Traders are waiting this evening's Fed decision with trepidation, given the uncertainty around the size of today's expected rate cut, says Chris Beauchamp, Chief Market Analyst at online trading platform IG.

Markets on edge ahead of uncertain Fed moves

The tension is palpable across markets this afternoon, as they stand on the verge of the most unpredictable Fed meeting in recent memory, and one that seems to provide the most potential for volatility in some time. So many questions need to be answered that Powell will have a high bar to clear if he and his committee are to avoid some fairly dramatic moves in volatility coming days.

Can US markets hold their highs?

There are uncomfortable memories of 2007, when the Fed’s rate cut at the then record highs was followed up by renewed turmoil in financial markets. Powell, and many investors, will be hoping the market follows 1995 instead. The situation seems much more like the latter than the former case, but so much of this cycle has been out of the ordinary that no one can rest too easy thinking about the outcome.

This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients.

Recommended Content


Recommended Content

Editors’ Picks

AUD/USD: The hunt for the 0.7000 hurdle

AUD/USD: The hunt for the 0.7000 hurdle

AUD/USD quickly left behind Wednesday’s strong pullback and rose markedly past the 0.6900 barrier on Thursday, boosted by news of fresh stimulus in China as well as renewed weakness in the US Dollar.

AUD/USD News
EUR/USD refocuses its attention to 1.1200 and above

EUR/USD refocuses its attention to 1.1200 and above

Rising appetite for the risk-associated assets, the offered stance in the Greenback and Chinese stimulus all contributed to the resurgence of the upside momentum in EUR/USD, which managed to retest the 1.1190 zone on Thursday.

EUR/USD News
Gold holding at higher ground at around $2,670

Gold holding at higher ground at around $2,670

Gold breaks to new high of $2,673 on Thursday. Falling interest rates globally, intensifying geopolitical conflicts and heightened Fed easing bets are the main factors. 

Gold News
Bitcoin displays bullish signals amid supportive macroeconomic developments and growing institutional demand

Bitcoin displays bullish signals amid supportive macroeconomic developments and growing institutional demand

Bitcoin (BTC) trades slightly up, around $64,000 on Thursday, following a rejection from the upper consolidation level of $64,700 the previous day. BTC’s price has been consolidating between $62,000 and $64,700 for the past week.

Read more
RBA widely expected to keep key interest rate unchanged amid persisting price pressures

RBA widely expected to keep key interest rate unchanged amid persisting price pressures

The Reserve Bank of Australia is likely to continue bucking the trend adopted by major central banks of the dovish policy pivot, opting to maintain the policy for the seventh consecutive meeting on Tuesday.

Read more
Five best Forex brokers in 2024

Five best Forex brokers in 2024

VERIFIED Choosing the best Forex broker in 2024 requires careful consideration of certain essential factors. With the wide array of options available, it is crucial to find a broker that aligns with your trading style, experience level, and financial goals. 

Read More

Majors

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures