% due to soft consumer spending. Americans' household savings rate is declining.

Another indicator is the decline in the real estate market. Existing home sales in the US declined 1.9% month-over-month to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 4.14 million units in April 2024, which is almost equivalent to the worst period during the financial crisis of 2008-2011. Pending US home sales have dropped to a record low, about 15% lower than in 2008/09, and when adjusted for population growth, more than a quarter lower.

Moreover, the decline in consumer spending has had little impact on inflation. The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, which accounts for the average amount of money consumers spend, rose by 0.3% in April, which is 2.5 times the historical average.

The yield on 5-year TIPS, which is calculated with an inflation adjustment, reached a low on December 6th and has since resumed growth. This is a fairly accurate indicator of inflation sentiments in the business environment, and it is not decreasing. Given that the calculation of the annual inflation rate in May will start considering last year's low base, it can be assumed that US inflation may surprise everyone with its growth in the coming months.

This image is no longer relevant

If the risk of a recession becomes apparent, the government will be forced to launch a new stimulus program. However, the budget deficit as a percentage of GDP is already at its highest since 2012, excluding the COVID-19 years of 2020/21. The launch of a stimulus program will increase the budget gap to $3-4 trillion, and this huge amount of securities will have to be sold to someone. Obviously, the Fed is the main buyer, which implies a return to QE.

If events unfold this way, the dollar will become weaker. It is likely that global investors are fearing a similar scenario. Regardless of how accurate our assumptions are, we must pay attention to their actions, which signal increasing volumes of USD sales.

The US dollar remains under pressure, and there are currently no reasons to expect a bullish pivot.

Kuvat Raharjo,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

EUR/USD Overview – April 16: The Euro Stalls Awaiting New Tariffs

The EUR/USD currency pair mostly remained flat throughout Tuesday. Although both pairs are in an upward trend, the euro and the British pound have recently not been trading in sync

Paolo Greco 03:35 2025-04-16 UTC+2

EUR/USD. Gloomy ZEW Indices Put Pressure on the Euro

The euro reacted negatively to the ZEW indices released on Tuesday, which reflected growing pessimism in the European business environment. The key indicators dropped into negative territory for the first

Irina Manzenko 01:08 2025-04-16 UTC+2

The Euro Scared Itself with Its Own Momentum

The euro's surge to the area of three-year highs became possible thanks to Germany's fiscal stimulus, Donald Trump's trade policy, and a capital outflow from North America into Europe. When

Marek Petkovich 01:08 2025-04-16 UTC+2

XAU/USD. Analysis and Forecast

Today, gold is rising, trading near the all-time high reached the previous day, amid growing uncertainty surrounding the US-China trade wars. Gold is gaining ground today, remaining close

Irina Yanina 12:18 2025-04-15 UTC+2

USD/JPY. Analysis and Forecast

Today, the Japanese yen is struggling to extend its gains due to optimistic developments regarding trade negotiations and the postponement of tariffs. President Trump's statement about possible exemptions

Irina Yanina 12:08 2025-04-15 UTC+2

Trump Will Either Win or Lose. Is There No Middle Ground? (Potential Renewed Decline in #SPX and Bitcoin)

On Monday, markets calmed slightly amid Donald Trump's apparent backpedaling on the trade barriers he had imposed on America's trading partners. It gives the impression that the U.S. president

Pati Gani 09:46 2025-04-15 UTC+2

The Market Celebrates a Ceasefire

While there is still no peace in the trade conflict, a semblance of a ceasefire has appeared. The White House is beginning to frantically realize it has gone

Marek Petkovich 09:08 2025-04-15 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on April 15? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

Quite a few macroeconomic events are scheduled for Tuesday, but under the current circumstances, macroeconomic data mean little to the market. They might have a short-term local impact

Paolo Greco 06:29 2025-04-15 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview. April 15: Trump Giveth, Trump Taketh Away

The GBP/USD currency pair continued its upward movement on Monday. As with the euro, there was no specific reason for the pair to decline. Of course, the current rally looks

Paolo Greco 03:57 2025-04-15 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview. April 15: Who Found a Reason for Optimism?

The EUR/USD currency pair continued its upward movement on Monday. Despite the slower growth this time, the pair continues to rise. Yesterday saw a 50-pip increase; today, it's 250. What

Paolo Greco 03:57 2025-04-15 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.