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On May 5th, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised its benchmark interest rate for the third consecutive time, highlighting its determination to curb stubborn high inflation and solidifying its position as the "lone wolf" among major central banks globally. The RBA voted 8-1 to raise the cash rate from 4.1% to 4.35%, completely reversing the monetary easing cycle of last year. In a statement, the bank said that after three rate hikes, monetary policy is well-prepared to respond to changing circumstances, and the committee is focused on achieving its mandate of price stability and full employment, and will take all necessary actions to achieve this goal. Currently, most economists expect the RBA to remain on hold for an extended period, but a minority believe there will be at least one more rate hike, a view shared by the money market. With three consecutive rate hikes, the RBA committee is also signaling that it prioritizes its 2% to 3% inflation target over all other considerations. This aggressive stance puts further pressure on the Australian government. With one week to go before the annual budget is released, it is expected to address war-related energy price increases and provide temporary cost-of-living relief for households.The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) stated that the committee will focus on data and evolving outlook and risk assessments to guide its decision-making.Reserve Bank of Australia: Higher fuel prices are exacerbating inflation, and there are signs that this could have a broader secondary impact on the prices of goods and services.The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) stated that the Middle East conflict has led to a sharp rise in fuel and related commodity prices, further exacerbating inflationary pressures.Reserve Bank of Australia: There are early signs that many businesses facing cost pressures are beginning to seek to raise prices for their goods and services.

USD/CHF Steady at 1.0020 as DXY Pauses, Powell and US Retail Sales Take Center Stage

Daniel Rogers

May 16, 2022 10:46

The USD/CHF pair is bouncing within a small range between 1.0020 and 1.0030 in early Tokyo, as the US dollar index (DXY) is not gaining much traction due to Monday's light economic calendar. Although broad-based fundamentals continue to favor the dollar bulls, the Federal Reserve (Fed) is projected to raise interest rates by another significant number in June in an effort to limit the inflation issue.

 

Last week, Fed's Powell's interview with the national radio show Marketplace revealed the ongoing conversations among Fed policymakers regarding anticipated rate hikes in monetary policies. Fed Powell indicated that the Fed could declare two additional rate hikes in the next two consecutive monetary policy sessions in order to tame the soaring inflation.

 

In the meantime, the US dollar index (DXY) is poised between 104.46 and 104.60 after reaching a new 19-year high of 105.00 on Friday. The DXY appreciates the broader gains but requires further triggers to maintain strong. In the future, two significant events on Tuesday will keep investors occupied. First will be Fed Chairman Powell's speech, which will likely influence monetary policy action in June. The second significant event is the monthly US Retail Sales report, which is anticipated to increase by 0.7% from the previous reading of 0.5%.

 

In terms of the Swiss franc, Friday's Industrial Production data will be the focal point. The catalyst reached 7.3% the previous time. A greater-than-anticipated number will strengthen the Swiss franc against the U.S. dollar. 

USD/CHF

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