DXY: Debate on 50 vs 25 continues to dominate – OCBC

The US Dollar (USD) continued to trade on a back foot as markets re-price for higher likelihood of 50bps cut at upcoming FOMC, OCBC’s FX strategists Frances Cheung and Christopher Wong note.

Mild bullish momentum on daily chart

“It remains a close call whether Fed cuts 50 or 25bp. While the magnitude of Fed cut may impact USD moves, Fed’s commentary and dot plot guidance should play a slightly more lasting effect than a 25 or 50bp first cut. The dot plot should provide a reality check on market expectations with regards to rate cut trajectory. As of writing, markets are still expecting 120bps cut for 2024 (with 3 more Fed meetings to go).”

“Apart from rate cut trajectory, global growth momentum matters for USD. If Fed cut is non-recessionary driven and that growth outside-US continues to trudge along (not-hot-not cold), then it is more likely that the USD can remain back footed while other FX, sensitive to growth and rates can outperform (i.e. KRW, MYR, THB).”

“DXY gapped lower in the open again. Mild bullish momentum on daily chart intact but RSI fell. 2-way trades likely in the interim. Support at 100.50 levels. Clean break puts 99.60 in focus. Resistance at 101.40 (21 DMA), 102.20 (23.6% fibo retracement of 2023 high to 2024 low), 102.86 (50 DMA). Today is fairly light in terms of data docket, with empire manufacturing on tap.”