Anna 
The dollar faced uncertainty on Tuesday as investors exercised caution ahead of the release of crucial inflation data scheduled for Wednesday. Concurrently, U.S. Treasuries experienced gains following a reduction in market expectations for future Federal Reserve rate cuts.
While the yen lingered near multi-decade lows, traders remained vigilant for any indications of intervention from Japanese authorities.
Market participants are closely monitoring Fed fund futures, which currently indicate expectations of approximately 65 basis points (bps) in rate cuts throughout the year. This figure marks a slight increase from the previous day’s 62 bps, which stood as the lowest anticipation of rate cuts since October of the preceding year. Notably, this projection has decreased significantly from the 150 basis points anticipated in January.
According to data from CME Group (NASDAQ:CME), the likelihood of a 25 bps rate cut in June stands at around 50%, down from 57% the previous week.
Last week saw the dollar index, which measures the currency against six major peers, closing lower as traders grappled with mixed economic data. Notable among these figures was an unexpected slowdown in U.S. services expansion, juxtaposed with job growth surpassing expectations.
Attention now turns to the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for March, due on Wednesday, which is expected to offer further insights into the future trajectory of Fed policy.
Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan, following the release of jobs data, emphasized the growing presence of upside risks to inflation, arguing against an immediate shift towards easier monetary policy. Conversely, Bank of Chicago President Austan Goolsbee cautioned on Monday that the Fed must weigh the sustainability of its current rate stance without causing harm to the economy.
Market analysts are approaching the upcoming CPI data release with a degree of caution, particularly after two consecutive upside surprises. Any indication of weaker inflation could prompt a resurgence in expectations for rate cuts in June.
Geopolitical tensions are also being closely monitored, with concerns over escalating conflicts potentially driving demand for safe-haven assets, including the U.S. dollar.
The dollar-yen pair remained steady, with the U.S. dollar holding near a 34-year high against the Japanese currency. Japanese officials reiterated their commitment to monitoring excessive yen movements, signaling readiness to intervene if necessary.
In summary, the markets await the CPI data release for further insights into inflationary pressures, while geopolitical developments and central bank rhetoric continue to influence currency valuations.
