Fed's Kaplan: Decision on taper to be separately from that on rates

Eren Sengezer FXStreet

Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan said on Friday that they will make the decision on taper separately from the decision on rates, as reported by Reuters.

Additional takeaways

"Still expecting GDP to grow 6.5% this year but watching Delta variant closely."

"By and large, most businesses say demand is strong; what they are dealing with is supply issues."

"Masks, vaccines probably the only tools we have in this war and we are in a war."

"Price pressures are broadening, business confidence in raising prices is increasing."

"Low and moderate-income communities are increasingly expressing concern about price pressures."

"If we saw Delta variant would be persistent or start to affect demand, we would have to adjust policy views accordingly."

Market reaction

These comments don't seem to be having a noticeable impact on the USD's performance against its major rivals. As of writing, the US Dollar Index was virtually unchanged on the day at 93.56.

Author

Eren Sengezer

FXStreet

As an economist at heart, Eren Sengezer specializes in the assessment of the short-term and long-term impacts of macroeconomic data, central bank policies and political developments on financial assets.

EUR/USD holds losses near 1.1850 as US, China holidays keep trade muted

EUR/USD opens the week on a softer note, trading near 1.1860 during the Asian session on Monday. Activity is likely to remain muted, with United States markets closed for the Presidents’ Day holiday, while Mainland China is also shut for the week-long Lunar New Year break.

GBP/USD flat lines as traders await key UK macro data and FOMC minutes

The GBP/USD pair kicks off a new week on a subdued note and oscillates in a narrow range, just below mid-1.3600s, during the Asian session. Moreover, the mixed fundamental backdrop warrants some caution for aggressive traders as the market focus now shifts to this week's important releases from the UK and the US.

Gold buyers hesitate amid holiday-thinned trading

Gold trades volatile, but within range, as US, China holidays-led thin trading exaggerates moves. The US Dollar extends range play into the US GDP week, with markets pricing at least two Fed rate cuts this year. Technically, Gold tests key support at $5,000; daily RSI still remains bullish.

Top Crypto Losers: Dogecoin, Zcash, Bonk – Meme and Privacy coins under pressure

Meme coins such as Dogecoin and Bonk, alongside the privacy coin Zcash (ZEC), are leading the broader market losses over the last 24 hours. DOGE, ZEC, and BONK ended their three consecutive days of recovery with a sudden decline on Sunday, as crucial resistance levels capped the gains. Technically, the altcoins show downside risk, starting the week under pressure.

Global inflation watch: Signs of cooling services inflation

Realized inflation landed close to expectations in January, as negative base effects weighed on the annual rates. Remaining sticky inflation is largely explained by services, while tariff-driven goods inflation remains limited even in the US.

Ripple Price Forecast: XRP potential bottom could be in sight

Ripple edges up above the intraday low of $1.35 at the time of writing on Friday amid mixed price actions across the crypto market. The remittance token failed to hold support at $1.40 the previous day, reflecting risk-off sentiment amid a decline in retail and institutional sentiment.