CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 81% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
From this article you’ll learn:
A central bank is a national bank that provides financial and banking services for its country’s government and commercial banking system. It also issues the country’s currency; according to the European Central Bank, “a central bank is a public institution that manages the currency of a country or group of countries and controls the money supply – literally, the amount of money in circulation. The main objective of many central banks is price stability. In some countries, central banks are also required by law to act in support of full employment”.
It’s also worth remembering that a central bank is not a commercial bank. An individual cannot open an account at a central bank or ask it for a loan and, as a public body, it is not motivated by profit.
One thing should always be remembered - central banks are crucial not only for market participants, but also for the whole economy. They are responsible for price stability, and can also support economic growth or employment.
As for the financial markets, the most important thing to remember as a trader is that central banks control the money supply. In turn, this means that a central bank’s monetary policy or implementation of its fiscal policy can have effects on the direction of the forex market.
One of the main tools of any central bank is setting interest rates - also known as the cost of money. As the central bank changes its rates, it influences the interest rates market, but also the foreign exchange market.
Let’s take a look at an example. Imagine that the Federal Reserve sees that the economy is performing well, unemployment rate is satisfactorily low, economic growth is solid and inflation is on the rise. In such a scenario, the Fed would likely act to raise interest rates to prevent prices from rising too much. As rates go higher loans become more expensive, so less individuals and companies are interested in taking them. This will then slow growth.
But how does this affect a currency? While higher rates make loans or credit more expensive, deposits will generate more interest so traders could look to purchase the currency for a higher rate of return. This leads to higher demand for the dollar, thus making the currency more expensive. Take a look below how the EURUSD reacted on the Fed’s monetary policy decision in December 2016.
It’s important to remember however that interest rates are not the only tool that can be used by central banks. Central banking has evolved and many extraordinary measures were introduced after the financial crisis of 2008/9. A central bank could buy government bonds or lend private institutions money needed to spur credit growth. What’s more, it could also buy other assets from banks to prevent them from going bankrupt. The Fed made these moves after the crisis and this spurred the beginning of the multi-year bull market on Wall Street.
As you can see, central banks are the most important market participants that could set the trend of the market. However, some institutions are more influential than others. Let’s find out which central banks are crucial to watch.
There are four central banks whose decisions could have a significant impact on the financial markets.
Different people have different opinions, so it’s not a big surprise that policymakers could have a different view on the economy as well as on monetary policy. Among central bankers we could single out two groups - hawks and doves.
Hawks - Hawks are policymakers that focus on keeping inflation low as their top priority. Such bankers prefer higher interest rates and more prudent monetary policy in order to keep inflation in check. They are also less worried on the overall state of the economy.
Doves - Doves are policymakers that could tolerate higher inflation in order to boost economic growth and to support employment. Such policymakers prefer lower interest rates.
As you can see, there are two ways to describe a central bank’s stance on monetary policy. If you hear that a central bank is hawkish, that means that it wants to raise interest rates or has a bullish view on the economy. For example, a hawkish Fed would signal an interest rate hike, thus leading to a stronger dollar. On the other hand, a dovish central bank would usually have a negative impact on the currency as it won’t be in rush to tighten its policy.
As you can see, central banks could be described as the most powerful market participants. Their decisions - or even a single statement from one of its policymakers - could have a significant impact not only on currencies, but also on stocks and bond markets. That is why a prudent trader should closely monitor everything that is connected with monetary policy decisions and central bank decisions.
This article is provided for general information and educational purposes only. Any opinions, analyses, prices or other content does not constitute investment advice or recommendation. Any research has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements required to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. XTB will accept no liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation to, any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly for use of or reliance on such information.
Please be aware that information and research based on historical data or performance does not guarantee future performance or results.
This content has been created by XTB S.A. This service is provided by XTB S.A., with its registered office in Warsaw, at Prosta 67, 00-838 Warsaw, Poland, entered in the register of entrepreneurs of the National Court Register (Krajowy Rejestr Sądowy) conducted by District Court for the Capital City of Warsaw, XII Commercial Division of the National Court Register under KRS number 0000217580, REGON number 015803782 and Tax Identification Number (NIP) 527-24-43-955, with the fully paid up share capital in the amount of PLN 5.869.181,75. XTB S.A. conducts brokerage activities on the basis of the license granted by Polish Securities and Exchange Commission on 8th November 2005 No. DDM-M-4021-57-1/2005 and is supervised by Polish Supervision Authority.
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